Terms of Reference (ToR): Consultancy for Developing Five-Year District Implementation Plans for the Gilgit-Baltistan Education Strategy

1. Background

 AKF-P works closely with government education departments through its Education Improvement Programme (EIP), to improve learning outcomes and strengthen education systems in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. Building on its long-standing partnership with School Education Department, Gilgit-Baltistan (SED-GB), AKF supported the development of the GB Education Strategy (GBES) in 2007–08 and its review and revision in 2023–24 to address emerging priorities in access, quality, equity and learning. As a next step, at SED-GB’s request, AKF-P will engage a short-term consultant under SIP to work with SED-GB and DEOs to develop practical five-year district-wise implementation plans of the GBES, including monitoring and reporting arrangements.

 2. Purpose of the Consultancy

The purpose of the consultancy is to support SED-GB in translating the revised Gilgit-Baltistan Education Strategy into action through the development of five-year district-wise implementation plans.  

The consultant will:

review the GB Education Strategy and its implementation framework to identify key priorities, targets and implementation requirements. Conduct a two-day planning workshop with SED-GB officials and all DEOs to develop district-wise implementation plans defining priority actions, targets, timelines, responsibilities, indicative resources, and monitoring and reporting mechanisms.

3. Deliverables

• District wise five-year GB Education Strategy Implementation Plan is developed  

• A brief consolidated GB-level implementation roadmap highlighting common priorities, key actions and implementation considerations.

• Outline the GB-SE Strategy monitoring and report plan 

4. Duration and Coordination

The assignment will be completed within six working days during August 20-Sept20. The consultant will work closely with the AKF Education team and SED-GB, Planning and DEOs and will report to the   Director Education AKF-P.

 5.Required Qualifications and Expertise

The consultant should have:

• An advanced degree in Education, Education Planning, Public Policy, Development Studies or a related field, with substantial relevant professional experience. 

• Demonstrated expertise in education planning, strategy development/review and implementation, including translating strategies into practical, results-oriented district implementation plans. 

• Proven experience working with government education departments, district education authorities and development partners, including facilitating stakeholder consultations and participatory planning processes. 

• Strong understanding of education data, monitoring and results frameworks, SDG 4 indicators and reporting, with the ability to define realistic targets, actions, timelines, responsibilities and resource requirements. 

• Sound knowledge of the Gilgit-Baltistan education system and its geographical, institutional and socio-political context; previous relevant experience in GB with similar assignments is highly desirable. 

• Excellent facilitation, analytical, planning, communication and report-writing skills, with demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, manage multiple stakeholders and deliver high-quality outputs within tight timelines.

6. APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Interested applicants should submit  combined technical and financial proposals not more than three pages by August 24, 2026. 

Technical proposal must include: 

• Consultant/s profile, CV and relevant experience (3-4 pages)

• Detailed plan of the  six days   assignment including two -day workshop with SE-GB