ABOUT IREX  

IREX is a global development and education organization. We strive for a more just, prosperous, and inclusive world—where individuals reach their full potential, governments serve their people, and communities thrive. With a projected annual portfolio of more than $150 million and more than 750 staff worldwide, we work with partners in more than 100 countries in four areas essential to progress: cultivating leaders, empowering youth, strengthening institutions, and increasing access to quality education and information.   
 

ABOUT ASAS:  

The Early Grade Education Activity, “Asas” (أساس، مشروع التعليم المبكر) is a five-year project, funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) intended to advance national efforts to strengthen the caliber of pre- and in-service teacher education and improve Kindergarten through grade three (KG-G3) foundational and socio-emotional learning (SEL) skills across the Kingdom of Jordan. USAID Asas will support the development of a locally led, high-caliber early grade system, linking pre-service teacher education (PSTE) and teacher in-service professional development, with the capacity to sustainably equip over 23,500 resilient early grade teachers and educator leaders across the Kingdom of Jordan to inclusively deliver enhanced curricula, teaching, and learning materials (TLMs), and assessments to increase socio-emotional learning (SEL) outcomes to over one million students over five years, including those most marginalized, and  use research and data to learn and adapt policies and processes to maximize returns on investment (ROI).     
  
BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE  
 
IREX, the Implementing Partner (IP) for USAID ASAS, seeks a Leadership in Higher Education Training Consultant to enhance leadership capabilities and effectiveness among academic leaders within educational institutions and to work closely with the Asas team to fulfill his/her tasks to the expected quality and IREX standards. He/she will be assigned tasks as planned and deemed appropriate by IREX. 

 
SCOPE OF WORK 
 
ASAS, in partnership with a U.S. university, will work to strengthen the capacity of faculty members at three local universities. The initiative will focus on identifying gaps in skills and knowledge, particularly in literacy and numeracy instruction as well as social-emotional learning  

Professional Development courses and materials will be created and delivered through synchronous, asynchronous, and face-to-face formats. By collaborating with local partners to design targeted materials that address local needs and align with established standards, ASAS seeks to enhance teaching effectiveness, impact behavior change, improve student outcomes in literacy and numeracy, and promote sustainable practices, ultimately contributing to long-term improvements in educational quality and impact. 

The consultant is expected to work closely with the Asas team to fulfill his/her tasks to the expected quality and IREX standards.  He/she will be assigned tasks as planned and deemed appropriate by IREX. Below is the estimated scope of work: 

• Design Leadership modules by working with the Asas team and partner USHEI to structure and outline training material, ensuring alignment with the identified needs and objectives of the initiative. 

• Participate in drafting the selection criteria of the targeted audience.  

• Conduct a needs assessment to identify key challenges and opportunities within Jordan’s higher education institutions. 

• Co-deliver synchronous, asynchronous, and in-person modules and course materials tailored to the targeted audience. 

• Incorporate best practices by infusing content with evidence-based strategies and tools aligned with best practices. 

• Support the development of master trainers from partner HEIs in the development and adaptation of materials to ensure they are relevant and sustainable. 

• Refine Training Materials based on the feedback. 

• Set up evaluation mechanisms to assess the impact of training on institutional performance, quality of teaching and learning, and stakeholders’ satisfaction. 

• Facilitate innovation by introducing cutting-edge methodologies and tools to advance teaching, research, and administration. 

• Develop a framework for continuous improvement, including KPIs, benchmarks, and strategies for institutional performance enhancement. 

• Create detailed reports, recommendations, and action plans aligned with the initiative's goals. 

• Engage stakeholders through consultative meetings, presentations, and collaborative planning sessions. 
  
  DELIVERABLES

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERTISE:   
 

• Must hold the rank of Associate Professor or higher in educational leadership, or a related discipline from a top 300-ranked university.  

• A minimum of 10 years experience in Developing Higher Education leadership programs.  

• Candidates with a proven track record of working with higher education institutions to build the capacity of academic leaders. 

• Candidates with training experience at universities ranked within the top 500 globally are preferred. 

• Excellent teamwork, feedback acceptance, and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to work with local and international partners. 

• Proven ability to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality results under time constraints. 

• Language proficiency requirement: Proficiency in English is mandatory, while proficiency in Arabic is considered advantageous. 

 
Location: The mission will be conducted in locations in the governorate of The Kingdom of Jordan.  
    
Reporting and Coordination: The consultant will be reporting to the Pre-service Senior Quality Improvement Manager for preservice.  

Modality of Delivery: Some tasks will be delivered on campus; therefore, travel to Jordan is expected. Materials should be provided to IREX electronically. 

Duration: Consultancy of up to 30 working days with a period of performance starting in February 1, 2025 through September 2025. 
  
Evaluation Criteria: Applications will be assessed according to the following criteria. The criteria are listed in descending order starting with the most important factors to be evaluated: 

1. Cost and best value for IREX (40%) 

2. Technical quality based on experience and references (25%)  

3. Familiarity with USAID-funded projects preferred. (20%)  

4. Ability to meet deadlines (15%) 

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION  

Interested vendors should apply by uploading the following documentation through the link provided with the application: 

• CV(s)/resume that emphasize relevant experience for this assignment 

• A cover letter that includes a desired remuneration, and average turnaround time, and explains how your background and experience fit into this position 

• Minimum of 2 professional references 

• Cost Estimate Proposal 
   

CONTRACT AWARDING & RENEWAL 

IREX may at its discretion ask for additional information. Issuing this call does not commit IREX to select any consultant. IREX reserves the right, based on the availability of funding and consultant performance, to increase the duration and/or enter into subsequent contractual agreements with the selected experts without re-publicizing the opportunity for a period of up to three years.   

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE 

EOE – Equal Opportunity Employer 

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.