Professional Learning Committee (PLC) Consultant
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 Professional Learning Communities (PLC) Consultant to enhance the capacities of faculty members within educational institutions through designing and facilitating tailored training modules 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(s) 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.
Collaborate with local partners and USHEI to co-design the structure and content of professional development (PD) training modules, ensuring they align with identified needs and international standards. Leverage technology to deliver engaging and accessible training sessions effectively.
Revise initial versions of the course boxes with a focus on enhancing literacy and numeracy teaching strategies, based on feedback from professors and technical committee members.
Utilize technology effectively to deliver engaging and accessible training sessions.
Co-develop synchronous, asynchronous, and in-person modules and course materials tailored to the local educational context, emphasizing literacy and numeracy teaching and assessment skills for faculty development that align with student-centered learning.
Incorporate best practices by infusing content with evidence-based strategies and tools aligned with best practices.
Support Master Trainers from partner HEIs in the co-development and adaptation of materials to ensure they are relevant and sustainable after the piloting of training.
Create resources and tools using bespoke and open-source materials to help faculty bridge theoretical content with practical applications in field training/practicum.
Facilitate training-of-trainers (ToT) sessions for faculty members to build their capacity in implementing the developed training materials.
Produce a final report summarizing the developed materials, training outcomes, and recommendations for future improvements.
DELIVERABLES
Expected Deliverables | LOE Estimated/days |
A Review of the training needs of faculty members based on the FGDs and the training need analysis reports conducted by ASAS. | 1 |
A complete set of training modules, including various training activities, supporting materials (list of international readings, case studies, podcasts...), and multimedia resources that are applicable and interactive. | 9 |
Revise mandatory literacy and numeracy courses for Early Childhood Education and classroom teacher specializations. | 4 |
Design pre and post-training assessment tools that would support measuring the impact of the training. | 2 |
Design guidelines for integrating theoretical coursework with field training tasks (practicum). | 2 |
Design criteria for faculty members qualified to join the training of trainers' program. | 2 |
Co-delivery of ToT workshops for a selected number of faculty members. | 5 |
Follow-up procedures on the impact of training in classrooms and supporting FM in the application of learning and assessment activities. | 3 |
Provide a final report detailing the training activities, feedback received, and recommended next steps. | 2 |
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERTISE:
Demonstrated experience in developing university-level training manuals and guidelines.
Must hold the rank of Associate Professor or higher in Elementary Education, Child Education, or a related discipline from a top 500-ranked university.
A minimum of 10 years' experience in university teaching, training, and scientific research in Child Education is required.
At least 10 years of experience in developing training programs for higher education faculty.
Demonstrated expertise in learner-centered pedagogy, critical thinking, and reflective practices.
Experience in facilitating ToT programs and supporting professional development.
Proficiency in using technology for online and hybrid training delivery.
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.
Candidates with teaching experience at universities ranked within the top 500 globally are preferred.
Language proficiency requirement: Proficiency in Arabic is mandatory, while proficiency in English 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.
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:
Cost and best value for IREX (40%)
Technical quality based on experience and references (25%)
Familiarity with USAID-funded projects preferred. (20%)
Ability to meet deadlines (15%)
Modality of Delivery: Some tasks will be delivered on campus; therefore, travel to Jordan is expected. The material should be provided to IREX electronically.
Duration: Consultancy of up to 30 working days with a period of performance starting as soon as February 1, 2025, through July 30, 2025.
PROPOSAL SUBMISSION
Interested vendors should apply by uploading the following documentation through the link provided with the application:
CV(s) 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 (include Cost Estimate Proposal with Cover letter)
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.