TERMS OF REFERENCE

NOTE THAT: Interested applicants are requested to submit both technical and financial proposals via email to hr@csbag.org by 6th June 2025, 5:00 PM.

A CITIZEN GUIDE OF NATIONAL COSTED SERVICE DELIVERY STANDARDS (NCSDS) IN THE EDUCATION SECTOR

1. BACKGROUND

In 2023, the Ministry of Public Service (MoPS) developed and launched National Service Delivery Standards (NCDS) across various sectors to enhance the quality, accountability, and efficiency of public service delivery. These standards were designed to guide Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in setting clear expectations for service provision, improving transparency, and enabling citizens to hold duty bearers accountable.

The education sector is a key pillar in Uganda’s development agenda and is directly linked to the attainment of Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan (NDP IV). The sector plays a vital role in nurturing human capital necessary for national transformation. However, despite consistent budget allocations and multiple policy interventions, concerns persist about the quality, equity, and efficiency of service delivery in education.

In line with the Government of Uganda’s reform agenda and its commitment to improving service delivery through the implementation of NCSDS, it is essential to assess how MDAs in the education sector are adhering to the prescribed standards. This includes understanding whether the required inputs, service processes, and outputs are being met and whether they are yielding improved educational outcomes for learners.

To support this, Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG), with support from EOL, intends to popularize NCSDS within the education sector by producing a citizen friendly guide of the education sector standards for local governments.

• ABOUT THE GUIDE

The guide will be used to promote transparency, accountability, and public participation in public service delivery in education. It will help citizens demand adherence to the National Costed Service Delivery Standards of the education sector, specifically looking at the adequacy of implementation, institutional responsiveness, accountability mechanisms, and citizen awareness.

• OBJECTIVES OF THE GUIDE

Overall Objective: To produce a citizen guide of National Costed Service Delivery Standards in the education sector that will enable popularization of the standards in this sector.

Specific Objectives:

1. To enhance public understanding of the National Costed Service Delivery Standards through the simplification of complex terms for easy comprehension.
2. To promote transparency in service delivery across education sector.
3. To encourage citizen engagement by empowering citizens to track government spending and hold officials accountable in the education sector.
4. To foster accountability that helps citizens monitor and track service delivery in the education sector.
5.  To support informed advocacy to equip civil society, journalists, and activists with tools to advocate for better service delivery in education.

By achieving these objectives, a citizen guide helps build a more informed and active citizenry, ensuring government services truly reflect public needs.

• SCOPE OF WORK

The consultant will undertake the following tasks:

1. Planning & Scoping
2. Research & Data Collection
3. Simplifying & Explaining National Costed Service Delivery Standards Concepts
4. Structuring the Guide
5. Designing for Accessibility
6. Review & Validation
7. Dissemination & Promotion
8. DELIVERABLES

The consultant will provide the following outputs:

• Inception Report: Detailed methodology, work plan and data collection tools.
• Draft Guide: Preliminary Copy shared with CSBAG for input and feedback.
• Final Guide: Incorporating all feedback and providing a comprehensive presentation of the guide.
• Policy Brief: A 3–5-page summary of the guide and key advocacy messages.
• PowerPoint Presentation: For dissemination to stakeholders.

• DURATION

The assignment will be undertaken over 20 working days, with final outputs delivered by 30th June 2025.

• REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

The lead consultant or team should have:

• Postgraduate degree in public policy, education, development studies, or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in policy evaluation, institutional assessments, or service delivery research.
• Experience in the education sector and familiarity with public sector reform initiatives in Uganda.
• Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills.
• Excellent report writing and stakeholder engagement experience.

• APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested consultants or firms should submit a technical and financial proposal comprising:

• A brief understanding of the ToRs and critique.
• Proposed methodology and tools.
• Work plan and timelines.
• Team composition and CVs.
• Evidence of similar work done.
• Budget breakdown in UGX.

Submit applications to:

The Executive Director
Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG)
P.O. Box 660, Ntinda Kampala, Uganda
Plot 11 Vubyabirenge Close, Ntinda-Stretcher Road
Email: hr@csbag.org
Deadline: 5:00 PM, 6th June 2025