TERMS OF REFERENCE

ASSESSING ADHERENCE TO NATIONAL COSTED SERVICE DELIVERY STANDARDS (NCSDS) IN THE EDUCATION SECTOR IN SELECTED MDAs

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.

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 conduct a comprehensive assessment focusing on the implementation of the NCSDS within the education sector.

• ABOUT THE STUDY

The study will examine the extent to which selected MDAs responsible for primary education are adhering to the National Costed Service Delivery Standards, specifically looking at the adequacy of implementation, institutional responsiveness, accountability mechanisms, and citizen awareness.

The assessment will further seek to identify actors involved in the implementation and oversight of the NCSDS, highlight gaps in adherence, and propose recommendations to strengthen delivery and oversight structures. The study shall also focus on capturing citizen voices, particularly those of parents, learners, and community education advocates.

• OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

Overall Objective: To assess the level of adherence to National Costed Service Delivery Standards in the education sector by selected MDAs and identify enabling and hindering factors for effective implementation.

Specific Objectives:

1. To examine the extent to which MDAs have integrated NCSDS in their planning, budgeting, and service delivery frameworks.
2. To evaluate compliance with key education-related service standards (e.g., pupil-teacher ratios, textbook-to-pupil ratios, teacher attendance, school inspection frequency).
3. To assess institutional arrangements and capacity for implementing and monitoring NCDS adherence in education.
4. To map key actors and their roles in the implementation, monitoring, and reporting of education service standards.
5. To provide actionable recommendations for improving NCSDS implementation, citizen engagement, and policy alignment in education service delivery.

• SCOPE OF WORK

The consultant will undertake the following tasks:

1. Literature Review

• Analyse relevant policy documents including the NCDS compendium, education sector performance reports, annual budget documents, and audit reports.
• Review past studies on service delivery and education sector performance.

2. Data Collection

• Conduct stakeholder interviews with key education MDAs such as the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), Education Service Commission, National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC), and District Education Departments.
• Collect data on key primary education NCDS at the school level.
• Organize community-level FGDs with School Management Committees, Parent Teacher Associations, learners, and teachers.
• Administer surveys in selected districts to assess compliance with standards (e.g., teacher deployment, infrastructure adequacy, teaching time, cost of doing activities).
• Collect and analyse data from education MIS and local government reports.

3. Institutional Analysis

• Evaluate institutional structures, coordination mechanisms, and reporting frameworks for NCSDS implementation in the education sector.
• Assess the level of funding, staffing, and logistical support available for standards compliance.

4. Stakeholder Mapping

• Identify key actors involved in NCSDS implementation and oversight (government, CSOs, communities).
• Assess the level of collaboration among actors and gaps in accountability mechanisms.

5. Recommendations

• Propose reforms and advocacy strategies to improve NCSDS adherence.
• Suggest mechanisms for increased citizen participation, transparency, and service audits.

• DELIVERABLES

The consultant will provide the following outputs:

• Inception Report: Detailed methodology, work plan, data collection tools, and list of target districts and institutions (within 10 days of contract signing).
• Draft Report: Preliminary findings shared with CSBAG for input and feedback.
• Final Report: Incorporating all feedback and providing a comprehensive analysis, policy recommendations, and stakeholder action plan.
• Policy Brief: A 3–5-page summary of findings and key advocacy messages.
• PowerPoint Presentation: For dissemination to stakeholders.

• DURATION

The assignment will be undertaken over 40 working days, with final outputs delivered by 15th July 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