CFPs: Regional Studies of Digital Transformation in Higher Education Institutions (South Asia)

Deadline: 26-Oct-23

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is seeking proposals to support the regional studies of digital transformation in higher education institutions in South Asia.

Objectives

• The main objectives of this consultancy are to:
  • Illuminate the trends, challenges, and opportunities of digital transformation in seven countries in South Asia, namely Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.
  • Produce the final report on the Regional Study on the Digital Transformation of Higher Education in South Asia to complement the studies conducted by ICHEI from Africa, Latin America, Central Asia, and the Middle East.

Scope of the Assignment

• Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok and the Director of ICHEI, the oversight of the Chief of the Section for Educational Innovation and Skills Development (EISD), the contracted institution is expected to undertake the following assignments during the contract period:
  • Conduct a Literature Review of digital transformation in seven countries in South Asia, namely Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.
  • Collect university-based case studies and best practices related to digital transformation initiatives in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal.
  • Provide recommendations for Enhancing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) of University Personnel.

Duration

• 15 November 2023 – 15 May 2024 (tentative)

Activities

• The Contractor will be responsible for the following tasks and responsibilities:
  • Literature Review
    • To conduct a thorough literature review of digital transformation focusing on trends, challenges, and opportunities in South Asia,
    • To identify key stakeholders, policy frameworks, and academic discourse related to digital transformation in South Asia.
    • To analyze the impact of digital transformation in universities.
  • Case Study Collection
    • To gather university-based case studies and best practices related to digital transformation initiatives in eight countries in South Asia, namely Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.
    • To document successful examples of universities that have effectively integrated digital technologies into their teaching and administrative processes.
    • To highlight innovative approaches and lessons learned from these case studies.
  • Recommendations for Enhancing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) of University Personnel
    • To develop actionable recommendations for improving the CPD programs of university teaching personnel to better align with digital transformation requirements.
    • To propose strategies for faculty development, curriculum design, and pedagogical approaches that enhance digital literacy and skills among educators.
    • To suggest ways universities can support faculty adapting to digital transformation trends.
• In line with UNESCO’s overall gender mainstreaming strategy, the contractor is expected to integrate a gender perspective in all activities and apply gender analysis and mainstreaming concepts wherever feasible.

Deliverables

• Draft report on the literature review findings from seven countries in South Asia, namely Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.
• Draft report on the selected university case studies from India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan, including a list of recommendations to improve the CDP of university personnel.
• Final report on the Regional Study on the Digital Transformation of Higher Education in South Asia.

Eligibility Criteria

• Mandatory:
  • At least seven years of experience in capacity building and skills development in education, with demonstrated technical and contextual knowledge of training teachers and school leaders in Asia Pacific.
  • Must have outstanding research and analysis skills.
  • Proficiency in training development, training implementation, and report writing.
• Desirable:
  • Previous experience with UN or other international organizations, governments, donors, and civil society institutions would be an advantage.
  • Impeccable analytical, writing, communication, and organizational skills.

For more information, visit UNESCO.