Sierra Leone Play Context Research

Background
About Right to Play
Right To Play is a global organization that protects, educates, and empowers children to rise above adversity using the power of play. We reach 2.3 million children each year in some of the most difficult and dangerous places on earth. We believe that age, gender, and ability sensitive play, in all its forms, including games, sports, art, drama and music, is not only is essential for children’s wellbeing and development, but is also lifesaving. Right To Play operates in 15 countries around the world, in both development and humanitarian contexts.
RTP’s Strategic Plan focuses our programmatic interventions on Quality Education, one of our core impact areas. Working in development and humanitarian settings, our education programs engage children and youth ranging from as young as two through adolescence in formal and non-formal learning environments. We work with teachers and coaches to strengthen their teaching practice by developing their skills to effectively implement play-based methodology.

Project Description
Sierra Leone ́s Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) has recently approved a new education policy that commits to improving quality, access, and equity within the education sector. Play-based learning has been recognized by the MBSSE as one critical type of learner-centered pedagogy, which is at the heart of the education reform.
Since November 2021, Right To Play and BRAC USA are collaborating on a technical assistance project to support Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) to provide high-quality, play-based early childhood development and primary education to children aged 3 -12. Right To Play will work at the primary level, whereas BRAC USA will focus on early childhood development services. Together, we will ensure there is a smooth transition from ECE to primary school. The project is currently at inception phase and will extend up to March 2023.
We are looking for a consultant or group to support the development of this project by collecting important learning on the context of play-based learning in primary education classrooms, and teacher education and competency development related to play-based pedagogy in Sierra Leone.

Scope of Work
The successful applicant or group will work with Right to Play to conduct a play context analysis to inform Right To Play’s technical assistance approach in Sierra Leone. The study will take place between May and June 2022. It aims to understand the state of play in primary level educational contexts, and local conceptualizations of play and Play-based learning to appropriately align the scope of work to contextual and cultural realities. The main responsibility includes:
A) Design and implementation of qualitative research with support from Right To Play and local partners. Some support may also be provided by BRAC.

In addition to the above, support from the consultant will be sought for the following:
• Coordinate with the Play-based Primary Education Advisor within MBSSE and leverage from their learnings and relationships.
• Support the development of partnerships across Early Childhood and Primary basic education departments.

The consultant/group will work closely with Right to Play’s Play Specialist, who will oversee the successful implementation of the play context analysis. Some communication with the Monitoring, Evaluation, & Learning Manager will be required. The successful applicant will also work closely with BRAC colleagues based in the MBSSE and in the BRAC Sierra Leone office.

Deliverables
A) Qualitative research study of local play practices, including:
o Government and non-Government schools, and community contexts
o Mapping of relevant schools and stakeholders
o Video and photo data collection
o Interview with relevant stakeholders, including children
o Translation & transcription of data, thematic analysis of data
o Identifying alignment of observed local play practices with empirically validated teacher competencies and Sierra Leone Teacher Service Commission identified teacher competencies

As this technical assistance project is still in its beginning stages, the scope of work outlined in these terms of reference is not exhaustive. Right To Play may review and/or revise the scope of work within limits to identify areas for collaboration with the consultant/group and enhance achievement of the organizational mission and project goals.
**
Location of Work:**
The consultant/group will be based in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and will be expected to travel to other districts to fulfil requirements of deliverables.

Timeline:
This position will begin in May 2022 up to June 2022, with the option to renew.

Responsibility and Liability of Right To Play
Right To Play will be responsible for:
• Coordinating with relevant team members within Right To Play and with key stakeholders in Sierra Leone, including organizing relevant meetings.
• Review and feedback on previously mentioned activities and deliverables.
• Providing all relevant Right To Play play-based learning approach onboarding and resources to support activities.

Reporting Line and Logistics
• The consultant/group will report to the Play Specialist who will coordinate communications with other relevant team members, when appropriate.
• The Global Lead, Technical Assistance at Right To Play and the Play-based Primary Education Advisor within the MBSSE will also play an advisory role in the planning, development and roll out of the context and learning research activities.
• The consultant/group and the relevant Right To Play staff will meet as per to-be agreed timings, at various stages of the research processes.
**
Skills and Experience**
• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s Degree in Education, Development Studies, or related area is strongly preferred.
• Experience partnering with I/NGOs and/or with government ministries of education, in Sierra Leone and West Africa and strongly preferred.
• Understanding and knowledge of the education system and context, with emphasis on primary level education, in Sierra Leone.
• Experience teaching primary education, working with children, an asset.
• Strong understanding of qualitative and related research methodologies.
• Understanding of and commitment to learning through play methodologies.
Other skills and competencies
• Effective communication, interpersonal, presentation and networking skills.
• Excellent written and oral English language, including demonstration of skills in writing, editing, and reporting.
• Strong critical and analytical thinking.
• Personal commitment, drive for results, efficiency, and flexibility.
• Proficiency in the use of MS Office.