REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES – FIRMS SELECTION)
Republic of Moldova
Global Partnership for Education Project
Loan No./Credit No./ Grant No.TF 011810

Assignment Title: Consulting services for the training of mentors 
Reference No. CQS-03/A.3.2.2a

The Republic of Moldova has received a grant in the amount of US$4.4 million from the Global Partnership for Education Fund toward the cost of the implementation of the Consolidated Action Plan on Education, and it intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include training of mentors on fundamental aspects related to mentoring. Subsequently, trained mentors will provide continuous training and mentoring services to teachers in local mentoring centers. The focus will be the classroom: how to make visible changes at the classroom by improving the quality of teaching-learning process in all kindergartens and for all children. The specific objective is to develop and provide 5 days training course to the 260 mentors and 40 inspectors on fundamental aspects related to mentoring.
The Training Provider (TP) will take over and utilize 2 training modules provided by the international consultant (hired under separate ToR) for the training of 260 mentors and 40 inspectors: 
- Fundamental Module 1: Hands-on methodology and practice guides for ECE educators: Practical tools to monitor educators’ practices; 
- Fundamental Module 2: How to become a mentor? Competencies and practices in the classroom.
Also, the TP will:
i) Train 260 mentors selected from every raion, based on criteria developed by the consultant and 40 inspectors; 
ii) Promote relevant instruments for the Moldovan kindergartens for monitoring and assessing the teaching-learning process; 
iii) Assess the knowledge acquired by 40 inspectors, 260 mentors and participants at the raion level using the pre- and post-training evaluation method(s). 
The TP shall make all logistical arrangements and cover all costs associated with the training for mentors including, but not limited to: i) transportation costs; ii) printing of training materials; v) and any other costs associated with the carrying out of the training course.
The estimated duration of the assignment is 3 months, from January – March 2013.

The Ministry of Education now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. The shortlisting criteria are: 
• At least 7 years’ experience in the in-service training of didactical staff;
• Excellent understanding of modern teaching methods in preschool education, based on child-centered approach and active learning; 
• At least 5 years’ experience in development and implementation of training of trainers program(s), for teaching staff from preschool units;
Qualifications regarded advantageous:
• Prior experience with International Funding Agencies.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph 1.9 of the World Bank’s Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants [under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits & Grants] by World Bank Borrowers January 2011 edition, setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. 

Consultants may associate with other firms in the form of a joint venture or a subconsultancy to enhance their qualifications.

Further information and detailed ToR can be obtained at the address below during office hours from 09:00 to 17:00. 

Expressions of interest in English must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by fax, or by e-mail) by 14 December 2012, 17:00.

Ministry of Education of the Republic of Moldova
1 Piaţa Marii Adunări Naţionale, MD-2033, office 431,
Chişinău, Moldova 
Attn: Ruslan Malai, Procurement Specialist
Tel: +373 22 233139
Fax: +373 22 233897
E-mail: ruslanmalaipge@gmail.com; cc: proiectpge@gmail.com