Request for Proposals (RFP)
Strengthening TVET Ecosystem in Southwest Sumba
Background
UNESCO describes technical and vocational education and training (TVET) as, “A part of lifelong learning that includes work-based learning, continuing training and professional development that may lead to qualifications.” Although there is generally an adequate supply of TVET centers throughout the country, the Government of Indonesia has recently placed an emphasis on improving the quality. When implemented effectively, TVET can be an important component in preparing the next generation of workers as well as a tool to increase the productivity of both the unemployed and employed workforce. Quality TVET can be a powerful measure against poverty. The current state of TVET in Indonesia, however, is largely unable to provide the direct linkage to employment and job security as it is meant to. This is particularly true in Eastern Indonesia, such as in the island of Sumba situated within the province of East Nusa Tenggara.
The Southwest of Sumba is the second largest district in Sumba with a population of around 332,000 people, with the largest segment of the population between the ages of 15 to 49. Southwest Sumba has a 30% poverty rate and an economic growth rate of 5.52%. There is currently a limited number of sectors and employment opportunities that exist in Sumba, which only makes the task of facilitating direct employment or activity in the workforce for SMK graduates even more challenging. Yet as most of the active sectors in Sumba like agriculture and hospitality require a more specialized set of skills and knowledge, there should be more emphasis placed on ensuring the quality of TVET throughout the island.
The local government has recognized the role that TVET plays in producing skilled workforce and has produced supporting regulatory framework that it needs. However, TVET now falls under the jurisdiction of the provincial government, which can present an obstacle in ensuring that all TVET schools and centers within the province receives adequate government support and coverage. Many of the TVET schools and centers were also established without first assessing the needs of local industries. Additionally, there is a very limited pool of adequately qualified TVET teachers even at the national level and there is typically no capacity within schools and centers to develop an industry-appropriate TVET curriculum with actual input from local industries. As a result of this mismatch, many students enroll in SMKs still with the goal of continuing to higher education after rather than begin their professional careers directly after.
To better understand the landscape of TVET in Southwest Sumba, a needs assessment was conducted in March 2019 that looked at the implementation and management of TVET in Southwest Sumba. This was followed by a focus group discussion (FGD) to disseminate key findings from the assessment.
In its effort to support Indonesians to flourish by bridging opportunities for learning, WLF sees an opportunity to advance the TVET agenda in Southwest Sumba.
About WLF
The William and Lily Foundation (WLF) is a Jakarta-based philanthropic organization established in 2009. Our mission is to empower vulnerable and marginalized communities by bridging learning with access to opportunities. As an active grant-making foundation, we work closely with local implementation partners on three focus areas: Education, Health and Economic Empowerment..
Objective
WLF seeks a non-individual consultant (professional organization/team of individuals under a legal entity) to implement a pilot project on helping a select number of vocational schools (Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan, SMK) develop a pathway towards becoming a professional certification agency (Lembaga Sertifikasi Profesi, LSP) in Southwest Sumba. From previous assessments and communications with local actors in Southwest Sumba, WLF has potential candidates for SMKs in the tourism sector for this pilot project; however, WLF is open for discussion on the actual selection of the SMKs.. WLF hopes that this project can improve the professionalization of SMK and its graduates and in return, local businesses will regularly employ SMK graduates.
To ensure the sustainability of this pilot project, WLF also seek stronger commitment from the district government of Southwest Sumba and provincial government in Kupang on the agenda of revitalizing TVET in Sumba through their active participations in a multi-stakeholder forum.
Duration and Scope
This is foreseen as a two (2) year pilot project, with a first year focus on laying the foundation of selected SMKs to put them on a pathway towards an LSP status (administrative requirements, knowledge of processes, readiness, etc.). Additionally, selected SMKs will receive capacity-building support on teaching capabilities and relevancy of curriculum. These activities should be followed by the necessary advocacy work to encourage the local government’s commitment on TVET agenda as a priority for local economic development. WLF is also keen to see activities that can link SMK graduates with local businesses/industries. By the end of the two-year project, it is expected that there will be a stronger government commitment on the TVET agenda, improved professionalism of selected SMKs, and closer relations between local businesses and the SMKs.
Approach and Deliverables
This pilot project will build on key findings from the needs assessment report developed by an external consultant (March 2019).. While WLF does not provide infrastructure, it works to leverage existing assets and accelerate changes. Hence, it will focus on interventions based on advocacy, capacity building, and building linkages. To ensure sustainability, WLF will work with partners to empower local actors and build ownership.
Prospective consultant is expected to design and implement the following key activities:
- Advocacy through engagement and collaboration with relevant local government officials/units in Southwest Sumba at district level and in Kupang at provincial level to advance the agenda of revitalizing TVET as part of their economic development agenda.
- Capacity Building through delivery of training and skills-building activities: (i) improve teaching capacities at selected SMKs and assess relevance of curriculum; (ii) improve readiness of selected SMKs on a path towards becoming an LSP, including appropriate management and business development skills; (iii) increase exposure of SMK graduates through building the capacity of SMKs to hold activities that promote better linkages between SMKs and local businesses/industries, such as job fair, etc.; and, (iv) provide coaching to key stakeholders on advocating TVET and how to create better linkages between the SMKs and local businesses/industries in Southwest Sumba.
- Building Linkages through an initial mapping of key stakeholders in TVET’s ecosystem in Southwest Sumba. This mapping exercise will be followed by active engagement with relevant local businesses, government, and other key stakeholders to build the foundation for a multi-stakeholder dialogue on the revitalization of TVET.
The Consultant will work under WLF advisement on the selection of SMK for this pilot project, which may involve site visits, in-depth interviews, and proper due diligence.
Selection Criteria
WLF is looking for a non-individual consultant (vendors/professional organizations/team of individuals under a legal entity) with extensive knowledge on issues of TVET. Prospective consultants should also possess the following qualifications:
A minimum of 7 years’ experience in developing and implementing capacity building and advocacy project on TVET in Eastern Indonesia. Knowledge of and experience in Sumba, particularly Southwest Sumba is ideal;
- Familiarity with the management of SMKs (private and public);
- Proven track-record of delivering capacity building project for SMKs, including on improvement on governance, management, quality assurance system, and business development;
- Extensive knowledge of TVET regulatory framework and other TVET support programs, including fast-tracking SMKs transformation into LSP by the Ministry of Education;
- Extensive knowledge of the BNSP rules, regulations and processes on certification and LSP accreditation;
- Strong project management, coordination, and liaison capabilities;
- Strong mentoring and coaching experience;
- Proven track-record in developing public-private multi-stakeholders forum;
- Proven experience in monitoring and evaluation for development projects, particularly in TVET advocacy and capacity building
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- How to Apply
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- Expression of Interests (EOI) –Applicants are required to submit Expression of Interest electronically whichstates (a) why applicant is interested, (b) brief information on relevant pastexperience, and (c) point of contact (email address and phone numbers). Expression of Interest must be submitted to support@wlf.or.id before Wednesday, 2 October 2019 at 5 pm Jakarta time.
- Bidder Conference – After submitting Letter of Interest,applicants will be invited to attend Bidder’s conference that will take place on Tuesday, 8 October 2019. Information will be distributed through email addresses registered on the EOI.
- Proposal Submission – Proposals (technical and financial) in English or Indonesia that include the following information should be submitted by Wednesday, 30 October 2019 at 5 pm Jakarta time via email to support@wlf.or.id with the subject line: Proposal TVET Ecosystem in SBD. The proposal should cover the following information.
a) General description of demonstrated capabilities to meet the terms of this Solicitation, your contact details (address and phone numbers), a short description of unique capabilities (skills, methodologies, or technical approach) typically employed for carrying out work as described in the “Approach and Deliverables” section, and a brief description of past performance with contact details of previous client;
b) A comprehensive technical proposal focusing on delivering the above-mentioned key activities and deliverables in Southwest Sumba, including selection method or criteria for the SMK for this pilot and engagement strategy with local government and non-government stakeholders (other SMKs or TVET centers, local businesses/industries);
c) Most recent Curriculum Vitae of the organization and/or individual team members (key personnel involved) and details of staff composition with clear demonstration of previous experience in TVET project implementation;
d) Proposed work plan including timeline for key activities, milestones, and deliverables for the duration of the pilot project (2 years);
e) A comprehensive financial proposal in Indonesian rupiah, including daily rate for team members or external consultants, budget allocation for activities, travel and accommodation, monitoring and evaluation activities, dissemination activities, incidentals and other expenses, as well as proposed terms of payments/schedule.
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