Extended Deadline, July 10th, 2023
D̶e̶a̶d̶l̶i̶n̶e̶ ̶f̶o̶r̶ ̶a̶p̶p̶l̶i̶c̶a̶t̶i̶o̶n̶,̶ ̶J̶u̶n̶e̶ ̶3̶0̶t̶h̶,̶ ̶2̶0̶2̶3̶
The overall purpose of the consultancy services is to evaluate the cost of educational exclusion of Roma people in Romania and Slovakia for the next 5-10-20 years.
Specifically, the contracted Consultant is expected:
- To conduct a review of the relevant literature to provide an overview of the methodologies used for assessing exclusion costs, considering the pros and cons in the context of the Roma population. The main focus will be on literature that has analyzed and evaluated the costs of educational exclusion both generally and specifically concerning Roma individuals. Educational exclusion refers to the situation where a person fails to achieve a certain level of education despite having the potential to do so. The level of education defined as compulsory by law is considered attainable by any person, with some exceptions due to disabilities or serious illnesses.
- To develop a methodology for the ongoing analysis and evaluation of the costs of educational exclusion of Roma people, using existing data from official statistics collected and centralized by designated public institutions for this purpose (EUROSTAT, National Statistical Institutes, etc.).
- To evaluate and calculate, using the developed methodology, the cost of educational exclusion of Roma people in Romania and Slovakia (separately for each country) for the next 10-20 years.
One consultant or consultants will be selected for this task, but we will consider only one overall offer per candidate.
Please, before applying read this DOCUMENT
Expected results
The selected consultant/s will be expected to provide a number of deliverables according to the scope of work as below specified.
Before commencing the assignment, the consultant/s will deliver an Action Plan outlining the detailed approach and methodology to this assignment and which will be discussed and agreed with REF representative(s).
Specifically, the consultant/s selected will generate the following deliverables:
- Literature review report. The consultant(s) will conduct a review of the specialized literature that has analysed the cost(s) of educational exclusion from various perspectives: an overview of the methodologies used for assessing exclusion costs considering the pros and cons in the context of the Roma population, the productivity cost of each additional year of education, the fiscal cost, the income generated by each additional year of education, etc. Specifically, the bibliographic sources that have separately analysed the gains or losses (in terms of income, well-being, etc.) related to a certain level of education for Roma vs. non-Roma individuals will be examined. The main methodological approaches used until now will be highlighted in this stage.
- Methodology for assessing the costs of educational exclusion of Roma. The consultant(s) will design and develop a methodology that will allow for the evaluation and identification of costs over a specific period of time (specifically, the next 5-10-20 years) arising from the fact that Roma do not attain the minimum compulsory education established by law, as well as higher education/ tertiary education. The methodology will be developed through consultation with representatives of REF. It will be considered that the methodology should provide an applicable and feasible analysis model using existing official statistical data (without collecting new social data) – even if this does not mean identifying the exhaustive costs derived from the educational exclusion of Roma. The limitations of the methodology and options for expanding the coverage of the consequences derived from the educational exclusion of Roma (including through the collection of new data) will be presented and discussed as part of the methodology.
- Implementation and application of the methodology in Romania and Slovakia, which will result in a report. Official statistics available at EUROSTAT or the National Institute of Statistics, such as the AMIGO database, can be used in this process. For this purpose, a working application will be developed in a specific software (Excel and SPSS) that will allow the estimation of costs (or losses) resulting from the educational exclusion of Roma citizens (non-participation of a certain percentage of Roma citizens in compulsory education, considering the number of years of education, completed education cycles, etc.) by entering input data in specific fields. To facilitate the analysis in SPSS, a syntax file will be included along with a methodological annex.
The final form of methodology for evaluating the costs of educational exclusion of Roma people used has to obtain the REF representative’s agreement.
To obtain the necessary data for the application of the methodology for evaluating the costs of educational exclusion of Roma people, REF can accompany the consultant/s, upon request, to the relevant institutions (such as the National Institute of Statistics[1], the National Commission for Strategy and Prognosis[2] etc.). This will ensure that the data obtained are reliable and accurate for the purpose of the analysis.
The final report for evaluating the costs of educational exclusion of Roma people, prepared by the consultant/s, will need to obtain the agreement of the REF representative. This is to ensure that the methodology and analysis used are consistent with REF’s approach and standards, and that the report’s conclusions are sound and reliable.
The REF representative(s) will review the report and provide feedback and recommendations to the consultant/s to ensure the report meets the required standards.
The consultant should possess the following qualifications:
- At least a master degree in Economics, Mathematical Modelling, Statistics, Sociology and/or other social sciences. Graduation of a PhD represents an asset. In case of not specific and/or relevant academic background, then in-depth experience in the field of policy research and analysis will be taken into consideration;
- Expertise and/or professional background in and working experience in economics, economics of education or economic empowerment;
- Knowledge of contemporary education trends, approaches, and methods.
- Excellent understanding and/or professional background in the issues related to social inclusion of Roma and other vulnerable groups;
- At least 8 years of experience in evaluation of development programmes, preferably in the area of social inclusion of Roma and other vulnerable groups;
- At least three reports of evaluation of economics of education or development programmes authored;
- Proven expertise in research /econometrics / mathematical modelling/ analysis of datasets;
- Excellent English language skills, and one additional Romanian or Slovakian language (knowledge of Romani language is an asset);
- Knowledge of another CEE/SEE language represents an asset;
- IT skills, social media management expertise.
- Project management skills and experience.
- Analytical skills.
- Strong ability to communicate with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Understanding of and passion for promoting the access of Roma children and youth to quality education.
- Familiarity with key institutions and actors of the Roma movement on the international level is a strong plus.
Individuals identifying themselves as Roma and are fulfilling the above-mentioned profile and requirements are encouraged to apply.
How to apply:
Qualified candidates are invited to send their cover letter and CV (both in English), the budget proposal and the contact details of three reference persons.
The deadline for application is July 10th, 2023, via email to cristina.grigore@romaeducationfund.ro with the subject line “REF Consultancy services – Developing a Methodology and Evaluation Tool to Assess the Socio-Economic Costs of Educational Exclusion of Roma in Romania and Slovakia”.
Due to a high number of applications, unfortunately, REF is not in the position to be able to respond to every applicant individually. Please not that only short-listed candidates will be contacted for the first interview.
***
The current activity is part of the SHAPYR – Shaping Academic Employment Skills for Young Roma project implemented by Roma Education Fund Romania with the financial support of the VELUX Foundations.
[1] https://insse.ro/cms/en/content/population
