Individual Verification Consultant

Brief Information on Project

The project was declared effective in March 2025. The Ministry of Preschool and School Education (MoPSE) serves as the Executing Agency (EA) and assumes full responsibility for the project’s operational, technical, and financial management. Project implementation is supported by a dedicated Project Management Unit (PMU) and a team of national and international consultants. In addition, UNICEF and UNESCO provide technical assistance and contribute to the day-to-day implementation of project activities. Strategic oversight and inter-agency coordination are ensured by the Project Steering Committee, chaired by the Minister of Education, which is responsible for monitoring progress, ensuring alignment with national priorities, and addressing any implementation challenges that may arise.

Project Objective is to improve the learning environment and support systemic reforms that will enable the sustainable implementation of an inclusive, competency-based education system, ultimately enhancing student learning outcomes across Uzbekistan.

The project comprises the following six key components: (A) Improving Access to Inclusive, Student-Friendly Education Facilities: Construction of modern and inclusive schools that meet international standards, designed to accommodate the needs of all students, including those with disabilities. (B) Enhancing the Quality and Efficiency of Education Services: System-level reforms, curriculum modernization, teacher professional development, and implementation of quality assurance frameworks to improve student learning outcomes. (C) Improving the Quality of Preschool Education: Strengthening early childhood education through the introduction of Early Learning and Development Standards (ELDS), updated teaching methods, and capacity building of preschool educators. (D) Project Management Support: Technical and administrative support to ensure effective implementation, coordination, monitoring, and evaluation of project activities, led by a dedicated Project Management Unit (PMU). (E) Financial Auditing Services: Independent financial audits to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with international financial reporting standards. (F) Contingent Emergency Response Component (CERC): A flexible mechanism that allows rapid reallocation of project funds to address emergency needs in response to unforeseen crises or natural disasters.

Variable Part of GPE Funding. In Uzbekistan, the Variable Part focuses on supporting the Government’s strategic objectives to expand equitable access to early childhood education (ECE) and improve the quality and inclusivity of preschool and general secondary education. The following two indicators have been selected to measure the progress towards achievement of these objectives:

DLI 1: A 5% increase in preschool enrolment in five targeted lagging regions (Kashkadarya, Surkhandarya, Jizzakh, Samarkand, and Tashkent) by 2026 compared to the baseline.

DLI 2: Endorsement and implementation of upgraded inclusive construction and WASH standards for new and renovated schools, ensuring accessibility, safety, and gender sensitivity in learning environments.

Objective of the Assignment

The objective of this assignment is to independently verify the achievement of DLIs 1 and 2 in line with the approved protocols and provide a detailed verification report to inform disbursement decisions. Detailed protocols are described in Annex 1.

Specific objectives of the assignment include:

• Assessing the accuracy, completeness, and validity of data and documentation provided by MoPSE as evidence of achievement of the targets.
• Conducting desk-based and field verification (where applicable) of results reported.
• Ensuring verification is aligned with national and international WASH and inclusivity standards.
• Preparing a Verification Report summarizing findings and confirming DLIs achievement status. Presentation of the verification report to Local Education Group.

Scope of Work

The scope of work will include multi-year verification of the targets of two indicators. Below is scope of work under each indicator:

DLI 1: 5% Increase in Preschool Enrolment

• Review MoPSE’s report and support statistical data on preschool enrolment by region in targeted regions.
• Verify calculations using MoPSE’s datasets and State Statistics Committee population data.
• Confirm the number of new or renovated preschool facilities and assess if they meet safety, accessibility, and gender-sensitive WASH standards.
• Analyze the potential effects of demographic trends (e.g., population growth) on enrolment rates.
• Provide documentary evidence.

DLI 2: Endorsement and Implementation of Upgraded Inclusive Standards in 180 schools.

• Verify the official endorsement of the inclusive construction and WASH standards by MoPSE through a formal signed document.
• Assess whether the standards align with international benchmarks (e.g., UNICEF WASH, accessibility standards).
• Review the MoPSE report listing all schools renovated or built since 2023, identifying those meeting the new inclusivity standards.
• Cross-verify data with MoPSE’s System and validation from relevant technical agencies.
• Conduct site verification on a representative sample of schools to confirm (10% sampling):
  • Adherence to approved standards.
  • Functionality and accessibility of inclusive facilities.

Methodology

The verification will include:

• Desk review: analysis of MoPSE statistical and technical documentation, baseline and progress data, and standards.
• Key informant interviews/Focus groups: with MoPSE, regional education departments, school administration and community members.
• Field verification: physical visits to a sample of schools (10% sampling).
• Triangulation: comparison of administrative, field, and third-party data to ensure reliability.

• Reporting and Supervision

  The IVA will report jointly to MoPSE (SmartEd Project Management Unit) and IsDB. The final report will be shared with the Local Education Group (LEG) before submission to GPE.

  Qualifications and Expertise

  For Individual Consultant:

• Advanced degree in Education, Statistics, Economics, Civil Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in education project M&E, verification, or results-based financing.
• Familiarity with GPE, IsDB, or other MDB-funded programs.
• Knowledge of Uzbekistan’s education data systems and WASH/infrastructure standards.
• Fluency in English; working knowledge of Russian or Uzbek preferred.
  
  Deadline for application submission: 28 July, 2026