Conduct a Situational Analysis on Special Education Teachers, Water and Sanitation (Wash) Facilities in Schools (to Promote Hygiene and Prevent Infections for Girls and Learners With Disabilities)

1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) is a network of Civil Society Organisations registered under the Registrar of Societies Act on 3rd July, 2002, registration number ORS/102/35/2581. The organisation currently has ninety-five (95) Member Organisations comprising Community-Based Organisations, Faith-Based Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations, Teacher Trade Unions and Student Unions. The organisation works across the five education sub-sectors, namely Early Childhood Development (ECD); Basic Education (Primary and Secondary School); Skills and Tertiary Education; Youth, Adult Literacy and Education (YALE), as well as Gender and Equity. ZANEC’s mandate is to coordinate civil society advocacy for quality, equitable and inclusive education for all Zambians.

The organisation is involved in research, advocacy and member capacity building on different aspects of the Education and Skills Sector in Zambia. ZANEC’s focus is therefore on the implementation of national plans and international frameworks that advance education in Zambia. ZANEC takes particular interest to ensure that no one is left behind in accessing education through advocating for inclusive policies, generating evidence on barriers to education, strengthening community capacity to demand equitable services, and holding duty bearers accountable for delivering quality education that reaches the most marginalised learners — especially girls, learners with disabilities, and children in rural areas.

2.0 PURPOSE OF CONSULTANCY
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF joint monitoring Programme conducted in 2024, 21 per cent of schools in Zambia lack basic water access, while 17% lack basic sanitation. In line with its mandate, ZANEC places a great priority on issues of inclusivity and water and sanitation within Zambian schools. As a result, the coalition would like to engage a consultant to conduct a situational analysis on special education teachers in Zambia and also the status of water and sanitation (WASH) facilities in schools to promote hygiene and prevent infections for girls and learners with disabilities. The situational analysis is expected to generate evidence that will inform interventions to address the challenges of inadequate specialised teachers and insufficient WASH infrastructure, thereby promoting safe, inclusive and quality learning environments for all learners, especially marginalised groups.

2.1 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:
To assess the current availability and distribution of special education teachers, the number of learners with disabilities, and teaching and learning materials for learners with disabilities across selected schools in the districts.

To find out  the status, adequacy, and accessibility of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities in schools, with a particular focus on gender-responsive and disability-friendly infrastructure (ramps and rails).

To identify key barriers faced by girls and learners with disabilities in accessing quality education, linked to the lack of specialised teaching and inadequate WASH facilities.

To document existing best practices or initiatives that support inclusive education through specialised teaching or improved WASH infrastructure.

To provide evidence-based recommendations for policy and programmatic interventions aimed at improving the availability of specialised teachers, teaching and learning materials,  disability-friendly infrastructure and WASH facilities to enhance inclusive, equitable and quality education.

2.2 SCOPE OF WORK AND EXPECTED ACTIVITIES
ZANEC wishes to hire a consultant to conduct a Situational analysis on special education teachers, water and Sanitation (WASH) facilities in schools. Specifically, the consultant will be expected to undertake the following tasks:

• Submit an inception report outlining the title of the study, the objectives, refined research methodology, quality measures and timeline (work plan), .
• Develop questionnaires for collecting primary data on key aspects relating to the study.
• Review existing literature relating to the curriculum implementation in Zambia.
• Draft the research report detailing the key findings, conclusions and recommendations and submit the final Research Report.
• Present the research findings at an engagement meeting to be organised by ZANEC.

3.0 KEY DELIVERABLES

• An Inception report with a clear timeline and data collection tools.
• An acceptable draft report on the research findings
• A final report incorporating stakeholder feedback with clear conclusions and
• Clear and comprehensive recommendations
• A four-page policy brief on the research findings
• Presentation of research findings at ZANEC-organised meetings.

4.0 DURATION

• The consultancy will be conducted over 20 working days, commencing immediately upon signing of the contract.

5.0 REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

• A master’s degree in education, Development Studies or any WASH-related qualification,
• At least 7 years post-qualification experience in conducting research
• Proven experience in designing and implementing quantitative and qualitative research studies for reputable organisations
• Strong analytical, facilitation, writing and communication skills;
• Ability to devote full time towards meeting the assignment deadlines.

6.0 HOW TO APPLY
All expressions of interest with a clear presentation on the understanding of the task, methodology, competencies, and proposed budget must be submitted through email or hand delivered to the address below by Wednesday, 13th August 2025.

The Executive Director

Zambia National Education Coalition

125/90A Mufufuma Street,

Jesmondine

P.O. Box 30774

Lusaka-Zambia

Email: admin@zanec.org.zm

Cc: za2002nec@gmail.com