The African Virtual University (AVU) www.avu.org is an equal opportunity employer
The Application must include an application letter and a detailed curriculum vitae with: a telephone number; email and residential addresses; and names with contact addresses of three professional references.
Applications should be sent to job@avu.org and MUST have Consultant – Institutional Innovation Planning as the email subject.
Inquiries should be sent to avuhr@avu.org
The successful candidate will be based at the AVU Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.
The closing date for this application is 21st October 2013 at 18:00 East African Time (UTC/GMT + 3)
Note: ONLY shortlisted candidates will be contacted
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TERMS OF REFERENCE
1.0. INTRODUCTION
The African Virtual University (AVU) www.avu.org is a Pan African Intergovernmental Organization established by charter with the mandate of significantly increasing access to quality higher education and training through the innovative use of information communication technologies. A Charter, establishing the AVU as an Intergovernmental Organization, has been signed so far by seventeen (17) African Governments - Kenya, Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Cote d'Ivoire, Tanzania, Mozambique, Democratic Republic of Congo, Benin, Ghana, Republic of Guinea, Burkina Faso, Niger, South Sudan, Sudan, The Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau. The AVU has its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya and a Regional office in Dakar Senegal with Host-Country Agreements and Diplomatic Status with the two governments.
The African Virtual University (AVU) www.avu.org is a Pan African Intergovernmental Organization established by charter with the mandate of significantly increasing access to quality higher education and training through the innovative use of information communication technologies. A Charter, establishing the AVU as an Intergovernmental Organization, has been signed so far by seventeen (17) African Governments - Kenya, Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Cote d'Ivoire, Tanzania, Mozambique, Democratic Republic of Congo, Benin, Ghana, Republic of Guinea, Burkina Faso, Niger, South Sudan, Sudan, The Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau. The AVU has its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya and a Regional office in Dakar Senegal with Host-Country Agreements and Diplomatic Status with the two governments.
The African Development Bank is funding a Multinational Project to strengthen the capacity of the AVU and a network of 27 institutions to deliver and manage quality ICT integrated education and training opportunities in 21 African countries. The project has the following activities: (1) Establishment of new Open Distance and eLearning (ODeL) Centres and/or upgrading of existing AVU Learning Centres as well as Internet connectivity provision at AVU Partner Institutions; (2) Development or improvement and delivery of four ICT integrated Programs: AVU Capacity Enhancement Program (ACEP); Teacher Education, Computer Science, and Peace and Conflict Resolution; (3) Gender Mainstreaming (4) Research and Development; (5) Promotion and development of Open Education Resources (OERs); and (6) Enhancement of AVU Capacity .
The AVU Multinational Project II will be implemented in 27 AVU Partner Institutions in the following 21 countries: nine (9) Francophone African Countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal; four (3) Lusophone African Countries: Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau and Mozambique; and nine (9) Anglophone African Countries: Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, and Tanzania.
Intended Outcomes of the AVU Capacity Enhancement Program (ACEP) for Open, Distance and eLearning (ODeL):
- Faculty participants will understand ODeL programs from design to delivery.
- Participants will work effectively in multidisciplinary teams on issues related to ODeL program development, delivery and management.
- Participants will be able to develop ODeL projects integrated within their respective culture and institutional context. Each team of ACEP participants will develop a project plan that progressively integrates aspects of the three streams (Instructional comprehensive design,
- Technology and Management) to stimulate innovation in ODeL at their institution.
- Participants will participate in a community of practice focused on institutional innovation through the respective roles and responsibilities of specialists trained in one of three streams: Instructional Design, Technology and Management of ODeL
At this time, AVU is seeking a consultant to help revise and deliver the AVU Capacity Enhancement Program (ACEP) modules on Institutional Project Planning for Open and Distance eLearning (ODeL). This work will be performed in consultation with the AVU Instructional Design staff.
2.0. SCOPE OF WORK
A. REVISE THE CONTENT ON INSTITUTIONAL PROJECT PLANNING
The consultant will work with AVU instructional designers and other personnel to revise or re-write the existing modules on development of an institutional project plan to promote for delivery in blended or distance mode. The consultant will also develop the groundwork for a sustainable community of practice among ACEP participants to help guide the development of institutional projects. This will involve regular online sessions to help institutional teams work through the project development process, and to cross-incubate their plans for promotion of OdeL at their institution.
B. DEVELOP A SET OF USEFUL RESOURCES FOR INSTITUTIONAL PLANNING OF ODEL
The overriding objectives of the modules are that the participants acquire immediate functional skills in how to plan, implement and sustainable ODeL innovation at their institution. It is expected that the consultant will, as part of the design, develop toolkits, manuals and other job aids that will guide the participants from each AVU Partner Institution to complete this task. The plan will integrate aspects of instructional design, technology and management, and encouraging participants to liaise regularly with the administrators at the institutional level.
Where software forms part of these resources, the consultant should demonstrate a strong bias towards open source software and standard desktop software. Although the AVU uses Moodle, the modules should be designed to be portable to a variety of learning management systems.
Where software forms part of these resources, the consultant should demonstrate a strong bias towards open source software and standard desktop software. Although the AVU uses Moodle, the modules should be designed to be portable to a variety of learning management systems.
C. FACILITATE THE DELIVERY OF THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM STREAM IN INSTITUTIONAL PLANNING FOR ODEL
i. ONLINE DELIVERYIt is expected that the consultant will, according to AVU program of actions, develop a series of exercises based on ODeL management that the participants will be working on during the period when they are undertaking the Professional Development Program. The AVU anticipates that these exercises will be designed around participants meeting periodically at their institutions and completing tasks that will cumulate in the preparation and presentation of a comprehensive business plan for promoting ODeL within their institution.ii. WORKSHOPSSubject to schedule and availability, the consultant may assist AVU staff on the design and implementation of an opening workshop to will provide a general overview of the theme area;
The consultant will facilitate the presentation of institutional projects at a closing workshop. This workshop will also provide an opportunity for remediation and or exploration of areas identified by the participants and staff during the delivery of the PDP program.
3.0. EXPECTED DELIVERABLES
- Curriculum outline for Institutional Innovation Project Planning
- Module on Institutional Innovation Process
- Resource "toolkit" for developing an Institutional Project Plan including a template for a project plan and a rubric for evaluation of the plan and its presentation
- Animation of a series of online seminars on Institutional Innovation and Planning for Institutional Innovation
- Lead a peer consultation process for institutional teams developing plans
- Facilitation of a closing workshop in which the teams will present their plans to the other projects
- A final report on the activities and deliverables, and their success in meeting the goals of ACEP.
4.0. QUALIFICATIONS
Essential
- Experience in strategic innovation planning at the institutional level
- Experience in developing and delivery faculty development workshops Experience in the management and operations of online education programs in higher education
- At least a Masters degree in Education or Information Technology or Management. Preference will be given to candidates with a Masters or Doctorate having significant experience implementing distance delivery policy and operations
- Fluency in spoken and written English language. Preference will be given to candidates with additional working knowledge of French or Portuguese
- Working knowledge of ODeL Instructional Technologies including LMS (Moodle), Wiki, and conferencing systems
- High level of computer literacy (e.g. fully conversant with MS office, excel, and information systems for financial management
- Other Skills:
- Creativity
- Analytical skills
- Organization / team work
- Communication skills
- Enthusiasm
Highly desirable
- Experience in institutional governance, policy development and administration
- Development of successful proposals for fundraising or partnerships
- Leadership skills preferably in a community of practice of national or international scope
- Project management skills including program evaluation
- Online/ODeL Teaching/facilitation skills
- Interpersonal skills
Desirable
- Knowledge of Open Source Software
- Awareness of Open Education Resources and Creative Commons Licensing
5.0. MODALITIES OF WORK
The consultant will work at a time and place mutually agreed upon with the AVU
6.0 DURATION
Will vary depending on the scope of work
Will vary depending on the scope of work
7.0. REPORTING
The officer will work under the supervision of the Manager, Educational Technology and Learning Resources or such other person as the AVU may designate from time to time in writing.
The officer will work under the supervision of the Manager, Educational Technology and Learning Resources or such other person as the AVU may designate from time to time in writing.
8.0. PAYMENT
The salary will be commensurate with the qualification and experience of the successful candidate
The salary will be commensurate with the qualification and experience of the successful candidate
Consultant – Institutional Innovation Planning
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