Scoping Study on Early Childhood Development

Scoping Study on Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Education in the BARMM Consultant

Philippines

BRAC Philippines is seeking a qualitative research and learning partner to undertake a scoping study on Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Education in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The study will generate evidence and insights to inform programme design, strategic positioning, and partnership building for BRAC Philippines and its stakeholders. This is a consultative engagement to map the current landscape, identify gaps, and provide evidence-informed recommendations for scale-up over the next three years.

Overview

Organization: BRAC

Location: BARMM/Philippines (BARMM focus with activities in BARMM and broader Philippine context)

Post date: 12 Sep 2025; Closing date: 20 Sep 2025

Call for Expression of Interest (EOI) link:

Objectives of the Assignment

• Map the current ECD and education landscape in the Philippines with a focus on BARMM, collecting quantitative data (growth rates, enrollment, immunisation) and qualitative data (perceptions, cultural practices, barriers).
• Assess alignment with government frameworks and identify integration opportunities (DepEd, ECCD Council, DSWD, MSSD, MBHTE).
• Review BRAC Philippines interventions across 0–3, 3–6, and 6–10 age groups to identify strengths, gaps, and scalability potential.
• Map and assess integration of health, nutrition, WASH and disability inclusion services to leverage BRAC’s ECD and Education interventions.
• Identify key stakeholders, partnerships, and donors relevant to scaling ECD and education interventions.
• Provide recommendations for programme design, resource mobilisation, and evidence-building to strengthen BRAC’s positioning in the Philippines.

Scope of Work

The Consultant will:

• Conduct a desk review of literature, national policy documents, donor priorities, and global evidence on ECD and education; map services, gaps, and opportunities for each age group.
• 0–3: Responsive parenting and wellbeing (MHPSS, nutrition, health, SEND inclusion).
• 3–6: Play-based ECD, caregiver engagement, educator capacity building, inclusion of children with SEND.
• 6–10: Transition readiness, child protection, inclusive pedagogy, and safe learning environments.
• Document government priorities and system linkages, focusing on integration with child development workers, health workers, and local government programs.
• Collect both quantitative and qualitative data; engage with key informants and stakeholders to validate findings.
• Develop a comprehensive scoping report with actionable recommendations, including an indicative 3-year budget framework.

Deliverables

• Inception Report & Partner Onboarding
• Stakeholder Mapping & Interim Findings
• Draft Scoping Report
• Final Scoping Report
• Presentation of Findings

Duration and Location

• Duration: 30–40 working days over a 3-month period (October – December 2025).
• Location: Primarily BARMM.

Payment Schedule

Consultancy fees shall be paid on a monthly basis, contingent upon the issuance of a Certificate of Completion by the Country Lead and the submission of deliverables with valid invoices. No additional benefits or per diem allowances will be paid by BRAC. Travel and accommodation for in-person sessions outside the designated duty station will be covered in accordance with BRAC policies.

• 20% upon submission and acceptance of the Inception Report.
• 20% upon submission and acceptance of the Stakeholder Mapping & Interim Findings report and presentation.
• 30% upon submission and acceptance of the Draft Scoping Report.
• 30% upon submission and acceptance of the Final Scoping Report and formal presentation of findings.

All deliverables must meet BRAC’s quality standards and be formally approved before payments are released.

Consultant Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Education, Early Childhood Development, Social Sciences, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in ECD, education policy, programme design, or research in LMICs; Southeast Asia experience preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in qualitative and mixed-methods research.
• Familiarity with Philippine education and child protection systems, including BARMM governance.
• Strong track record in producing reports and actionable recommendations for INGOs or donors.
• Excellent facilitation, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

The qualifications can be fulfilled collectively by a team; individual members may not meet all qualifications but the team as a whole should have the necessary expertise.

How to Apply

Submit a single compressed PDF including:

• Short background and rationale for fit, with contact details for two professional references.
• Financial proposal (breakdown of consultancy fees and expenses).
• Brief 2-page CV(s) of consultant(s) highlighting relevant experience.
• Sample of similar work (at least two reports) with study protocols, consent forms, and data collection instruments.

Applications should be submitted to with the subject line: Consultancy – Scoping Study on ECD and Education, BRAC Philippines.

For more information, contact (09:00 – 16:00 PST, Monday to Friday).

Deadline for Expressions of Interest: September 20, 2025 at 1700 Philippines Standard Time.

Country: Philippines | City: BARMM | Type: Consultancy | Career category: Logistics/Procurement | Years of experience: 5-9 years

Note: This posting may include standard outreach and social sharing prompts and related job listings from ReliefWeb; these items do not affect the scope of the consultancy.

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