Terms of Reference for a consultant to develop of economic cost-benefit analysis relating to the transformation of the 2 special schools in Tuzla into Resource Centers

“Terms of Reference for a consultant to develop of economic cost-benefit analysis relating to the transformation of the 2 special schools in Tuzla into Resource Centres”

1.     Introduction

Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In the North-West Balkans and around the world, we work every day to give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. When crisis strikes and children are most vulnerable, we are always among the first to respond and the last to leave. We ensure children’s unique needs are met and their voices are heard.  We deliver lasting results for millions of children, including those hardest to reach. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.

2.     Background and Rationale

Children with disabilities[1] and their families are one of the most marginalised and excluded groups, often experiencing discrimination and violation of their rights guaranteed under the Convention on the Rights of the Child and Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the medical approach to children with disabilities is still omnipresent, which focuses on the defects of the child rather than their potentials and environmental barriers, as well as the complementary charity approach which focuses on the provision of social welfare as the only means of community support. Children with disabilities often experience discrimination and social exclusion in every aspect of their lives, including negative beliefs, lack of knowledge, and discriminatory behaviour of others.

Although data on the number of children with disabilities is scarce, it is estimated that there are over 70,000 children who have some disability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Over 7,500 of them live in Tuzla Canton[2].

The project: Inclusive4All - Inclusive education for all children in Bosnia and Herzegovina, code: AID 011522, funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), started on May 1st 2018. The project aims to enable children with disabilities to develop their potentials and fully enjoy their right to education and social inclusion.

Specifically, the project aims to reach the following three main results:

1.      Children with disabilities and their families have access to several diverse support services in Tuzla Canton;

2.      Tuzla Canton authorities are strengthened and supported in the review and adoption of the local strategy for the inclusion of children with disabilities in the regular education system;

3.      The population and civil society organisations of Tuzla Canton understand and support the bio-psycho-social model of educational and social inclusion of children with disabilities.

Concerning the second result, the main objective of the consultancy is to develop an economic cost-benefit analysis to examines whether the transformation of the 2 special schools in resource centres is economically viable and sustainable. The transformation process involves comprehensive reorganisation of the existing system over an extended period, and the analysis has to provide an overview of the costs behind the transformation.

Therefore, SC invites requests for proposal from various experienced individual consultants and/or agencies to develop an economic cost-benefit analysis of the transformation process.

3.     Objective

The expert is expected to develop and finalise an economic cost-benefit analysis by analysing legal, financial, and context-related aspects and will consider the best interest of children and their families. The study aims to lay solid facts and foundations for the implementation of the transformation process in an environment that is known for being complex and sensitive.

·        General responsibility for the activities related to the development of economic cost-benefit analysis;

·        Collect documentation and information to define the economic cost-benefit analysis.

·        Draw up an analysis of the possible costs relating to the transformation of the 2 Institutes into Centres for Development of Inclusive Practice (CDIPs), indicating both the critical issues and the benefits of this choice.

    4.    Expected outputs:

The expert consultant is expected to provide the following:

·        Conduct an economic cost-benefit analysis;

·        Submit final analysis in Bosnian and a brief report in English.

5.  Timeframe and methodology

In order to complete the above-specified task, the consultant will be engaged from May 26^th 2021 to June 25^th 2021.

The consultant will develop and implement the work plan in consultations and the support of SCINWB designated staff, in line with the proposed timeframe below.

*Timeframe can be changed in consultations with SCINWB.

The final deliverables should be the following:

·        Economic cost-benefit analysis;

·        A brief report in English.

   6. Funding and logistical support and organisations

Funding will be provided by Save the Children in North West Balkans to cover the consulting fees and materials costs. The consultant is responsible for the development of the cost-benefit analysis.

   7.Qualifications and Specialised Knowledge/Experience Required  

A consultant engaged in performing the task should possess the following expertise and skills as a minimum:

·        Qualified skills and competencies in the area of in economics, finance, public administration;

• Know inclusion values and principles;
• Know the educational system in the Tuzla Canton and BiH;
• Exceptional organisation, ability to plan, realise and monitor work progress;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

   8. Formal Expression of Interest for Consultancy

The interestedconsultantshoulddevelopandsubmitthefinancialproposaltorespondto the above mentionedspecifictasks.Theproposalshouldinclude:

1.      Submission of the Bidders response document with a specified budget breakdown (Annex 1);

2.      Letter of interest with confirmation of the availability for the proposed dates and work dynamics;

3.      Curriculum Vitae (CV) in SCI template (Annex 2);

4.      References from similar projects (Annex 3).

The interested applicants should submit their proposals on Procurement.NWB@savethechildren.org no later than May 24^th 2021, 12:00 h. Only the shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Evaluation Criteria

Please find necessery documentation for application: https://drive.google.com/file/d/102Y5gTnTFzsE6NmMR0M1xc-7j4npWvEb/view?u...

Particular requirement: no person is performing any task on behalf of Save the Children may, in any way, be involved in or connected with abuse or exploitation of children.