Terms of Reference (ToR) for CONSULTANCY TO CONDUCT A TRAINING NEEDS ASSESSMENT, COMPETENCY GAP ANALYSIS AND CURRICULUM MAPPING FOR PURE TECHNOLOGIES IN SELECTED REGIONS AND ADDIS ABABA

Purpose of the Assignment

General Objective

To assess training needs and competency gaps among key stakeholders involved in the adoption, operation, maintenance and productive use of PURE technologies, and to examine the extent to which existing curricula and training programmes address the required competencies in Ethiopia’s horticultural sector.

Specific Objectives

• Identify the knowledge, practical skills, and work-related competencies required by different target groups to use, operate, maintain, and support PURE technologies effectively.
• Assess the current competency levels of selected target groups against the identified competency requirements.
• Determine and prioritise gaps between required and current competencies.
• Compare training needs across farmers, agricultural extension workers, TVET students and graduates, instructors, technicians, service providers and other relevant actors.
• Review and map existing curricula, occupational standards available, training modules, teaching and learning materials, and relevant training programmes offered by MoLS, MoA, MoWE, and ATVET institutions.
• Determine the extent to which existing training programmes cover the technical, practical, operational, maintenance, and relevant business competencies associated with PURE technologies.
• Identify competencies that are missing, partially covered, outdated, or inadequately addressed through practical learning and assessment.
• Examine how identified competency gaps relate to service-provider capacity and market-related training needs affecting adoption and productive use of PURE technologies.

Provide evidence-based recommendations on priority training needs and existing curriculum coverage gaps.

Educational Background

An advanced degree in renewable energy, energy engineering, agricultural engineering, agricultural education, TVET, horticulture, agricultural development, education, curriculum studies, research methods or another relevant discipline.

Demonstrated Experience and Competencies

• Demonstrated experience conducting training needs assessments, competency assessments or skills gap analyses.
• Experience reviewing and mapping curricula, occupational standards, competency standards or training materials.
• Knowledge of renewable energy applications in agriculture and horticulture and familiarity with one or more of the PURE technologies covered by the assignment.
• Experience working with TVET institutions, agricultural extension systems, government institutions or private-sector service providers.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative research and data analysis skills.
• Experience preparing evidence-based technical reports, assessment matrices and clear recommendations.
• Knowledge of the Ethiopian institutional and training context; experience in the project’s target regions is an advantage.

Ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders and comply with ethical research standards