2.Programme Duration:

The programme will run until June 2027.

3.OBJECTIVE

The objective of this procurement is to identify a qualified research partner to deliver rigorous research that is demand-driven by SEP II programming and MERL as needed. SEP II is seeking a research partner that can work both in Northwest Syria (mainly Idleb and Aleppo city) and nationally across Syria, with a proven ability to manage research in a complex and fluid political and operational context. The research partner will be contracted via a Vendor Framework Agreement for a duration of 2 years, with draw down Purchase Orders (PO) for specific research activities. Each draw-down PO is expected to be no more than £15,000 and will detail the specific research question, scope, deliverables, and timeline.

4.SCOPE OF WORK

SEP II is requesting a detailed application to provide research services to the SEP II Programme. The research scope for each PO will be demand-driven by programme needs such as to inform engagement with the MoE across Syria, assessments ahead of pilots, data collection for MEL, research for log frame indicators.

The research is likely to be conducted in Northwest Syria but will also be conducted nationally.

The research partner will be responsible for conducting high-quality research activities that support the evidence, learning, and influencing agenda of SEP II. Specific scopes of work under each PO will vary but may include:

• Formative or summative assessments of education interventions.
• Baseline, midline, and endline data collection for MEL purposes.
• Qualitative or quantitative research to inform engagement with the Ministry of Education and regional Education Directorates.
• Rapid assessments to inform pilot designs or policy shifts.
• Research contributing to logframe indicator measurements.
• Thematic studies related to inclusive education, GEDSI, teacher effectiveness, learning outcomes, education financing, or system strengthening.

Indicative themes may include (but are not limited to):

• Inclusive education for CwD and other vulnerable and marginalized students.
• Teacher professional development and performance.
• Student learning outcomes and learning loss post-conflict.
• Education governance and decentralization.
• Gender and disability dynamics in education access.
• Resilience and sustainability of education services.

The successful research partner will work in coordination with the SEP II MEL and Programme teams, and will be required to engage with local education actors, civil society organizations, and government representatives, where appropriate.

5.METHODOLOGY

To achieve the objective stated above, the Applicant will be expected to develop a research implementation plan that can answer the research topics listed indicatively above. The Applicant should indicate, in preliminary terms, the mix of methods and other sources to be used to deliver the research. After selected, successful applicant should propose a robust and adaptable research methodology framework. Proposals must describe:

• The proposed methodological approach(es), including quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods.
• A sampling strategy relevant to the potential target population(s).
• Data collection methods and instruments.
• Ethical considerations, including informed consent, child protection and safeguarding.
• Measures for data quality assurance.
• Risk mitigation and security planning.
• Alignment between research and programmatic learning
• Research utilisation strategy to: 1) inform strategic decision making by the programme team; and 2) promote uptake of relevant research by the Government of Syria

Once selected, prior to data collection, the successful Applicant will be expected to submit a concise inception report for discussion with SEP II, drawing on any literature review conducted and providing the rationale and detailed plan for data collection and analysis. The successful Applicant will be responsible for all aspects of the research process including, as appropriate, identification/selection of research subjects and samples, as well as the logistics of setting up interviews, conducting surveys, etc.

6. PERSONNEL

The Applicant must propose a team with the qualifications and experience necessary to deliver high-quality research in fragile, conflict-affected, and education sector contexts. At a minimum, the Applicant must propose and submit CVs for the following core personnel roles:

• Team Leader(s)/Lead Researcher(s) responsible for delivery of all research outputs to a high-quality standard, who will be the primary liaison with Chemonics UK and SEP II teams.
• Education Specialist/Education Researcher. Provides subject matter expertise on education systems, pedagogy, curriculum, and teacher training. Ensures education-related research questions are contextually and technically sound.
• Local Researcher(s)/ Field Research Coordinator responsible for conducting in-person research in Syria.
• Data Analyst. Designs sampling frameworks, ensures robust data management and analysis processes, and supports the development of data collection tools and reporting.
• GEDSI Specialist (Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion), Ensures GEDSI principles are embedded in the research design, tools, data collection, analysis, and reporting. Advises on inclusive methodologies and safeguarding of vulnerable groups.

Applicants must submit CVs for all key personnel and should include the above positions(s) should be included in the Tender (see Volume 2, Section 2 – Submission Procedure for Tenders).

The Applicant may recommend other positions for completion of the research at their discretion. Each PO might utilize some if not all the proposed personnel. In addition to the CVs for the above key personnel, the Applicant may provide up to three additional CVs as part of their application. No more than 10 CVs in total may be provided.

All proposed personnel must have relevant experience, including research in conflict-affected or low-resource contexts, education sector expertise, and familiarity with ethical research practices.

7.DELIVERABLES

The final deliverables for the research will be outlined in the final Vendor Framework Agreement and/or call-down POs.

At minimum, Applicants will be expected to carry out the indicative activities/deliverables listed below. Applicants may suggest additional activities/deliverables.

• Inception Report: Outlining methodology, instruments, sampling, timeline, and risks.
• Data Collection Tools: Including final versions of instruments, interview guides, and other tools.
• Cleaned Datasets: With accompanying codebooks (in English and Arabic). This will include raw surveys, FGD and KIIs transcripts, etc.
• Draft and Final Research Reports: Clearly responding to research questions, using high-quality analysis and clear presentation of findings.
• Presentation / Briefing Materials: For dissemination to SEP II stakeholders, including MoE officials, MEL teams, and donors.
• Learning Brief / Policy Note: For public-facing use where appropriate (subject to SEP II’s communication policy).

Deliverables will be reviewed by Chemonics to assess whether a deliverable should be considered complete.

8.PRICING AND DELIVERABLES SCHEDULE

Chemonics will make (fixed) payments in accordance with the deliverables outlined above or per a schedule of rates as listed in the PO or Framework Agreement, after the successful Applicant’s completion and Chemonics acceptance of the corresponding deliverable as indicated.

Chemonics will pay invoices within thirty (30) calendar days after both a) Chemonics’ approval of the services, and b) Chemonics’ receipt of a valid invoice.

9. DUTY OF CARE

The Vendor will be responsible for their own safety and well-being and Third Parties affected by the Vendor’s activities under any resulting Agreement, including appropriate security arrangements. The Vendor will also be responsible for providing suitable security arrangements for their domestic and business property. The Vendor will be made aware of Chemonics UK Duty of Care policy.

10. DATA OWNERSHIP AND USE

All data collected, generated, or used in connection with any research activities under this Agreement, including raw data, cleaned datasets, transcripts, audio recordings, field notes, analysis files, and final reports, shall be the sole and exclusive property of Chemonics UK on behalf of the Syria Education Programme (SEP II).

The selected Vendor must adhere to the following stipulations:

• Intellectual Property: All outputs, including reports, tools, instruments, and datasets, produced under this engagement shall be deemed intellectual property of Chemonics UK and shall not be used, reproduced, or published by the Vendor or its subcontractors without prior written consent from Chemonics UK.
• Confidentiality: The Vendor shall maintain confidentiality and not disclose or disseminate any data or information to third parties without the express written approval of Chemonics UK.
• Data Sharing and Archiving: Upon completion of each research activity, the Vendor is required to submit the following to SEP II:
• Final cleaned datasets with codebooks
• Analysis scripts or code used for data processing (if applicable)
• Final and draft versions of all deliverables
• Publication Rights: Any intent to publish or present findings externally must be discussed and agreed upon in writing by SEP II in advance. This includes academic publications, conference presentations, or donor briefings outside SEP II’s immediate stakeholders.

11.CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATION

To ensure transparency, fairness, and impartiality in the selection process, all applicants are required to declare any actual, perceived, or potential conflicts of interest in relation to their involvement in the Syria Education Programme II or any other connected entities.