REFAC, the Rwanda Education for All Coalition, is a coalition of civil society organizations in Rwanda that works to promote quality basic education for all. The organization advocates for education rights, engages in policy advocacy through research and workshops, and brings together NGOs, media, researchers, and activists to address challenges in the education sector.

Website: https://www.refac.rw/index.html

TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR): Consultant to Conduct a Rapid Assessment of Inclusive Education Models in Rwanda

1. Background

The Rwanda Education for All Coalition (REFAC), under the FCDO–Trócaire supported Twiyubakire Imiyoborere y’Uburezi Programme, seeks to strengthen local education governance, accountability, and inclusivity. The programme aligns with Rwanda’s Education Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP 2024–2029), National Strategy for Transformation 2 (NST2), and the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA 2026–2035). To inform inclusive education policy and programming, REFAC seeks to hire a consultant to conduct a rapid assessment of the effectiveness of inclusive education models established by the Government of Rwanda in Bugesera, Kamonyi, and Rusizi Districts. The assessment will generate evidence to guide programming, policy advocacy, and integration of community-driven data into District Education Plans (DEPs).

The Government of Rwanda has made significant efforts to promote inclusive education, ensuring that all children including those with disabilities and other learning barriers have equitable access to quality education. Several inclusive education models have been established and operationalized across the country to support this goal.

To strengthen implementation and inform future interventions, REFAC Under the project “Strengthening Local Education Governance and CSO Participation for Enhanced Service Delivery”, funded by FCDO through Trocaire, seeks to hire a facilitator to conduct a rapid assessment of the effectiveness of these inclusive education models in the districts of programme implementation namely Bugesera, (Eastern province), Kamonyi (Southern Province) and Rusizi (Western province). This assessment will generate practical insights on the current status, successes, challenges, and barriers to learning within these models.

2. Purpose of the Assignment

The overall objective of this assessment is to evaluate the implementation of the existing inclusive education models established by the Government of Rwanda in the three selected districts, identify barriers that hinder full inclusion and learning outcomes for all learners, particularly girls and learners with disabilities, and provide evidence to inform the improvement of inclusive education at decentralized and central levels.

3 . Specific Objectives

The assessment seeks to:

  1. Establish the level of the implementation of the inclusive education in regards to the national standards in Bugesera, Kamonyi, and Rusizi districts, highlighting good practices, gaps, challenges and barriers.
  2. Identify challenges faced by learners with disabilities, girls and other vulnerable children and youth in accessing quality education in target districts. 3. Learn about community perceptions and engagement in inclusive education delivery
  3. Document best practices and lessons learned from model implementation.
  4. Provide evidence-based recommendations for strengthening inclusive education programming and policy implementation.

4. Scope of Work

The consultant will undertake the following activities:

    • Conduct desk review of relevant policies and frameworks (ESSP 2024–2029, NST2, CESA 2026–2035) and guidelines related to inclusive education in Rwanda.
    • Undertake fieldwork across the three districts, engaging key stakeholders including district education officers, school leaders, teachers, learners, parents, and community education workers (Imboni z’Uburezi Budaheza) on evidence generation.
    • Assess schools against standards for inclusive education: infrastructure, teaching practices, availability of learning materials, and teacher capacity to support diverse learners.
    • Analyze data and synthesize findings into a concise assessment report.
    • Produce a short brief paper to be used for advocacy

5. Methodology

The assessment will adopt a mixed-methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques to generate actionable evidence:

  • Desk Review: Analysis of existing documents and data on inclusive education implementation.
  • Key Informant Interviews (KIIs): With district officials, school heads, teachers, and NGOs working in inclusive education.
  • Focus Group Discussions (FGDs): With parents, learners, and community representatives.
  • Observation: Of classroom practices and school environments.
  • Data Analysis: Using thematic and descriptive analysis to identify patterns, gaps, and lessons learned.

6. Expected Deliverables

The facilitator/assessment team will deliver:

  1. Inception report with detailed methodology, tools, work plan and ethical considerations.
  2. Validated data collection tools (Survey, FGD, KII and observation checklist)
  3. Draft Assessment Report: summarizing district level findings, analysis, and preliminary recommendations.
  4. Paper brief for advocacy
  5. Facilitation of stakeholder validation workshop and report on feedback integration.
  6. Final Assessment Report incorporating recommendations and a 2– 4-page Rapid Evidence Brief for advocacy use.

7. Duration of the Assignment

The assignment is expected to last 30 days, including preparation, delivery, and report writing.

  • Phase 1: Inception and tool development3 days
  • Phase 2: Desk review 3 days
  • Phase 3: Field work and data collection 10 days
  • Phase 4: Data analysis and draft reporting7 days
  • Phase 5: Validation and final reporting. 3 days

8. Required Qualifications and Experience

The Consultant should possess the following qualifications:

  • Advanced degree in Education, Inclusive Education, Special Needs Education, or related field.Proven experience (at least 5 years) in education policy analysis, research, monitoring and evaluation..
  • Familiarity with Rwanda’s education policy frameworks and inclusive education standards.
  • Proven experience applying rapid evidence generation methodologies and participatory research tools.
  • Excellent analytical, report writing, and communication skills.
  • Fluency in English and Kinyarwanda

9. Reporting and Supervision

The Consultant will work under the overall supervision and guidance of the REFAC National Coordinator with close collaboration with the TWIYUBAKIRE IMIYOBORERE Y’UBUREZI Project Manager to ensure quality delivery and documentation of results.

10. Logistics and Payment

The organization will cover logistical expenses related to venue, training materials, and participant refreshments. Payment for a facilitator will be made in three installments:30% upon approval of the inception report, 40% upon submission of the draft report and 30% upon submission and acceptance of the final report.

11. Ethical Considerations

The assessment will adhere to ethical standards, including confidentiality, informed consent, and protection of participants especially children and persons with disabilities.

12. Application Process

Interested candidates should submit:

  • A technical proposal outlining their understanding of the assignment and methodology.
  • A financial proposal detailing total cost.
  • A CV highlighting relevant experience.
  • Samples of previous similar assessment will be an added advantage.

13. Submission Detail

Interested candidates/firms are required to submit a well-sealed envelope of the technical and financial proposals addressed to the National Coordinator should be dropped at REFAC’s offices located at Remera KG 175, ST 44, near Polyfam Clinic not later than 19th November 2025 or email at: info@refac.rw  and copy at rukabu@gmail.com. Or contact Tel: 0785486251.