Call for Capacity Building on recognition of Prior Learning in ABET

1. Background

DVV International is the Institute for adult education and international cooperation of the Deutsche Volkshochschul-Verband, the German association of adult education in Germany. DVV International has committed itself to supporting lifelong learning for more than 50 years and it provides worldwide support for the establishment of sustainable Adult Learning and Education (ALE) systems.

In the East Africa, DVV International has been working for more than 25 years and is currently operating in Uganda and Tanzania with its Regional Office in Dar es Salaam. In both countries DVV International supports the implementation of national non-formal adult education and skills development programmes like the Integrated Community Learning for Wealth (ICOLEW) Programme in Uganda and the Integrated Community Based Adult Education (ICBAE) Programme in Tanzania aiming to enhance ALE service delivery for youth and adult learners.

In alignment with the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA) 2016-2025, it is mandated that countries develop and implement national qualifications frameworks (NQF). These frameworks should promote and enhance mobility across the continent. It is to ensure that the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) of competences acquired through the non-formal learning pathway is embedded.

DVV International is committed to supporting its partners in the East Africa region in the development and implementation of NQFs to ensure that they take full account of ALE. In this frame, DVV International is supporting the implementation of RPL in Adult Basic Education and Training. In Uganda and Tanzania, DVV International works in close cooperation with the governments to implement targeted integrated ALE programmes (ICBAE and ICOLEW) under ABET. For graduates of these programmes, RPL offers an opportunity that their skills to be officially recognized and provide a pathway into formal (vocational) education and employment. Under ABET the ICBAE programme is implemented.

DVV International conducted a cross-country assessment that was followed by a regional conference on RPL in Uganda in December 2024 with participation of high-level officials from the Ministries responsible for adult education, academia and civil society organisations from Uganda and Tanzania. Key objective of the conference was to develop understanding of the RPL frameworks, processes and methodologies and to learn from case studies in South Africa and Austria.

In 2025, DVV International organised a three-day study trip for a delegation of about 15 representatives from ministries and national institutions in Uganda and Tanzania to Johannesburg, South Africa, so that they can learn from key stakeholders in RPL more about the methods and practical implementation of RPL in the context of ALE. 2

In 2026, DVV International Tanzania supported the establishment of a national technical working group on RPL with six members (MoEST/TVET, NACTVET, IAE, MoEST/Basic Education and occasional members from VETA, other donors, etc). As part of the secretariat of this technical working group, DVV International is facilitating the process of development of RPL guidelines in ABET including the development of an assessment framework and tools for ABET level 1-3 accreditation. In Uganda, DVV International works closely together with the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development to develop a sub framework for Adult Learning and Community Education (ALCE) to be included in the NQF. This is to support the Inter-ministerial Steering Committee currently charged with developing the NQF. The Framework for recognition of learning attained through non-formal means specifically under the Integrated Community Learning for Wealth Creation (ICOLEW) Programme shall provide accreditation and pathways into the NQF.

Rational

As DVV International prepares to commence the development of the national RPL guidelines for ABET in Tanzania and the ALCE sub framework in Uganda, we have identified the need to further capacitate key stakeholders in both countries through targeted and expert-led sessions on dimensions of RPL drawing on South Africa's expertise. Therefore, we are seeking for an expert in RPL from South Africa who can provide necessary knowledge and skills that capacitate the intended target group to guide the development and implementation of a context-appropriate RPL framework for Tanzania and Uganda.

DVV International is planning to conduct a two to three-day workshop with capacity-building covering the following areas:

• Understanding the key components and requirements for RPL guidelines;
• Understanding and enhancing skills on establishing assessment framework including the definition of assessment standards and tools within the ABET context;
• Understanding and enhancing knowledge and skills about RPL methods, processes and tools applied in the setting of ABET
• Defining core competencies required of RPL practitioners / assessors / facilitators and mentors;
• Knowing the requirements for the establishment of an accreditation system for RPL in ABET and the articulation pathways from ABET to the formal vocational education and training system and secondary education.
• Knowing the strategic areas of collaboration with TVET institutions and other relevant stakeholders;
• the ability to apply what has been learnt and adapt it to one’s own context

3. Objective of the assignment

DVV International is seeking to engage an expert from South Africa to lead a two- to three-day workshop and provide technical input on the areas mentioned above. It is expected that the workshop will enable participants to apply their newly acquired knowledge, skills and competences in the field of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to develop RPL guidelines that meet the needs of their respective countries.

4. Methodological, tasks and deliverables

The expert is expected to support the preparation, facilitation and documentation of the workshop in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The following tasks are expected:

• Briefing with DVV International to clarify on the assignment and expected deliverables;
• Preparing and submitting an inception report including draft workshop programme and methodology by meeting the thematic areas as indicated under point 2) of the ToRs. The inception report has to be submitted to DVV International for comments.
• Identify, select and compile relevant materials, documents, input to be shared with the participants before, during and after the workshop including recommendation for contextualisation;
• Finalise the workshop programme including the preparation of workshop materials and tools as per the agreed programme;
• Facilitate and provide input as per agreed workshop programme.
• Develop and submit the workshop report.

The following deliverables are expected:

• 15th May 2026: Inception report including draft workshop programme
• 7th June 2026: Final workshop programme including shared folder with relevant materials, documents, etc
• 16th to 18th June 2026: Technical input and facilitation of a three days workshop
• 30th June 2026: Submission of final workshop report

5. Timeframe for the consultancy

The activity is expected to start from 10th May until 30th June 2026 with up to 12 working days.

6. Responsible person at DVV International

The Regional Director for East/Horn of Africa, Frauke Heinze: fheinze@dvv-international.co.tz

The Country Project Coordinator, Matteo Mwita: mmwita@dvv-international.co.tz

7. Qualifications of the applicant(s) and Quality Standards

The expert should have the following eligibility criteria:

1. A university degree or Master in the field in Education/ Adult Education

2. In-depth knowledge of RPL system and stakeholders in South Africa and network to relevant institutions. 3. Intensive experience and skills in developing, implementing assessment frameworks, tools and methods as well as accreditation systems

4. Competences in facilitating workshops and providing capacity development measures with defined learning outcomes

5. Proven experience in similar assignements

6. Strong analytical cultural sensitive skills

7. Excellent written English language skills.

The application package to be submitted until 7th May 2026 and should include the following documents:

Technical proposal covering the following aspects (maximum of 5 pages): 4

Show understanding of the task and the planned workshop
Work plan including steps and time of the implementation and timeline
Budget
CV

Download the full ToR

Call for Situational Analysis on existing national, regional, and district level ANFE Coordination Structures in Tanzania

Project title: Adult Education System Strengthening in Tanzania

Scope / Sub-projects: Tanzania

Date of publication: 17th April 2026

Application deadline: 3rd May 2026

Introduction

DVV International invites qualified consultants or consultancy teams to conduct a comprehensive situational analysis of existing national, regional, and district-level Adult and Non-Formal Education (ANFE) coordination structures across Tanzania.

Background of the Assignment

Adult and Non-Formal Education (ANFE) plays a central role in promoting lifelong learning, inclusive education, literacy development, skills acquisition, and community empowerment in Tanzania.

Since the 1970s, Tanzania has established an elaborate nationwide structure for the administration of adult education, encompassing national, regional, district, divisional, and ward levels. However, these coordination structures have weakened significantly over time, and their current status, functions, mandates, and linkages are insufficiently documented.

DVV International, under the Adult Education System Strengthening in Tanzania project, seeks to commission this situational analysis to generate evidence that will inform efforts to strengthen coordination, clarify institutional mandates, and improve inter-sectoral collaboration.

What the Study Will Cover

The study will be undertaken in Dar es Salaam and Coast (Bagamoyo) regions, covering two districts per region, examining coordination structures across three levels of government.

Map Existing Structures
- Identify and document ANFE coordination structures at national, regional, and district levels — formal and informal mechanisms.
Assess Mandates & Functionality
- Examine the composition, mandates, and effectiveness of existing structures and whether they operate as intended.
Analyse Stakeholder Roles
- Map the roles of MoEST, PO-RALG, Regional Secretariats, LGAs, IAE, FDCs, civil society, and development partners in ANFE coordination.
Identify Gaps & Opportunities
- Surface overlaps, weak linkages, capacity constraints, and unmet opportunities for strengthening ANFE coordination across levels.
Examine Historical Alignment
- Assess how much current structures reflect or depart from the historical adult education committee model and ANFEDP intentions.
Provide Practical Recommendations
- Generate evidence-based recommendations for revitalising or establishing effective ANFE coordination mechanisms at all levels.

Methodological Framework

The consultant is expected to propose an appropriate methodology ensuring triangulation of evidence. The approach should combine desk review with primary data collection.

Review of relevant policies, plans, strategies, guidelines, reports, and historical records on ANFE
Key informant interviews with stakeholders at national, regional, and district levels
Limited consultations with selected local government and implementation actors
Mapping and analysis of coordination structures, reporting lines, mandates, and institutional linkages

Expected Deliverables

Inception Report
- Methodology, work plan, and data tools
Debriefing Session
- Preliminary findings presented
Draft Report
- Full draft for DVV review
Final Report
- Incorporating all comments

Consultant Qualifications

Applications are open to individual consultants and consultancy teams meeting the following minimum requirements.

At least 5 years of professional experience in Adult and Non-Formal Education, education systems, governance, or institutional analysis
Proven experience conducting assessments, reviews, mapping studies, or situational analyses
Sound knowledge of ANFE systems, policies, and institutional arrangements in Tanzania
Strong understanding of government coordination mechanisms, decentralised governance, and stakeholder engagement
Excellent analytical, facilitation, and report writing skills
Fluency in English and Swahili, both written and spoken

Ready to Apply?

Download the full Terms of Reference for complete details on scope, methodology, guiding questions, and contractual conditions.

Terms of Reference

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

a) CV(s) of the person(s) involved in the assignment;

b) a technical proposal, preferably not exceeding 5 pages, covering:

understanding of the assignment;
proposed methodology;
work plan and implementation steps;
relevant experience in similar assignments;

c) a financial proposal with a breakdown of all expected costs.

Applications should be submitted by 3rd May 2026 to Matteo Mwita mmwita@dvv-international.co.tz

Late submissions will not be accepted.