CONSULTANCY SERVICES

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES COMMUNITY COLLEGE (SVGCC)

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Associate Degree Programmes Curriculum Review

Division of Arts, Sciences and General Studies (DASGS)

and the

Division of Technical and Vocational Education (DTVE)**

1. BACKGROUND

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College (SVGCC) invites Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from suitably qualified teams of consultants to undertake a curriculum review of associate degree programmes within the Division of Arts, Sciences and General Studies (DASGS) and the Division of Technical and Vocational Education (DTVE). As the sole provider of publicly funded post-secondary education in the country, SVGCC accepts the responsibility of ensuring that its programmes not only meet the educational and professional needs of its students, but also prepare them to thrive in a competitive, interconnected world.

The review of the associate degree programmes at DASGS and DTVE is therefore not simply an academic exercise, but a vital step towards maintaining and elevating the standard of education in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This strategic work is being undertaken so that SVGCC will truly execute its vision to bring the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines into a “brighter future of opportunities and possibilities” while aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ultimately, the curriculum review is aimed at benefiting students, teaching outcomes, with the corresponding desired labour market relevance. The review will ensure that the programmes remain academically rigorous, industry relevant and socially responsible, and the programme offerings are fit for purpose and reflect the current and anticipated needs of students, industry, and the broader society.

Additionally, the SVGCC is desirous of enhancing its institutional capacity to develop and offer new associate degree programmes to meet the changing dynamics of the world of work and demands of the labour market. This will require the institution to shift from an entrenched traditional academic approach to one that embraces lifelong learning, adaptability and resilience, as well as the mission of “transforming lives for nation building and global impact.”

2. SCOPE OF WORK

2.1. The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College now invites eligible individual consultants (consultants) to indicate their interest in providing consultancy services to support the curriculum review process of the Associate Degree programmes at the Divisions of Arts, Sciences and General Studies (DASGS) and the Division of Technical and Vocational Education (DTVE) of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College.

2.2. The duration of the assignment is expected to be approximately 150 person days over a period of six (6) calendar months.

2.3. The objectives of the consultancy are as follows:

Assess alignment with institutional and national goals:

Evaluate the extent to which Associate Degree programmes offered by DASGS and DTVE are achieving intended outcomes for students and are aligned with broader institutional, national and international objectives as well as the national goals of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Evaluate industry relevance:

Determine the effectiveness and relevance of curricula to meet the needs and demands of industry and workplace.
Review academic progression pathways:

Examine the alignment of curricula with the requirements for matriculation into more advanced academic/non-academic programmes regionally and internationally.
Ensure alignment with strategic priorities:

Evaluate how associate degree programmes reflect strategic institutional, national and international priorities.
Assess academic integrity:

Critically review the structure and content of courses and programmes to ensure academic rigour, coherence, and integrity.
Identify and implement improvements:

Identify areas requiring improvement and adjustments as well as implementing change based on proposed recommendations.
Align with regional and global trends:

Ensure reviewed curricula are responsive to trends and innovations in education and training, and are relevant to institutional, local and global needs.

3. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Interested Consultancy Teams should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the services.

The shortlisting criteria are:

(a) persons and/or firms should be eligible to be proposed for the assignment

(b) persons and/or firms should not have been debarred or sanctioned in the past

(d) persons and/or firms must not have been declared bankrupt

(e) persons and/or firms must not have been convicted of an offence concerning their professional conduct by a judgment which has the force of res judicata

(f) in instances of misrepresentation of information supplied in the submission of expressions of interest, or failure to submit required information, they will be disqualified.

Consultants from St. Vincent and the Grenadines and other English-speaking member countries of the OECS are eligible to participate in these consultancy opportunities.

3. EVALUATION AND SELECTION CRITERIA

The assessment of submissions will consider the following:

3.1. Qualification and experience, including:

A university degree in Curriculum Development (at least a master’s degree from a recognized university in instructional design or a related field)
Sound knowledge of programme and curriculum development frameworks
Sound knowledge of programme and evaluation methodology
Sound knowledge of literacy/technical and workplace quality assurance methods
Knowledge of management principles and practices
At least (5) years of related experience as a curriculum developer/instructional designer, including assessment and young adult learning methodologies, use of digital/online learning tools and concepts, as well as experience in developing and conducting training and technical assistance activities
Excellent knowledge of English – written and oral communication
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to effectively utilize software programmes such as Microsoft Office suite of tools, Moodle and other e-learning platforms

3.2. Profile of Experts:

Overview of the team’s profile, including all members with educational reform, curriculum review in educational, national, regional and/or international context, as well as qualifications and experiences
Specific roles and responsibilities of each team member
Biographical summaries of key members

3.3. Preliminary Approach:

A brief description of how the team will respond to the objectives and needs of the assignment

3.4. References:

Details of at least three institutional/organizations familiar with institutional development and consultancy services provided by the applicant

4. SUBMISSION OF EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

All Expressions of Interest must be submitted in English and electronically by email to the Director of the Community College, no later than Friday September 13th, 2024.

The email subject line should state:

“Expression of Interest – Division of Arts, Sciences and General Studies (DASGS) and Division of Technical and Vocational Education (DTVE)”

Expressions of Interest must include:

A signed cover letter stating the name and address of the consultant
The SVGCC reserves the right to accept or reject late applications and to cancel the process at any time without incurring any liability. The SVGCC will not be responsible for any costs incurred by any applicant in preparing and submitting an expression of interest.
Only applicants meeting the eligibility criteria and providing all required information will be considered and contacted.

5. REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

Requests for further information must be submitted in writing to the Director’s Office at:

Director’s Office

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College

Villa

St. Vincent, W.I.

Tel: (+784) 457-4503, Ext. 323 OR Ext 328