MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE MISSION

 As mentioned above, the Country Action Plan is directly in line with the Education Policy adopted by Mauritania in 2023 (PNE 2023-2030), which is structured around three strategic objectives.

 One of the main priority activities of the Country Action Plan is to update the code of ethics and professional conduct governing the teaching profession in Mauritania. This activity is directly aimed at improving teacher qualifications (strategic objective 1).

 The aim of this action is to define an ethical framework for the teaching profession, setting clear standards for the behaviour expected of teachers, while updating existing documents. To ensure the commitment of the education community, in particular the trade unions, it will be essential to support the Ministry in facilitating social dialogue and running a campaign to raise awareness and disseminate this new code of ethics and professional conduct. These actions will help to ensure the ownership and effective implementation of these guidelines, in order to strengthen professional practices in the education sector.

 To update this code of ethics and ensure its implementation, the technical assistance (TA) mobilised by the Facility will support the Ministry in carrying out the following activities:

•  A proposal for a code of ethics and professional conduct governing the teaching profession, including implementation procedures, based on a preliminary analysis of existing tools and systems.

 It is the production of this first deliverable (code of ethics and professional conduct) that is expected as part of the service described in these Terms of Reference.

•  A strategy for engagement with the teachers' unions (in parallel with the development of the code of ethics and professional conduct prepared by the HRM expert).
• A campaign to disseminate the Code of Ethics to the various target groups concerned 
• Training ENI/ENS trainers and/or inspectors in the new reference framework, in accordance with the guidelines to be adopted by the Ministry

STAKEHOLDERS

 MENRSE's Human Resources Department is the focal point for this activity and will be the first point of contact for the consultant. Other central departments of the Ministry will also be heavily involved in the production of this deliverable, such as MENRSE's legal advisor, the DEF and DES and any other relevant department. The Regional Directorates will also need to be consulted

 This deliverable has a direct impact on the country's entire education community. The expert, in collaboration with the social dialogue specialist and the Ministry, will therefore need to consult and actively involve teachers, school managers and trade unions. The aim is to gather their perspectives, to ensure that the code accurately reflects the realities on the ground and to obtain the commitment of teachers, without generating resistance, in order to guarantee solid and lasting support for the new code of ethics.

In the course of the work, the SMCs, local elected representatives and associations may also be consulted.

 MAIN DELIVERABLES

•  A scoping note (inception report) which, following the 1st scoping meeting, sets out the methodology to be adopted, the scope, the objectives and expected results, the deliverables and the proposed timetable for implementation, with a map of the entities to be consulted, and any risks and constraints.
• Draft code of ethics and professional conduct (and PPT presentation)
• Proposal note on implementation, including recommendations on the system for lodging, collecting and processing complaints relating to a breach of the code of ethics and professional conduct.
• Final deliverable: Code of ethics and professional conduct for the teaching profession and implementation procedures
• End of mission report

 GENERAL APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY

 The general approach and methodology described below are indicative. The expert must develop the methodology in his technical proposal. 

General approach :

The expert will work closely with the relevant MENRSE directorates, in particular the HRD, DES, DEF and the legal adviser.

The expert will work closely with a regional expert specialising in social dialogue in education to support him in his mission and ensure that the consultations incorporate the perspectives and expectations of the stakeholders, in particular teachers and their union representatives, thereby strengthening the support and commitment of the entire education community to the new code of ethics and professional conduct. The social dialogue expert will mainly be involved in the consultations with the educational community and will take part in the field mission.

It should be remembered that the expert in charge of drawing up the code of conduct is responsible for the technical dialogue with all the stakeholders and for drafting the deliverable. 

It will be crucial to cultivate a role of facilitator with the stakeholders, encouraging consultation, attentive listening and mutual respect, even in the face of differing points of view. The expert will need to demonstrate calm and diplomacy to resolve any tensions and ensure constructive dialogue facilitated by the social dialogue specialist.

Methodology :

To produce the expected deliverable, the expert recruited will have to:

•        Knowledge of the main sectoral policy documents for the education system in Mauritania
• Carry out an in-depth review and analysis of existing documentation relating to the deliverable :

·       Review the laws, regulations and codes of conduct already in force, such as the Code of Ethics for the Civil Service and the 2004 Code of Ethics for Teachers, as well as international reference documents such as those issued by UNESCO and the OECD.

·       Ethical dimensions in initial training

·       Current complaint/information feedback systems

·       Study the ethical codes and practices of the teaching profession in other countries that are relevant to the Mauritanian context, and draw on international standards of teaching ethics.

• Participate in the scoping meeting with the MENRSE focal points, the social dialogue expert and the Facility's technical team
• Following the 1st scoping meeting, draw up a scoping note setting out the methodology to be adopted, the scope, the objectives and expected results, the deliverables and the proposed implementation schedule, with a map of the entities to be consulted, and any risks and constraints.
• Discussions with MENRSE directors and technicians (working meetings, interviews)
• Consult with the education community (teachers, unions, etc.
• Drafting of the code of ethics and professional conduct
• Feedback workshop on the first draft of the deliverable, presentation of proposals to gather initial opinions/reactions from all stakeholders  
• Final drafting of the code of ethics and professional conduct for the teaching profession, based on feedback from the feedback workshop.
•  Drafting of a proposal note on implementation, including recommendations on the system for lodging, collecting and processing complaints relating to a breach of the code of ethics and professional conduct 
• The consultant's final report: This report should provide a detailed summary of the work carried out, the challenges encountered, the good practices identified and the lessons learned.

 Throughout the study, the expert is expected to have technical discussions with the Facility. The deliverables will be validated by MENRSE and the Facility.

IMPLEMENTATION PROCEDURES

 The service will take place over 3 months, involving 25 days of expertise, including almost 10 days of fieldwork.

 The indicative implementation schedule is described below:

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Ministry of National Education and Education Sector Reform (MENRSE) is responsible for :

- Provide all the documentation required for the feasibility study  

- Facilitate meetings with relevant stakeholders

- Organising workshops and providing work space

- Commenting on and approving deliverables.

The RTIA Facility is responsible for :

- Contract and facilitate the integration of the consultant by providing all available documents and resources

- Supporting and monitoring the consultant's work from start to finish

- Act as the consultant's main resource person

- Ensure quality control of deliverables in collaboration with the Ministry's focal points

- Share results with key stakeholders and contribute to internal and external knowledge management

- Gather reactions and comments from stakeholders

- Acknowledge final validation of deliverables by all parties

- Evaluate the consultant's overall performance under this mandate.

The consultant is responsible for : 

- Review and comment on these Terms of Reference (ToR)

- Ensure that all deliverables comply with the guidelines set out at the scoping meeting, in line with the agreed timetable

- Inform the Facility immediately of any difficulties encountered in implementing the mission

- Ensure that stakeholders are consulted throughout the assignment

- Work closely with the other experts mobilised by the Facility to ensure coherent and effective implementation of activities.

-Behave with the highest level of personal integrity and commit to the required standards of conduct.