Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697640534911.pdf (Bahamas)
Request for Expressions of Interest Entry Point Assessment Tool in Literacy, Numeracy, Soft Skills, and Digitial Skills “Skills for Current and Future Jobs in The Bahamas” The Inter-American Development Bank and the Government of The Bahamas (GoBH) signed the Loan Contract No.

3787/OC-BH for the execution of the investment programme “Skills for Current and Future Jobs in The Bahamas”9BH- L1037).
The general objective of the Programme is to increase the employability and quality of employment of beneficiaries, by improving access to quality jobs in The Bahamas, with particular emphasis on youth, in three strategic sectors: maritime, medical services and IT/telecommunications.
The specific objectives are to: (a) increase relevant skills and employability in productive jobs for Programme beneficiaries; (b) improve the effectiveness of the Public Employment Services (PES); and (c) enhance the capacity of the labour market intelligence system.

The GoBH has designated the Ministry of Labour (MOL) as the Programme Executing Agency (PEA).

The MOL will establish a Programme Executing Unit (PEU) within its organizational structure under the Office of the Permanent Secretary (PS).
Accordingly, the PEU now invites interested eligible firms to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) indicating qualifications and experience required to provide consulting services for the Development of an Entry-Point Assessment Tool in Literacy, Numeracy, Soft Skills and Digital Skills.

The contract duration for this consultancy is two (2) months.

Main Responsibilities of the Consultancy The general objective of this consultancy is to: - - Identify the cognitive (literacy, numeracy, etc.
), noncognitive (or social-emotional), and technical (e.g., digital and transversal skills) skills requirements as defined by employers as necessary for entry into an Apprenticeship Programme in an industry specific context, and to Review previous tests and\or design reliable measures for these skills.

Specifically, the consultancy will, in collaboration with employer groups: 1.
Conduct a needs analysis of the literacy, numeracy, social-emotional, and digital skills requirements of each 2. job to inform the design and development of assessments.

Identify and clearly define the competencies related to each skill and the standard/level of proficiency required for each competency.

3.

Develop a comprehensive Entry Point Assessment Plan that outlines the standard, competencies, level of proficiency, assessment method, delivery method, grading standard, and weight of assessment 4.
Design and develop the content of each assessment identified in the Entry Point Assessment Plan, ensuring that assessments are valid and reliable and collectively measure the suitability of applicants for the Apprenticeship Programme, given cultural contexts and industry requirements.

5.

Measures included in the Entry Point Assessment should be designed by the consultancy or come from a review of previous skills tests applied in the context of education and job training.
In both cases, a technical document explaining the methodological process of reviewing, designing and validating these tests in similar populations is needed.

6.
6.

Utilize innovation and technology in the design of assessments, incorporating differential approaches to assessments, with test questions, project topics, requirements for portfolios of evidence, guidelines for situational judgment tests, criteria for reflective journals, checklists for work-based scenarios and observations, and questions for interviews/professional discussions, being noted among them.

7.

Pilot each assessment to confirm validity and reliability, and document findings.

8.
8.

Obtain industry validation of the Entry Point Assessment Plan and each assessment method, as developed.

9.

Maintain a frequent and close dialogue with the counterparts (PEU and IDB technical teams) to assure the technical quality and feasibility of the final assessment tool.

The full scope of responsibilities and activities are itemized in the Terms of Reference (TOR) for this consultancy, which can be accessed via this link, htttp://suppliers.gov.bs.
Required Qualifications The firm will provide documented evidence of: - - - - an internationally recognized curriculum that leads to an industry recognized certification registration with the Ministry of Education as a training provider; registration with NAECOB and approval to deliver training in the area proposed, and 8 years’ experience in The Bahamas in the field of measurements and assessments skills for education and employment, including tertiary and vocational education and training.
Submissions of Expressions of Interest may be submitted by hand to the address below or by email to skillsbahamas@bahamas.gov.bs, no later than 5.00 p.m. 7th August, 2019 to: Permanent Secretary Ministry of Labour Re: Entry-Point Assessment Provider Charlotte House, Shirley Street and Charlotte Streets Nassau, The Bahamas