Consultant - Review and Strengthening of Tvet Curricula in Agriculture and Related Fields

The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT on behalf of IITA Recruiting: CONSULTANT

• Review and Strengthening of TVET Curricula in Agriculture and Related Fields The Organization The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) delivers research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people’s lives. The Alliance solutions address the global crises of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation (https://alliancebioversityciat.org/ ) With novel partnerships, the Alliance generates evidence and mainstreams innovations to transform food systems and landscapes so that they sustain the planet, drive prosperity, and nourish people. The Alliance a member of the CGIAR Consortium (www.cgiar.org ) a global research partnership for a food-secure future. The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a not-for-profit institution that generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation. Working with various partners across sub-Saharan Africa, we improve livelihoods, enhance food and nutrition security, increase employment, and preserve natural resource integrity. IITA is a member of CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future. Please visit http://www.iita.org/ for more information on IITA. About the position The Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector in Kenya is undergoing significant transformation. The Ministry of Education has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen TVET institutions to support the ongoing transition to the new Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) . In 2023, the Ministry launched Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) to align TVET curricula with labour market demands. The CBET modular curriculum is now fully rolled out in all public TVET institutions from May 2025. Assessment has moved from exam-based grading to competency-based evaluation. TVET CDACC, established under the TVET Act No. 29 of 2013, is mandated to undertake the design and development of competency-based curricula, examinations, assessment and competence certification in TVET. The Council works closely with all TVET stakeholders, including industry representatives through Sector Skills Advisory Committees (SSACs). IITA/CGIAR seeks to contribute to strengthening TVET curricula in General Agriculture, Crop and Livestock Production, Food and Nutrition Science, Food Processing, Food and Agri-Industry Laboratory Technicians, Environmental Studies, Water Management, and Climate Change. Objective And Purpose The Consultant will conduct a comprehensive review of existing TVET curricula in agriculture and related fields, identify strengths, gaps, and emerging opportunities, and provide actionable recommendations for curriculum enhancement aligned with Kenya's CBET framework and industry demands Specific Objectives Review existing curricula in the areas of interest to identify strengths and gaps in content and proposed modes of delivery. Identify outdated information that requires updating and possible missing content. Map the Kenya Government curriculum review and updating process step-by-step, showing responsible parties, approvals required, stakeholders to be involved, and timelines. Elaborate how curriculum review feeds into examination and skills assessment under TVET and KNEC. Assess requirements for upskilling of trainers and propose cost-effective approaches. Identify what needs to be done to align curricula to CBET requirements. Define how IITA and other CGIAR institutions can be part of this process. Identify the TVET governance structure essential for this process, naming primary government institutions/agencies, contact persons/emails, private TVET institutions to co-opt, and required industry linkages. SCOPE OF WORK, KEY TASKS, METHODOLOGY AND DELIVERABLES Geographic Scope A pilot phase targeting selected regions and TVET institutions offering programmes in: General Agriculture Crop and Livestock Production Food and Nutrition Science Food Processing Food and Agri-Industry Laboratory Technicians Environmental Studies Water Management Climate Change Institutional Scope The consultancy will engage: TVET CDACC – curriculum development, assessment, and certification TVET Authority (TVETA) – regulation, quality assurance, registration and licensing of institutions, programmes and trainers Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) – Kenya National Qualifications Framework (KNQF) Kenya School of TVET (KSTVET) – training and CPD of TVET practitioner Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) – assessment coordination National Polytechnics – 24 institutions offering training up to Higher National Diploma level Selected Public and Private TVET institutions – a mínimum of 40 public and 10 privates Industry stakeholders – through SSACs and employer associations KEY TASKS AND METHODOLOGY – Technical Proposal Task 1: Curriculum Review and Gap Analysis Deliverable: Comprehensive curriculum review report Activities: Review existing CBET curricula in the identified subject areas. Assess content relevance, and alignment with industry needs. Identify outdated information requiring updating. Identify missing content and emerging areas (e.g., climate-smart agriculture, food safety, water management). Evaluate proposed modes of delivery for effectiveness and feasibility Conduct stakeholder consultations with trainers, industry players, and TVET CDACC officials. Task 2: Mapping of Government Curriculum Review and Updating Process Deliverable: Process map document Activities: Document the step-by-step curriculum development and review process as per TVET CDACC guidelines. Identify timelines for each step (approximately 30 working days if guidelines are followed, though period depends on the institution/organization and SSAC responsible). Identify approval authorities and documentation requirements. Task 3: Examination and Assessment Linkages Deliverable: Assessment alignment report Activities: Map how curriculum content feeds into TVET CDACC competence assessment. Elaborate on the role of KNEC in examination coordination. Document the modular CBET assessment approach. Describe the competency-based evaluation framework using qualitative descriptors. Identify the role of National Polytechnics as Qualification Awarding Bodies (QABs) . Document accreditation requirements for assessors and verifiers (three months processing time) and assessment centers (one month processing time, Kshs 50,000 initial approval). Task 4: Trainer Upskilling Assessment Deliverable: Trainer development recommendations Activities: Review of the National Policy on Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for TVET Trainers. Identify CPD requirements and frameworks. Assess trainer qualification requirements: trainers are required to hold Masters/KNQF level 9 in the technical/vocational domain and/or have a minimum of 4 years' experience as a trainer, plus an approved Training of Trainers (ToT) qualification. Propose cost-effective approaches for upskilling trainers, including: o Blended learning models o Industry partnerships for practical training. o CPD framework implementation through Kenya School of TVET (KSTVET) . o Trainer licensing requirements. (What will be required for IITA/CGIAR experts to play this knowledge transfer role to Trainers) Task 5: CBET Alignment Assessment Deliverable: CBET alignment recommendations Activities: Assess current curricula against CBET principles (industry-led, outcomes-based, emphasis on acquisition and demonstration of competencies). Evaluate integration with the broader CBC framework. Identify gaps in modularization. Propose revisions to ensure demand-driven curricula in the light of focus areas. Task 6: IITA/CGIAR Role Definition Deliverable: Partnership framework document Activities:
• Identify specific areas where IITA/CGIAR technical expertise can add value Agricultural research – crop improvement, biotechnology Food safety – aflatoxin and other Food contaminate Climate-smart agriculture Environmental sustainability Soil & Water management Propose mechanisms for IITA/CGIAR participation in SSACs Define IITA/CGIAR's role in curriculum development, trainer training, and industry linkage. Task 7: Governance Structure Mapping Deliverable: Stakeholder mapping document Activities:
• Identify and map the TVET governance structure
• Primary Government Institutions/Agencies and their mandate
• National Polytechnics
• Private TVET Institutions
• Industry Linkages i.e. existing Sector Skills Advisory Committees (SSACs) that represent industry in curriculum development and gaps DELIVERABLES Inception Report – To include a detailed work plan, methodology, data collection tools, and stakeholder list Curriculum Review Report – A comprehensive review of existing curricula with identified strengths, gaps, outdated content, and missing information Process Map Document – A step-by-step mapping of Kenya Government curriculum review and updating process with responsible parties, approvals, stakeholders, and timelines Assessment Alignment Report – A report showing how curriculum review feeds into TVET CDACC/KNEC examination and skills assessment Trainer Development Recommendations
• A report on cost-effective approaches for trainer upskilling in focus areas, aligned with CPD framework CBET Alignment Recommendations
• Actions required to align curricula to CBET requirements Stakeholder Mapping Document
• TVET governance structure, primary institutions/agencies, contact persons/emails, private TVET institutions to co-opt, industry partners required for focus areas Partnership Framework
• How IITA/CGIAR can be part of the process Organize Validation Workshop with support from IITA Validation workshop Report
• Minutes and outcomes of validation workshop Final Comprehensive Report
• All deliverables above consolidated with executive summary and recommendations Financial Proposal
• Submit Financial proposal broken down by deliverable as follows Consultant Fees i.e. professional fees Mobilization and Sensitization i.e. Stakeholder engagement, meetings, workshop Survey Administration i.e. Data collection, field visits, interviews Data Analysis
• Analysis, synthesis, and interpretation Report Preparation
• Drafting, editing, design, and printING Validation Workshop
• Venue, Invitations & Confirmations, Participant refunds Administrative Costs
• Communication, logistics, contingencies Requirements QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS The consultant/consulting team should possess: Advanced degree (master’s or PhD) in Agricultural Education, Curriculum Development, TVET, or related field Minimum 10 years of experience in curriculum development and review in TVET sector. In-depth knowledge of Kenya's TVET system, CBET framework, and TVET CDACC processes. Proven experience in working with government institutions (TVET CDACC, TVETA, KNQA, KNEC). Strong understanding of agricultural education, food safety, environmental studies, and related fields. Excellent stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills. Proven track record in producing high-quality reports and policy documents. TVET related experience Benefits Terms of employment This position is a consutancy position based in Nairobii, Kenya. The initial contract will be for Six (6) weeks from 7th September 2026 to 23rd October 2026. The Alliance Bioversity-CIAT is committed to fair, safe, and inclusive workplaces. We believe that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical for our mission. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority. We encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability statuses, sexual orientations, marital status, and gender identities. Applications Applicants are invited to visit https://alliancebioversityciat.org/careers to get full details of the position and to submit their applications. Applications MUST include reference number REF: CONSULTANT
• Review and Strengthening of TVET Curricula in Agriculture and Related Fields as the position applied for. Additionaly the Applicant must include: Technical proposal detailing methodology based on expected deliverables and work plan. Financial proposal with detailed budget breakdown by deliverable. CVs of key personnel. Contact details of three referees. The Alliance collects and process personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws. Applications closing date: 6th September 2026 Please note that email applications will not be considered. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.