RESEARCH CONSULTANCY FOR FCDO PARTNERSHIP FOR LEARNING FOR ALL IN NIGERIA (PLANE II) PROJECT AT PLAN INTERNATIONAL – FULL DETAILS & HOW TO APPLY

Plan International is currently inviting applications for a research consultancy opportunity under the FCDO Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE II) Project. This opportunity is suitable for experienced researchers, consultants, monitoring and evaluation professionals, education specialists, development experts, and organizations interested in education-focused research and large-scale development projects in Nigeria. 

The consultancy focuses on:

- Education sector research

- Evidence generation

- Learning assessments

- Project evaluation

- Policy support

- Development research

- Educational outcomes analysis

This opportunity forms part of broader efforts to strengthen education systems and improve learning outcomes for children and young people in Nigeria.

------------------------------------------------------------

ABOUT PLAN INTERNATIONAL

------------------------------------------------------------

Plan International is a globally recognized humanitarian and development organization focused on advancing children’s rights and equality for girls.

The organization operates in multiple countries worldwide and supports programs related to:

- Education

- Child protection

- Gender equality

- Youth empowerment

- Humanitarian response

- Community development

Plan International has maintained significant operations in Nigeria through partnerships and donor-funded interventions focused on improving educational access, inclusion, and community resilience.

------------------------------------------------------------

ABOUT THE PLANE II PROJECT

------------------------------------------------------------

PLANE stands for:

Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria.

The PLANE II initiative is supported by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and focuses on strengthening education systems across Nigeria.

The project aims to improve:

- Access to quality education

- Learning outcomes

- Education system performance

- Inclusion for vulnerable children

- Teacher support systems

- Evidence-based education planning

The project supports sustainable improvements within Nigeria’s education sector through collaboration with:

- Government institutions

- Development organizations

- Local stakeholders

- Education partners

------------------------------------------------------------

CONSULTANCY OVERVIEW

------------------------------------------------------------

The consultancy involves conducting research activities connected to the PLANE II project.

The selected consultant or consulting organization may support:

- Data collection

- Education assessments

- Research analysis

- Stakeholder engagement

- Reporting and documentation

- Evidence generation for project learning

The assignment is expected to contribute to stronger understanding of educational challenges and project effectiveness within targeted communities.

------------------------------------------------------------

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

------------------------------------------------------------

Depending on the Terms of Reference (TOR), responsibilities may include:

1. Research Design and Methodology

The consultant may:

- Develop research tools

- Design methodologies

- Prepare data collection frameworks

- Ensure research quality standards

2. Data Collection

The assignment may involve:

- Surveys

- Interviews

- Focus group discussions

- Stakeholder consultations

- Field assessments

3. Analysis and Reporting

The selected consultant may:

- Analyze quantitative and qualitative data

- Prepare detailed reports

- Present findings and recommendations

- Support evidence-based decision-making

4. Stakeholder Engagement

The role may include working with:

- Government education officials

- Teachers

- Community stakeholders

- Development partners

- School administrators

5. Monitoring and Learning Support

The consultant may contribute to:

- Monitoring frameworks

- Project learning systems

- Performance assessments

- Education sector evaluations

------------------------------------------------------------

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

------------------------------------------------------------

This consultancy is ideal for:

- Education researchers

- Monitoring and Evaluation specialists

- Development consultants

- Academic researchers

- Research organizations

- Policy analysts

- NGOs with research expertise

- Education sector consultants

Applicants with experience in donor-funded development projects may have additional advantage.

------------------------------------------------------------

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

------------------------------------------------------------

Applicants may require educational background in:

- Education

- Social Sciences

- Development Studies

- Statistics

- Economics

- Public Policy

- International Development

- Monitoring and Evaluation

Advanced qualifications such as:

- Master’s Degree

- PhD

- Professional research certifications

…may strengthen applications depending on the consultancy requirements.

------------------------------------------------------------

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

------------------------------------------------------------

Strong applicants may demonstrate:

- Research consultancy experience

- Education sector expertise

- Data analysis skills

- Report writing ability

- Monitoring and evaluation experience

- Donor-funded project experience

Experience working with:

- FCDO projects

- International NGOs

- Education programs

- Government institutions

…may provide significant advantage.

------------------------------------------------------------

IMPORTANT SKILLS

------------------------------------------------------------

The consultancy may require:

- Quantitative research skills

- Qualitative research skills

- Statistical analysis

- Stakeholder management

- Communication skills

- Report writing expertise

- Project coordination

- Presentation skills

Technical advantage may include:

- SPSS

- STATA

- Power BI

- Kobo Collect

- Excel

- Data visualization tools

------------------------------------------------------------

WHY THIS OPPORTUNITY IS IMPORTANT

------------------------------------------------------------

Education remains one of the most important development priorities in Nigeria.

Projects such as PLANE II help strengthen:

- Learning systems

- Educational access

- Teacher effectiveness

- Policy planning

- Community participation in education

Research and evidence generation are essential for ensuring that educational interventions create measurable impact.

This consultancy contributes directly to improving educational outcomes and policy decisions.

------------------------------------------------------------

BENEFITS OF THE CONSULTANCY

------------------------------------------------------------

Depending on the agreement, benefits may include:

- Professional consulting experience

- International development exposure

- Education sector engagement

- Collaboration with major stakeholders

- Donor-funded project experience

- Networking opportunities

Consultants may also strengthen their professional portfolios through participation in a high-level international development project.

------------------------------------------------------------

APPLICATION PROCESS

------------------------------------------------------------

Interested applicants should carefully review the Terms of Reference (TOR) and prepare:

- Technical proposal

- Financial proposal

- Company or consultant profile

- Evidence of previous assignments

- CVs of key personnel

- Relevant certifications

Applicants are advised to:

- Demonstrate relevant research experience

- Highlight education sector expertise

- Include donor-funded project experience

- Submit complete application documents bef

ore the deadline

Whistle Blower Policy

Plan International Nigeria has a Code of Conduct including a Whistle Blower Policy (attached) and encourages its entire staff and associates to “whistle blow” (raise legitimate concerns about violation of the Code of Conduct without fear of recrimination in the course of their engagement with Plan International Nigeria).

Further information, including all Annexes can be accessed via the following link: https://tinyurl.com/2rptmm7x

All submissions should be sent to – Nigeria.procurement@plan-international.org with this reference in the subject, PIN/CNSLT/026/007B – FCDO Partnership for Learning for all in Nigeria – Re-Advertized no later than 1:59 p.m. on Wednesday, 20th May, 2026.

Female owned and Female led businesses are strongly encouraged to apply.

------------------------------------------------------------

FINAL THOUGHTS

------------------------------------------------------------

The Research Consultancy for the FCDO Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE II) Project at Plan International represents an important opportunity for experienced researchers and development professionals interested in education-focused impact work.

The assignment combines:

- Education research

- Development consulting

- Evidence generation

- Stakeholder engagement

- Policy support

- Monitoring and evaluation

For professionals and organizations seeking meaningful involvement in large-scale education reform and development initiatives in Nigeria, this consultancy offers valuable experience and strong professional exposure.