Consultancy Services to Strengthen Career Guidance Services in Alignment with Francophone Labor Market Needs

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (REOI) (CONSULTING SERVICES - FIRMS SELECTION) Project Name National Plan for the Teaching and Learning of French in Rwanda Source of Funds MINEDUC / AFD Grant Agreement Number CRW105901R Assignment Title Consultancy Services to Strengthen Career Guidance Services in Alignment with Francophone Labor Market Needs Procurement Method Quality and Cost Based Selection (QCBS) Submission Deadline As indicated in UMUCYO e-procurement system Submission Platform UMUCYO e-procurement system only 1. PROJECT BACKGROUND French is one of Rwanda's official languages. It was the main language of instruction until 2008, when English was adopted as the medium of instruction. In 2016, French was reintroduced as a foreign language in the school curriculum. However, teaching methodologies and assessment frameworks have not yet been fully adapted to this status. As a result, many students completing secondary education continue to face challenges in achieving a level of French proficiency that can support professional and academic opportunities in francophone contexts. In October 2018, the Rwandan Council of Ministers decided to strengthen the use of French in Rwanda. This led to the development of the National Plan for the Teaching and Learning of French in Rwanda (NPFR). The NPFR addresses gaps in the teaching of French as a Foreign Language (FFL) at all levels of education, from primary to higher education, including general and technical institutions. The overall objective of the NPFR is to equip young Rwandans with communicative skills in French, enabling them to interact effectively in professional and academic environments. The Plan focuses on: (i) pre-service and in-service training of teachers in French language and methodology; (ii) improved access to appropriate teaching and learning materials and resources; and (iii) development of the use of French in connection with professional skills and employability. The Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) officially endorsed the Plan on 1 April 2022. The Grant Financing Agreement was signed on 18 February 2022, and the project is expected to conclude in June 2028. MINEDUC is responsible for overseeing and supervising implementation of the project.

2. ASSIGNMENT SCOPE AND OBJECTIVE Rwanda is investing in human capital development to align workforce skills with national priorities and regional economic integration. In this context, the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector is being strengthened to ensure that graduates possess skills that match labour market needs. French provides a strategic advantage in sectors such as international trade, diplomacy, tourism, hospitality, education, regional mobility, and services connected to francophone markets. However, francophone-related employment opportunities in Rwanda and the region remain under-documented and under-utilised. Career guidance officers within the Rwanda Polytechnic network play an important role in connecting students with practical career pathways, but access to labour market intelligence, structured employer engagement, and practical guidance tools remains uneven across institutions and districts.

The purpose of this consultancy is to strengthen Rwanda Polytechnic's career guidance system with a focus on francophone employability.

The selected firm will work with MINEDUC and other relevant institutions to generate evidence, build institutional capacity, develop practical tools, and support employer engagement so that TVET students can better access employment opportunities where French language proficiency provides added value. The specific objectives of the assignment are to: •Produce evidence-based insights on francophone labour market opportunities and emerging skills needs; •Build the capacity of career guidance officers to interpret labour market data, consult employers, and guide students effectively in French; •develop and apply tools and approaches for sustainable employer engagement and student mentoring; and •support practical student-focused activities that connect TVET learners with employers and career pathways where French language skills are an advantage. Key partner institutions may include Rwanda Polytechnic (RP), Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Rwanda TVET Board (RTB), Higher Education Council (HEC), relevant employers, and other institutions. 3. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TERMS OF REFERENCE The assignment will be structured around four mutually reinforcing components: 3.1 Labour market analysis and skills forecasting •Conduct a national and regional assessment of employment opportunities where French language proficiency is an advantage. •Identify high-demand sectors, occupations, and geographic hotspots for the next 3-5 years. •Prepare occupational profiles and practical career pathway information to inform guidance services. •Provide evidence on current and emerging skills needs among employers operating in francophone-related markets. 3.2 Capacity