British Council wishes to commission a research study to analyse the factors contributing to gender disparity in higher education in the state of Andhra Pradesh (AP).

Context:

The National Policy for Women 2016, Government of India, accords high priority to the universal and equal access to education for women and girls. In the area of higher education, the government is committed towards ensuring gender sensitivity and removing barriers that impede women from accessing higher and technical/scientific education. However, according to the AISHE[1] report for the academic year 2016-17, the gender parity ratio for the state of Andhra Pradesh is 0.78. The State stands 26th, with respect to other states, in gender parity (Refer to All India Survey on Higher Education – http://mhrd.gov.in/sites/upload_files/mhrd/files/New%20AISHE%202017-18%20Launch_Final.pdf)

British Council India has been approached by the Andhra Pradesh State Council for Higher Education (APSCHE) to support in the development and implementation of interventions that will significantly improve enrolment and completion rates for women in higher education institutions.

Terms of Reference:

British Council wishes to commission a research study to analyse the factors contributing to gender disparity in higher education in the state of Andhra Pradesh (AP). The study findings will be presented to the AP government at a stakeholder meeting to discuss and agree the next course of action which may form the basis for the development of a long-term partnership between the British Council and the Government of Andhra Pradesh to address gender parity in higher education. 

The research will be a collaborative project between the selected UK higher education institution, local universities in Andhra Pradesh and the British Council. Roles and responsibilities are as follows:

UK Higher Education Institution:

  • Design the research study including research questions, research methodology and tools for data collection and collation
  • Conduct data analysis
  • Provide findings and recommendations for programmatic interventions

Local university in Andhra Pradesh:

  • Conduct data collection using tools developed by the UK institution
  • Data collation using templates and tools provided by the UK institution and quality assure the same.
  • Provide secondary data for study by the UK institution such as college admission records, student performance data, policies, programmes, reports and any other relevant data that is required for secondary data analysis

British Council:

  • Lead on the research - scoping, commissioning, contribute to insights and oversight
  • Liaison between all partners – UK and AP higher education institutions and government of AP to manage the research process including quality review
  • Organise and co-facilitate dissemination workshop

Qualifications:

  • Technical expertise in education and gender in educational contexts, especially in higher education
  • Proven track record in conducting research globally, including in South Asia (desirable) 
  • Ability to work remotely with collaborators in dispersed geographical locations

Evaluation criteria: Selection will be based on the following:

  • understanding and approach to research
  • expertise and experience of the research
  • Ability and commitment to timelines

Financial information: This is a partnership model with the British Council, Government of AP and UK and Indian HEIs contributing. British Council shall pay GBP 5,000 towards staff time of UK HEI participating in the research.

Timeframe: Study to be completed within four weeks of selection and contracting and is likely to commence 1 May 2018.

Deliverables:

  • Study design (UK HEI) and data analysis
  • Study report (3 drafts with the 3rd being the final)
  • Power point presentation outlining the findings and recommendations
  • 1-2 members of the research team travelling to Andhra Pradesh in mid-end June to co-facilitate a dissemination workshop with key stakeholders (funded separately by the British Council)

 

Apply by sending a brief proposal describing the scope of work (what is included and excluded), general approach and methodology, work programme with timelines, budget (including what you will cover) and with CVs of research team with relevant previous experience by 28 April 2018 to sonu.hemanii@britishcouncil.org. Should you need any clarifications please write to the above with a copy to manjula.rao@britishcouncil.org