Background

The Pan African Institute for Education for Development (IPED)has made significant progress in the past five years, achieving key milestones in the development of the continental Education Management Information Systems program (EMIS). Education Management Information Systems (EMIS) are critical for data-driven policy-making, planning, and monitoring in the education sector. With the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), there is growing potential to enhance EMIS through predictive analytics, automation, real-time monitoring, and improved decision-making. However, understanding how to effectively integrate AI into existing EMIS frameworks remains a challenge for many countries.

This consultancy aims to explore the potential of AI in EMIS, document global and local best practices, and provide actionable policy recommendations tailored to national contexts.

Objectives of the Consultancy

• To conduct a comprehensive desk review of global practices on AI applications in EMIS.
• To assess the current status, opportunities, and challenges of integrating AI into national EMIS.
• To develop a policy brief or research paper that outlines strategic recommendations for the application of AI in national EMIS.

Scope of Work and Deliverables

The Consultant will:

1. Conduct a literature review on AI in EMIS, including case studies from other countries.
2. Analyze the current EMIS landscape in the target country or region.
3. Identify potential use cases for AI integration into EMIS (e.g., dropout prediction, teacher deployment optimization, real-time data validation).
4. Engage with relevant stakeholders (virtually or in-person) for insights and validation.
5. Develop a high-quality policy brief or research paper that includes:
   - Executive summary
   - Background and context
   - Methodology
   - Key findings
   - Case studies/examples
   - Policy recommendations
   - Implementation roadmap or options

Deliverables:

• Draft Policy Brief/Research Paper
• Final Policy Brief/Research Paper (incorporating feedback)
• Slide deck summarizing key findings and recommendations

Duration and Timeline

The consultancy is expected to last 30 days.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced degree in Education, Data Science, Public Policy, ICT, or a related field.
• Proven experience in EMIS, AI in education, or education policy research.
• Strong writing and analytical skills with the ability to synthesize complex information.
• Familiarity with global and national education data ecosystems.
• Experience engaging with government and development partners is an asset.

Reporting and Supervision

The Consultant will work under the direct supervision of Lukman Jaji, Policy Officer for EMIS, AU-IPED.

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit:

• A technical proposal (max 3 pages) outlining their approach to the assignment
• A financial proposal (daily rate and estimated total cost)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Samples of previous similar work (if available)

Deadline for applications: 22nd August 2025
Email applications to: jajil@africanunion.org