CALL FOR CONSULTANTS SYSTEMATIC REVIEW & EGM DEVELOPMENT

CALL FOR CONSULTANTS

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW & EGM DEVELOPMENT

Centre for Education and Research Training (CERT) at the University of Malawi (UNIMA) is inviting suitably qualifying candidates to conduct a systematic review and produce a national Evidence Gap Map (EGM) of foundational learning interventions and outcomes in Malawi, including a gender analysis of research authorship.

Learning poverty remains pervasive in Malawi despite policy reforms, multiple donor-funded interventions, and investments in foundational learning. Although many studies have examined literacy, numeracy, teacher development, and early childhood learning, the evidence base is fragmented. Policymakers lack a consolidated and rigorous synthesis of what interventions have been tested, what outcomes they address, and where evidence gaps persist.

A systematic Evidence Gap Map of foundational learning interventions and outcomes for children aged 4 to 10 years in Malawi is therefore required. The consultant will support this work by conducting systematic reviews, coding studies, generating the EGM matrix, and preparing a comprehensive analytical report.

Objective: To map, synthesize, and visually present empirical evidence on foundational learning interventions for children aged 4 to 10 years in Malawi and identify priority evidence gaps for policy and research.

 

Specific Objectives

  • Conduct a systematic literature search.
  • Manage, screen, extract, and code eligible studies using Zotero and EPPI-Reviewer.
  • Classify studies by intervention category, outcome category, study design, and gender of lead author.
  • Generate an interactive Evidence Gap Map using EPPI-Mapper.
  • Produce a comprehensive analytical report.
  • Prepare full appendices including search strings and coded datasets.

 

Deliverables

  • Inception Report
  • Registered Protocol
  • Search Results Report
  • Screening Output and PRISMA Diagram
  • Coded Dataset
  • Interactive EGM
  • Draft Analytical Report
  • Final Report and Appendices

 

Required Qualifications

  • Master’s or PhD in relevant fields
  • Systematic review experience
  • Zotero, EPPI-Reviewer and EPPI-Mapper expertise
  • Education sector knowledge
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Excellent writing skills

 

Management and Reporting

The consultant will report to the Principal Investigators and attend biweekly check-in meetings.

Duration of the Assignment

4 weeks.

Application Requirements

Technical proposal, CV, samples of similar work, and financial proposal.

Application Deadline

5th December 2025

Send Applications To:

malawiudi@gmail.com