The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) is a leading research-to-policy institution in Africa that focuses on generating evidence, strengthening capacity in the African research ecosystem, and engaging policymakers to inform meaningful action in health and development. The organization aims to promote evidence-informed decision-making across sub-Saharan Africa through high-quality research and innovation.
As part of its continuous effort to support education and technology, APHRC is seeking to engage a consultant to review and redesign the Assessing Student Competencies (ASC) application. This consultancy opportunity is open to qualified individuals or firms with experience in web-based application development, data processing, and user-centered design.
About the ASC Application
The Assessing Student Competencies (ASC) application is a web-based education technology tool designed to help teachers analyze learners’ assessment data in real time. It supports pedagogical decision-making by identifying learning gaps and informing interventions such as remedial support or tailored teaching approaches. The tool works across smartphones, tablets, and computers, making it adaptable for diverse classroom settings.
Through ASC, teachers can track individual learners’ progress, determine where students stand on the learning curve, and provide timely support. The application enhances teaching efficiency by maximizing the use of data, while ensuring effectiveness through evidence-based interventions.
Scope of Work
The consultant engaged for this assignment will be expected to carry out a detailed review and redesign of the ASC application. The scope of work includes the following responsibilities:
- System Access and Registration Features
- Introduce School ID and password as login credentials.
- Enable teachers to register with their credentials and create passwords on first access.
- Provide for the registration of all students on the ASC application using unique student IDs.
- Assessment and Marking Features
- Create functionality to enter a marking scheme once at the beginning of interaction with the homepage.
- Ensure student assessment scores are processed immediately upon entry.
- Extend the operational years of the ASC application beyond 2025.
- Include grade levels from Grade 1 through Grade 12.
- Provide space for teachers to indicate class streams at the grade level.
- Allow the marking of student presence during assessments with a simple Yes or No option.
- Redesign of Specific Features
- Replace all references to “Exam” with “Assessment.”
- Add multiple assessment numbers (1, 2, 3) under each term.
- Replace “Age” field with “Date of Birth” in DDMMYYYY format.
- Replace “Gender” with “Sex” to include options Boy or Girl.
- Change pop-up confirmation messages from “Dismiss” to “OK.”
- Replace “Create Questions” with “Student Responses” link.
- User Navigation and Interface Improvements
- Reset homepage links to follow the order: Assessment → Marking Scheme → Student Scores.
- Provide a user manual to guide teachers on navigating the application.
- Ensure links to “Download Marked Responses” and “Download Rating Scale” are active and generate reports at high speed.
- Provide for system-generated reports specifically designed for teachers, parents, and school administrators.
- Technical Enhancements
- Upgrade the ASC application to allow import and export of data to and from databases such as Excel.
- Outline steps for publishing the application on platforms like the Android Play Store.
Deliverables
The consultant is expected to produce the following key outputs:
- A comprehensive report detailing the redesign and improvements made to the ASC application.
- A fully redesigned and functional ASC application meeting the specified requirements.
- A user guide/manual to support teachers and other users in navigating and applying the tool effectively.
Work Plan
The consultancy assignment will cover 14 working days spread across a 9-month period (September 2025 to May 2026). Activities are scheduled as follows:
- Redesign of the 2nd prototype of the ASC application – 4 days
- Redesign of the 3rd prototype of the ASC application – 4 days
- Finalization of changes to the ASC application and development of user guide/manual – 4 days
- Report writing and debrief – 2 days
Total: 14 days
During the debrief stage, feedback from teachers as primary users will be collected through field design workshops and incorporated into the final product.
Timeframe
The consultancy is expected to run from September 2025 through May 2026, with active working days amounting to 14 days within this period.
Application Process
Interested applicants are required to submit their applications via email to:
[email protected]
with a copy to [email protected]
The subject line of the email should read: “ASC Redesign Consultancy.”
The deadline for submission of applications is August 28, 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents as part of their application package:
- Cover letter describing their eligibility for the consultancy and understanding of the Terms of Reference.
- Detailed CV of the key personnel involved.
- Project proposal outlining the approach and plan for redesigning the ASC application.
- Work profile including a reverse chronological list of similar assignments undertaken, with contact details of supervisors or clients.
- An all-inclusive financial proposal indicating fees, travel costs, and any other applicable expenses.
Special Notice
APHRC is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Employment decisions are made solely on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs.
Applicants are reminded that no payment is required at any stage of the recruitment process. Reasonable accommodation will be provided upon request to applicants with disabilities to facilitate participation in the recruitment process.
This consultancy opportunity provides an avenue for qualified professionals to contribute to improving education technology and supporting learning outcomes in Africa.
