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 3^rd 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)