URGENT! SNKE – to design and develop a short course on ‘Systems and Design Thinking’ for the National School of Government (NSG)

Project title: “Technical Expertise and Implementation Support Services for the National School of Government” – South Africa

Position: SNKE – to design and develop a short course on ‘Systems and Design Thinking’ for the National School of Government (NSG)

Brief description of the assignment : The overall aim of the TOR is to secure the services of a skilled, knowledgeable, and competent Short-term Expert for the design and development of a short Systems and Design Thinking for Government course that could be delivered through an online platform, including blended learning activities through face-to-face and/or online interactions.

Requested services

The short-term consultant(s) shall achieve the following specific objectives (SOs) of this assignment:

• Conceptualise the curriculum of the ‘Systems and Design Thinking’ course, including its components and related content.

• Instructionally design the core contents of each of the components (learning units) supported by readings, audio-visual materials, application exercises and relevant assessments.

• Provide the necessary guides and related material for the effective delivery of the course by the NSG.

It is envisaged that this course will target middle to senior levels public servants. The application of learning assignments will serve to ensure effective learning by individuals and working groups where appropriate. At the end of the course participants must be able to:

• Critically reflect on their own attitudes, behaviour and approaches to public service systems design and delivery.
• Examine relevant systems and design thinking approaches and plan how these can be applied in the workplace.
• Review global and national systems and design thinking experiences and apply relevant strategies and operational modalities in their own work environment.

To ensure that the proposed course achieves the intended purpose and objectives outlined, it is anticipated that the curriculum design and related components/units will incorporate application exercises that would facilitate action learning by participants.

The course content and assessment must include illustrations and real-life examples, preferably related to the public sector. The designed assessment tools must include computer enabled grading (for example, multiple-choice and matching), reflections and application of learning activities to check participants’ knowledge and engagement with relevant reading material.

Course Structure and Orientation

The short-term expert must have expertise in the content of design thinking theories and practices, training delivery methodologies, a sound understanding of the NSG, the public sector and as well as excellent writing abilities. Prior experience in designing and developing courses for the public service is an added advantage.

The course will be structured, focusing on the six areas of systems and design thinking which can be presented in six learning units such as:

• Systems and Design Thinking
• Creative Thinking
• User-Centered Insights
• Creative Ideating
• Agile Iterating
• Integrating Creative Thinking in Established Organisations

The content for each unit should be relevant and supported with innovative audio-visual learning material, which can be sourced or developed by the key expert.

Required Outputs

Under this contract, the Contractor / Service Provider must achieve the following outputs/deliverables:

• Inception report/concept document inclusive of the project plan with timeframes(maximum of 4 pages)
• Programme strategy
• Leaner guide
• Facilitator guide
• Presentation slides
• Assessment activities (quizzes, scenarios, case studies, reflections, application of learning – such as the drafting of memorandum, project concepts and annual reports amongst others)
• Readings and reference materials
• Editorial certificate
• Project close-out report

Expert Profile

The Service Provider must have:

• Relevant knowledge and experience in the Learning Materials Development, including materials for online and virtual programmes.
• Knowledge of cutting-edge developments in education, training and learning environment as well as familiarity with competences for the target audience.
• Sound knowledge of the content area and innovative development in this area.
• Good administration skills, including, planning, design of templates and checklists for reporting on progress.
• Knowledge and experience in the Education, Training and Development Practices and the Public Service and Administration field.
• Excellent report writing and précis writing skills.
• Good time management skills are essential.
• Demonstrate professionalism and good work ethic.
• Ability to make powerpoint and other types of presentations.
• Knowledge and experience of legislation and policies of the Public Service, Local Government and other applicable government sectors.
• Knowledge and skills to design blended learning programmes.

Duration of the assignment: 30 working days

Location: Pretoria, South Africa