RECRUITMENT OF A NATIONAL CONSULTANT OR FIRM FOR A NATIONAL STUDY OF LEARNING SYSTEMS AND THE IDENTIFICATION OF IMPROVED LEARNING MODELS IN MALI.

1. Context and Rationale
Mali is facing a complex crisis that is deeply affecting its socio-economic fabric, characterized by persistent insecurity, institutional instability, demographic pressures, climate challenges, and resource tensions. In this context, access to decent employment opportunities, particularly for young people and women, is a key strategic issue.
The majority of young Malians enter the labor market through the informal sector, where apprenticeships, often traditional and unstructured1, represent the main entry point. This mode of training, although essential for the transmission of technical and artisanal skills, has several limitations:

Lack of common quality standards;

Poor formal recognition of acquired skills;

Lack of monitoring and educational supervision;

Precarious working conditions and unequal access for girls, people living with disabilities, and displaced youth.
At the same time, formal apprenticeship systems (vocational training centers, dual apprenticeships, work-study programs) struggle to meet market needs, lack interaction with businesses, and suffer from fragmented governance.
As part of the Skills Mali Project, implemented by the ILO with support from the Norwegian government, Sub-activity 10.1.1.1 is part of a dynamic of reform and structuring of apprenticeship systems in Mali. It aims to document existing systems, identify local innovations, compare practices with international standards, particularly those of ILO Recommendation 208 (R208),2 and propose concrete measures to build a coherent, inclusive, and high-quality national system.
The expected study will include:

Mapping all existing systems (formal and informal) in different sectors, this includes informal/traditional vocational learning as practiced in the informal economy, dual learning, tutorial learning, modular learning, VAE, and the systems introduced by recent reforms and ministerial decrees adopted in recent years;

Compare these systems with the principles of R208, in terms of governance, quality, participation of social partners, protection of apprentices, financing, recognition of skills and inclusion;

Identify and document at least four improved or successful pilot models (2 models for the formal sector and 2 models for the informal sector), which demonstrate good practices that can be reproduced (e.g., private sector-managed centers, municipal schemes, school-business partnerships, community learning initiatives, craft association schemes);

Formulate a strategy for the establishment of a national multi-stakeholder body responsible for the supervision and coordination of apprenticeships.
2. Objectives and methodology
2.1. Objectives of the mission
Conduct a diagnostic study of apprenticeship systems in Mali, identify improved models and propose a strategy for the establishment of a national multi-stakeholder committee responsible for the supervision and coordination of apprenticeships.

The specific tasks of the mission will be to:

Map existing apprenticeship systems (formal and informal), including those in the informal economy.
Compare these systems with the guidance of ILO Recommendation R208.
Identify, document, and analyze at least four improved apprenticeship models or successful pilot projects for quality training (dual-study training, public-private partnerships, community-based schemes, etc.).

Develop a strategy for the establishment of a national multi-stakeholder committee responsible for the oversight and coordination of apprenticeships.

2.2. Champ d’application

Geographical areas (Bamako + 4 regions (Sikasso, Mopti, Timbuktu, Ségou or Kayes).

Target actors;

Ministry of National Entrepreneurship, Employment and Vocational Training;
National Directorate of Vocational Training;
Support Fund for Vocational Training and Apprenticeship;
Employers;
Trade Unions;
National Federation of Craftsmen of Mali;
Permanent Assembly of Chambers of Trades
Technical and Vocational Training Establishment;
Companies, consular chambers, craftsmen, etc.
LuxDev, Embassy of Luxembourg in Mali;
Swisscontact, Swiss Cooperation in Mali;
Helvetas

Duration of the mission / 8 weeks

Sectoral approach

Targeting 3 to 4 promising economic sectors (crafts, agriculture, construction, textiles)

Study Governance

Tripartite: Government, Employers, Workers.

2.3. Methodology
The consultant will propose his own working methodology which must combine documentary research tools, comparative analysis, field investigation (individual interviews and focus groups with stakeholders in the learning ecosystem) and multi-stakeholder validation.
Phase 1 – Framing and documentary review

Analysis of legal texts and strategic documents related to vocational training and VAE.
Review of previous studies on apprenticeships in Mali.
Development of a comparative analytical framework based on R208.
Phase 2 – Field data collection
Qualitative surveys with the MEEFP, FAFPA, TVET, chambers of trades, artisans, apprentices, etc. – drawing on ILO tools3
Focus sectors: agriculture, crafts, construction, textiles, agri-food processing.
Gender and inclusion analysis.
Phase 3 – Mapping and comparative analysis
Establishment of a map of existing systems.
Comparative analysis with the broad outlines of R208.
Phase 4 – Case study of improved models
Identification and in-depth documentation of four promising models.
Assessment of the potential for replication or scaling up.
Weaknesses and challenges identified, and recommendations for improvement
Phase 5 – Development of a national multi-stakeholder strategy responsible for the supervision and coordination of apprenticeships
Definition of a national architecture for the supervision and coordination of apprenticeships in accordance with the provisions of R208.
Proposal for the creation of a national multi-stakeholder committee.
Implementation plan in 3 phases: pilot, experimentation, extension.
Phase 6 – Validation and finalization
Organization of a national restitution workshop.
Finalization of the full study report and the strategic note.

3. Expected deliverables and schedule

Methodological framework note, detailed work plan / End of Week 1

Learning Systems Mapping Report / End of Week 3

Comparative analytical note with R208 / End of Week 4

Case Study: Documentation of 4 Improved Models / End of Week 6

Strategy proposal and framework note from the supervisory committee / End of Week 7

Final report incorporating feedback from the validation workshop / End of Week 8

Deviations from these deliverables may occur depending on the evolution of the project implementation process (as a whole). However, any observed or anticipated changes must be consulted with the ILO National Skills Project Coordinator – Mali.

3.1 Payment Terms
Upon satisfactory completion of the services and receipt of an invoice, the ILO will make payment to the national consultant as follows:
Deliverables 1 & 2: 30%
Deliverables 3, 4 & 5: 30%
Deliverable 6 (final report): 40%

How to apply

4. Profile and selection criteria
4.1. Required profile The national consultant must have the following skills and experience:
Master’s degree or higher in education, skills development, public policy, or equivalent.
Minimum 7 years of experience in vocational training, apprenticeship or policy analysis.
Experience in comparative and sectoral studies, preferably in Africa.
Knowledge of the Malian context and ILO frameworks (R208, TVET standards).
Excellent writing and synthesis skills.
Experience in facilitating multi-stakeholder workshops and coordinating with public and private stakeholders.
4.2. Evaluation criteria
Quality and relevance of the proposed methodology 40%
Experience and references of the consultant/firm 40%
Value for money of the offer 20%
4.3. Supervision and governance
The consultant or firm will work under the supervision of the National Coordinator of the Skills Mali project, with technical support from the ILO skills development specialist for West Africa. A technical committee composed of representatives of the MEFP, the ILO, the FAFPA, social partners and TVET providers will ensure the technical monitoring of the mission and validate the deliverables.
4.4. Confidentiality
All data and information received from the ILO in the context of this mission must be treated confidentially and must only be used in the execution of this mandate. All intellectual property rights arising from the execution of this mandate are assigned to the ILO. The content of written documents obtained and used in the context of this mission may not be disclosed to third parties without the prior written authorization of the ILO.

4.5. Application file
Application files must include:

A detailed CV (or portfolio for a firm) (max. 5 pages) clearly specifying the expertise, experience, references from similar missions and skills of the consultant;
A technical proposal including an understanding of the mission, a methodology and a timetable;
A financial proposal (fees + logistical costs if applicable).
Deadline for submission: July 15, 2025
Deadline for submission of questions: July 10, 2025
Sending address: dagamaissa@ilo.org and copy traore@ilo.org
Subject of the email: “Consultant/firm application – Apprenticeship study 10.1.1.1 – Mali”