World Bank Global Partnership for Education: Systems Strengthening for Education Outcomes – Monitoring and Evaluation Component

The World Bank and Global Partnership for Education (GPE) have launched a critical funding opportunity under the Systems Strengthening for Education Outcomes program, focusing specifically on the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) component. This call is part of the Multiplier grant model, which aims to leverage domestic resources and partnerships to enhance the quality and use of education data in developing countries. The opportunity is open to government ministries, NGOs, research institutions, and private sector entities operating in GPE-eligible countries. The total funding envelope is not explicitly stated, but typical Multiplier grants range from $2.5 million to $25 million per country. The deadline is October 15, 2026, providing ample time for strategic preparation. GSLI identifies this as a prime opportunity for organizations to strengthen their M&E capacity and contribute to global education goals. The M&E component is designed to address persistent challenges in education data: incomplete datasets, delayed reporting, low analytical capacity, and weak linkages between data and policy. By supporting robust M&E systems, the World Bank and GPE aim to ensure that education investments are evidence-based and yield measurable improvements in learning outcomes. The call emphasizes the use of innovative technologies such as mobile data collection, geospatial analysis, and real-time dashboards. Additionally, donors require a strong focus on gender equality, disability inclusion, and conflict sensitivity. The project length is typically 3-5 years, with a clear sustainability plan beyond the grant period. This opportunity is particularly relevant for organizations that have experience in large-scale data collection and can demonstrate a track record of using data to influence education policy. GSLI's training courses can help applicants bridge any capacity gaps, particularly in M&E design, project management, and financial compliance. By integrating GSLI training into the proposal narrative, applicants can distinguish themselves as committed to professional development and technical excellence. The overview underscores that this is not just a funding opportunity but a chance to contribute to the global education agenda and drive systemic change in partner countries.

Strategic Overview

The World Bank and Global Partnership for Education (GPE) have launched a critical funding opportunity under the Systems Strengthening for Education Outcomes program, focusing specifically on the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) component. This call is part of the Multiplier grant model, which aims to leverage domestic resources and partnerships to enhance the quality and use of education data in developing countries. The opportunity is open to government ministries, NGOs, research institutions, and private sector entities operating in GPE-eligible countries. The total funding envelope is not explicitly stated, but typical Multiplier grants range from $2.5 million to $25 million per country. The deadline is October 15, 2026, providing ample time for strategic preparation. GSLI identifies this as a prime opportunity for organizations to strengthen their M&E capacity and contribute to global education goals. The M&E component is designed to address persistent challenges in education data: incomplete datasets, delayed reporting, low analytical capacity, and weak linkages between data and policy. By supporting robust M&E systems, the World Bank and GPE aim to ensure that education investments are evidence-based and yield measurable improvements in learning outcomes. The call emphasizes the use of innovative technologies such as mobile data collection, geospatial analysis, and real-time dashboards. Additionally, donors require a strong focus on gender equality, disability inclusion, and conflict sensitivity. The project length is typically 3-5 years, with a clear sustainability plan beyond the grant period. This opportunity is particularly relevant for organizations that have experience in large-scale data collection and can demonstrate a track record of using data to influence education policy. GSLI's training courses can help applicants bridge any capacity gaps, particularly in M&E design, project management, and financial compliance. By integrating GSLI training into the proposal narrative, applicants can distinguish themselves as committed to professional development and technical excellence. The overview underscores that this is not just a funding opportunity but a chance to contribute to the global education agenda and drive systemic change in partner countries.

Who is it For?

This opportunity is designed for national and sub-national government agencies, particularly ministries of education, that are eligible for GPE Multiplier grants. Additionally, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations (CSOs), research institutions, and private sector firms with demonstrated capacity in education systems strengthening and monitoring and evaluation are encouraged to apply. Applicants must operate in countries that are members of the GPE and have an active Local Education Group (LEG). Preference is given to consortia that include government actors, local community organizations, and technical partners. Organizations must have a minimum of five years of experience in education sector M&E, with a track record of managing large-scale data collection, analysis, and reporting. Financial stability, proven by audited statements for the last three years, is required. For international organizations, a local presence or partnership with a local entity is strongly recommended to ensure contextual relevance and sustainability. The opportunity is particularly suited for entities that can demonstrate alignment with national education sector plans and the GPE 2025 strategic framework.

Priorities

The World Bank and GPE prioritize strengthening education data systems to enable evidence-based policy making and improve learning outcomes. Key investment KPIs include: (1) Percentage increase in national education data completeness and timeliness; (2) Reduction in learning poverty rates as measured by the Learning Poverty Index; (3) Improvement in the quality of assessments (national and international); (4) Enhanced capacity of Ministry of Education staff in M&E techniques; (5) Percentage of schools with functional data management systems; (6) Number of education sector plans that utilize M&E data for decision-making. The donor also emphasizes gender equity, inclusion of marginalized groups (e.g., children with disabilities, refugees), and climate-resilient education infrastructure. Funding is channeled through the Multiplier grant mechanism, which leverages domestic and external financing. The M&E component specifically aims to automate data collection, introduce real-time monitoring dashboards, and conduct impact evaluations using randomized control trials or quasi-experimental designs. Capacity building for local stakeholders and sustainability planning are cross-cutting priorities.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants must be (a) a government entity (e.g., Ministry of Education) or (b) a non-governmental organization registered in a GPE-eligible country. Financial audits require the entity to submit audited financial statements for the past three fiscal years, demonstrating sound fiscal management and no qualified opinions. The entity must have a minimum annual operating budget of $500,000 for the last two years. Spatial audits refer to the geographic scope of the project: the applicant must operate in regions that are underserved in terms of education data infrastructure, with priority given to fragile and conflict-affected states. Corporate legal audits require the applicant to provide legal registration documents, board composition, and organizational charts. Consortia must submit a memorandum of understanding (MoU) detailing roles, responsibilities, and financial flows. Conflict of interest declarations and anti-corruption clauses are mandatory. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate adherence to the World Bank's Environmental and Social Framework (ESF). Specific technical audits may include a review of past M&E frameworks, data management systems, and staff qualifications.

Path to Success

To maximize likelihood of funding, this strategic roadmap is recommended: **Step 1: Needs Assessment & Alignment (Months 1-2)** Conduct a thorough analysis of the target country's education sector plan and current M&E gaps. Engage with the Local Education Group (LEG) and align proposal objectives with GPE's national priorities. Use this phase to identify baseline indicators and data sources. GSLI course 'Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)' (80-hour online program) can equip your team with advanced M&E design skills, including logic models and indicator frameworks. **Step 2: Technical Design & Multiplier Application (Months 3-5)** Design a comprehensive M&E framework that includes quantitative and qualitative methods, digital data collection tools, and a sustainability plan. Clearly articulate how the project will leverage the Multiplier grant to co-finance with domestic resources. Develop a robust risk management plan and gender-responsive indicators. Enroll key staff in GSLI's 'Project Management for Development' course to enhance proposal writing and project planning capabilities. **Step 3: Partnership Formation & Capacity Building (Months 6-8)** Form a consortium with stakeholders including government agencies, local NGOs, and academic institutions. Formalize partnerships with MOUs and define data-sharing protocols. Conduct training workshops for local evaluators, utilizing GSLI's 'Monitoring & Evaluation' course materials. Ensure all partners adhere to World Bank fiduciary standards. **Step 4: Submission & Follow-up (Months 9-10)** Finalize proposal documents, including budget, work plan, and M&E plan. Submit through the GPE online portal before the deadline. After submission, engage in proactive communication with the donor, providing additional clarifications if requested. Use GSLI's 'Grants Management' course to ensure compliance with reporting requirements post-award.

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Deadline: 2026-10-15

Persona: General

Urgency: Normal