Consultancy Opportunity
Book Publishing Landscape Analysis – Senegal
Timeline: 1 May – 15 June 2026
Application Deadline: 10 April 2026
CONSULTANCY: ANALYSIS OF THE BOOK PUBLISHING LANDSCAPE IN SENEGAL
Timeline: 1 May – 15 June 2026
Application Deadline: 10 April 2026
SCOPE OF WORK
Room to Read seeks a qualified consultant to conduct a qualitative analysis on the book publishing landscape in Senegal. The deliverable is producing a report that analyzes and summarizes results and findings obtained from collecting qualitative data on educational and book publishing policies, reports, statistics, and conducting informational interviews.
BACKGROUND
Founded in 2000 on the belief that World Change Starts with Educated Children®, Room to Read develops children’s foundational literacy skills, as well as life skills that promote gender equality. As a leading implementer, Room to Read nurtures these essential skills in children by training and coaching educators, creating quality learning materials and spaces, and strengthening education systems – all while honoring the dignity of every child.
We develop and deliver evidence-based materials and approaches directly and with partners. We are a valuable partner of choice for government, other system and program partners as well as investors focused on education. Committed to accelerating learning outcomes for more children, more quickly, we have benefited 52 million children across 29 countries. By the end of 2027, we aim to double the number of children and communities we support each year.
Room to Read envisions a world free from illiteracy and gender inequality, where all children have room to read, learn and grow. Visit us at www.roomtoread.org.
We are exploring the possibility of expanding Room to Read literacy program in Senegal. To support this work, we are conducting a publishing landscape analysis to determine the relevance of Room to Read literacy program in Senegal. The publishing landscape analysis will take place in two parts:
1) a desk review to gather high-level information about the education, book publishing, and partnership landscape in Senegal;
2) in-country visits by a Room to Read team to further our understanding of the landscape and meet potential partners.
The research aims to identify key educational and book publishing policies and systems as well as a macro-level understanding of how Room to Read could potentially add value to the quality education agenda in Senegal in primary school literacy and children’s book publishing. Findings from the analysis will be used to recommend a high-level strategy for Room to Read in Senegal and provide a basis for a follow-up visit by a Room to Read team to meet with local stakeholders and structure a workplan for the book publishing project.
DESK REVIEW
The desk review aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the educational and book publishing key stakeholders, policies, systems, challenges and opportunities in Senegal as well as potential partners working in the field of early literacy and children’s book publishing ecosystem.
DELIVERABLES
A report that gathers, analyzes and presents the following information:
Macro level demographics, education and literacy statistics;
National policies and guidelines on education, literacy and book publishing-related initiatives and studies;
Information and documentation on national education systems and structures, including systems of accountability, national primary curriculum standards and subjects, and associated practices, pre/in-service and teacher professional development;
Information and documentation on the local publishing industry and the children’s book landscape, including information on technology, diversity, and sustainability;
The NGO landscape highlighting their approaches, adaptations and technologies, including a recommended list of potential partners; Information related to the political and social landscape of Senegal;
Recommendations for Room to Read on priority areas for further research and potential programming strategy (see desk study guidelines for details).
METHODOLOGY
Data and information for the assignment will be collected through the following methodologies:
Information gathering from local sources;
Online research;
Meetings/interviews with the stakeholders such as the Ministry of Education (as needed);
Meetings/interviews with publishers, local writers, and illustrators on standard procedures of children’s book development in Senegal (as needed);
Meetings/interviews with local NGOs including organizations that support literacy (as needed);
TASKS AND DELIVERABLES
Task | Timeframe | Deliverable
Develop a data collection plan (gender-balanced research team and sampling) that includes a description of methods and timeline for gathering information
Week 1 | Data collection plan
Information gathering | Weeks 2-3 | Oral or written updates on data collection
Write a report on the findings from the data collection. | Weeks 4-5 |
Final Report (between 10 and 15 pages)
Respond to Room to Read’s questions and update report. Connect Room to Read to relevant stakeholders identified in the report. | Week 6 |
Oral or written responses to questions. Email introductions to relevant stakeholders.
*Communication with Room to Read on an ongoing basis.
TERMS OF CONTRACT
The contract between Room to Read and the consultant selected for this study will be a fixed fee of up to US$3,000. The consultant entering into a contract with Room to Read must ensure that the entire scope of work can be completed with the available resources.
QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate for this consultancy will have the following qualifications:
A degree in education or a related field of study (Masters degree preferred);
Proven experience in conducting independent research through online investigations and interviews;
Knowledge and understanding of teaching methodologies, curriculum and teacher training at the primary school level in Senegal;
Understanding of gender-transformative and inclusive research methodologies, tools, and practices;
A background working with literacy, book publishing, and/or teaching reading, gender mainstreaming and transformative education programs, preferred;
In-depth knowledge and familiarity with the book publishing sector in Senegal an added advantage;
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, including the ability to write reports and present information;
Ability to work independently, with objectivity and pay attention to detail; The candidate is currently living or residing in Senegal, preferred.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications are invited to send their CV with a cover letter outlining how they meet the criteria.
Child Protection Principles
Room to Read is committed to the education and welfare of children and protecting them from abuse and exploitation
Room to Read has zero tolerance for child abuse and exploitation.
All children have the right to be free from abuse and exploitation, including neglect, maltreatment, and physical, mental or sexual violence, injury or abuse.
All children should be treated with respect and dignity.
The well-being of the child is Room to Read’s first priority when dealing with all identified or suspected cases of child abuse.
Room to Read shall integrate child protection into all its organizational strategies, structures and work practices.
Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Principles
Room to Read Representatives must create and maintain an environment that prevents sexual exploitation and sexual abuse.
Room to Read has zero tolerance for adult sexual exploitation and abuse.
Sexual exploitation and abuse are serious violations of fundamental human rights and will not be accepted or tolerated.
All adults should be treated with respect and dignity.
Room to Read implements a survivor-centered approach, putting the survivor’s rights and dignity at the forefront.
Survivors referred to available professional assistance (e.g. mental health counselling), upon consent.
About Room to Read:
Founded in 2000 on the belief that World Change Starts with Educated Children®, Room to Read envisions a world free from illiteracy and gender inequality, where all children have room to read, learn and grow – creating lasting change. Through our Literacy Portfolio, we train and coach teachers of the early grades in literacy instruction; create and publish quality books and curricular materials in local languages; and establish children’s libraries filled with diverse children’s books that can be enjoyed at school and home. Our Gender Equality Portfolio supports adolescents, particularly girls, in developing life skills that promote gender equality, helping them to pursue lifelong learning and make informed decisions.
We support young people of all genders to overcome gender biases and build the knowledge and skills to create a gender-equal world. Room to Read collaborates with local communities, partner organizations, publishers, and governments to test and implement innovative models that can be integrated into the education system to deliver positive outcomes for children at scale. To date, Room to Read has benefited more than 50 million children in 28 countries.
Learn more at www.roomtoread.org.