Call for Consultancy Services: Geoscience Curriculum Review & Development

Overview

Makerere University, through the Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies, is implementing a project titled “Strengthening Uganda’s Mineral Sector through Labour- Market Aligned Curricula Reforms: A Comprehensive Review of BSc/MSc/PhD Geology Curricula and Development of Industry-Aligned Short Courses at Makerere University.”

The project seeks to strengthen human capital development in Uganda’s mineral sector by reviewing and modernizing geology training programmes to better respond to labour market needs, emerging technologies, industry expectations, national development priorities, and international best practices. The project further seeks to develop industry-responsive short courses that enhance the competencies of professionals and practitioners within Uganda’s mining and mineral value chain.

To support this process, Makerere University seeks to engage a qualified Geoscience Consultant to provide technical guidance throughout the curriculum review and development process over a period of eight (8) months.

Funding Programme:

Sustainable Development of the Mineral Sector in Uganda (SDMU)

Funding Partners:

Government of the Federal Republic of Germany and European Union through Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), Uganda.

Implementing Institution

Makerere University (College of Natural Sciences, Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies)

Duty Station

Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, with travel to selected stakeholder locations within Uganda.

Consultancy Type

Individual Consultant (Mining Expert)

Objective of the consultancy

The overall objective of the consultancy is to provide technical leadership and expert guidance during the review, reform, validation, and finalization of BSc, MSc, and PhD Geology curricula and the development of industry-aligned short courses to ensure their relevance, quality, competitiveness, and alignment with labour market demands.

Scope of work

The consultant shall work closely with the project team, departmental staff, industry stakeholders, regulatory bodies, alumni, and development partners to undertake the following assignments:

a) Curriculum Review and Gap Analysis

i. Guide the technical review of existing BSc, MSc, and PhD Geology curricula.

ii. Assess the adequacy, relevance, and currency of existing programme content.

iii. Ascertain that the identification of content gaps, outdated courses, redundancies, and

misalignment with labour market demands is thorough and evidence-based.

iv. Review programme structures against national qualification frameworks, competency-

based curriculum requirements, and international best practices.

b) Curriculum Reform and Modernization

i. Appraise recommendations for restructuring and modernization of course content, delivery approaches, and learning experiences.

ii. Ensure that proposed curricular reforms adequately address emerging trends and technologies in geosciences, mining, environmental management, digital geoscience applications, and sustainable mineral resource development.

iii. Ensure integration of practical training, field-based learning, laboratory competencies, industry exposure, entrepreneurship, innovation, and digital skills.

iv. Review proposed teaching, learning, and assessment methods for appropriateness and effectiveness.

c) Stakeholder Engagement and Validation

i. Participate in stakeholder consultation meetings, workshops, focus group discussions, validation meetings, and dissemination events.

ii. Provide technical input during stakeholder engagements.

iii. Ensure that stakeholder feedback is adequately analyzed and incorporated into curriculum reform processes.

Required Qualifications and Experience

The ideal consultant should be a Ugandan who possesses:

a) Academic Qualifications

• PhD in Geology, Geosciences, Earth Sciences, Mining Geology, Petroleum Geoscience, Environmental Geoscience, or a closely related discipline.

b) Professional Experience

• Minimum of fifteen (15) years of geoscience teaching and research, academic leadership or curriculum development experience in higher education.
• Demonstrated experience in curriculum review, curriculum development, accreditation, or quality assurance processes in higher education.
• Strong understanding of competency-based curriculum frameworks.
• Demonstrated knowledge of labour market trends within the geoscience, mining, petroleum, environmental, and mineral sectors.
• Familiarity with Uganda’s higher education regulatory frameworks and quality assurance requirements.
• Experience participating in curriculum accreditation or programme review exercises and International experience are added advantage.

c) Competencies

• Excellent analytical and technical writing skills
• Strong stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Demonstrated commitment to quality assurance and academic excellence

Application Requirements

Interested consultants should submit:

1. Technical Proposal detailing understanding of the assignment, methodology, and approach.

2. Financial Proposal indicating professional fees and any associated costs.

3. Detailed Curriculum Vitae highlighting relevant qualifications and experience.

4. Copies of academic certificates and professional qualifications.

5. Evidence of similar assignments successfully completed.

6. Contact details of at least three professional referees.

Submission of Applications

Interested and eligible consultants are invited to submit their applications electronically or physically in sealed envelopes clearly marked: “Consultancy for Geoscience Curriculum Review and Development Expert – MAK-SDMU”

Applications should be addressed to:

The Project Coordinator

MAK-SDMU

Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies

Makerere University

P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda

Email: denis.mutebi@mak.ac.ug, and copy to denis2003mutebi@gmail.com and arthur.batte@mak.ac.ug

Deadline for Submission: Friday, 26th June 2026 at 4:00 pm (EAT)

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Full advert attached below.