Call for Concept Notes: AI-Enabled EdTech Solutions for Teacher Professional Development in Ethiopia
Addis Ababa
International – Consultancies /
Consultant (STTA, TOR, SOW, EOI) /
Remote
Results for Development (R4D) is a leading non-profit global development partner. We collaborate with change agents around the world — government officials, civil society leaders and social innovators — to create strong systems that support healthy, educated people. We help our partners move from knowing their goal to knowing how to reach it. We combine global expertise in health, education and nutrition with analytic rigor, practical support for decision-making and implementation and access to peer problem-solving networks. Together with our partners, we build self-sustaining systems that serve everyone and deliver lasting results. Then we share what we learn so others can achieve results for development, too.
We have a unique and vibrant culture at R4D. Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the heart of our work environment and help advance our mission. Diversity—of ideas, identities, perspectives and backgrounds—is vital to who we are and what we do. We seek people who embrace these values and will help reinforce them. Our work culture is collaborative, creative and entrepreneurial. We operate based on trust and respect. Teams across the organization frequently collaborate on programmatic work and support each other in continuously building a better R4D.
**Please see the Submission Details section for submission instructions. Do not use the 'Apply' button on this page.**
I. Introduction to the Frontier Tech Hub and our Demand Led Engagement in Ethiopia
The Frontier Tech Hub explores how emerging and frontier technologies—such as artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, drones, and the Internet of Things—can be applied to address major challenges in international development and engagement. While these technologies are still evolving in their practical application, they hold significant potential for transformative impact.
In Ethiopia, we’ve adopted a demand-led approach, grounded in deep ecosystem engagement, to increase the relevance, ownership, and adoption of these technologies.
This involves:
Co-defining priority problems with local stakeholders across the ecosystem
Co-designing solutions that respond to locally articulated needs
Articulating demand—clarifying who needs the solution, who will use it, and who might fund or sustain it
We identify key ecosystem components to build upon and assess the systemic challenges that must be addressed to support adoption—such as capacity gaps, interoperability with existing technologies, behaviour change, and access to finance.
Through this process, the education sector — teacher professional development (TPD) —has emerged as a key priority area. Following a series of engagement workshops held in June, we identified frontier technologies, for example artificial intelligence (AI), as a promising avenue to enhance TPD efforts across Ethiopia. This call invites concept notes for innovative, AI-enabled EdTech solutions aimed at strengthening TPD in Ethiopia.
II. Objectives of the Call
To support the design, development, and piloting of an AI-enabled EdTech solution that improves the quality and accessibility of teacher professional development in Ethiopia.
We are seeking solutions that:
● Apply AI to improve teacher professional development outcomes
○ Particularly around the transition to delivering curriculum in English from Grade 7 and improving quality of teaching in English
● Support scalable, cost-effective approaches to teacher professional development
● Are designed for or adaptable to low-resource contexts, with a focus on Ethiopia
● Align with user needs and local education system priorities
Successful concepts may be supported by the Frontier Tech Hub with funding, technical assistance, and ecosystem connections.
With the main goals of:
● Co-creating a scalable TPD intervention using AI and/or data-driven technology
● Aligning the solution with Ethiopia’s education system and user needs
● Test feasibility and gather user feedback
● Generate evidence on adoption, engagement, and effectiveness
III. What We're Looking For
We encourage submissions from:
● EdTech developers, especially those working with AI
● AI and machine learning experts in education
● TPD providers with interest in integrating technology
● Organizations with local experience in Ethiopia or similar contexts
We welcome both established organizations and emerging innovators, including partnerships or consortiums.
IV. Concept Note Requirements
Please keep submissions concise (max 3 pages) and include:
1. Title and summary of the concept
2. Problem being addressed – and how it relates to TPD in Ethiopia
3. Description of the solution – including use of AI and/or EdTech
4. Target users and delivery context
5. Stage of development – idea, prototype, early implementation
6. Potential for scale and sustainability
7. Experience of the team/organization
8. High-level budget estimate or support needed
V. Submission Details
Please submit your Concept Note to nasrat@r4d.org by COB 4th July 2025. Using the subject line: FT Hub Concept Note – EdTech AI for TPD
In the email please include your:
● Organisation name and website
● Key contact person (name, email, title)
● Attachment of Concept Note
VI. Next Steps
Selected concepts will be reviewed and shortlisted for potential:
· Funding and technical support
· Co-design workshops
· Further development or pilot implementation in Ethiopia
Concept note submission is not a commitment to implementation but part of an exploratory and collaborative process.
Results for Development is an EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled/Affirmative Action Employer committed to fostering
and nurturing an energetic, collaborative and diverse workforce. R4D provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits.
