Request for Proposal for Short-Term Consultancy to Conduct Baseline Assessment for the Geo-ST4R Project in Lagos State.

Background

Pathfinder Nigeria is driven by the conviction that all people, regardless of where they live, have the right to decide whether and when to have children, to exist free from fear and stigma, and to lead the lives they choose. Since 1957, we have partnered with local governments, communities, and health systems to remove barriers to critical sexual and reproductive health services. Together, we expand access to contraception, promote healthy pregnancies, save women’s lives, and stop the spread of new HIV infections, wherever the need is most urgent. Our work ensures millions of women, men, and young people can choose their paths forward.

The Geospatial data/tools/technology for RMCHN microplanning and decision support project also known as the Geo-ST4R project is aimed at enhancing RMNCHN outcomes along the continuum of care by identifying service delivery and operational gaps that affect access to quality health care and supporting the development of realistic, context-specific plans to address them. It will leverage existing structures and build on lessons learned by implementing digital health solutions in Nigeria as well as the use of geospatial maps and tools for polio eradication and routine immunization. Specifically, this investment will:

• Strengthen data systems to improve quality and use for decision-making.
• Build technical capacity for geospatial analysis (through training sessions, mentorships, internships, and fellowships).
• Leverage geospatial data to provide evidence for continuous improvement in the quality of care at the community level.
• Improve the strategic implementation of interventions carried out within communities and health facilities across Lagos state; and
• Enhance overall systems for priority primary health care outcomes.

Pathfinder Nigeria is seeking a consultant to conduct a health facility assessment in Lagos state. The result from the assessment will contribute to decisions concerning a suitable package of interventions to be deployed to the state and provide information on the strengths and operational gaps in RMNCHN service delivery, and existing geospatial technological capacity for microplanning.

Assignment Summary

The purpose of this assignment is to collect relevant information on RMNCHN service uptake, as well as existing capacity for the development of the use of microplans in Lagos.

SCOPE OF WORK (SOW)

Name of Independent Contractor: xxxxxxxxxx

Assignment Title: Short-term consultancy to conduct baseline assessment for the Geo-ST4R project in Lagos state.

Department/Unit: MEL Business Unit.

Pathfinder Involvement: The following individuals will be involved in this assignment according to the roles below.

MEL Coordinator

Finance and Admin Manager

Purpose and Objectives

Working with the Technical Coordinator, you will be expected to carry out the following tasks.

1. Review electronic data collection tools already developed by Pathfinder Nigeria in alignment with the project/study objectives.
2. Identify, engage, and train data collectors with the requisite skills and experience in implementing similar studies.
3. Collect baseline quantitative and qualitative data at the health facility and community levels.
4. Transcribe the qualitative data for analysis.

Task 1: Review electronic data collection tools and platforms

Task 1 is the development of digital platforms such as xls. based version of the baseline assessment tools that have been developed by Pathfinder Nigeria. The electronic tool should enable real-time data collection that can be easily monitored by both Pathfinder and the consultant. The quantitative survey tool must be developed with built-in controls to minimize possible errors. Control points and functions such as skip logic, response conditions, and response value types must be included to enhance quality control.

1.2 Develop a detailed workplan for completing Task 2 and Task 3

The consultant will develop and submit a detailed workplan for delivering in coordination and consultation with Pathfinder International a detailed workplan outlining activities leading up to the timeline for the start and completion of data collection. The consultant shall review and build on the study protocol developed by Pathfinder to provide a detailed description of plans with timelines for data collection and mapping of respondents to be interviewed/engaged during fieldwork. This would include plans for training of data collectors on the processes and ethics of data collection.

Task 2: Fieldwork- Data Collection.

In achieving Task 2 the consultant must ensure that the data collection process causes no harm, and adheres to respect for persons, beneficence, and justice. Expectations are that:

1. Data collection occurs concurrently across all the selected sites.
2. The electronically collected data should be synchronized daily for easy access by the Pathfinder and management on selected platforms while qualitative data- audio records of the IDI and FGD are uploaded into a passworded drive.
3. Inadequacies or inconsistencies in data collection are rectified promptly and real-time feedback is provided.

Ethical Considerations

Approval will be obtained from the Lagos State government. Informed consent will be obtained from all study participants. Participants’ confidentiality will be maintained. No participant will be identified by name except for public officials whose permission to quote will be obtained.

Submission of Deliverables

The consultant will submit a clean quantitative data dataset, original recordings from the qualitative data

Location of Assignment: Lagos State

Period of Performance/Duration of Assignment: June – August 2024

Positions Available: 1 position

Expected Milestone

1. Submission of signed sub-award by June 25, 2024 (milestone 1 payment)
2. Submission of workplan matrix in Microsoft Excel with a stepwise list of activities and the respective timeline for completion by June 25, 2024 (milestone 1 payment)
3. Access to electronic/digital platform on which baseline assessment tool has been deployed with necessary quality controls by June 27, 2024 (milestone 2 payment)
4. Complete Quantitative dataset, Qualitative data recording & transcription, action pictures, and consent forms by July 10, 2024 (milestone 3 payment)

*All milestones submitted in Microsoft Word should be single-spaced with 1” margins and 11-point Times New Roman font. Page limits do not include title pages, acknowledgments, and references.

Eligibility/Scoring Criteria:

1. Post-graduate degree in a relevant field such as Public Health, Health Economics, Epidemiology, Statistics, etc. -10%
2. At least 10 years of experience in coordinating and managing surveys in Nigeria, especially Lagos state, must have implemented a similar study -10%
3. Broad knowledge and excellent understanding of t h e health sector and structures for health governance in Lagos at the state, LGA, facility, and community levels – SMoH and SPHCDA -10%
4. Proven analytical and research skills (both quantitative and qualitative) -15%
5. Excellent ability in developing qualitative and quantitative questionnaires to collect high- quality information/data and present it clearly and concisely. Include samples of mixed method assessments previously completed by the consultant is a requirement- 15%
6. Strong technical writing and presentation skills, and ability to communicate effectively to diverse audiences- 15%
7. Proven experience i n engaging and coordinating with a wide range of stakeholders including Government representatives, other development partners, humanitarian actors, and other relevant stakeholders especially in Lagos state-15%
8. Fluency in English written and spoken -10%