Technical Lead

Background:

USAID Kenya and East Africa (USAID/KEA) contracted SoCha LLC to implement the five-year USAID Localization, Inclusion, and Sustainability Activity (LISA). The activity aims to support USAID/KEA staff and stakeholders to be more efficient, effective, transparent, inclusive, and skilled in achieving development outcomes. The LISA team supports USAID’s work to increase locally led, owned, and managed development outcomes. LISA utilizes local expertise and seeks to partner with local entities with in-depth knowledge and networks in Kenya.

Scope of Work:

SoCha seeks a qualified Technical Lead (Consultant) to lead an assessment of the USAID/KEA Health, Population, and Nutrition (HPN) Office’s Maternal and Newborn Health Program. The assessment will be conducted in nine (9) counties: Vihiga, Kakamega, Trans Nzoia, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Nakuru, Kwale, Turkana, and Nairobi. The consultant will be contracted by SoCha and will report directly to designated LISA staff.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Assessment Planning: Develop a comprehensive plan for the assessment including objectives, methodologies, and timelines in addition to identifying deliverables.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Guide the design and development of the data collection methodology, tools, and trainings in addition to overseeing data collection and analysis.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate and engage with stakeholders, conduct interviews, and gather feedback.
• Performance and Assessment: Assess service quality attributes, collate data, and identify strengths and weaknesses.
• Documentation and Reporting: Prepare clear, evidence-based reports and summary presentations with findings and recommendations as well as engage stakeholders in discussions.
• Recommendations: Provide actionable recommendations towards improvements based on the assessment findings.
• Quality Assurance and Compliance: Ensure ethical and regulatory compliance, data accuracy, and confidentiality.
• Capacity Building and Training: Offer trainings to enhance data collection and analysis capabilities.
• Communication and Dissemination: Share findings and recommendations with relevant stakeholders.
• Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity: Approach assessments with cultural sensitivity and inclusivity.
• Emergency Response and Preparedness: Support the assessment team in its readiness to address any unforeseen challenges.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in medicine, clinical medicine, or nursing from a recognized university.
• Master’s degree in pediatrics, obstetrics/gynecology, and neonatology from a recognized university (a doctoral degree is an added advantage).
• At least ten (10) years of experience working within the Ministry of Health (MOH)-Kenya health system facilities (levels 2, 3, 4, and 5) and communities at the national and county levels.
• At least ten (10) years of experience in providing services in maternal, newborn, and child health in public health facilities within the MOH-Kenya health system.
• At least seven (7) years of experience in conducting research in maternal, newborn, and child health within the MOH-Kenya health system.
• At least seven (7) years of experience in planning, designing, collecting data, implementing, and providing analysis on health facility assessments for public health facilities within the MOH-Kenya health system at both the national and county levels.
• Experience in Reproductive, Maternal Neonatal Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) within the MOH-Kenya health system focusing on nutrition and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).
• Experience working with USAID and USAID implementing partners and stakeholders is an added advantage.
• Proficiency in analyzing, writing, and communicating findings effectively.
• Experience in developing and delivering presentations to high-level stakeholders including government officials, funders, and implementing partners.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders including government officials, facility teams, implementing partners, and communities.

Location:

Nairobi County but may be required to travel around the nine (9) counties to lead and support the assessment, including the data collection process.

Period of Performance:

November 2023 – January 2024