Terms of Reference for End Term Evaluation

Background

Gold Star Kenya (GSK) was established in 2010 as a local Non-Governmental Organization; GS Kenya was born out of the success of the Gold Star Network, a social franchise program initiative established in 2006 to promote comprehensive quality HIV care amongst a network of private health providers in Kenya. GSK implements health related projects in Kenya and is seeking to fill a position under the Afya Uzazi Salama Project that was designed to address the pressing health challenges faced by communities in Baringo County, particularly in maternal, newborn, and child health. Through collaborative efforts with the County Government of Baringo, the project aimed to enhance the capacity of the local health system, increase access to essential healthcare services, and promote community engagement in health promotion and disease prevention activities. The project operated for a duration of three years, focusing on advocacy, policy change, demand creation, improving access, quality improvement, infrastructural development, and sustainability.

Purpose of the Assignment

The primary objective of this end-term evaluation is to assess the achievements, impacts, effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, and sustainability of the Afya Uzazi Salama Baringo Programme. Specifically, the evaluation aims to:

• Evaluate the extent to which the programme achieved its goals and objectives, including assessing the reach and effectiveness of interventions.
• Identify the changes attributable to the programme and their impact on MNCH outcomes in Baringo County.
• Assess the sustainability of programme interventions and their alignment with the broader health system strengthening efforts in the county.
• Identify lessons learned, best practices, and areas for improvement to inform future programming and policy decisions.

Evaluation Questions

The evaluation will address the following key questions:

i. What were the key components and strategies of the Afya Uzazi Salama Baringo Programme, and to what extent were they successful in achieving the programme objectives?

ii. What changes can be attributed to the programme, particularly in terms of improved access to and quality of MNCH services, policy impact, and community engagement?

iii. How does the programme align with national and county health priorities, and what were the contextual factors influencing its implementation and outcomes?

iv. What were the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats encountered during programme implementation, and how did they affect the overall effectiveness and sustainability?

v. What lessons can be learned from the programme experience, and what recommendations can be made for future MNCH programming in similar settings?

Deliverables

The consultant will be expected to deliver the following:

i. Inception Report: Detailed evaluation plan, including methodology, tools, and work plan, submitted for review and approval within two weeks of commencement.

ii. Draft Evaluation Report: Comprehensive report presenting findings, analysis, conclusions, and recommendations, including at least two case studies with relevant photos, submitted for review within four weeks of data collection.

iii. Final Evaluation Report: Revised report incorporating feedback from stakeholders, submitted in MS Word format along with a PowerPoint presentation summarizing key findings and recommendations, within one week of receiving comments on the draft report.

Minimum Requirements:

• Master’s Degree in Public Health (Epidemiology and Disease Control) is highly desired.
• Must have solid years of field and research experience in RMNCAH and HIV/AIDS programs design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation using participatory approaches.
• Demonstrated understanding of national policies, strategies and guidelines especially for HIV/AIDS and RMNCH programs.
• Proven track record of implementing programs requiring participation of government and community stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to build partnerships and consensus, within teams and with other stakeholders.
• Good interpersonal, organizational and written / verbal communication skills.
• Sensitivity of cultural differences and understanding of the political and ethical issues surrounding RMNCH.

Type of service: Short-term consultancy

Reporting to: Executive Director and coordinates with Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Learning Manager at Safaricom Foundation

Duration: Maximum 50 working days