Call for Expression of Interest - Undertaking Mid-Term Evaluation of Gender-Based Nutrition Programme

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Call for Expression of Interest - Undertaking Mid-Term Evaluation of Gender-Based Nutrition Programme

COUNSENUTH · 2021-03-13T17:33:16+00:00

TERMS OF REFERENCE A. OVERVIEW, PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF THIS CONSULTANCY 1. Overview The Centre for Counselling Nutrition and Health Care (COUNSENUTH) is a leading Non-Profit, Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) registered under Certificate of Ordinance No.9495 in 1998 working in the area of public health, gender and nutrition in Tanzania. The mission of COUNSENUTH is to improve quality of life of vulnerable groups especially children, women and adolescents through cost-effective, innovative evidence-based actions that are locally appropriate, with multi-sectoral advocacy and action for better health, gender equality and human rights, good governance and accountability; through active engagement of citizens, policy makers, and Government authorities at all levels. As part of its mandate, COUNSENUTH with funding support from the Government of Ireland through Irish Aid, is implementing a fouryear community based gender driven nutrition programme in Chemba DC, Dodoma in collaboration with the LGA, in an effort to accelerate reduction of childhood stunting in the first 1000 days. The goal of the program is to reduce childhood stunting among children 0-59 months by at least 5% from 37.7 % in 4 years in Chemba DC while contributing to evidencebased through learning and documentation of the role of gender equity in improving maternal, infant, young child and adolescent nutrition. This programme therefore, is well aligned to the national goals for health and nutrition and COUNSENUTH’s five year strategic plan 2019 – 2023. Background information: Malnutrition in childhood and pregnancy has many adverse consequences for child survival and long-term well-being. It also has far-reaching consequences for human capital, economic productivity, and national development overall. The consequences of malnutrition are a significant concern in Tanzania, where the 2018 TNSS shows nationally, 34% of children under age 5 are stunted. Dodoma region is one of the regions in Tanzania having a high prevalence of stunting which although had declined from 56% in 2010 (TDHS 2010) to 37% in 2015 (2015/16) still has high rates. However, nutrition survey report of 2018 indicated that the prevalence of stunting has not changed, 37% (TNSS, 2018). Dodoma is amongst the regions with highest number of stunted children. A Baseline survey conducted by COUNSENUTH at the start of this program in Chemba District indicated prevalence rates of stunting in children U5 years of age to be 37% (COUNSENUTH, 2018) in Chemba DC, slightly higher than the regional values. The region is one of the most complicated with mixed ethnicity. The main indigenous ethnic groups are Gogo, Rangi and Taturu. Others who form significant minorities are the Sandawe, Barbaig, Hadzabe, Kimbu, Sangu, Tatoga, Wairaq and Maasai. The Maasai, Wairaq and Barbaig are the only ones who lead a totally nomadic pastoralist life and are hence to be found all over the region. The Sandawe are a group which requires special mention in that they are the remnants of a once large group of KHOISAN or click - speaking people. They are mainly found in Chemba District. As part of Dodoma Region, Chemba is mostly Semi-arid due to low and erratic rainfall. Rainfall is the most important climatic factor in Dodoma Region. It falls in a single rainy season between November/December and April/May. Generally, these rains fall in heavy storms resulting in flash floods. Consequently, about 60% of the precipitation becomes run-off rather than penetrating the soil for crop growth. Total rainfall ranges from 500mm to 800mm per annum with high geographical, seasonal and annual variation. Climate related emergencies such as floods, droughts, landslides and deforestation are therefore frequently experienced due to erratic rainfall and uncontrolled animal grazing. Most of the villages in Chemba experience water shortages hence getting clean safe water is a challenge in the whole of Chemba. Climate change further exacerbates the enormous existing burden of under nutrition as it affects food and nutrition security, increases women’s workload and undermines current efforts to reduce gender disparities and promote nutrition. Risks associated with climate change threaten to interfere with the interventions that focus on gender equality and nutrition improvement. For example; increased drought and water shortages contributes to increased women workload, hence affects caring practices including IYCF and WASH. The program recognizes climate change and gender inequality as barriers to the adoption of pro-nutrition behaviors among care givers and hence among factors that contribute to the poor nutrition situation. Women are the most vulnerable because of the socially and culturally constructed roles ascribed to them as women. Due to traditional norms and gender relations in some communities, health and nutrition activities are still regarded as women’s issues and have led to poor male involvement. Throughout program design and implementation gender had been mainstreamed to enhance gender equality in an effort to improve caring practices for maternal and child nutrition and health. The program’s key Interventions/ Approaches are:  Collaboration with LGAs in planning, budgeting, coordination, capacity building and implementation to foster good governance and to facilitate sustainability of the program’s interventions. The program has capacitated and mentored a multisectoral team of nutrition and health resources personnel’s in the district to strengthen the local government capacity in implementation and mentorship of key service providers and leaders at all levels.  Village health and nutrition days (VHNDs). This is an innovative approach which facilitates access to integrated and comprehensive services at the community level. The VHNDs is used as a platform for community growth monitoring and promotion, to promote Infant and Young Child Nutrition (IYCN), Antenatal Clinic attendance for pregnant women, dietary diversity, Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), household food security. The event combines both preventive and curative services, which contribute to the reduction of malnutrition.  Transformative Reflective Leadership Approach (TRLA); this engages people to critically think of the gender and nutrition challenges affecting them and come up with doable solution to address the challenges. The gender equity component addresses gender disparities that have a negative bearing on maternal and child health and nutrition; these include childhood pregnancies, early marriages; violence against young girls and boys, men and women; education attainment. Therefore, the identified gender concerns are mainstreamed in nutrition interventions using the TRLA. The effectiveness of the TRLA approach calls for its deployment in addressing climate change and its adaptation in addressing other root causes for poor health status in the district. The Program uses multi-sectoral and Social Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) approaches to deliver high impact pro-nutrition messages to target beneficiaries. The program focuses on 6 Key Result Areas (KRAs) in the course of its implementation in order to reach its goals. The 6 KRAs are: KRA 1: Capacity of LGA at all levels enhanced to plan, budget, implement, coordinate and sustain gender-nutrition plans in Chemba DC in Dodoma region. KRA 2: Quality of services for maternal, infant, young child and adolescent enhanced for better nutrition and health outcomes. KRA 3: Capacity of influential community leaders and the community at large enhanced to identify, prioritize and address gender disparities and nutrition challenges that affect maternal, infant, young child and adolescent nutrition in the community. KRA 4: Capacity of adolescent in life skills enhanced to become more responsible to their welfare including improving reproductive health and nutrition; and preventing childhood pregnancies and early marriages. KRA 5: Community behaviors towards pro-nutrition and health practices improved for better maternal, infant, young child and adolescent health and nutrition outcomes KRA 6: Enhance Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning. This four year program started in year 2018. In the first year of its implementation, the program covered a total of 20 villages with its targeted interventions. Activities implemented in the first year of the program (July 2018 – April 2019) were preparatory and public relation building in nature. They included sensitization of the LGA, and training of trainers as well as grassroots implementers (CHWs and CHVs). Change agents (community leaders and volunteers) were identified, registered and trained. Finally, program activities focusing on essential nutrition actions and gender equity were initiated in 20 villages. Monitoring and evaluation tools were developed, and a field office was set up in Chemba DC. In the second year of implementation (May 2019 – April 2020), the program scaled to 60 new villages making a total of 80 villages of Chemba DC that the program reaches with its high impact interventions for reduction of childhood stunting. The program continued supporting the LGA with regard to planning and budgeting and the holding of implementation progress meetings. Health facility workers were trained on Social Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC) for Maternal Infant, Young Child and Adolescent (MIYCAN), Baby Friendly Hospital Initiatives (BFHI) and facility-community linkages. Educational materials on nutrition and gender were developed. The program supported formation of pro-nutrition peer support groups and the holding of VHNDs in which nutrition education and child feeding skills were addressed. WASH activities were also addressed, which included mobilizing communities to construct protected boreholes and improved pit latrines as well as installing simple hand washing facilities at households and schools. The program reviewed to update data collection tools developed in the first year of implementation. The program also continued to mainstream gender into nutrition interventions using Transformative Reflective Leadership Approach (TRLA). The program identified, registered and capacitated influential leaders and village council leaders from villages and hamlets that would lead the transformation in gender equity and nutrition in their communities. Capacitation was focusing on gender issues that negatively impact nutrition in order to motivate them to work/act as champions in addressing the gender disparities in their communities. Other activities included registration of targeted beneficiaries, supportive supervision to track progress and data at health facility, LGA, ward and villages. The program constructed 5 water wells out of planned 9, to help communities’ access clean and safe water as a strategy to address some of the climate change challenges reduction in women workload, prevention of some infectious diseases such as diarrhea hence contribute to improved health, nutrition and caring practices for young children. The program will reach hundred 100% coverage of the Chemba DC villages (114) by the end of year 3 (January – March 2021). The programme is implemented in collaboration with the PORALG, the Chemba District Council, Health Facilities and Community level involving extension workers, health service providers, community health workers/volunteers and community leaders who are the key stakeholders and implementers of the programme. The program also works in close collaboration with the donor, the Irish Aid. Purpose of the Mid Term Evaluation Mid-term Evaluation is part of the Lishe Kijinsia – Dodoma program,serve as both learning and accountability mechanism to inform on the status of the implementation against the plan, identify any challenges and constraints incurred by the program to date and formulate appropriate recommendations for corrective actions for effective implementation of the remaining year of the program’s interventions. The Overall Purpose of the Mid Term Evaluation of Lishe Kijinsia – Dodoma program is to: 2.1 Assess and document the appropriateness and effectiveness of the project components, review implementation design strategies and approaches; and the risks to building sustainability of programme and its outcomes. 2.2 Assess and document the progress made towards achievement of the programme’s objectives and outcomes as specified in the Project Document with the goal to set the project on-track to achieve its intended results. 2. Specific Objectives of the Mid Term Evaluation Programme design 1. Review strategy design to determine whether it has a good evidential basis, has a clear logic, assumptions are clear and valid, and risks are adequately considered, monitored and mitigated 2. Ascertain that changes to the design are informed by the lesson learnt through continuous monitoring and reflection from other projects from within or outside the Centre Programme Implementation 3. Assess progress towards results, identifying and document aspects of the program that are working or not working 4. Review the project implementation and adaptive management of the project, identify challenges and propose additional measures to support more efficient and effective management, work planning, value for money, project-level monitoring and evaluation systems, stakeholder engagement and collaborations, reporting and communication. 5. Assess the programme for elements of sustainability from the perspective of likelihood for continued resources from LGA and communities, stakeholder ownership, capacity and awareness by beneficiaries, District & community leaders for a long term impact of the programme., In addition assess the institutional arrangements to continue knowledge transfer and replication of lessons learned to ensure long term sustainability of programme. Lessons and recommendations 6. Draw recommendation on other areas and programmes that need to be supported or addressed to further the implementation of the program and improve the nutritional and health status of the communities such as climate change, Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), governance, educations etc. 7. To what extent the LGA is accountable and committed in monitoring, planning and budgeting for nutrition and gender related interventions to facilitate sustainability B. MID TERM EVALUATION APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY The mid -term evaluation must provide evidence based information that is credible, reliable and useful. The evaluation team will have to review all relevant sources of information including documents prepared during the preparation phase (project plan, budget and monitoring and evaluation reports, periodic reports, lessons learnt, educational materials, national strategies, survey reports and any other materials that the team considers useful for this evidence-based review). Varied methods need to be utilised in data collection. Both qualitative and quantitative techniques will be used to collect the required information. Secondary data such as Anthropometric, District planning, budgeting and implementation for nutrition aspects; TRLA plans of actions will be collected. Process indicators and behavior data for different intervention outputs and outcomes will be collected from selected villages within the 80 villages while the gender related information will be collected within the 41 villages that are implementing gender interventions through TRLA in order to gather information which will enable documentation of the process step by step and look for a possibility of integrating into other interventions. Key stakeholders interviews/meetings: The consultant may interview some of the following in Dodoma Region and Chemba District Council: The Regional Medical Officer (RMO), Regional Nutrition Officer (RNuO), Head of Nutrition Unit at PORALG, the District Multisectoral Nutrition Committee members including: The District Executive Director, the District Medical Officer, District Nutrition Officer and District RCH Coordinator, the District Community Health Workers Coordinator And District Nutrition Technical Facilitators (DNTFs) addressing the issue of scale up and sustainability of VHNDs. Beneficiaries include: mothers of children below 2 years, women of reproductive age, pregnant women, partners/fathers and grandparents. Service providers will include: Health workers, extension workers from key sectors, village health volunteers, Community leaders; village and ward leaders including village chairs, Ward and Village Executive officers and members of the TRLA groups in villages initiated with a gender transformative community leadership approach. The consultant is expected to follow a collaborative and participatory approach, ensuring a close engagement with the Project Team, Government counterparts and other key stakeholders. The consultant/s will work in collaboration with the M&E Officer, Program Manager and the Director of Programs to finalize the design and inception plan for the Mid-Term evaluation with back up from the Executive Director. C. SPECIFIC SCOPE OF WORK FOR THE CONSULTANT 1. Scope of work for the consultant The consultant/s will be required to design and conduct full mid Term evaluation of the programme which must include both secondary data collection and field survey. The evaluation will assess the programme for not more than 30 days within March/April, 2021. 2. Ethical considerations The consultants must present information that is complete and fair in its assessment of strengths and weaknesses so that decisions or actions taken are well-founded. They should protect the anonymity and confidentiality of individual informants. They should provide maximum notice, minimize demands on time, and respect people’s right not to engage. They should be sensitive to beliefs, manners and customs of the people and act with integrity and honesty in their relations with all stakeholders. Finally, they are responsible for their performance and the quality of their work. D. DATES AND TIMELINE FOR CONSULTANT WORK AND DELIVERABLES 1. Contract Duration The Evaluation will take not more than 30 days. 2. Proposed Timeline The assignment must be completed within the shortest time possible. The full assignment is expected to be completed within the period of 30 days for literature review, evaluation design and inception report, data collection, analysis, report writing, presentation and final submission. Suggested schedule:  Inception report showing evaluation design, data collection tools, data set with code book, outline plan and budget by 16th March 2021  Start of activity by 22th March, 2021  Submission of draft report by 15 th April, 2021  Presentation of key findings to COUNSENUTH and Irish Aid no later than 19 th April, 2021  Submission of final report no later than 22th April, 2021 3. Expected Deliverables The consultant will submit the following as deliverables: i. Inception report outlining the objectives, scope, methodology, implementation plan, timelines; with a detailed budget. ii. A draft evaluation report to be reviewed by COUNSENUTH iii. A Power point presentation of draft Mid Term evaluation report to the COUNSENUTH and its stakeholders iv. Final report which should include successes, challenges and recommendations for improving the delivery and impact of the programme. v. Copies of original and cleaned data sets including field notes, audio tapes, and transcribed materials Please note that the contents of the report will be analysed and final payment will only be made upon approval of final report by COUNSENUTH and Irish Aid team. E. APPLICATION TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR THE CONSULTANCY 1. Application requirements Those interested in the consultancy must include in their application a detailed technical and financial proposal with the following components: Technical proposal not exceeding 15 pages in length exhibiting understanding and interpretation of the TOR and outlining the proposed methodology and approaches to be used to achieve the objectives and management of the evaluation process including an Action Plan with timelines. Financial proposal with breakdown of costs with man days for each team member (if team utilized) such as the consultant’s daily rate in Tanzanian Shillings - Other costs, e.g.; field costs, accommodation, travel, etc. Personnel Capacity Statement - Relevant experience related to the assignment - Contacts of organizations previously worked for - Curriculum Vitae of key personnel - The proposal must indicate the Team Leader who has a proven previous team leadership experience with proven personnel-management skills. Other supporting documents deemed relevant to the application to be attached as annex F. EVALUATION AND AWARD OF CONSULTANCY COUNSENUTH management will evaluate the proposals and award the assignment based on technical and financial feasibility. The management reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal received without giving reasons and is not bound to accept the lowest, the highest or any bidder. a. Evaluation Criteria i. Cost effectiveness – should be cost conscious ii. Implementation methodology iii. Experience of consultant/s b. Requirements The consultant is expected to hold the following qualifications and experience in order to be eligible for this assignment: A university degree in nutrition, public health, medicine or related social science (at a minimum of Masters Level). Sound knowledge of major development issues, especially maternal and child health/ nutrition, and gender issues. Knowledge in government structure and health system is a requirement. At least 10 years of consultancy experience in the area of nutrition, environment/climate change, public health and reproductive health/gender issues both in organizations and in projects Experience in the assessment, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes including in Nutrition, Maternal and Child Health/Public Health Excellent analytical/interpretation and reporting skills High proficiency in written and spoken English and Kiswahili. G. CALL FOR APPLICATION Interested applicants are requested to submit their proposals in sealed envelopes or electronic format based on the conditions outlined, in PDF format to reach the underlined before the end of business (5:00pm) on 15th March, 2021. Contact Person: Rosemary Silaa Executive Director COUNSENUTH 08 Sam Nujoma Road, Mikocheni B, P.O. Box 8218, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania E-Mail: info@counsenuth.or.tz

Thread starter COUNSENUTH
Start date Mar 13, 2021

COUNSENUTH

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Call for Expression of Interest - Undertaking Mid-Term Evaluation of Gender-Based Nutrition Programme

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