The Aga Khan Foundation, Afghanistan (AKF (Afg)) is an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of international, private, non-denominational development agencies working to improve living conditions and opportunities for people in some of the poorest parts of the developing world. The Network’s organizations have individual mandates that range from the fields of health and education to architecture, rural development and promotion of private-sector enterprise and institutions that seek to empower communities and individuals, usually in disadvantaged circumstances, to improve living conditions and opportunities.
The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is a non-denominational international development agency established in 1967 by His Highness the Aga Khan. Its mission is to develop and promote creative solutions to problems that impede social development, primarily in Asia and East Africa. Created as a private, non-profit foundation under Swiss law, it has branches and independent affiliates in 19 countries.
AKF seeks to provide sustainable solutions to long-term problems of poverty, hunger, illiteracy, and ill health. In Afghanistan, AKF works with rural communities in mountainous, remote or resource poor areas to improve quality of life in the areas of natural resource management, market development, governance, education, and health.
At present, it is seeking exceptional firm/individual to conduct the short-term assignment of “Foundations for Health and Empowerment (F4HE) Mixed Methods Baseline and Gender Assessment”.
The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is a private not-for-profit, non-denominational development agency that works to improve the quality of life of communities in remote and resource poor areas. AKF is an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of international development agencies, institutions and programs that work primarily in the poorest parts of Africa and Asia.
AKF has started a five-year health project, Foundations for Health and Empowerment (F4HE), and is seeking services of a qualified consultant(s)/firm to lead the design, coordination, analysis and reporting of its mixed methods Baseline and Gender Assessment within a specified timeframe. These terms of reference (ToR) outline the scope of work of the study lead consultant to design and coordinate a robust baseline survey and analysis to set a benchmark against core indicators within the project’s Performance Measurement Framework (PMF) and to qualitatively have a more in-depth understanding of the project geographies, particularly building on the findings of the rapid gender assessment. The selected consultant(s)/firm will serve as the technical lead and will work closely with the F4HE Regional MERL Manager as well as country study leads on all matters pertaining to assignment.
The ultimate outcome of F4HE, which is to enhance equitable development and empowerment for women, girls, adolescents, their families, and communities in targeted areas of Afghanistan, India, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan, will be achieved through complementary action across the four components of the project: Foundations for Health (F4H), Foundations for Child (F4C), Advancing Gender Equality and Civil Society (AGECS), and Advancing Canadian Champions for Development (ACCD)[1]. These components will together contribute to F4HE’s intermediate outcomes including:
(1) strengthening delivery of quality, gender-responsive, and inclusive health, early childhood development, and other sustainable development services.
(2) reducing gender and social barriers to utilization and uptake of health, early childhood development, and other sustainable development services and practices; and
(3) enhancing engagement of international and Canadian stakeholders in gender sensitive and evidence-based development issues and programming.
F4HE will reach and serve rural and marginalized communities in project geographies where sexual, reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child and adolescent health (SRMNCAH) and nutrition indicators are particularly poor and where non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like breast and cervical cancer and mental health issues are rapidly increasing. ECD programming through Foundations for Children (F4C) will be integrated with health programming (F4H) in Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. This will enable parents, caregivers, and health care providers to support and promote child development holistically – socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically. The integrated programming approach is aligned with the Nurturing Care Framework[2] and provides multiple opportunities and engagement points to advance the mandate, messaging, and impact of both F4C and F4H and serves to ensure effective use of human and financial resources.
The study will be carried out in Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan. Based on a common logic model and performance measurement framework across countries, the study will use a common methodology, data collection tools and guidelines for analysis and reporting.
The project geographies included in the study are listed below and estimated population figures are included in Table 1.
Afghanistan
Badakhshan: Baharak, Faizabad, Ishkashim, Khwahan, Kishm, Maimai, Nusai, Shekai, Shughnan
Bamyan: Bamyan center, Kahmard, Pajab, Waras, Yakowlang
Baghlan: Pule-e-Khumri, Banu, Doshi, Khinjan
Kyrgyzstan
Bishkek: Bishkek
Naryn: Naryn, Naryn town, At-Basy
Osh: Kara-Kulja, Alai, Chon-Alay, Osh town
Jalalabad: Aksy, Ala-Buka
Tajikistan
GBAO: Khorog, Shugnan, Rushan, Vanj, Darvaz, Ishkoshim, Murghab, Roshqala
Pakistan
Baltistan: Skardu
Chitral: Upper Chitral, Lower Chitral
Gilgit: Gilgit, Ghizer, Hunza, Nagar, Diamer, Astore
[1] This baseline study will focus on first two components only: F4H, and F4C. The baseline data for AGECS and ACCD will be collected through a separate mechanism.
[2] Nurturing Care Framework: https://nurturing-care.org
1. Purpose and Objectives of MandateThe Consultant(s)/Firm will serve as the lead for the study and will be responsible for finalizing the study protocol, including sampling and data collection tools, as well as quality control of data, analysis, reporting and facilitation of data interpretation sessions. The consultant will work in close collaboration with country-specific study leads, the Regional Gender Advisor and the regional MERL manager. Specifically, the main objectives of the consultancy are to:
In-country coordination of enumerator recruitment, data collection, enumerator training and qualitative data transcription and translation will be led by country study leads, with the support from regional MERL manager, in each of the F4HE countries.
2. Scope of Study
The cross-sectional study will include qualitative and quantitative components.
[1] Proposals should indicate clearly whether there is expertise in the use of computer assisted device programming. AKF may sub-contract electronic data capture to a secondary party.
Quantitative
The quantitative component of the study will have four parts as listed below.
1. Household Survey
2. Health facility Assessment and Client Exit Interviews
3. ECD Facility Assessment and Client Exit Interviews
4. Targeted Government Agencies Assessment
Qualitative
The qualitative component will address qualitative indicators in the project PMF and will also aim to conduct a deeper analysis of key areas of focus of the project, i.e., deeper analysis of some issues that were identified in the rapid gender analysis. The qualitative component of the study will inform issues around access to and utilization of health and ECD services, particularly women of reproductive age, adolescent health, and satisfaction of parents and caregivers on ECD service delivery.
Methods will include individual in-depth interviews and/or focus group discussions with a variety of stakeholders, including but not limited to: a) women of reproductive age around their access to and utilization of health services, and their experience and satisfaction with the services; b) adolescent girls and boys about their different needs to health services, and access to and utilization of health services; c) mothers or caregivers of children 0-6 years of age about their satisfaction, access to, and utilization of health and ECD services; and d) adolescent and adult fathers engaged in caregiving and shared responsibilities of children.
3. Key Activities and DeliverablesThe key deliverables expected from the Consultant(s) for this assignment are as follows:
· Review of Project Documents and Secondary Data: Review and refer to all project documents and secondary sources regarding Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (SRMNCAH), and ECD issues relevant to the four countries.[1] Prior to the commencement of the Study Inception Report, a meeting via MS Teams with AKFC and the Regional MERL Manager and other regional technical members of the project will be carried out to clarify the mandate.
· Study Inception Report[2]: a detailed inception report and study work plan/protocol is to be produced including the following elements:
o Study design and sampling strategy for the quantitative and qualitative components of the study, data collection tools, and data analysis mechanisms.
o Detailed work plan that includes all tasks by the Consultant and team members and incorporating the overall study timelines[3] including plans on providing guidance to country teams on developing field work plans.
o Level of effort of each team member.
o Detailed study budget including professional fees, expected reimbursable, etc.; and
o An analysis plan which contains all definitions and computations for each indicator along with corresponding data collection tool question numbers.
The study protocol will be submitted for ethical approval in all countries where the study will take place.
· Review/Finalization of data collection tools: review and finalize proposed data collection tools in collaboration with AKF Country Units to ensure consistency against the analysis plan.
· Develop data entry application: for countries that are not using electronic data capture, a data entry application is to be developed, preferably in Microsoft Access, CSPRo, or equivalent.
· Orientation and Training to each focal person in all countries to ensure quality enumerator and facilitator training, data collection, data entry and cleaning. This orientation will likely take place in an in-person workshop[4] prior to enumerator training (location to be determined) and will serve to orient each country study lead on study protocols, tools, enumerator training, data entry protocols and cleaning, etc. (N.B the consultant will not be involved in collection or data entry. The country study lead will oversee these processes.)
· Develop enumerator guidelines and protocols for data collection.
· Support enumerator training following a detailed agenda that follows the study protocol.
· Ensure data entry quality by reviewing data entry conducted at the country level and provide feedback to country study leads, where applicable. Data collection will vary from paper-based to electronic capture, depending on the country.
· Analyze (process) qualitative and quantitative data. It is also expected that the consultant will do a critical analysis of the data through statistical treatment and triangulation with qualitative data and with other sources, possibly offering possible correlational analysis options.
· Data Interpretation and Dissemination workshops to be led by the study lead in coordination with country leads. Data interpretation workshops will be held with internal and external stakeholders and will result in setting project targets across project PMF indicators. As noted earlier, preparations for the data interpretation workshops include visualizing data and analyzing trends against other secondary sources such as the Demographic Health Survey (DHS).
· Draft and final baseline study reports including Executive Summary and Full Consolidated Summary Report. The final report for each country is to be submitted in both Word and PDF versions with all annexes. A suggested Table of Contents will be provided by AKF.
· Copies of original and cleaned data sets (in SPSS, Stata, or compatible format) including any field notes are to be submitted to the Regional MERL Manager and AKFC with the draft report.
*COVID-19 mitigation measures: while finalizing the study protocol, the consultant should address adaptations they will recommend for data collection methods and workshops if the Covid19 situation does not improve by the time the study is to begin.
4. Time Frame and Level of Effort
The period of the contract is estimated to be from the last week of May 2021 to Oct 30, 2021 with an expected 74 working days over this period. The consultant is expected to carry out all the preparation required to roll out the study as per the suggested time frame below.
Table 3: Milestones (timelines are subject to change and are dependent on factors such as time required for receiving ethical approval for conducting the study in each country)
[1] A copy of the PMFs, indicators definitions, draft protocol, Project Implementation Plan, Rapid Gender Analysis reports, and other relevant documentation will be provided to the consultant prior to the inception meeting.
[2] The inception report is an elaborated version of the initial proposal submitted.
[3] Final timelines will need to be coordinated with AKF country offices and the Regional MERL Manager. The Regional MERL Manager will facilitate this with the consultant.
[4] This will be subject to covid-19 situation and possibility of international travels for the study lead and country teams. Alternatively, it may happen through virtual means.
5. Qualifications of Consultant(s)
· Minimum of 10 years of experience in administering studies, collecting data, and producing quality baseline/endline study reports, preferably for international non-profit organizations or multilateral agencies and multi-country studies.
· Demonstrated experience in designing baseline and endline studies including proven experience in sound sampling, mixed methods approach (quantitative and qualitative), tool development, enumerator, and qualitative facilitator training, etc.
· Demonstrated experience in quantitative data collection and statistical analysis.
· Demonstrated experience in qualitative data collection and analysis.
· Demonstrated experience in programming in Open Data Kit (ODK) or other computer assisted personal interviewing software will be an asset.
· Demonstrated experience in conducting studies in the sexual, reproductive, child, neonatal and maternal health, and early childhood development sectors.
· Experience in Central Asia or any of the study target countries.
· Demonstrated experience in conducting gender sensitive and gender targeted studies.
· Knowledge of and commitment to uphold ethical standards and safeguarding practices.
· Fluency in English is mandatory and additional Central Asian languages (Dari, Tajik, Russian, Urdu, etc.) is an asset.
· Ability to produce high quality work under tight timeframes.
6. Application Packages and Procedures
Qualified and interested parties are asked to submit the following:
· Letter of interest, including reference to relevant experience conducted and the contact information of two previous clients who can be contacted regarding the relevant experience,
· Detailed technical proposal of not more than 8 pages clearly demonstrating a thorough understanding of this request for proposals and including the following:
o Description of quantitative and qualitative study approach and methodology,
o Proposed data analysis and management of performance indicators,
o A proposed timeframe detailing activities and a schedule/work plan (including a Gantt chart)[1].
o A proposed training approach and schedule for enumerators,
o Team composition and level of effort of each proposed team member
o Curriculum Vitae(s) of all proposed staff outlining relevant experience (annexed to technical proposal)
· A financial proposal with a detailed breakdown of costs for the study
o Itemized consultancy fees/costs,
o Itemized administrative expenses,
o Validity period of quotations,
o Expected payment plan and method,
· A copy of a previous report of similar work undertaken on a) baseline study; OR b) end line study,
· A Consulting Firm profile (if applicable),
· Two samples of previous similar work completed.
7. Management and Reporting
The successful candidate(s) will report to AKF’s Regional MERL Manager for F4HE based in Kabul, Afghanistan, and will work closely with all country M&E leads. The consultant will be directly accountable to AKF Afghanistan on all matters related to the contract.
8. Disclosure of Information
It is understood and agreed that the Consultant(s) shall, during and after the effective period of the contract, treat as confidential and not divulge, unless authorized in writing by AKF, any information obtained during the performance of the Contract. Information will be made available for the consultants on a need-to-know basis. Any necessary field visits will be facilitated by AKF. The selected consultant will commit to respect AKF Policies including AKF’s Safeguarding Policy and AKF’s Gender Equality Policy.
Note: Please refer to the attached file for more information.
Application
Interested applicants should submit their Proposal to http://www.akdn.org/careers or Jobs.afghanistan@akdn.org no later than 01st June 2021. Questions related to aspects of this RFP will be received before May 29th, 2021 and should be directed to the F4HE AKF Regional MERL Manager at rahim.azami@akdn.org.
Important Notes:
· Please quote the Vacancy Number as the Subject of the e-mail when applying.
· Proposals will be evaluated only if the complete package as outlined above is received. Evaluation of proposals will be weighted at 70% for the technical component and 30% for the financial components.
· Please submit a copy of business license along with the proposal.
· Only short-listed Firms will be contacted for further assessment.
Female candidates are encouraged to apply. Aga Khan Foundation Afghanistan recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to equal opportunity and safeguarding of children, beneficiaries, partners, community members and employees in accordance with AKF(Afg)’s safeguarding policy.
Your details and information shared on this advertisement shall remain confidential.
[1] Prior to commencement on the inception report, the successful candidate/consultant will be provided with data collection dates to incorporate into the inception report and plan.
The Aga Khan Foundation, Afghanistan (AKF (Afg)) is an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of international, private, non-denominational development agencies working to improve living conditions and opportunities for people in some of the poorest parts of the developing world. The Network’s organizations have individual mandates that range from the fields of health and education to architecture, rural development and promotion of private-sector enterprise and institutions that seek to empower communities and individuals, usually in disadvantaged circumstances, to improve living conditions and opportunities.
The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is a non-denominational international development agency established in 1967 by His Highness the Aga Khan. Its mission is to develop and promote creative solutions to problems that impede social development, primarily in Asia and East Africa. Created as a private, non-profit foundation under Swiss law, it has branches and independent affiliates in 19 countries.
AKF seeks to provide sustainable solutions to long-term problems of poverty, hunger, illiteracy, and ill health. In Afghanistan, AKF works with rural communities in mountainous, remote or resource poor areas to improve quality of life in the areas of natural resource management, market development, governance, education, and health.
