Terms Of Reference (TOR) Simplified Lot Quality Assurance Evaluation Of Access And Coverage (SLEAC) Coverage Surveys Caafimad Plus Consortium

1. BACKGROUND

Caafimad Plus is a consortium comprised of five INGOs namely; Action Against Hunger (Lead), Concern Worldwide, Trocaire, International Medical Corps, and SOS Children’s Villages in partnership with three National organizations – Shabelle Development Community Organization (SHADCO), Juba Foundation, and Lifeline Gedo. Funded by European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), the consortium implements life-saving health and nutrition interventions, serving hard-to-reach people in South and Central Somalia. Caafimad Plus Consortium operates in 23 districts across 7 regions in Somalia.

The Caafimad Plus Consortium is aiming to enhance nutrition surveillance in Somalia and ensure the availability of high-quality and timely nutrition data on coverage status. To achieve this goal, they intend to hire a consultant for conducting a Simplified Lot Quality Assurance Evaluation of Access and Coverage (SLEAC) Survey. The primary purpose of this assessment is to estimate coverage levels in the identified districts, building upon the previous 2022 survey, and to provide evidence-based insights to the consortium for making informed decisions.

1. PURPOSE OF THE CONSULTANCY

The purpose of the SLEAC assessment is to:

1. Assess the coverage of the nutrition programme in eight (5) districts namely; Kahda, Deynile, Celbarde, Dollow and Baidoa).
2. Investigate indicators related to coverage and programme quality.

• The assessment is expected to identify key factors affecting the uptake of Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) services in target areas of coverage based on which specific recommendations are made.

1. OBJECTIVES

The main objective of this assignment is to evaluate access and coverage of nutrition programs (OTP and TSFP) in identified districts using SLEAC methodology.

Specific objectives

• To develop the skills of Caafimad plus partners key nutrition staff in conducting access and coverage survey using Simplified Lot Quality Assurance Evaluation of Access and Coverage (SLEAC) methodology.
• Estimate coverage in the 5 districts where the survey will be undertaken.
• To help identify areas of high and low SAM and MAM coverage by classifying the Districts.
• Highlight key factors influencing coverage (SAM & MAM).
• In collaboration with Caafimad Plus Consortium, outline evidence based recommendations to improve coverage of OTP and TSFP programs in surveyed districts.

1. DETAILED TERMS OF REFERENCE

To achieve the above-mentioned objective, the survey consultant will undertake the following:

• Design the survey protocol, develop comprehensive tools for data collection and present it to the Nutrition Cluster AIM working group for validation.
• Conduct training for Caafimad Plus nutrition staff on SLEAC methodology and thereafter guide and supervise them as they take part in the entire assessment.
• Organize adequate supervision and coordination of the survey teams in the field; the consultant should able to conduct field data collection.
• Analyse data and compile a comprehensive coverage survey report.
• Present investigation results to Consortium Management team as well as the Assessment and Information Management Working Group (AIMWG) for validation.

1. DURATION OF THE CONSULTANCY

The proposed consultancy will last for approximately 40 days, expected starting date from 15th SEP- 25thOCT 2023; this is inclusive of all the processes of the investigations from the day the contract is signed to the report submission day.

NB: The Consultant should communicate any unforeseen delays, which might affect the completion date as stated above.

Expected Output

At the end of the assignment, the consultant should deliver:

• Validated SLEAC protocol by AIM Working Group.
• A final report indicating how each of the above outputs has been achieved including reporting and capacity building of the staff.
• A PowerPoint presentation summarizing the key sections of the report and the recommendations.
• All the hard copy data collected (to be kept at Consortium Management Unit) and copy of soft data collected and used for the report.
• A field report indicating the process, challenges faced for future improvement.

Education (knowledge):

• Advanced degree in Nutrition, public health, social statistics, Epidemiology or related discipline.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of international and field experience preferably in developing countries.
• Extensive Experience in Leading Nutrition surveys and surveillance systems as well as proven experience with the SQUEAC/SLEAC methodology. (Provide evidence of previous assessments undertaken)
• Experience conducting assessments in Somalia or similar challenging environment.

Skills and Abilities:

• Proven ability to organize and manage assessments in a cross-cultural setting.
• Ability to train team and ensure quality delivery of outputs within a limited period
• Excellent report writing, communication and presentation skills
• Understanding of Somalia context is desirable
• Consultant who can access the community is highly desirable.

1. CONDITIONS OF WORK

The consultant(s) will be based in Celbarde, Mogadishu, Dollow and Baidoa during the period of assessment. The Consultant will be responsible for initial preparations including development of assessment protocol, presentation of protocol to AIMWG, survey teams’ trainings and subsequent data collection. In order to ensure quality in the process, data collected will be checked on daily basis and feedback given to the teams and Consortium Management Unit.

Administrative responsibilities are assigned below:

Caafimad Plus

• Airfare to and from Mission
• Entry visa to country of mission

The Consultant

• Health Insurance for him/herself
• Equipment for use (Laptop etc.)
• Food/per diem.
• Accommodation and food.

Interested applicants who meet the above requirements should submit the following:

• CV & cover letter demonstrating capability and availability; Telephone and email contacts of at least three previous clients who can validate technical expertise.
• A technical proposal detailing how S/he plans to implement the coverage assessment.
• Financial proposal for the entire consultancy (this includes a detailed breakdown of human resource and all related costs)
• A detailed work plan indicating the activities for the entire SLEAC survey.

Applications should be sent to the following email address: [email protected]  with the subject CONSULTANT- SLEAC Assessment- Caafimaad+ 2023

Submission Deadline: 15 August 2023