External Consultant for Root Cause Analysis of Concern World Wide’s Irish Aid-funded... Tender

Procurement Summary

Country : Sierra Leone

Summary : External Consultant for Root Cause Analysis of Concern World Wide’s Irish Aid-funded Action Research

Deadline : 04 Jul 2019

Other Information

Notice Type : Tender

TOT Ref.No.: 34188294

Document Ref. No. :

Competition : ICB

Financier : Department For International Development

Purchaser Ownership : -

Tender Value : Refer Document

Purchaser's Detail

Purchaser : CONCERN WORLDWIDE
Sierra Leone Email : john.reid@concern.net
Sierra Leone
Email :john.reid@concern.net

Tender Details

Tenders are invited for Sierra Leone: External Consultant for Root Cause Analysis of Concern World Wide’s Irish Aid-funded Action Research for Adaptive Programming in Port Loko, Sierra Leon.

1.0 Background
Concern Worldwide (CWW) has been working in Sierra Leone since 1996, focusing initially on emergency response and rehabilitation and later on projects in the sectors of Health; Education; and Food, Income and Markets (FIM). Programme implementation is based in three areas, namely Tonkolili District, Port Loko District, and urban and peri-urban areas in Freetown and the surrounding the Western Area. Issues of gender, equality, prevention of gender-based violence (GBV), social protection, disaster risk reduction (DRR) and HIV and AIDS are addressed as integral part of the programme.

Concern Worldwide is looking to hire an independent consultant to conduct an in-depth root cause analysis of teenage pregnancy (TP) in Port Loko district, Sierra Leone for the project titled, Adaptive Approaches to Reducing Teenage Pregnancy in Sierra Leone: An Action Research Programme. Concern Worldwide will be working as a participant in Action Research led by Overseas Development Institute (ODI) to address the more complex and challenging causes of teenage pregnancy.

The root cause analysis (RCA) is scheduled to take place in July 2019. This document describes the consultant’s Scope of Work (SOW) for the Root Cause Analysis based in Port Loko, Sierra Leone.

2.0 Project Description
The typical theory of change for reducing teenage pregnancy (TP) in development projects in Sierra Leone centers on decision-making abilities of adolescent girls and boys; however, there is evidence that adolescents, girls in particular, are not always the most meaningful decision-maker or influencer in actions that lead to teenage pregnancy. Several other decision-makers and influencers contribute to early marriage, poor use of contraceptives, post-rape care, and early sex in adolescent girls.[1] While Concern’s existing interventions in Tonkolili include sensitization with community leaders, husbands, and parents of Life Skills participants, this is the smallest component of the program and has been identified as an opportunity for improvement.

Initial Hypothesis: Even with improved knowledge and positive attitudes, adolescent girls are not able to make most of the decisions related to key drivers of teenage pregnancy. Working to influence key decision-makers and influencers of actions leading to teenage pregnancy can improve the outcomes of adolescent-focused programming with the same goal.

The Adaptive Approaches project will be conducted over 12 months (2019-2020) and will complement Concern Worldwide’s new project called Every Adolescent Girl Empowered and Resilient (EAGER) funded under DFID’s Leave No Girl Behind (LNGB) programme. LNGB is being implemented by four NGO consortium members. Implemented in 10 districts of Sierra Leone by four partners organizations from 2019-2022, LNGB will target 32, 500 out-of-school adolescent girls (13-17 years) who have never been in school or who have been out of school for 2+ years and do not have basic literacy and numeracy skills. The following barriers faced by out-of-school adolescent girls in Sierra Leone will be addressed: economic barriers, violence, lack of safe spaces for learning and female role models, harmful socio-cultural norms and practices and lack of non-formal accelerated learning or employment opportunities. EAGER aims for beneficiaries to have significantly improved learning outcomes and have transitioned to education, training or employment. The project will include three cohorts: one of 7, 500 girls, and two of 12, 500 girls. Improved learning outcomes will be achieved through participation in an 11-month learning programme, including 9 months of concurrent basic literacy and numeracy classes (216 hours) and life skills classes (72 hours), followed by 2 months of business skills classes (32 hours). Upon completion of the learning programme, girls will receive one-on-one mentorship to develop their individual transition plans, which may include guided development of a market-driven business plan and the provision of competitive start-up/growth grants or linkages to local markets for skill building.

While not directly linked to the EAGER project, Concern will implement an adaptive programming component in one of its implementation areas, Port Loko, which will build on Concern’s extensive expertise in community-based programming, rural development, and adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH). This experience includes implementation of Life Skills curriculum in 58 communities in Tonkolili district, as part of the DFID-funded ASRH program (2016-2018) and Integrated Irish Aid Programme Funding (IAPF) (2017-2021). Concern delivered the Life Skills program to more than 3, 000 adolescents aged 9-19 in 2018.

A selection of three (3) communities will be targeted for a detailed assessment followed by an adapted programme aimed at decision-makers and influencers of actions leading to teenage pregnancy. Following a detailed assessment, Concern together with the consultant will identify and target key decision-makers and influencers. This may include community leaders, religious leaders, family/HH heads, husbands, okada/taxi drivers, teachers, men of greater economic resources, health care workers, etc.

The proposed program component integrates components of health behavior change with education and livelihoods, which are the foundations of the LNGB program already.

2.1 Project Population
Port District is a predominantly rural area, in the center of Sierra Leone. The estimated population is 614, 063[2] with approximately 23% of the population aged between 10-19 years old. Approximately 60% of Port Loko residents live below the poverty line compared to a country average of 52.9%.[3] This proposal targets adolescent girls in Port Loko and the issue of teenage pregnancy as it is a key driver of poverty, of poor educational attainment, and of poor maternal and child health in the district.

2.2 Partners
The primary collaborative partner on this project is Overseas Development Institute (ODI) who is conducting research about the development and use of adaptive programming approaches.

A local non-governmental organization will be sub-contracted to implement activity cycles within the communities. Staff and participants in programming will play a very active role in design and re-design of implementation activities. To create a mutual learning environment, the consultant(s) should anticipate some interaction with project staff during the RCA before, during, and following fieldwork.

EAGER is supported and monitored by the Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs. The Action Research is monitored and supported by the National Secretariat for the Reduction of Teenage Pregnancy.

We also maintain collaborative relationships with several Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), particularly the other research participants, and Irish Aid, in order to coordinate activities and share best practices.

2.3 Project Phases
The program is proposed in overlapping key phases from July 2019 to April 2020*:

Root Cause Analysis (3 months, July – September 2019)

Reflect, Review, Design, Implementation (August – March 2019)

Documentation & Evaluation (2 months, March – April 2020)

Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Participatory Assessment
In Phase 1, a consultant will be hired to lead a participatory assessment to take place in two parts: a) with pregnant girls, young mothers, and any others who can help to identify key categories of decision-makers and influencers who can potentially be targeted for an adaptive intervention. The assessment will examine the root causes of teenage pregnancy including, but not limited to: early marriage; poor use of contraceptives; rape/coerced sex and lack of post-rape care; and early sex in adolescent girls. The second part of the assessment will b) examine the individuals, groups, and/or entities that play a role in decision-making and influence of decisions along the root cause tree. Engagement with the decision-makers and influencers will be key to identify mechanisms and entry points to influence attitudes and behaviors to target for interventions.

Reflect, Review, Design, and Re-Design
Following the RCA, data should be collated, analyzed and summarized into recommendations for implementation. To the greatest extent possible, the review and activity design should be participatory with the community. Ideally, Concern and partner staff with experience in ASRH, behavior change, and education programming should also be consulted in the reflection and review stages. In this manner, the process will benefit from staff experience and knowledge, and Concern will build local staff capacity to think critically and innovatively about teenage pregnancy programming.

Implementation
Activities will be designed and specific groups targeted based on the analysis from the RCA and participatory assessment. When activities are designed, measurement indicators will also be developed.

If possible and relevant, programming will be delivered by a local partner. Additionally, any intervention should complement LNGB activities and objectives. The activity implementation will likely be done in short cycles and/or with several versions implemented simultaneously in which progress and comparisons will be recorded and analyzed. In response to generated evidence of success or failure, changes in subsequent cycles will made as to increase effectiveness.

Documentation and Evaluation
A period of time at the end of the project period is reserved for reflection, data gathering, and documentation. Any and all evaluations will be as participatory as possible with program participants and other stakeholders.

3.0 Purpose of the Root Cause Analysis
The main objective for the consultancy is to provide evidence-based recommendations for designing programming to reduce teenage pregnancy in Port Loko district, Sierra Leone. Recommendations will be provided based on the results of 1) literature review on causes of teenage pregnancy in or relevant to Sierra Leone, 2) an in-depth Root Cause Analysis (RCA) of teenage pregnancy conducted in target communities in Port Loko, 3) identification of decision-makers and influencers of identified causes, and 4) in-depth interviews/observations (or other methodology) and analyses of decision-makers and influencers. The consultant is expected to collect and analyses qualitative data using anthropological methodology.

3.1 Guiding Questions
The consultant will use existing data collected or compiled during the literature review and field research to answer the following questions.

What are the root causes of teenage pregnancy?

Individual factors (of both females and males)(relationship experience, sexual history, use of contraceptives, sexual relations)

Sociocultural factors (peer influence, parent/caregiver relationships, early marriage, state and customary laws and regulations, availability and quality of sex education, religion, gender norms, power relations, sexual violence, cultural practices, issues of masculinities/femininities and social expectations of girls/women and boys/men)

Economic factors (poverty, transactional sex and/or marriage, education costs, economic opportunity, access to financial capital and credit)

Environmental factors (accessibility and quality of goods and services including health services, financial services, and food)Justice systems/ social welfare/ education

Who are the decision makers and Influencers of Teenage Pregnancy?

We require that you critically examine the individuals, groups, and/or entities such as but not limited to young boys and men, school heads, religious leaders, tribal and traditional authorities (paramount, section and town chiefs), parents, transportation service providers (boat owners/ operators, drivers and bike riders) that play a role in decision-making and influencing the decisions of others along the root cause tree.

Their role, perceptions on and consequences of individual, sociocultural, economic, and environmental factors as discovered and analyzed above.

Where and how could an NGO intervene successfully at community-level to sustainably reduce teenage pregnancy?

Best entry points for interventions seeking behavioral change, by role or type of decision-maker/influencer

Analysis of barriers to reducing teenage pregnancy, by level and degree of influence

Effective communication methods/channels, by role or type of decision-maker/influencer

Proposed Theory of Change (ToC) based on findings, including risks and assumptions that may affect interventions

Intervention types and inputs with high probability of effectiveness, by role or type of decision-maker/influencer.

4.0 Methodology
The consultants(s) (or consulting firm) commissioned to conduct the RCA and Concern are jointly responsible for choosing the methods that are the most appropriate for demonstrating impact. Methods should be rigorous yet at all times proportionate and appropriate to the context of the project intervention. Where possible, the consultant(s) are encouraged to triangulate data sources so that findings are as robust as possible.

The consultant will propose an approach incorporating both review of secondary data sources and primary qualitative data collection. The consultant, with support from Concern’s National Health Coordinator, National Education Coordinator, National M&E Manager, and Programme Director will furnish a written methodology for completing the work which may be shared with project stakeholders for comment before the work commences. Concern will facilitate sharing the methodology with project stakeholders in consultation with the consultant.

Secondary Data
The consultant will review key research and data at the global and national levels relevant to the content of project. All relevant policy and strategy documents at the national level (including the national strategy for the reduction of teenage pregnancy, National Health Promotion Strategy For Sierra Leone 2015-2021, Sierra Leone National Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health strategy 2017-2021, the National Life Skills Manual and Facilitation Guide, and others) will be used and referenced as well as research produced by other organisations which is relevant to the project.

Primary Data
Primary data collection and analyses will occupy the majority of the working time under this contract. The consultant is expected to spend a substantial amount of time (8-10 weeks) in Sierra Leone with a majority of that time spent in or near target communities in Port Loko district. The exact nature of the primary data collection will be proposed by the consultant and agreed with Concern. We expect the consultant to approach the work with an anthropological approach and strategies. This may include observation, case study research, ethnographic analysis, and/or other methods as proposed and agreed.

5.0 Consultant Characteristics
The consultant(s) should be a suitably-qualified and experienced researcher(s). Team members, their affiliations, and disclosure of conflicts of interest must be provided with proposal. The consultant will coordinate closely with the Concern team regarding methodology, logistics, timeline, and reporting.

Requirements
Masters but preferably in-process or awarded Ph.D. in Anthropology, Social Science, Education, Public Health, or related discipline

At least seven years’ demonstrated experience working in field research focused on adolescent sexual reproductive health, gender, and/or equality in an developing setting, preferably West Africa

Experience with applied research and translating findings to recommendations and action

Excellent writing skills, ability to deliver quality products that meet Concern’s and its partners’ standards, on time

Proven experience working with children while upholding strict safeguarding and ethical principles and procedures

Team-oriented with willingness to lead this part of the project with Concern’s Programme Team

Willing and ability to travel up to 4 hours simultaneously by car and spend several weeks in basic accommodations in rural Sierra Leone leading the RCA and consultation events in-country

Excellent communication and facilitation skills with which to foster effective relationships with community members, Concern staff, and project stakeholders in country

Desired but not essential
Recent experience within West Africa, preferably Sierra Leone

Prior NGO experience designing or implementing community-based projects

Ability to mobilize and manage supportive staff (i.e. translator) in-country

Language skills in Krio and/or Temne

6.0 Expected Timeline and Deliverables
The consultant will submit a final report to Concern who will use it to inform pilot projects in target communities in Port Loko. The report should include a summary of findings according to the guidance topics listed above.

6.1 Key Tasks of the consultant
The following tasks are expected to be completed under the consultancy. All tasks under pre-field work should be completed and approved before commencement of field work period.

Pre-Field Work
Review project documents and resources to understand the project

Participate in a call with Concern Sierra Leone to review the scope of work

Participate in a planning call with Concern to discuss the fieldwork schedule, team composition, and methods

Produce a brief inception report

Develop methodology including creation of data collection tools, training and facilitation guides, and sampling plan. Methodology and tools require approval by Concern.

Recruit translator and other support staff, as necessary

Field Work
Train support staff, as necessary

Conduct the collection, analysis, and synthesis of data

Interpret results and draw conclusions, lessons learned, and recommendations regarding implementation strategies

Post Field Work
Draft report on or before 2 weeks

Prepare report and submit to Concern on or before October 15, 2019*. The final report will be free of grammar errors, with input and comments from Concern addressed. Note: Due dates for deliverables may change depending on exact dates of consultancy.

Co-facilitate and Learning and Design workshop with key Concern and partner resulting

*Note: Due dates for deliverables may change depending on exact dates of consultancy.

Re-engagement
There may be opportunity for re-engagement of consultant(s) on this project or subsequent projects at a later stage. Any re-engagement will be mutually agreed on the basis of an addendum or new contractual agreement.
6.2 Proposed Timeline
The length of the consultancy is expected to be a total of 90 working days as illustratively detailed below. Exact number of working days should be calculated by the consultant and included in the proposal.

Duration

Timeframe

Consultant location

Major task

14 days

July 2019

Anywhere

Review of documents, complete inception report, methodology, and tools

2 days

July 2019

Travel

Travel to/from Freetown, Sierra Leone

2 days

July 2019

Freetown, Sierra Leone

Inception Meetings with Concern, chosen local organization, and final preparations for field work

60 days

July-September 2019

Port Loko district, Sierra Leone

Fieldwork

With bi-weekly trips to Freetown for check-in meetings and discussions

4 days

September 2019

Freetown, Sierra Leone

De-brief with Concern management staff

Learning Workshop with Concern field staff and CBO staff

8 days

September 2019

Any location

Preparation of final report and annexes

*Travel time should be adjusted based on consultant base location.

6.3 Final Deliverables
Prior to the consultancy period commencing, the selected consultant(s) will be required to sign Concern’s Code of Conduct and Protection Policies. The selected consultant(s) may also be required to participant in an orientation on Safeguarding Policies and Procedures.

Over the course of the consultancy period, the following are expected to be completed, submitted, and approved by Concern:

Inception report Including final methodology and ethical protocols for collecting and handling data

As appropriate, financial invoices and supporting documentation for payment

At the conclusion of the consultancy period, the consultant(s) is expected to complete the following tasks:

Co-lead an in-country Learning and Design Workshop with key stakeholders, Concern staff, and staff of the implementing organization, as agreed jointly with Concern. Consultant(s) is expected to lead the “learning” part of the workshop and Concern will lead the “design” part.

Prepare a draft report in line with the guidelines and submit to Concern within 2 weeks (14 days) of concluding workshop.

Prepare the final report, addressing responses and comments from Concern on the draft. It is expected the final report will be of exceptional quality, written in British English and free of all formatting errors. Concern will provide brief guidelines on the structure of the report. The lead consultant will be responsible for editing in-line with this structure and ensuring the final report is free of all grammar errors.

As appropriate, submit financial invoices and supporting documentation for payment

7.0 Proposal
To be considered for this consultancy, applicants should submit the following required documents:

Proposal which includes, at a minimum:

Understanding of the TOR

Profile of the company/consultant(s) & availability for this assignment

RCA design & methodology including data collection and analysis

Proposed timeframe with dates

Budget (see 7.1 below)

At least one example of previous work similar in topic or nature to the final deliverable for this TOR

7.1 Budget
The total budget for the work will be negotiated with Concern and the lead consultant in compliance with Concern rules and regulations. In addition to consultancy fees, Concern will cover international and local travel, translator fees, visa expenses, and basic lodging, as applicable. All anticipated costs should be included and detailed in the budget. Proposals submitted without a detailed budget will not be considered. Insurance and medical expenses, including vaccinations, are not covered by Concern. If other expenses are anticipated, these must be approved by the Country Director in advance.

Proposals without a detailed budget will be disqualified from consideration. A complete budget includes all relevant line items by category, unit costs, number of units, unit definitions, and total cost, with explanations where necessary.

[1] Change the Context Not the Girls: Improving Efforts to Reduce Teenage Pregnancy in Sierra Leone. Published by Secure Livelihood Research Consortium. 2016. Accessible at https://securelivelihoods.org/publication/change-the-context-not-the-girls-improving-efforts-to-reduce-teenage-pregnancy-in-sierra-leone/?resourceid=400

[2] 2015 Population and Housing Census, Statistics Sierra Leone.

[3] Poverty Profile of Sierra Leone 2013; World Bank and Statistics Sierra Leone

How to apply:
Please submit applications to the Sierra Leone Desk Officer at:

john.reid@concern.net by midday 4th July 2019.

Documents

 Tender Notice