Barrier Analysis Consultancy at Save the Children

Background on Save the Children

Save the Children is the leading global independent organisation for children. Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. Around the world, we work every day to give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. When crisis strikes, and children are most vulnerable, we are always among the first to respond and the last to leave. We ensure children’s unique needs are met and their voices are heard. We deliver lasting results for millions of children, including those hardest to reach.

We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.

Our vision: A world in which every child attains the right to survival, protection, development and participation.

Our mission: To inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children, and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives.

Our values: Accountability, ambition, collaboration, creativity and integrity.

We are committed to ensuring our resources are used as efficiently as possible, in order to focus them on achieving maximum impact for children.

Child Safeguarding:

Level 3: the role holder will have contact with children and/or young people either frequently (e.g. once a week or more) or intensively (e.g. four days in one month or more or overnight) because they work in country programs; or are visiting country programs; ore because they are responsible for implementing the police checking/vetting process staff.

Background information/context

Save the Children has had a permanent presence in Nigeria since 2001, and is today a strong, recognized voice for children’s rights. We directly reach new-born and older children in nine states – from Lagos in the south to Katsina in the north. Our work focuses on health, nutrition, education and child protection. We work closely with the government to develop sustainable, replicable solutions and to ensure that children stay healthy, safe and can reach their potential.

The conflict in Northeast Nigeria has resulted in widespread displacement, abuse and violation of human rights, destruction of livelihoods and disruption of basic services. The recent update of Cadre Harmonize analysis conducted in March 2020 and the FEWSNET Nigeria Food Security Outlook (June 2020 – January 2021) indicated deterioration of the nutrition and food security situation with more people facing crisis mainly attributed to sustained conflict associated with the insurgents coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions .

The conflict has also resulted in high levels of malnutrition specifically Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM), moderate acute malnutrition (MAM), and Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM). The Nutrition and Food Security Surveillance round 1-9 surveys were conducted at domain level, where findings of various LGAs were aggregated into domains. The recent (NFSS) round 9 survey conducted in October 2020 by National Bureau of Statistics found the GAM (WHZ<-2SD) prevalence for Central Borno domain (under which Mafa and Konduga LGAs are located) was at 10.7% (8.4-13.6 95% C.I.) While for (Jere and MMC) domain the GAM (WHZ<-2SD) prevalence was 9.9% (7.5-12.9 95% C.I.) . The trend in GAM (WHZ<-2SD) prevalence in Mafa and Konduga LGAs has been on increasing trend based on comparison with October 2020 and November 2019 where GAM (WHZ<-2SD) was at 9.8% . A similar increase in GAM prevalence (WHZ<-2SD) was observed in MMC and Jere LGAs where in 2019 the GAM was at 6.9%5.

The preliminary NFSS survey conducted in October 2020 unveiled Crude Death Rate (CDR) for Central Borno domain in which Mafa and Konduga LGA were classified at 0.20 (0.1-0.38) while for MMC and Jere the CDR was at 0.34 (0.17-0.7) respectively. The trends in CDR in the mentioned LGAs remained stable when compared to survey findings conducted in similar period in 2019.

Save the Children has been implementing IYCF programs in Nigeria since 2012 and in Borno since 2014 including through community-based one-on-one counselling, IYCF support groups, and radio programs, sensitization sessions, micronutrient powder (MNP) supplementation, and targeted supplementary feeding programs. In addition, promotion of optimal IYCF practices were integrated into health facility based PHC services. Primary beneficiaries include caregivers of children under 2 years of age, Pregnant and Lactating Women and adolescent girls.

Different approaches and strategies have been tested and lessons have been learned and continue to be learned. Although progresses on IYCF indicators have been observed and monitored, further progress is needed and challenges remain. It is therefore essential to properly analyse barriers to the adoption of identified good practices (such as early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding for children 0-5months and adequate complementary foods for children 6-24 months).

Save the Children is thus seeking a consultant to conduct an IYCF barrier analysis in Borno state, North Eastern Nigeria.**

Objective

The objective of this assignment is to carry out barrier analysis for the above outlined behaviours related to IYCF in Borno state, North East Nigeria (MMC, Jere, Konduga, and Mafa LGAs).

The following are the major tasks consultant is expected to undertake:

1. Develop questionnaires for doers and non-doers surveys (for both quantitative and qualitative data collection) in consultation with SCI technical team
2. Standard barrier analysis method should be used in selection of participants. Design and implement sampling methodologies for the selection of 45 doers and 45 non-doers for each behaviour. Each behaviour will have different respondents to ensure that the same people do not respond to different behaviours.
3. Facilitate 3-days practical training of interviewers on the data collection tools – the questionnaires.
4. Translate and Pre-test the questionnaires.
5. Collect and Analyse data from barrier analysis in purview of doers and non-doers surveys
6. Present a barrier analysis report with recommendation Outputs.

Location and official travel involved

The Supplier will work full time in the SCI Borno field office location. Regular office hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Sunday. Office space will be provided but the consultant is responsible for bringing his/her own IT equipment. The Supplier may be required to travel to other locations. Any required travel will need pre-approval by SCI in accordance with SCI’s Travel Policy and applicable RO/CO Expense Policy.

Services the Supplier will provide

1. Draft and final questionnaires and methods for both quantitative and qualitative data collections from doers and non-doers surveys. This will include the sampling framework, analysis procedures and tool
2. Raw data collected from doers and non-doers according to statistically representative sample as outlined in the BA guidebook (45 doers and 45 non-doers).
3. Data analysis as per the Design Behaviour Communication (DBC) framework
4. Draft report submission addressing the study design and assessment findings, including a very brief summary report for each Barrier Analysis undertaken
5. Final report with clear recommendations; including a set of field-tested and tailored messages related to key studied behaviours.

Ethical Considerations

It is expected that this assessment will be:

§ Child participatory. Where appropriate and safe, children should be supported to participate in the evaluation process beyond simply being respondents. Opportunities for collaborative participation could include involving children in determining success criteria against which the project could be evaluated, supporting children to collect some of the data required for the evaluation themselves, or involving children in the validation of findings. Any child participation, whether consultative, collaborative or child-led, must abide by the 9 basic requirements for meaningful and ethical child participation. Refer to the Practice Standards in Children’s Participation (International Save the Children Alliance 2005).**

§ Inclusive. Ensure that children and adults from different ethnic, social and religious backgrounds have the chance to participate, as well as children with disabilities and children who may be excluded or discriminated against in their community.**

§ Ethical: The evaluation/research must be guided by the following ethical considerations:**

o Safeguarding – demonstrating the highest standards of behavior towards children and adults.**

o Sensitive – to child rights, gender, inclusion and cultural contexts.**

o Openness – of information given, to the highest possible degree to all involved parties.**

o Confidentiality and data protection – measures will be put in place to protect the identity of all participants and any other information that may put them or others at risk. **

o Public access – to the results when there are not special considerations against this**

o Broad participation – the relevant parties should be involved where possible.**

o Reliability and independence – the evaluation/research should be conducted so that findings and conclusions are correct and trustworthy.**

It is expected that:

§ Data collection methods will be age and gender appropriate.**

§ Assessment activities will provide a safe, creative space where children feel that their thoughts and ideas are important. **

§ A risk assessment will be conducted that includes any risks related to children, young people’s, or adult’s participation. **

§ A referral mechanism will be in place in case any child safeguarding or protection issues arise.**

§ Informed consent will be used where possible.**

The consultant will not be required to obtain approval from a Human Research Ethics Committee. Save the Children will work with the relevant agency and provide assistance with this process.

Experience and skill set required

1. University degree in nutrition, social sciences, anthropology or other related fields.
2. 5-7 years’ experience of conducting Barrier Analysis Studies and other Doer/Non-Doer studies inclusive of use of Designing for Behaviour Change (DBC) Framework
3. Strong background in quantitative and qualitative data analysis
4. Experience conducting qualitative research studies using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions and analysing qualitative data. Will be required to share at least 2 recent reports
5. Confident and proficient in the use of MS Office including MS Excel Barrier Analysis Tabulation Sheet
6. Excellent reporting and presentation skills and proven ability to work independently
7. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to effectively work in a multi-cultural environment
8. Experience working in/knowledge of the Northern Nigeria context and local language skills will be a plus

Application Requirement:

· Technical proposal detailing the response to the TOR (scope of work and the methodology to be used)

· Initial work plan based on the methodology

· Financial proposal detailing the daily rate

· CV and most recent and relevant references to the task

· Sample of 2 previous work undertaken in the same area.

*Technical Competencies:

Evaluation criteria

Only consultants that score ALL Yes under the essential criteria evaluation will progress to the capability evaluation stage.

The pass mark for the capability criteria is 75 points out of 100 points.

Experience and skill set required

Individual consultants who respond to the tender must meet the following criteria:

Essential Criteria

Yes/No

Agrees to comply with Save the Children standard policies and procedures as stated in the RFQ or Invitation to Tender (ITT) document

A ‘no’ in either of these boxes will result in immediate disqualification.

Successfully completed a bachelor’s degree in a relevant area, such as social sciences, development studies, or in specific technical areas such as education, public health, nutrition, food security, etc.

Provides a CV and cover letter, explaining relevant experience and relevant reports of previous work

Provides brief description and evidence (attached copies) of up to 4 relevant services provided to other actors (either INGOs, International Organisations or donors), including the year of service and an official email address to contact as a reference

Capability Criteria (technical)

Max. 100

Evidence of minimum of three years’ experience designing and carrying out high-quality assessments, baseline, mid-terms and endline studies, and mid-term and final evaluations, for one or more of the following thematic areas:

· Child protection,

· Education,

· Health and Nutrition,

15 points

Evidence of experience working in development and/or humanitarian settings

5 points

Evidence shows strong training and experience in quantitative and qualitative data collection methods and analysis

10 points

Evidence of knowledge and experience with a range of statistical and qualitative data managing software and approaches (such as SPSS, EPI Info, Stata, NVivo, Atlasti, KOBO Toolbox, ODK or other similar software)

10 points

Evidence proves strong command of the English language, both written and verbal with strong report writing and documentation skills

10 points

Evidence of working experience in Nigeria or similar contexts

5 points

Provided brief description (200 words or less) of steps the consultant will take to ensure the quality of the services you would provide is of consistently high standards

[10 marks for providing a highly satisfactory response, 5 marks for a satisfactory response, and zero marks for not providing one or providing an unsatisfactory response]

10 points

Provided brief description (200 words or less) on experience in inclusive and ethical child participatory methods of data collection

[10 marks for providing a highly satisfactory response, 5 marks for a satisfactory response, and zero marks for not providing one or providing an unsatisfactory response]

10 points

During the interview, the consultant demonstrates in-depth knowledge of assessments, studies and evaluations, in terms of their design and implementation, which will be assessed and scored by a panel of experts

15 points

Expected Deliverables

SCI expects the following deliverables to be provided:

1 – Inception report – The report is to define the project’s exact work plan and scope for the rest of the duration. The report should be supported by quantitative/qualitative evidence from internal and external analysis

Presentation/Report delivered to Project Board

2 – Draft business case – Comprehensive draft business case for recommended operating model

Completed SCI business case template

3 – Final survey Methodology (agreed following consultant selection). – Detailed methodology document describing selection criteria, sampling, data collection, data analysis and report writing.

Presentation/Report delivered to Project Board

4 – Power point presentation of preliminary findings. – Comprehensive report Communicating findings of the survey.

Presentation/Report delivered to Project Board

5 – A preliminary and final survey report. – Comprehensive report Communicating findings of the survey. The report should also include recommendations based on findings from the report.

Report delivered to Project Board

Timeline

· The duration of the survey will be 30 days.

· Desk review of project documents and reports, Develop questionnaire for doers and non-doers’ surveys (for both quantitative and qualitative data collection) in consultation with SCI technical team, Revision/editing of data tools by SC technical leads, Design methodologies for data collection from representative sample sizes for doer and non-doers: 5 days

· Facilitate 3-day practical training of interviewers on data collection using the BA questionnaire: 3 days

· Translation of questionnaires and pretesting of translated questionnaires – done with the interviewers: 2 days

· Data collection and coding – 3 days for each behaviour: 12 days

· Data analysis and write up of draft BA report and submission: 5 days

· Revisions based on SC inputs and Final report submission: 3 days

· Total: 30 days Maximum

Estimated Commencement Date: 1^st June, 2021

Estimated End Date: 30^th June, 2021.

1 – Desk review of project documents and reports, Develop questionnaire for doers and non-doers’ surveys (for both quantitative and qualitative data collection) in consultation with SCI technical team, Revision/editing of data tools by SC technical leads, Design methodologies for data collection from representative sample sizes for doer and non-doers

^1st – 5^th June, 2021

2 – Facilitate 3-day practical training of interviewers on data collection using the BA questionnaire

SCI MEAL Manager/ Project lead

6^th – 8^th June, 2021

3 – Translation of questionnaires and pretesting of translated questionnaires – done with the interviewers**

SCI MEAL Manager/ Project lead

9^th – 10^th June, 2021

4 – Data collection and coding – 3 days for each behaviour**

SCI MEAL Manager/ Project lead**

11^th – 22^nd June, 2021**

5 – Data analysis and write up of draft BA report and submission

SCI MEAL Manager/ Project lead

23^rd – 27^th June, 2021

6 – Revisions based on SC inputs and Final report submission

SCI MEAL Manager/ Project lead

28^th – 30^th June, 2021

Scope of work

The specific purpose of this consultancy is to analyse key barriers to behavioural change among target groups’ practices associated with infant and young child feeding so that behaviour change communication messages and strategies can be tailored to optimize effectiveness, which will strengthen current and future IYCF community support activities.

The analysis should establish detailed information, identifying target groups’ current behaviours as well as barriers and enablers to behaviour change related the key determinants on IYCF practices and inform evidence-based behaviour change programming. As per the standard barrier analysis methodology, minimum sample size of 45 doers and 45 non-doers should be selected for each behaviour.

The analysis will focus on assessing barriers and enablers to the following key IYCF behaviours as well identify proposed solutions and feeding practices to address the identified barriers:

1. New-born put to the breast within one hours of delivery (early initiation of breastfeeding <1 hour).
2. Exclusive breastfeeding <6 months (only breastmilk from birth until 6 months of age).
3. Dietary Diversity for caregivers of children 6 – 23 months (mother, father, grandmothers).

The activity is going to take place in the accessible communities of the project, who are majorly Kanuri, Shuwa and Hausa speaking. The majority of the communities are within the Maiduguri metropolis, with only six (6) communities outside the city.

Acceptance

Detail how success/satisfactory completion of the deliverables will be measured/verified. Make sure this does not contradict any terms in your contract/FWA

e.g.

· Deliverable 1 – to be accepted by Project Board within 15 days of delivery date

· Deliverable 2 – to be accepted by Project Board within 15 days of delivery date

General assumptions and dependencies

Include assumptions around SCI roles during the project, SCI resource availability and project management responsibilities. Detail any dependencies that exist.

e.g.

SCI will identify the key stakeholders to be engaged as part of the project

Payment information

· SCI will provide accommodation for the consultant in team guest house

· Meals and other incidentals will be responsibility of the consultant

· The consultant will conduct his/her work using his/her own computer equipment.

· Other miscellaneous costs directly related to the task that can include photocopying of questionnaires etc. shall be covered by SCI. Any cost needs to have prior approval from SCI.

· The movement of the consultant and team to and from the field will be facilitated by SCI.

· SCI will provide survey enumerators; translators as may be required.

· The cost related to travel from/ to Field of the survey teams will be covered by SCI.

Depending on the agreement reach with the consultant; below is the proposed payment terms:

· 30% upon signing of contract and submission of inception report

· 70% upon completion of field work, submission of draft and standard final report that meets quality criteria.

THE ORGANISATION

We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better health care, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realize the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard.

We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:

• No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday
• All children learn from a quality basic education and that,
• Violence against children is no longer tolerated

We know that great people make a great organization and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children. We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive workplace where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.

Save the Children is committed to ensuring that all our personnel and programmes are absolutely safe for children.

We undertake rigorous procedures to ensure that only people suitable to work with children are allowed to join our organization and all candidates will, therefore, be subject to this scrutiny.

We need to keep children safe so our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

Applicants are advised that Save the Children International does not require any payment or expense during the entire recruitment process. Any request in this direction should be immediately reported as it is contrary to the values and practices of our organization.

Due to the volume of applications received, Save the Children may not provide feedback to all applicants. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as applications will be reviewed as received. Save the Children reserves the right to change the closing date, if considered necessary.