Consultant - Health & Nutrition Survey Using SMART Methodology at Save The Children

Background
Save the Children has been working in Nigeria since 2001. The early focus was on getting children actively involved in shaping the decisions that affect their lives.  Today, SC is working in 20 states focusing on child survival, education and protecting children in both development and humanitarian contexts. The humanitarian response started in 2014 with Save the Children among one of the first responders to the conflict.

The ongoing conflict in the North East continues to increase population displacements, restrict income-generating opportunities, limit trade flows and escalating food prices. As a result of the reduced food availability and access, local and IDP populations in worst-affected areas of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states continue to experience food gaps, in line with crisis (IPC Phase 4) acute food insecurity, with an estimated 4,6M people in Phase 3-5 (Cadre Harmonizé (CH) Analysis).

Survey Methodology

• The consultant/s will prepare and conduct a SMART survey in Borno state.
• He/she will develop and design survey tools using SMART Methodology i.e. sampling procedure, the sample size for anthropometric data, selection of households and children, training and supervision of teams during data collection, generally he/she assume overall responsibility of carrying out the survey.

Scope of Work

• Develop and design SMART survey protocol, including sample size estimation, population size, clustering of the villages etc., and validate contextual tools using the SMART methodology
• Train the SMART data collection teams and data clerks (including field testing)
• Organize survey: Ensure accurate data collection at field level. Ensure adequate supervision and coordination of the survey teams in the field and collect relevant reference materials for report writing
• Be responsible for data cleaning and analysis using appropriate software i.e. Epi Info, SPSS, ENA for SMART
• Prepare a draft SMART survey report for review by SCI, ensuring that the assessment is comprehensive and includes all relevant indicators
• Prepare a final report including background, methodology, results, limitations, conclusions and recommendations incorporating feedback from SCI staff on the draft report and Nutrition Information Management group for validation/ Nutrition

Reporting:

• The preliminary assessment report will be sent to the SCI within 3 days of completion of data collection; the consultant will present preliminary findings of the survey to SCI, and SCI team will upon review, send it to the nutrition cluster and or Inter-Agency Working Group for validation purpose.
• The consultant will lead in the presentation of the survey summary before the Nutrition sector/ Inter-Agency Working Group members. The final report, incorporating all comments and inputs received, will be submitted to SCI within 5 days after validation of the preliminary report.

The consultant is expected to provide (Required Deliverables):

• Inception report explaining the methodology, sample size calculation and means of analyses
• Final nutrition survey Methodology (agreed following consultant selection).
• Powerpoint presentation of preliminary findings.
• A preliminary and final nutrition survey report.
• An Itemized price quotation for consultancy fee (Exclusive of international and domestic travel expenses which will be provided separately by SCI)

Time Frame and Work Schedule:

• The duration of the survey will be 29 days. The start date will be the date indicated in the Contract. See here below the survey schedule;
• Travel days: 2 days
• Preparation of survey protocols, developing tools and collection of secondary data: 5 days
• Training and pre-testing of SCI staff and Survey enumerators: 4 days
• Data collection and entry: 10 days
• Analysis and Submission of Preliminary Report:3 days
• Submit Final Report: 5 days
• Total: 29 days

General Conditions of the Consultancy:

• SCI will provide accommodation for the consultant in team guest house
• Meals and other incidentals will be the responsibility of the consultant
• The consultant will conduct his/her work by 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.
• Payments will be paid in three instalments: the First instalment 30% paid upon finalisation of inception report; 30% paid upon submission of the first full draft of the report; the remaining 40% paid upon validation of the report by the Nutrition Sector/Inter-Agency Working Groups.

Profile of the Consultant
Education:

• Postgraduate Degree in Public Health, Social Sciences or related discipline.
• Qualified and experienced consultant with Health and Nutrition background in surveys and assessments using SMART methodology.

Work Experience:

• Led at least 2 SMART Surveys (reports to be presented as evidence)
• Experience working in conflict-affected areas

Languages:

• Fluency in English is essential. Knowledge of local language is an added advantage.

Technical Competencies:

• The consultant must have a strong background in statistics and data analysis. Must know SMART survey methodology and ENA for SMART, SPSS, Epi/ENA or Epi Info software.
• Excellent reporting and presentation skills.
• Excellent knowledge of and experience with humanitarian guidelines and principles.
• Willingness to travel extensively and work under pressure & meet deadlines
• Ability to work in a multicultural and inter-sectoral environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively as a team with the other staff members.
• Ability to coordinate, direct and supervise others to achieve a common goal.
• Ability to live and work in an isolated area in conditions of limited comfort
• The candidate must present an approved final report of the most recent SMART survey that he or she has conducted.