Consultant for Procurement, Medical Support, and Distribution/Fitting of Assistive Devices in Benue State at Nigerian Women’s Trust Fund (WF)

Background

The Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF), under the Disability Rights Advocacy Project for Inclusive Development (D-RAPID), is implementing targeted interventions to promote the inclusion, participation, and socio-economic empowerment of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Benue State.

As part of this intervention, NWTF has successfully conducted a needs assessment and identified prospective beneficiaries across selected communities. Based on this assessment, specific assistive device needs have been documented for persons with disabilities with mobility, visual, and other functional impairments.

To address the physical barriers that limit participation and independence, NWTF will provide appropriate assistive devices to the identified beneficiaries. However, to ensure that these devices are fit for purpose, properly installed, medically appropriate, and safely used, NWTF seeks to engage a qualified consultant to coordinate procurement, facilitate distribution, and ensure professional medical support during installation and fitting.

The distribution exercise will be conducted centrally in Makurdi, Benue State, where beneficiaries will be invited for proper assessment, fitting, and collection of devices.

Objective of the Consultancy

The objective of this consultancy is to support NWTF in the procurement of high-quality assistive devices, the coordination of qualified medical/technical personnel, and the proper distribution, fitting, and installation of these devices for identified persons with disabilities in Benue State.

The consultancy will ensure that all assistive devices are appropriate to individual needs, correctly fitted, and accompanied by user guidance, thereby promoting safe usage, durability, and long-term impact.

Scope of Work

The consultant will be responsible for the following:

Procurement of Assistive Devices

• Review the list of identified beneficiaries and their corresponding assistive device needs as provided by NWTF 
• Develop clear and detailed technical specifications for each category of assistive device 
• Identify and engage reputable and qualified vendors/suppliers 
• Ensure that all procured devices meet quality, safety, durability, and accessibility standards 
• Coordinate procurement processes in line with NWTF and donor compliance requirements 
• Conduct quality assurance checks upon delivery before distribution 

Assistive devices may include, but are not limited to:

• Wheelchairs (standard and specialised) 
• Tricycles  
• Crutches  
• Callipers  
• Artificial limbs (prosthetics) 
• Special seating devices 
• Other mobility or support aids as required 

b. Coordination of Medical and Technical Personnel

• Identify and mobilise a qualified medical and rehabilitation team, including: 
  • Physiotherapists  
  • Orthopaedic technicians 
  • Prosthetic/orthotic specialists 
• Ensure that all medical personnel are available and present during the distribution exercise in Makurdi 
• Facilitate on-site medical assessment (where necessary) to confirm the suitability of devices 
• Supervise proper measurement, fitting, adjustment, and installation of assistive devices for each beneficiary 
• Ensure that devices are tailored to the individual needs of beneficiaries 

Distribution, Fitting, and Installation

• Coordinate and manage the full distribution process in Makurdi, Benue State 
• Ensure a structured, transparent, and dignified distribution process 
• Oversee proper fitting and installation of all assistive devices 
• Ensure that each beneficiary: 
  • Receives the correct device 
  • Undergoes proper fitting and adjustments 
  • Is supported by medical personnel during the process 
• Provide hands-on guidance and demonstration to beneficiaries on: 
  • Proper use of devices 
  • Maintenance and care 
  • Safety precautions 

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of all distributed assistive devices and beneficiaries 
• Ensure completion of beneficiary acknowledgment forms and documentation 
• Capture evidence of distribution (attendance sheets, photos, signed forms) 
• Document key observations, challenges, and recommendations 
• Submit a comprehensive final report covering procurement, medical support, distribution, and outcomes 

Key Deliverables

The consultant will be expected to deliver:

• Inception report with detailed implementation plan and timeline 
• Procurement plan and technical specifications for assistive devices 
• Evidence of vendor selection and quality assurance processes 
• Documentation of medical team engagement 
• Distribution and fitting report (including beneficiary records and evidence) 
• Final consultancy report including lessons learned and recommendations 

Duration of Assignment

The consultancy is expected to run for a period of 4 - 6 weeks, covering procurement, coordination of medical personnel, distribution, and reporting.

Location of Assignment

• Procurement coordination: As required 
• Distribution and fitting: Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria 

Required Qualifications and Experience

The consultant should possess:

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences, Rehabilitation Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field 
• At least 5 years’ experience in assistive device programming, rehabilitation services, or disability inclusion projects 
• Proven experience in procurement and distribution of assistive devices 
• Demonstrated capacity to coordinate medical/rehabilitation teams 
• Experience working with persons with disabilities and OPDs 
• Strong logistical, coordination, and reporting skills 

Required Competencies

• Strong organisational and coordination skills 
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and accountability 
• Technical knowledge of assistive devices and fitting processes 
• Understanding of disability inclusion and accessibility principles 
• Ability to work effectively in community and field settings 

Reporting and Supervision

The consultant will report directly to the NWTF Programme Team and will work closely with project stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of the assignment.

Note: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Safeguarding and Compliance

NWTF is committed to safeguarding and expects all consultants to adhere to ethical, safeguarding, and inclusion standards throughout the assignment.

Equal Opportunity

NWTF is an equal opportunity organization and strongly encourages applications from qualified women and persons with disabilities.