End line (Qualitative) Survey Consultants at Malaria Consortium

Position B: State data collection consultants (End line Qualitative Survey)

Experience: Seven years’ experience

Duration: October to November, 2021

Malaria Consortium requires qualified research personnel that will carry out end line quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis for the study’s end line evaluation (household survey, FGDs and KIIs) in Bauchi state.

Purpose/Scope of Assignment:

The aim of the study is to evaluate the feasibility of full integration of VAS with SMC campaign to allow for co-delivery of both interventions through a common door-to-door delivery strategy, as well as provide evidence on acceptability, equity, safety and cost. The broad objective of the end line quantitative component of this study is to measure the SMC and VAS coverage rates, quality of implementation of the integrated campaign, as well as the overall SMC+VAS Integrated ccampaign performance relative to the baseline. The specific objectives are articulated in the study protocol, which shall be availed to the consultants. The findings will be analyzed and evidence generated will support policy makers’ decision-making regarding full integration of VAS with SMC campaigns at scale and in diverse setting, as appropriate.

The scope of the assignment will cover household survey and qualitative enquiry on the feasibility and acceptability of integrating SMC and vitamin A supplementation. The endline evaluation will be conducted in two Local Governments (Giade and Katagum) where SMC+VAS integrated campaign is being implemented.

The qualitative component will entail training of consultants, data collection as well as transcript writing and summarization. Data will be collected using paper-based topic guides, notes and voice recorders while the quantitative component will entail a repeat household survey as was carried out at baseline (see Field Guide attached).

The quantitative component will involve identification, selection and training of data collectors in the state level for the two LGAs. Data collectors will collect data using an electronic survey checklists and upload finalized form into Kobocollect server.

Method

Qualitative: Focus group discussions will be conducted to explore acceptability of the integration of vitamin A with SMC. FGDs and KIIs will be conducted by trained consultant teams of two, one acting as moderator and the other as note taker/recorder. There will be 10-12 people per FGD and a total of 12 FGDs will be conducted among CHWs, supervisors and caregivers in each of the two LGAs. Further details are in the study protocol, which will be shared with successful candidates.

Quantitative:

The surveys will be conducted in two Local Governments (Giade and Katagum) where SMC+VAS is being implemented. SMC and VAS coverage, and adherence of Community Drug Distributors (CDDs) to treatment protocol will be assessed after cycle 4 (after integration) of SMC treatment. 

Personnel Required:

Lead consultant (x1)
State data collection consultants (x3)

Specific Tasks and Deliverables for Consultants

Qualitative component

• Lead Consultant (qualitative component)
• Lead Consultant shall be responsible for the qualitative component of the endline survey
• Train all research assistants for qualitative component survey
• Coordinate field testing of the FGD guides
• Revise FGD guides based on findings from field testing
• Liaise with Research Coordinator to prepare list of key informants and FGD participants and arrange for interviews and FGDs
• Conduct FGDs in one of the LGAs and transcribe data
• Conduct key informants’ interviews at national and state levels
• Prepare quick brief after field work to debrief PI and Research Coordinator
• Prepare data analysis plan for FGDs and KIIs
• Collate and summarize all transcript
• Complete data analysis of summarized transcript and recordings
• Collate and submit all assessment materials including soft copies of all FGDs and KII data sets
• Prepare and submit the report n MS word and a summary of key findings in MS PowerPoint slides

State data collection consultants (3)

• Attend training to understand the study and their roles as stated above.
• Arrange for selection of participants, and venue for discussion and interviews
• Participate in field testing of FGD guides
• Obtain Inform Consent from respondents before the interview
• Facilitate focused group discussion and key informant interviews assigned
• Note taking and recording of discussion and interview
• Transcription of FGDs and KII notes and recordings
• Facilitate summarization of transcripts
• Keep the survey data confidential and safe
• Submit FGD/KII audio recordings and notes to Lead Consultant (LC)
• Prepare brief field report for submission to LC

Deliverables for All Consultants

• Completed Stakeholders Basic Information Sheets
• Recorded discussions and interviews
• Complete set of transcribed notes of KII and FGD
• Summarized transcript
• Process report

Additional deliverables for Lead Consultant

Collated and summarized transcript

Data analysis report submitted

Key findings in power point presentation

Qualifications and experience:

Lead consultant (Qualitative):

• A post-graduate degree in social, behavioral or health sciences
• At least 5-7 years’ experience in conduct and management of qualitative studies
• Demonstrated expertise in rigorous qualitative research design, data collection and data analysis techniques
• Strong analytical skills and ability to clearly synthesize and present findings, draw practical conclusions, make recommendations and to prepare well-written reports in a timely manner
• Experience in leading evaluations, surveys, and analysis is highly desirable.
• Experience in the use of qualitative statistical software such as Nvivo and Atlas Ti etc
• Demonstrable experience in data transcription
• Willing to work under time pressure.
• Demonstrated report writing skills for qualitative study;
• Preferably a female (preferred in the core northern states), but males are encouraged to apply
• Experience, knowledge and clear understanding of Nigeria Northern context.
• Hausa language is necessary.

State data collection consultants (Qualitative):

• A degree in sciences, social, behavioral or health sciences
• Familiarity with qualitative analysis software and experience in transcription
• At 3-5 years’ experience in conduct and management of qualitative studies
• Willing to work under time pressure.
• Demonstrated report writing skills for qualitative study
• Understanding of the context and setting of interventions in the north
• Must not be part of SMC personnel in whatever capacity (National, State, LGA, HFW, CHW, TA or LM)
• Must not be a staff of Government at any level and in any Ministry at the time of engagement/activity.
• Hausa language is compulsory

Total TA days-

Lead consultant (Qualitative)- 20 days
State data collection consultants (Qualitative)- 11 days