LGA Field Consultant at Talent Lab Limited

Background

• The MLE for Targeted performance management of malaria SNT interventions project is implemented by the Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR). It is part of broader investments by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) to support the implementation of sub-nationally tailored (SNT) malaria interventions, starting with Kano and Kaduna states, given there is a need to develop and implement a robust performance measurement framework that rigorously tracks malaria SNT milestones and outcomes and utilizes data to foster evidence-based decision-making among critical stakeholders while enshrining accountability in the program.
• Furthermore, knowing that population-based malaria surveys only occur once every few years in Nigeria, and when they are conducted, the results are not statistically significant mainly at the state levels, hence making it difficult for policymakers and health program managers, including the State Malaria Elimination Program (SMEP), as well as at the National level to make evidence-based decisions to accelerate the impact for malaria elimination in Nigeria
• Based on this, the MLE for targeted performance management of malaria SNT interventions project seeks to provide crucial insights for implementing, enhancing, and expanding effective strategies in sub-national malaria programming within Nigeria, especially in Kano and Kaduna.

Rationale:

• Recognizing the importance of evaluating sub-nationally Tailored (SNT) interventions in malaria control and elimination programs, the need for local expertise to support the assessment of the effectiveness and impact of malaria SNT strategies at the local government level cannot be over-emphasized as the role of Local Government Field Consultants is vital in providing technical support, guidance, and primary data collection for the evaluation project.

Role Summary

• The LGA Field Consultant will be responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring, and reporting on Evaluation strategies/approaches to ensure that sub-state (LGA) malaria intervention data across all service areas within the LGA is updated and reported.
• The consultant is contracted by the SCIDaR’s malaria SNT project team; they will work closely with the State and LGA local malaria teams throughout the evaluation. Each LGA Field consultant will be responsible for 3-4 LGAs, and is expected to cover at 1 LGA per week within the 4 weeks available in the month, whilst they will be responsible for coordinating and managing all fieldwork, community data collection and analysis, redaction of reports, or just data collection.
• They will receive training/advice from the Senior Evaluation Lead and the State Evaluation Leads as identified as a need.

Objectives:

• To strengthen SCIDaR’s monitoring mechanisms for evaluation of malaria initiatives at the LGA level, ensuring accountability, learning, and evidence-based decision-making.
• To deploy independent LGA resources across the two states to support quality assurance systems for primary data collection and spot-checking as required during all evaluation processes.

Scope of Work:
Malaria data review:

• Conduct a thorough review of relevant documents, reports, and data related to malaria SNT interventions and efforts in the selected LGAs.
• Support monthly performance reviews for all PHCs offering malaria services in the assigned LGA, and update the indicator performance dashboard for the LGA working with the RBM and M&E Officers.
• Conduct, document, and report on spot checks and other integrated supportive supervision visits to health facilities using the approved tools.

Data Collection and Analysis:

• Leading the implementation of data collection methods, including cross sectional surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, and site visits at the LGA level, to gather information on SNT interventions and malaria outcomes.
• Prioritize data quality and quality assurance mechanisms to address LIKELY challenges before and during primary data collection
• Utilizes information from routine program data to measure changes in malaria program indicators at the LGA level and
• Conduct field visits to track malaria key performance indicators and document and report monthly/quarterly malaria spot checks in all the HFs providing prevention and treatment services in the LGA.
• Provide strategic information analytic support on malaria indicators at the LGA level.

Field Deployment:

• Support field deployment processes to support primary data collection, spot-checking, and verification of data quality as required.
• Ensure that all planned settlements have geo-coordinates and that tracking reports are obtained monthly for analysis and feedback.
• Regularly assess all HFs' potential to provide quality malaria services in the LGA.

Report Writing:

• Report performance data on the key malaria service utilization at the LGA/HF level in targeted LGAs. Prepare comprehensive evaluation reports summarizing key findings, conclusions, and recommendations for each LGA evaluated, adhering to standard reporting formats and guidelines.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Facilitate evaluation data-driven malaria meetings, and rank all health facilities providing malaria services across LGAs.
• Regularly engage with relevant stakeholders, including local government authorities, health officials, community leaders, and program implementers, to gather input, validate findings, and disseminate results.
• Conduct consultations with relevant stakeholders to understand their perspectives on M&E needs and challenges and continually engage with the stakeholders RBM / M&E/ HMIS Officers in LGA and existing malaria response structures to gain buy-in and alignment.
• Utilize SMEP’s leadership and in-house relationship to intervene and ensure requisite approvals are obtained where such situations arise in any of the LGAs.

Deliverables:
Evaluation plan:

• Support the development of a detailed LGA plan outlining how the proposed evaluation approaches, their methodology, timeline, and resources required are implemented in selected LGAs.
• Data collection tools: Support the pretest of all data collection tools, including questionnaires, interview guides, and observation checklists, for use in the field during data collection for the evaluation process.

Reports submission:

• Weekly plans and updates
• A monthly report by each evaluation learning questions and objectives
• Dashboard of HF malaria indicator performance ranking
• Monthly DHIS-2 malaria data report for the identified health facilities
• Monthly DQA data report per LGA for the identified health facilities
• Monthly slide deck on malaria / PHC performance dashboard presented to LGA malaria and PHC team
• Field deployment reports detailing activities conducted, challenges faced, and recommendations for improvement.

Presentations:

• Deliver presentations of key evaluation findings to relevant LGA stakeholders at the local government level, highlighting key insights and implications for program planning and implementation.

Timeline:

• The engagement of Local Government Field Consultants will commence upon completion of the recruitment process and continue for 2 years, with deliverables submitted according to an agreed-upon timeline.
• The consultant is expected to work for 20 days monthly (within the project timelines) based on tasks assigned by the Senior MEL Lead and the State Evaluation Leads. SCIDaR will oversee the recruitment and engagement of Local Government Field Consultants, and ensure adherence to project timelines and objectives.

Number of consultants required:

• The MLE for performance management of malaria sub-national tailoring project is an evaluation-focused activity that embeds local learning and evidence for informed decision making in the continuum toward malaria elimination. Thus, the following resources will be required: 11 consultants in Kano state, and 7 consultants in Kaduna state respectively. (see section 3 above - Role Summary for more details on the LGA coverage for each consultant).

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Degree, ideally a Bachelor’s degree, preferably in the field of Health / Social Sciences / Engineering Data Management / Statistics
• Previous work experience in malaria / PHC system strengthening and/or other health system-related projects.
• The ability to coach and mentor and previous similar roles is strongly desirable.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite to conduct basic analysis, interpret data, and write reports; routine data collection and reporting platforms (e.g., DHIS2) and GIS mapping skills as a plus.
• Ability to identify and solve problems on the spot, strong organization, planning, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Capacity to work independently and function effectively within a team.
• Ability to assess, prioritize, and manage a variety of activities with attention to detail.
• Strong command of English and the major language(s) spoken in the preferred State/LGA of choice.

Essential Skills:

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in using data collection tools and software.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Other Requirements:

• Willingness to travel within the assigned LGA.
• Self - ownership of a laptop and android phone.
• Familiarity with local health systems and malaria programs is an advantage.
• Ability to speak the local language(s) is desirable.

Supervision and Support

• Consultants will receive guidance and support from the SCIDaR’s State Evaluation Lead and Analyst throughout the project. They will be part of a larger evaluation team and will collaborate closely with other enumerators and LGA Malaria staff.
• Regular check-ins and feedback sessions will be conducted to ensure enumerators have the necessary support to fulfill their responsibilities effectively.

Code of Conduct:

• Consultants are expected to adhere to the project's code of conduct and ethical guidelines at all times.
• Any instances of misconduct or breaches of confidentiality will be addressed promptly and may result in termination of engagement.

Equal employment opportunity statement

• Talent Lab Limited is an equal employment employer. We do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, genetic information, or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable laws.