Qualitative Evaluation Specialist (National Consultant) at Malaria Consortium

Job Description
Evaluation Approach and Framework:

• This qualitative evaluation will adopt an implementation research approach grounded in structured frameworks to understand how the Perennial Malaria Chemoprevention (PMC) intervention is delivered, perceived, and sustained within the Osun State context.
• The evaluation draws on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to explore multiple domains across different levels of the health system, while also integrating constructs from the Implementation Outcomes Framework (IOF) and the PIET-T model to assess the potential for adaptation, effectiveness, and broader transferability. +
• Together, these constructs form the analytical foundation for the evaluation, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of both the operational performance of PMC and the broader systemic factors that influence its implementation and future scale-up.
• This would guide tool development, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

Purpose of the Assignment:

• The purpose of this term of reference is to define the scope, objectives, methodology, deliverables, and responsibilities for conducting this qualitative evaluation on the operational feasibility of PMC delivery through Nigeria’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) platform.

Scope of work:

• The study will involve in-depth interviews (key informant), Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Case studies interviews.
• The target participants are caregivers, stakeholders, healthcare workers and health administrators in the selected health facilities, communities and the catchment population at the state level. Eight (8) Local Government Areas in Osun State will be selected for the study - Ayedaade, Ede South, Atakunmosa West, Iwo, Irewole, Ife North, Obokun and Egbedore.
• The study will also cover stakeholders at the federal level to gain insights into their perspective of PMC operational feasibility, policy adoption and scale-up.
• The results will provide evidence to support PMC scale up in Nigeria The scope of this evaluation also covers end-to-end management of the qualitative evaluation, including evaluation design, finalization of tools, training, data collection, field coordination, data analysis, reporting and dissemination.
• The evaluation team will be guided by a predefined framework with seven constructs to explore stakeholder perceptions, implementation realities and operational feasibility of the PMC intervention.
• He/she will support the team lead in tool adaptation, field work, quality control and analysis.

Responsibilities
Specific Tasks for Qualitative Evaluation Specialist (National Consultant):

• Support development and contextualization of FGDs, IDI and case study guides.
• Translate tools into local languages (e.g., Yoruba) and back-translate for consistency.
• Liaise with the lead consultant to receive finalized qualitative data collection tools.
• Develop and apply a coding framework (based on the evaluation framework and emerging themes) using qualitative analysis software (e.g., NVivo, ATLAS.ti, or Dedoose).
• Coordinate the listing and mapping of locations for qualitative data collection across selected facilities, communities and stakeholders working with local guides
• Develop and finalize matrix of FGDs, IDIs and Case study participants with their meeting point
• Conduct community entry and secure permission from local leaders for data collection.
• Assign daily field targets and locations to qualitative data collectors.
• Participate in the training of field personnel on qualitative data collection tools and procedures.
• Observe a sample of interviews to ensure protocol adherence, ethical conduct, and interview quality.
• Spot-check FGDs and IDIs to confirm accurate execution and appropriate respondent selection.
• Conduct and record FGDs and IDIs with caregivers, health workers, and policymakers at the facility, LGAs and State level.
• Clean and organize transcripts, summary notes, and audio files received from qualitative field teams.
• Conduct routine spot check on the submitted transcripts and flag any error to the team lead for corrections
• Review daily outputs at 100& (transcripts, notes, recordings) for quality, completeness, and consistency.
• Validate the translation and transcription of submitted interview records at 100%
• Transcribe the recorded interviews and translate to English
• Facilitate daily debrief meetings with data collectors to assess progress, share feedback, and adjust plans.
• Uphold confidentiality and follow ethical guidelines to protect respondent privacy.
• Analyse and summarize key emerging themes from field interviews.
• Participate in the qualitative data synthesis and report writing process.
• Submit daily activity logs, summaries of field issues, and recommendations to the lead consultant.

Key Deliverables

• Verified transcripts and audio recordings of FGDs and IDIs.
• Daily field activity and supervision reports.
• Reviewed and signed informed consent forms.
• Daily debrief reports with action points documented.
• Spot-check reports and quality control checklists.
• Contribution to emerging theme synthesis and final reporting.
• Coding framework and coded data outputs and thematic matrices.
• Synthesized summaries by respondent type (caregivers, health workers, policymakers).
• Draft sections of the qualitative analysis report.

Requirements
Person specification for Qualitative Evaluation Specialist (National Consultant):
Essential:

• Postgraduate degree in Public Health, Sociology, Anthropology, Social Work, or other relevant social science field.
• At least 5 years of experience supervising qualitative data collection activities (FGDs, IDIs) in household or community settings.
• Demonstrated expertise in community entry and mobilization techniques, particularly in southern Nigeria.
• Proven experience in field team supervision, managing interviewer performance, and providing real-time guidance during qualitative research.
• Skilled in quality assurance procedures, including spot-checks, audio monitoring, and verifying transcriptions.
• Proficient in computer use, including digital data collection platforms (e.g., ODK, KoBoToolbox) and Microsoft Office tools.
• Strong facilitation and interpersonal skills, with experience leading debrief sessions and communicating feedback to teams.
• Ability to fluently speak Yoruba, especially for translating local expressions and supporting culturally appropriate interactions.
• Excellent attention to detail, particularly in field note verification and theme identification.
• Resident in Osun State

Desired:

• Strong communication skills, with practical experience applying participatory and inclusive methodologies.
• Self-motivated, innovative, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• A certificate or formal training in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) will be an added advantage.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English, especially for reporting key themes and summarizing daily findings.
• Residency in Osun State is strongly preferred, to facilitate familiarity with local context and logistics.