State Consultant at Malaria Consortium

Purpose of the Assignment

• The purpose of this assignment is to engage experienced Lead and State Consultants that will coordinate and conduct the qualitative component of an implementation study respectively in Bauchi State. Term of Reference (ToR) is to engage research consultants that will conduct baseline qualitative survey (FGDs and KIIs). The Lead Consultant will oversee the entire qualitative aspect of the project, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery and providing technical guidance and leadership to the research team.
• The qualitative study aims to explore the perceptions, experiences, and attitudes of key stakeholders—including caregivers, frontline health workers, and policy makers—regarding the integrated delivery of VAS and SMC, as well as the implications of removing and reintegrating VAS from the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW) campaign. The State Consultants will play a pivotal role in ensuring the quality and integrity of data collected through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs).
• Specifically, the lead consultant will provide state-level technical oversight for the recruitment, training, and supervision of qualitative data collectors, ensuring adherence to ethical guidelines, study protocols, and high standards of qualitative research. They will also be responsible for coordinating data transcription and translation, conducting daily quality assurance checks, and supporting the interpretation and documentation of findings in Bauchi state.

Scope of Assignment

• The scope of the study will focus on evaluating the effectiveness (coverage and quality) of VAS co-implementation with SMC when implemented at scale. 
• It will also assess if integrating VAS into SMC reduces the uptake of other key MNCHW interventions. 
• The baseline evaluation will be conducted in 20 Local Governments in Bauchi State where SMC+VAS integrated campaign will be implemented. 
• The KII component of the qualitative research will be conducted among state level stakeholders in Bauchi State. 
• This will entail engaging and training of data collectors, who will conduct the data collection as well as transcribing. 
• Data will be collected using paper-based FGD and KII guides, notes and voice recorders.

Specific Objectives
Specific tasks for State Consultant:

• Attend training to understand the study and their roles as State Consultants.
• Arrange for the selection of participants and venue for focus group discussions and key informant interviews.
• Participate in field testing of FGD and KII guides to ensure their effectiveness and relevance.
• Obtain informed consent from respondents before conducting interviews, ensuring they understand the purpose and confidentiality of the study.
• Facilitate focus group discussions and key informant interviews assigned to them, ensuring effective data collection.
• Take notes and record interviews to capture detailed information.
• Transcribe FGDs and KII notes and recordings, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Facilitate summarization of transcripts to identify key themes and findings.
• Keep survey data confidential and safe, adhering to data protection protocols.
• Submit FGD/KII audio recordings and notes to the Lead Consultant (LC) and prepare a brief field report for submission.

Deliverables for State Consultants:

• Completed Stakeholders Basic Information Sheets, recorded discussions and interviews, and complete set of transcribed notes of KIIs and FGDs.
• Detailed process reports submitted and approved by Senior M&E Officer.

Essential

• A Degree in Sciences, Social, Behavioural or Health Sciences.
• At 3 - 5 years’ experience in conduct and management of qualitative studies.
• Familiarity with qualitative data collection and experience in transcription.
• Ability to work within stipulated time frame.
• Demonstrate report writing skills for qualitative study.
• Understanding of the context and setting of interventions in the north.
• Must not be part of SMC/IMNCH 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.