State Lead Consultant (Quantitative) at Malaria Consortium

Purpose of the Assignment

• The purpose of this is to engage highly experienced research personnel that will conduct quantitative data collection for the Post MNCHW Baseline Survey. This is part of the broader implementation research on the integration of vitamin A Supplementation (VAS) with Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) in Bauchi State.
• The State Consultants must adhere to the Survey protocol and methodology and administer the structure data collection tools as expected.
• The State Consultants will be responsible for conducting households’ interviews using structured electronic questionnaires (Survey CTO) based on the Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) methodology.
• Their role is central to the successful collection of high-quality, reliable and timely data on coverage and quality of the 2nd round of MNCHW campaign, which took place in 2024.
• Selected State Consultants will be expected to demonstrate excellent interpersonal communication skills, deep understanding of household survey methodologies, fluency in Bauchi local languages and proficiency in using Survey CTO mobile data collection application

Scope of Assignment

• The Post MNCHW Survey will be conducted across the 20 LGAs of Bauchi State supported by PF-SMC in collaboration with SMC+VAS. The data collectors will be engaged to support the implementation of quantitative household surveys across selected communities in Bauchi State. Working under the supervision of SMC-VAS Senior M&E Officer, the data collectors will be responsible for administering structured questionnaires to eligible caregivers and collecting accurate data on the coverage and quality of Vitamin A Supplementation (VAS), Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC), and key Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Week (MNCHW) interventions.
• The process will involve identification, selection and training of Data Collectors in Bauchi State.

Specific Objectives
Specific tasks for State Lead Consultant (Quantitative):

• Lead the quantitative component of the baseline survey, ensuring adherence to survey methodologies and guidelines.
• Facilitate training sessions for data collectors, focusing on Survey CTO application, LQAS survey methodologies, and survey questionnaire.
• Coordinate installation of Survey CTO application on data collector’s phones and troubleshooting issues.
• Liaise with Senior M&E Officer for randomization/selection of health facilities and settlements.
• Moderate role-play sessions during data collector training.
• Ensure State Consultants comprehend LQAS survey methodologies and adhere to them.
• Support MC M&E Officer in walking State Consultants through survey questionnaire.
• Coordinate piloting of survey tool, report findings, and support real-time monitoring of data uploads.
• Conduct regular data quality checks to identify data irregularities, ensure corrections, and verify data accuracy.
• Develop and implement a data quality assurance plan to ensure data accuracy and completeness.
• Coordinate daily online evening review/feedback meetings.
• Clean final survey data, conduct preliminary analysis using STATA software, and prepare reports.
• The State Lead Consultant should ensure compliance with relevant data protection regulations and guidelines.

Expected Output / Deliverables
Deliverables for State Lead Consultant (Quantitative):

• Complete and cleaned data set from 8,721 households in 323 wards.
• Process and data analysis reports submitted and approved by Senior M&E Officer

Report Format and Content:

• The final report should include an executive summary, introduction, methodology, results, discussion, conclusions, and recommendations.
• The report should be written in clear and concise language, with tables, figures, and graphs used to support findings.
• The report should be submitted in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint formats.

Type of personnel required:

• State Lead Consultant (Quantitative)

Essentials

• Post-graduate Degree in Social, Behavioral, or Health Sciences.
• 5-7 years' experience in conducting and managing quantitative surveys.
• Demonstrated expertise in research, data collection, and data analysis techniques.
• Strong analytical skills, ability to synthesize findings, and prepare well-written reports.
• Experience in leading evaluations, surveys, and analysis.
• Proficiency in Survey CTO, Kobo collect, and other data management applications.
• Experience in using STATA for advanced data analysis.
• Ability to work within stipulated timeframe, demonstrate report writing skills, and work independently.