Research Expert Short-Term Consultancy in Kenya

Terms of Reference for Short-Term Consultancy for Research Expert - Family Planning - HMIS development, testing of research instruments, data analysis and interpretation of research data

Research title: “Investigating the Integration of FP Data into National DHIS2”

Reporting Responsibilities
 
Direct Reporting Line Reporting Area:
 
The Consultant Research Expert will report to the Principal Investigator:
  • All issues pertaining to the development of the research instruments, testing, data analysis and interpretation of all data collected through the key informant interviews and focus group discussions.
  • All administrative issues pertaining to these Terms of Reference.
Location: Siaya, Kenya.
 
Duration: 20 days distributed throughout the 12-month project period.
 
Starting: Immediately

Background: Matibabu Foundation Kenya is a local Non-Governmental organization whose mission is to provide family centered health information & services that meet or surpass the expectations of our clients, by working with individuals, the community and government to improve overall health goals.

The organization has won a small grant from USAID-Measure Evaluation to “Investigate the integration of FP data into national DHIS2” for a period of 12 months starting from October 2015.  

After conducting an analysis of the current FP information system in Kenya against the WHO framework, the Kenya HIV information system and other international FP information systems, the organization realized that the Kenya FP information system is still struggling to fit into the National M&E framework for Health and the DHIS.  

The HIS for FP is fragmented and therefore data from a range of sources is not integrated into meaningful information products that can be readily accessed and used as recommended by the WHO HMN Framework.

The purpose / Aim of this study, therefore, is to determine the magnitude of this problem (lack of integration) using the WHO framework, the factors associated with this situation, and the probable solutions to this problem.

The organization plans to do this through health systems strengthening by involving the Ministry of Health – Division of Reproductive health and the Division of Health Informatics, Siaya County Health Management Team (SCHMT) and other relevant partners engaged in the design of the DHIS2 or implementation of FP projects in the country.  

MFK will engage the above partners to identify the areas for improving the efficiency of FP information systems. 

The model will encourage data use and enhance data quality by promoting systematic peer review, building team work and stimulating self-assessment, using indicators to measure target. 

Purpose of Consultancy
 
In collaboration with the MFK Core research team, the consultant research expert will provide expertise in the development and pre-test of research instruments to be used for key informant interviews and focus group discussions, and use the data collected to structure the findings from different sources into meaningful insight that will answer the following research questions:
1.    What is the status of FP data (using the WHO framework) in the DHIS2?
2.    Why is this the case (what factors are associated with this state of events)?
3.    How can this situation be remedied (improve the status of FP data as per WHO framework)?
Specifically, the consultant will:
1.    Guide the MFK research team to develop research instruments that are usable, reliable and valid.
2.    Train interviewers on administration of the research instruments to the selected research participants.
3.    Provide guidance in development of a suitable database for managing all data  collected during the research
4.    Analyze the research data using statistical and analytical software to generate different statistical measures including multivariate analyses such as regressions and factor analysis.
5.    Interpret the analyzed data to the research team from MFK at an organized workshop.
6.    Write a final research report.
Other Tasks
 
As instructed by the Principal Investigator, carry out any other appropriate associated work that may be requested to effectively perform the Program activities.

Timelines

Activity
No of Days
1.     Develop research instruments, training and pre-test
5 days
2.     Development a suitable database for managing all data collected during the research
1 day
3.     Analyze the research data using statistical and analytical software to generate different statistical measures including multivariate analyses such as regressions and factor analysis.
5 days
4.     Interpret the analyzed data to the research team from MFK at an organized workshop.
2 days
5.     Report Writing
7 days
20 days      
    

Specific Deliverables 
The consultant will be expected to:
 
1. Submit an inception report.
 
2. Present to the MFK research team usable, reliable and valid research instruments to be used during key informant interviews and focus group discussions.
 
3. Submit 3 draft reports for the following tasks:
 
a. Development of research instruments
b. Pre-test of research instruments
c. Data analysis and interpretation of research outcomes
 
4. A final report of the entire research.
 
5. Data sets (SPSS, Excel) – for all collected data (quantitative and qualitative). Qualitative data should be transcribed for future use. 
 
6. The data sets should be in an appropriate format (SPSS, Excel, and Word) and will be submitted together with the final evaluation report.
 
7. PowerPoint presentation, summarizing the key findings from the research submitted together with the final research report.

Qualifications
 
The position requires an individual or team with proven analytical survey experience and knowledge of FP management issues. Consultant should have at Least 10 years of relevant professional experience. 

The following specific qualifications must be met:
  • A Masters or higher degree in a discipline that is relevant to Reproductive Health especially Family Planning.
  • Knowledge, understanding, and practical implementation of research methodology that demonstrates clear cognizance of technical, social, and economic focal points associated with family planning data management;
  • Knowledge and understanding of the current FP data management and governance issues in Kenya;
  • Proven project work at international, national and local levels, including some supervisory experience;
  • Experience in providing quality technical reports;
  • Ability to analyze and clearly articulate complex issues in an understandable fashion to decision-makers;
  • Highly developed communication skills, including the preparation of high quality reports and the delivery of presentations;
  • Ability to work under pressure, sometimes with extended hours, and to meet tight deadlines without compromising the quality of outputs;
  • Computer literacy;
  • Fluency in oral and particularly written English
  • Knowledge in WHO HMN Framework
Payment: The consultant shall submit to MFK an expression of interest indicating their daily rates for the assignment. 

MFK will negotiate with the consultant the final fees in line with the budget available for this evaluation. 

The consultant is expected to provide evidence of tax compliance.

Payment will be made following an agreed mode of payment in three batches as follows:
1.    On signing contract : 20%
2.    Submission of draft report: 30%
3.    Submission and acceptance of Final Report: 50%
Application
 
All applications including a letter of intent, current CV, evidence of previous work of similar scope and expected consultancy fee (KES/day) should be sent to 

Matibabu Foundation,
P.O Box 7685, Nairobi 00100, 

or by email to info@matibabukenya.org 

so as to reach not later than 27th November 2015. 

Applications by email are preferred. 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.