Job Description

SolidarMed is seeking a consultant to conduct a baseline survey for an Early Childhood Development (ECD) project entitled Leap Start: Accelerating comprehensive early childhood development in rural Zimbabwe, leaving no child behind.

The project goal is to ensure that children under 5 in four rural districts of Masvingo Province (namely Masvingo, Bikita, Zaka and Chiredzi) are supported to enable them to develop to their full potential ensuring a strong foundation for lifelong learning, growth and well-being. Through improved access to quality ECD services, the Leap Start project aims to create a nurturing and inclusive environment that fosters the holistic growth and development of children under 5 years to enhance child development outcomes. The project will also empower parents, caregivers, and communities with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to provide the best possible start in life for every child.

The three anticipated project outcomes are:
1. Improved access to quality health services for pregnant mothers and their partners, newborn and children <5 years at health facility level.
2. Strengthened capacity of families and communities to encourage early childhood development and respond effectively to the needs of children <5, including orphans and vulnerable children.
3. Increased collaboration with the MoHCC and other stakeholders to strengthen ECD data quality management and evidence-based policy dialogue.

The baseline survey will provide essential data and insights ahead of the project implementation in July when the baseline study is expected to have been completed. It will then run for two and half years and the first phase is anticipated to end in December 2026. The areas of intervention are described in detail in the project proposal which is available to shortlisted individuals/firms only.

2. Purpose of the baseline study.
The baseline survey aims to gather comprehensive data on key indicators related to ECD in the target area. The survey will inform the LogFrame and provide a foundation for monitoring and evaluating the impact of the ECD project and serve as a benchmark for future assessments.

3. Objectives of the baseline survey.
Overall, the objectives of an ECD baseline survey consultancy are to gather baseline data, identify needs and gaps, assess the current ECD landscape, measure impact, inform project design and implementation, support evidence-based advocacy, and enhance monitoring and evaluation efforts.
The objectives of the Leap Start ECD Project baseline survey consultancy are as follows:
(i) Establish Baseline Data: Gather key indicators related to ECD to serve as a starting point for monitoring and evaluating the project's impact. It provides a benchmark against which future assessments can be compared.
(ii) Identify Needs and Gaps: Determine the needs and gaps in ECD services and programmes within the target area, understanding existing challenges and areas requiring improvement. The collected data can inform the development of effective strategies and interventions.
(iii) Assess Current ECD Landscape: Evaluate the current ECD landscape, including the availability and accessibility of ECD services, infrastructure, resources, and caregiver practices. The assessment will provide an overview of the existing ECD ecosystem and identify strengths and areas for improvement.
(iv) Inform Project Design and Implementation: Use survey findings to inform the design and implementation of the ECD project (to update the project LogFrame). Identify specific areas for intervention, target populations, and programmatic approaches, guiding decision-making and resource allocation throughout the project lifecycle.
(v) Support Evidence-Based Advocacy: Provide evidence-based data for advocacy purposes, raising awareness about the importance of ECD and supporting evidence-based decision-making at policy and program levels. Use survey findings to advocate for increased investment in ECD and the implementation of evidence-based practices.

4. Scope of work
The scope of work includes the following components:
a. Study Area: The project will be implemented in four districts (Bikita, Chiredzi, Masvingo urban and Zaka) in Masvingo Province, situated in the south-eastern part of Zimbabwe.
b. Target Population: The target population for the survey may include but is not limited to children aged under 5 years, caregivers, ECD service providers, and relevant stakeholders (Ministry of Public Service Labour and Social Welfare, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and, other local NGOs).

Survey Design and Methodology:
a. Survey Objectives: Agree on the specific objectives of the baseline survey, ensuring alignment with the overall goals of the ECD project.
b. Sampling Strategy: Develop a sampling strategy that ensures representative data collection as well as determine sample size, sampling methods, and selection criteria for participants.
c. Data Collection Tools: Design and develop data collection tools, including questionnaires, interview guides, observation checklists, and any other necessary instruments for use in the REDCap platform plus SPSS/STATA and Excel or any other pre-agreed statistical software or database.
d. Data Collection Training: Provide training to field enumerators on survey protocols, data collection techniques, ethical considerations, and data protection.

Data Collection:
a. Field Visits: Conduct field visits to selected locations within the target area. Collect data through interviews, focus group discussions, observations, and other appropriate methods.
b. Data Validation: Implement quality control measures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of collected data. Conduct data validation exercises using triangulation interviews, observations, or independent data sources, and address any discrepancies or issues that arise. The consultant will ensure that data collected today can be collected annually for monitoring and evaluation purposes.

Data Analysis:
a. Data Cleaning: Clean and organise the collected data to ensure accuracy and consistency.
b. Data Analysis: Use REDCap plus SPSS/STATA and Excel or any other pre-agreed appropriate statistical analysis software to analyse the quantitative and qualitative data.
c. Disaggregated Analysis: Perform disaggregated analysis of data to identify variations across different demographic groups, geographic locations, or other relevant categories on key ECD indicators, including access to services, caregiver knowledge and practices, and child development outcomes. ECD indicators have been pre-defined on the project proposal, but consultant should evaluate if they additions or amendments are needed.

Reporting and Presentation:
a. Baseline Survey Report: Prepare a comprehensive report that includes an executive summary, methodology, findings, and recommendations. Present the data analysis results in a clear and concise manner (complete with formulas) so that the same analysis can be repeated for future monitoring and evaluation.
b. Presentation of Findings: Present the survey findings to project stakeholders, including the organisation's management, project team, and other relevant stakeholders. Facilitate discussions and answer questions related to the survey results.

5. About SolidarMed
SolidarMed (SM) is an implementing partner to the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) in Zimbabwe, working in Masvingo Province and supporting four districts i.e. Masvingo, Bikita, Zaka and Chiredzi (Chikombedzi area). SolidarMed’s main partners are the district health executives (DHE) with whom SolidarMed collaborates to develop and implement projects that contribute to health system strengthening. The overall goal of SolidarMed Zimbabwe is to contribute to a reduction in morbidity and mortality associated with non-communicable diseases, HIV/TB, sexual and reproductive health, mental health; and to generate and share scientific evidence for improved patient management.

6. Team composition
The consultant will conduct the baseline survey alongside SM employees. The organisation of meetings and arrangement of the interviews with relevant stakeholders in the four districts will be supported by the SM team in Zimbabwe. The Adolescent Health Project team, Research Coordinator and any other assigned employees can assist the consultant in the data collection and any other relevant request for this activity.

Duties and Responsibilities

Deliverables and timelines
The consultant is expected to deliver the following:
a. A detailed survey design document outlining the survey methodology, sampling strategy, and data collection tools by 31/01/2024.
b. Collected and cleaned data sets in a format compatible with statistical analysis software by 31/03/2024.
c. A comprehensive draft baseline survey report that includes an executive summary, methodology, findings, and recommendations by 31/03/2024.
d. A presentation summarising the survey findings and recommendations for project stakeholders by 19/04/2024.
e. A final report (within 1 week after stakeholders’ presentation).

Reporting:
The consultant will report directly to the Leap Start project manager. Regular communication and progress updates will be required throughout the consultancy period.

Budget:
Interested consultants should submit a detailed budget proposal, including professional fees and estimated expenses related to travel, accommodation, data collection, and analysis.

Qualifications and Experience

Qualifications and Experience:
The ideal consultant should possess the following qualifications and experience:
a. A relevant academic background in Early Childhood Development, Education, Social Sciences, or a related field.
b. Proven experience, through a publication list of similar prior assignments, in designing and conducting surveys, particularly in the field of ECD, health or related areas.
c. Strong knowledge of and experience in quantitative and qualitative research methods, including data collection and analysis.
d. Proficiency in statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS, STATA, or R) for data analysis.
e. Excellent communication and report writing skills, with the ability to present complex data in a clear and understandable manner.
f. Previous experience working on health or on ECD projects (may be an asset) or conducting baseline surveys in development work in Zimbabwe is desirable.

How to Apply

Interested individuals with demonstrable experience in conducting similar work are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) which should not be more than 3 pages. The EOI must detail the applicant’s understanding of the TORs, proposed methodology, cost application, a summary of the applicant’s skills and experience, relevant to carrying out similar work or assignments, a sample of previous work and the applicant’s Curriculum Vitae, with names of three referees and their contact details (email and phone). Applications which do not meet the above documents will be regarded as incomplete and will not be considered. Applications must be addressed to [email protected] by 05 January 2024. The title of the baseline survey should be clearly stated in the email subject and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.