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.
 

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.

As instructed by the Principal

Investigator, carry out any other appropriate associated work that may be

requested to effectively perform the Program activities.

Timelines

1.     Develop research instruments, training and pre-test
2.     Development a suitable database for managing all data collected during the research
3.     Analyze the research data using statistical and analytical software to generate different statistical measures including multivariate analyses such as regressions and factor analysis.
4.     Interpret the analyzed data to the research team from MFK at an organized workshop.
5.     Report Writing

    

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%

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 

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.