Background
The Swedish International Development Agency (Sida) along with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) are currently implementing their project “Investing in Healthy Communities: Strengthening the Health Systems of North Kivu and Katanga” in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The project supports the provision of health services to over 620,000 people in two provinces, North Kivu, and Katanga. The goal of the project is to increase the health status of the populations in three target health zones (Rwanguba in North Kivu, Kalemie and Nyemba in Katanga) by increasing their access to quality primary health care including reproductive health services, particularly for the most vulnerable populations: <5 year old children, pregnant and lactating women, and sexual violence survivors). The main anticipated outputs of the project will include: • Strengthened capacity of the health system to provide services • Improved managerial capacities of the zonal health authorities (Equipe Cadre de la Zone de Santé and the district) to oversee the health zones • Strengthened community involvement in health activities and health system management • Improved health status of the population, capacity building, partnerships, and holistic programming.
In October of 2011, the IRC will use an independent consultant to conduct a mid-term evaluation of the “Investing in Healthy Communities” project.
Rationale, purpose and objectives of the evaluation
The objective of this evaluation is to assess the results achieved half-way through the project, analyze any deviation from the project’s original, expected results and identify lessons learned; results from these aspects will then be formulated into activity recommendations for the remaining time of the project.
The purpose of the evaluation is to:
- Conduct a process evaluation on the achievement of programmatic objectives as outlined in project documents and the logical framework.
- Assess IRC MoH partners’ ability to supervise and manage for better health results as well as IRC’s capacity building in this area.
Methodology
In order to ensure a full and in-depth understanding of the project and IRC’s approach, this evaluation will be carried out jointly by the external evaluator and the IRC’s Health Research and M&E Advisor; additional support will be provided in the provinces from the IRC Health Coordinators and Health Information Systems Officers (HISO) and the Zonal Health Management teams (ECZS). Data will be provided to the evaluator prior to arriving in country to do in depth, quantitative, and longitudinal analysis on the 20 key indicators found in the Sida/IRC logframe for the project areas. Striking trends will be studied in more depth during in country investigation, using a research methodology and study protocol developed by the consultant.
The methodology can include but is not limited to:
• Desk reviews of project documents, reports, donor’s internal assessments • Desk review of published literature on supervision and management of health personnel in post-conflict or low resource settings • A review and analysis of routine health information data to be provided by the health team or from other external sources. • Observation of consultations, chart audits, exit interviews, or facility surveys • Qualitative and quantitative measurement among health staff, beneficiaries, and others
Outputs
At the conclusion of the mid-term evaluation, the consultant will be expected to have produced analysis and reporting addressing research questions in the following two areas. This analysis can be in the form of one report with two distinct sections, or two independent, shorter reports. Before departure the evaluator will conduct a workshop with IRC staff and the ECZS to discuss preliminary findings.
Deliverables
Upon arrival in country, a powerpoint presentation for the health team detailing notable points from the data and literature reviews as well as a brief discussion of methods that will be used for in country study. Feedback and input from the DRC team during this session will further inform methods and planning.
Stakeholder meetings with IRC and each supported ECZS prior to completing the work in each zone. These meetings will allow the evaluator to share initial findings with IRC and health zone administrators, receive feedback and complete the needs assessment required for each ECZS.
Final report for the IRC and Sida with all IRC technical feedback incorporated. The report will include discussion of all research questions detailed in the ToR and can be presented either as a document with two distinct components or two separate documents. Final reporting should include any relevant maps and bibliographies. Annexes should include (but are not limited to) tools used in data collection. A draft report will be provided to the DRC team by the consultant before leaving the DRC.
A final presentation to the senior IRC health and/or operations team will take place before leaving the DRC. Feedback from this session will be incorporated into the final report.
Any primary data collected will be left with the IRC in a format that can be further analyzed, if desired, in the future.
Duration of the consultancy, start date and work plan
The start-date of this consultancy will depend on the earliest availability of the consultant to conduct the pre-arrival data analysis and literature review. All in-country work will be completed, and the consultant will leave the DRC by November 15th, before the DRC presidential election. It is expected that the in-country portion of the work will not be more than 25 days, though this number is flexible and will be based on the consultant’s proposed workplan.
Requirements
• Sound knowledge and experience of approaches in delivering essential health services in chronic crises and post-conflict settings in Africa • Wide experience in assessment, evaluation and planning of primary and/or reproductive health care programs in resource-constrained countries • Experience working on capacity building of partners in the area of staff management and supervision Relevant working experience in the region (DRC or neighboring countries) • Fluency in French; knowledge of Swahili preferred
To apply please email your cover letter and CV to consultant@rescue.org with ##173570## in the subject line.
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