Study of Salt Producers, Distributors, Policy Makers and Consumers UNICEF

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

1. Topic: To conduct KAP study of Salt producers, distributors, policy makers and consumers for development of IDDC-USI communication strategy and its implementation- RFP-ETH-9100882.

2. Background.
Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) is recognized as the single most important preventable cause of mental retardation. IDD has been virtually eradicated in the industrialized world, yet two national surveys conducted over the last quarter century have clearly indicated the worsening trend of IDD in Ethiopia. The prevalence rate found in the latest national survey conducted in 2005 was high, estimated at up to 68 percent of women and children with low urinary iodine excretion level and the total goitre rate is also high at 40%.
Salt iodization has been identified and globally accepted as a cost effective method for the prevention of Iodine Deficiency Disorders. The Government of Ethiopia is working to achieve Universal Salt Iodization and endorsed mandatory Salt legislation in April 2011. Despite the recent endorsement of the Universal Salt Iodisation law, only less than 10% of the Ethiopian salt is iodised at Afdera salt production sites where the plan is to achieve 100%. Despite considerable support given to salt producers in Afar and Somali region, the progress with salt iodization coverage is not improved to meet the country’s iodized salt demand.

3: Objective:
To identify the factors that constrain and that are conducive for salt producers and distributors to iodize and distribute iodized salt. The contractor will work closely with UNICEF and other partners to collect current knowledge, analyze communication implications of current strategies targeting salt producers in the Afar and Somali regions, and develop general ideas for supporting communications and advocacy to producers, distributors, government officials as well as potentially retailers and consumers. This preliminary interviewing and initial data gathering will serve as generate general ideas and hypothesis to be “pre-tested” during primary data gathering phase of the KAP.

4. Qualification and Experience Required:
The consulting organization has to be legally registered in Ethiopia with a proven research experience in the area of communication and social marketing with a strong knowledge of community - led development programmes. Rich experience and ability to work in a cross-cultural and multidisciplinary environment is required to deliver high quality results with in the given time. Knowledge of cross-cutting issues related to IDD problems, salt iodization and its challenges are considered an advantage. .


The principal investigator: assigned by the contractor should be marketing and communications specialist with some background in public health and/or nutrition, minimum of 5 years of work experience in social marketing and communications. Background in public health and nutrition is considered an advantage.
-Sampling methodologist: At least postgraduate degree in statistics, A minimum of 5 years of work experience in survey methodology and design.-Data Analyst: With at least Bachelor's degree in statistics, a minimum of 5 years of work experience in data analysis and management related to public health and nutrition research

Interested and eligible bidders are invited to collect the complete tender document by sending an email to the address below starting Friday 30- March-2012.

Formal offers are to be submitted to UNICEF on or before 12.00 hrs. Noon Tuesday 17-April- 2012.

Due to the nature of the bid, there will be no bid public opening for this offer.

The assignment of three months is expected to start to the Mid- May-2012.

UNICEF reserves the right to accept or reject part or all of any or all bids.
ADDRESS: UNICEF ETHIOPIA, Supply Section, Room 112, Attn. Sebastian Muzuma

E-Mail: (smuzuma@unicef.org)

P.O.BOX 1169, TEL: +251-11 5184233, ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia