Career Opportunities at Save the Children Nigeria

Save the Children is the leading independent organization for children in need, with programs in over 120 countries. We save children’s lives. We fight for their rights. We help them fulfil their potential. Save the Children is working in Nigeria because one in five children in Nigeria dies before their fifth birthday. About 40% of children miss out on school and have to work to survive while nearly 2 million children have lost one or both parents to an AIDS-related disease.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: IYCF Barrier Analysis Consultant

Location: Borno

Child Safeguarding

• The role holder will have contact with children and/or young people either frequently (e.g. once a week or more) or intensively (e.g. four days in one month or more or overnight) because they work in-country programs; or are visiting country programs; or because they are responsible for implementing the police checking/vetting process staff.

Background Information/Context:

• Save the Children has had a permanent presence in Nigeria since 2001 and is today a strong, recognized voice for children’s rights. We directly reach newborn and older children in nine states – from Lagos in the south of Katsina in the north. Our work focuses on health, nutrition, education, and child protection. We work closely with the government to develop sustainable, replicable solutions and ensure that children stay healthy, safe, and can reach their potential.
• The conflict in Northeast Nigeria has resulted in widespread displacement, abuse, and violation of human rights, destruction of livelihoods, and disruption of basic services. The recent update of Cadre Harmonize analysis conducted in March 2020 and the FEWSNET Nigeria Food Security Outlook (June 2020 – January 2021) indicated deterioration of the nutrition and food security situation with more people facing crisis mainly attributed to sustained conflict associated with the insurgents coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions.
• The conflict has also resulted in high levels of malnutrition specifically Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM), moderate acute malnutrition (MAM), and Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM). The Nutrition and Food Security Surveillance round 1-9 surveys were conducted at the domain level, where findings of various LGAs were aggregated into domains. The recent (NFSS) round 9 surveys conducted in October 2020 by the National Bureau of Statistics found the GAM (WHZ<-2SD) prevalence for Central Borndomain (under which Mafa and Konduga LGAs are located) was at 10.7% (8.4-13.6 95% C.I.) While for the (Jere and MMC) domain the GAM (WHZ<-2SD) prevalence was 9.9% (7.5-12.9 95% C.I.). The trend in GAM (WHZ<-2SD) prevalence in Mafa and Konduga LGAs has been on increasing trend based on comparison with October 2020 and November 2019 where GAM (WHZ<-2SD) was at 9.8%. A similar increase in GAM prevalence (WHZ<-2SD) was observed in MMC and Jere LGAs wherein in 2019 the GAM was at 6.9%5.
• The preliminary NFSS survey conducted in October 2020 unveiled Crude Death Rate (CDR) for Central Borndomain in which Mafa and Konduga LGA were classified at 0.20 (0.1-0.38) while for MMC and Jere the CDR was at 0.34 (0.17-0.7) respectively. The trends in CDR in the mentioned LGAs remained stable when compared to survey findings conducted in a similar period in 2019.
• Save the Children has been implementing IYCF programs in Nigeria since 2012 and since Bornsince 2014 including community-based one-on-one counseling, IYCF support groups, and radio programs, sensitization sessions, micronutrient powder (MNP) supplementation, and targeted supplementary feeding programs. In addition, the promotion of optimal IYCF practices was integrated into health facility-based PHC services. Primary beneficiaries include caregivers of children under 2 years of age, Pregnant and Lactating Women, and adolescent girls.
• Different approaches and strategies have been tested and lessons have been learned and continue to be learned. Although progress on IYCF indicators has been observed and monitored, further progress is needed and challenges remain. It is therefore essential to properly analyze barriers to the adoption of identified good practices (such as early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding for children 0-5months, and adequate complementary foods for children 6-24 months).
• Save the Children is thus seeking a consultant to conduct an IYCF barrier analysis in Borno state, North-Eastern Nigeria.

Objective:

• The objective of this assignment is to carry out a barrier analysis for the above-outlined behaviors related to IYCF in Borno state, North-East Nigeria (MMC, Jere, Konduga, and Mafa LGAs).
• The following are the major tasks consultant is expected to undertake:
• Develop questionnaires for doers and non-doers surveys (for both quantitative and qualitative data collection) in consultation with SCI technical team
• A standard barrier analysis method should be used in the selection of participants. Design and implement sampling methodologies for the selection of 45 doers and 45 non-doers for each behavior. Each behavior will have different respondents to ensure that the same people do not respond to different behaviors.
• Facilitate 3-days practical training of interviewers on the data collection tools – the questionnaires.
• Translate and Pre-test the questionnaires.
• Collect and Analyse data from barrier analysis in the purview of doers and non-doers surveys
• Present a barrier analysis report with recommendation Outputs.
• Location and official travel involved
• The Supplier will work full time in the SCI Bornfield office location. Regular office hours are 9:00 am t0 5:00 pm, Monday to Sunday. Office space will be provided but the consultant is responsible for bringing his/her own IT equipment. The Supplier may be required to travel to other locations. Any required travel will need pre-approval by SCI in accordance with SCI’s Travel Policy and applicable RO/CExpense Policy.

Services the Supplier Will Provide:

• Draft and final questionnaires and methods for both quantitative and qualitative data collections from doers and non-doers surveys. This will include the sampling framework, analysis procedures, and tool
• Raw data collected from doers and non-doers according to a statistically representative sample as outlined in the BA guidebook (45 doers and 45 non-doers).
• Data analysis as per the Design Behaviour Communication (DBC) framework
• Draft report submission addressing the study design and assessment findings, including a very brief summary report for each Barrier Analysis undertaken
• Final report with clear recommendations; including a set of field-tested and tailored messages related to the studied behaviors.

Ethical Considerations:

• It is expected that this assessment will be:
• Child participatory. Where appropriate and safe, children should be supported to participate in the evaluation process beyond simply being respondents. Opportunities for collaborative participation could include involving children in determining success criteria against which the project could be evaluated, supporting children to collect some of the data required for the evaluation themselves, or involving children in the validation of findings. Any child participation, whether consultative, collaborative, or child-led, must abide by the 9 basic requirements for meaningful and ethical child participation. Refer to the Practice Standards in Children’s Participation (International Save the Children Alliance 2005).
• Inclusive. Ensure that children and adults from different ethnic, social, and religious backgrounds have the chance to participate, as well as children with disabilities and children, who may be excluded or discriminated against in their community.

Ethical:

• The evaluation/research must be guided by the following ethical considerations:
• Safeguarding – demonstrating the highest standards of behavior towards children and adults.
• Sensitive – to child rights, gender, inclusion, and cultural contexts.
• Openness – of information given, to the highest possible degree tall involved parties.
• Confidentiality and data protection – measures will be put in place to protect the identity of all participants and any other information that may put them or others at risk.
• Public access – to the results when there are no special considerations against this
• Broad participation – the relevant parties should be involved where possible.
• Reliability and independence – the evaluation/research should be conducted so that findings and conclusions are correct and trustworthy.

It is expected that:

• Data collection methods will be age and gender-appropriate.
• Assessment activities will provide a safe, creative space where children feel that their thoughts and ideas are important.
• A risk assessment will be conducted that includes any risks related to children, young people’s, or adult’s participation.
• A referral mechanism will be in place in case any child safeguarding or protection issues arise.
• Informed consent will be used where possible.
• The consultant will not be required to obtain approval from a Human Research Ethics Committee. Save the Children will work with the relevant agency and provide assistance with this process.

Experience and Skill Set Required

• University degree in nutrition, social sciences, anthropology, or other related fields.
• 5-7 years experience of conducting Barrier Analysis Studies and other Doer/Non-Doer studies inclusive of use of Designing for Behaviour Change (DBC) Framework
• Strong background in quantitative and qualitative data analysis
• Experience conducting qualitative research studies using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions and analyzing qualitative data. Will be required to share at least 2 recent reports
• Confident and proficient in the use of MS Office including MS Excel Barrier Analysis Tabulation Sheet
• Excellent reporting and presentation skills and proven ability to work independently
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to effectively work in a multi-cultural environment
• Experience working in/knowledge of the Northern Nigeria context and local language skills will be a plus

Application Requirements:

• A technical proposal detailing the response to the TOR (scope of work and the methodology to be used)
• Initial work plan based on the methodology
• A financial proposal detailing the daily rate
• CV and most recent and relevant references to the task
• Sample of 2 previous works undertaken in the same area.

Technical Competencies:
Evaluation criteria:

• Only consultants that score ALL Yes under the essential criteria evaluation will progress to the capability evaluation stage.
• The pass mark for the capability criteria is 75 points out of 100 points.
• Experience and skill set required

Individual consultants who respond to the tender must meet the following criteria:

Essential Criteria:
Yes/No:

• Agrees to comply with Save the Children standard policies and procedures as stated in the RFQ or Invitation to Tender (ITT) document
• A ‘no’ in either of these boxes will result in immediate disqualification.
• Successfully completed a bachelor’s degree in a relevant area, such as social sciences, development studies, or in specific technical areas such as education, public health, nutrition, food security, etc.
• Provides a CV and cover letter, explaining relevant experience and relevant reports of previous work
• Provides brief description and evidence (attached copies) of up t4 relevant services provided tother actors (either INGOs, International Organisations or donors), including the year of service and an official email address to contact as a reference

Capability Criteria (Technical)

Max. 100:

• Evidence of a minimum of three years experience designing and carrying out high-quality assessments, baseline, mid-terms and end-line studies, and mid-term and final evaluations, for one or more of the following thematic are as:
  • Child protection,
  • Education,
  • Health and Nutrition,

15 Points:

• Evidence of experience working in development and/or humanitarian settings

5 Points:

• Evidence shows strong training and experience in quantitative and qualitative data collection methods and analysis

10 Points:

• Evidence of knowledge and experience with a range of statistical and qualitative data managing software and approaches (such as SPSS, EPI Info, Stata, NVivo, Atlasti, KOBToolbox, ODK or other similar software)

10 Points:

• Evidence proves strong command of the English language, both written and verbal with strong report writing and documentation skills

10 Points:

• Evidence of working experience in Nigeria or similar contexts

5 Points:

• Provided brief description (200 words or less) of steps the consultant will take tensure the quality of the services you would provide is of consistently high standards
• [10 marks for providing a highly satisfactory response, 5 marks for a satisfactory response, and zero marks for not providing one or providing an unsatisfactory response]

10 Points:

• Provided brief description (200 words or less) on experience in inclusive and ethical child participatory methods of data collection
• [10 marks for providing a highly satisfactory response, 5 marks for a satisfactory response, and zero marks for not providing one or providing an unsatisfactory response]

10 Points:

• During the interview, the consultant demonstrates in-depth knowledge of assessments, studies, and evaluations, in terms of their design and implementation, which will be assessed and scored by a panel of experts

15 Points:

Expected Deliverables
SCI expects the following deliverables to be provided:

• Inception report – The report is to define the project’s exact work plan and scope for the rest of the duration. The report should be supported by quantitative/qualitative evidence from internal and external analysis
• Presentation/Report delivered to Project Board
• Draft business case – Comprehensive draft business case for recommended operating model
• Completed SCI business case template
• Final survey Methodology (agreed following consultant selection). – Detailed methodology document describing selection criteria, sampling, data collection, data analysis, and report writing.
• Presentation/Report delivered to Project Board
• Powerpoint presentation of preliminary findings. – Comprehensive report Communicating findings of the survey.
• Presentation/Report delivered to Project Board
• A preliminary and final survey report. – Comprehensive report Communicating findings of the survey. The report should also include recommendations based on findings from the report.
• Report delivered to Project Board

Timeline:

• The duration of the survey will be 30 days.
• Desk review of project documents and reports, Develop a questionnaire for doers and non doers’ surveys (for both quantitative and qualitative data collection) in consultation with SCI technical team, Revision/editing of data tools by SC technical leads, Design methodologies for data collection from representative sample sizes for doer and non-doers: 5 days
• Facilitate 3-day practical training of interviewers on data collection using the BA questionnaire: 3 days
• Translation of questionnaires and pretesting of translated questionnaires – done with the interviewers: 2 days
• Data collection and coding – 3 days for each behavior: 12 days
• Data analysis and write up of draft BA report and submission: 5 days
• Revisions based on SC inputs and Final report submission: 3 days
• Total: 30 days Maximum
• Estimated Commencement Date: 1st June 2021
• Estimated End Date: 30th June, 2021.
• Desk review of project documents and reports, Develop a questionnaire for doers and non doers’ surveys (for both quantitative and qualitative data collection) in consultation with SCI technical team, Revision/editing of data tools by SC technical leads, Design methodologies for data collection from representative sample sizes for doer and non-doers
• 1st – 5th June, 2021
• Facilitate 3-day practical training of interviewers on data collection using the BA questionnaire

SCI MEAL Manager/ Project lead:

• 6th – 8th June, 2021
• Translation of questionnaires and pretesting of translated questionnaires – done with the interviewers

SCI MEAL Manager/ Project lead:

• 9th – 10th June, 2021
• Data collection and coding – 3 days for each behaviour

SCI MEAL Manager/ Project lead:

• 11th – 22nd June, 2021
• Data analysis and write up of draft BA report and submission

SCI MEAL Manager/ Project lead:

• 23rd – 27th June, 2021
• Revisions based on SC inputs and Final report submission

SCI MEAL Manager/ Project lead:

• 28th – 30th June, 2021

Scope of Work:

• The specific purpose of this consultancy is to analyze key barriers to behavioral change among target groups’ practices associated with infant and young child feeding so that behavior change communication messages and strategies can be tailored to optimize effectiveness, which will strengthen current and future IYCF community support activities.
• The analysis should establish detailed information, identifying target groups’ current behaviours as well as barriers and enablers to behaviour change related to the key determinants on IYCF practices and inform evidence-based behaviour change programming. As per the standard barrier analysis methodology, a minimum sample size of 45 doers and 45 non-doers should be selected for each behaviour.
• The analysis will focus on assessing barriers and enablers to the following key IYCF behaviours as well as identify proposed solutions and feeding practices to address the identified barriers:
• New-born put to the breast within one hour of delivery (early initiation of breastfeeding <1 hour).
• Exclusive breastfeeding <6 months (only breastmilk from birth until 6 months of age).
• Dietary Diversity for caregivers of children 6 – 23 months (mother, father, grandmothers).
• The activity is going to take place in the accessible communities of the project, whare majorly Kanuri, Shuwa, and Hausa speaking. The majority of the communities are within the Maiduguri metropolis, with only six (6) communities outside the city.

Acceptance:

• Detail how success/satisfactory completion of the deliverables will be measured/verified. Make sure this does not contradict any terms in your contract/FWAe.g.
• Deliverable 1 – to be accepted by Project Board within 15 days of the delivery date
• Deliverable 2 – to be accepted by Project Board within 15 days of the delivery date
• General assumptions and dependencies
• Include assumptions around SCI roles during the project, SCI resource availability, and project management responsibilities. Detail any dependencies that exist. e.g.
• SCI will identify the key stakeholders to be engaged as part of the project

Payment Information

• SCI will provide accommodation for the consultant in the team guest house
• Meals and other incidentals will be the responsibility of the consultant
• The consultant will conduct his/her work using his/her own computer equipment.
• Other miscellaneous costs directly related to the task that can include photocopying of questionnaires etc. shall be covered by SCI. Any cost needs thave prior approval from SCI.
• The movement of the consultant and team to and from the field will be facilitated by SCI.
• SCI will provide survey enumerators; translators as may be required.
• The cost related to travel from/ to the Field of the survey teams will be covered by SCI.
• Depending on the agreement reach with the consultant; below is the proposed payment terms:
• 30% upon signing of contract and submission of the inception report
• 70% upon completion of fieldwork, submission of the draft, and standard final report that meets quality criteria.

The Organization

• We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better health care, education, and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realize the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard.

We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:

• No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday
• All children learn from quality basic education and that,
• Violence against children is no longer tolerated
• We know that great people make a great organization and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children. We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive workplace where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.
• Save the Children is committed to ensuring that all our personnel and programs are absolutely safe for children.
• We undertake rigorous procedures to ensure that only people suitable to work with children are allowed to join our organization and all candidates will, therefore, be subject to this scrutiny.
• We need to keep children safe sour selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

Deadline: 28th May, 2021.

How to apply
Interested and qualified candidate(s) should forward their expression of interest information (technical proposal detailing the response to the TOR (scope of work and the methodology to be used), initial work plan based on the methodology, financial proposal detailing the daily rate, CV and most recent and relevant references to the task and sample of 2 previous work undertaken in the same area) to: nigeria.bornoprocurement@savethechildren.org using the job title as the subject of the mail.

Note

• Applicants are advised that Save the Children International does not require any payment or expense during the entire recruitment process. Any request in this direction should be immediately reported as it is contrary to the values and practices of our organization.
• Due to the volume of applications received, Save the Children may not provide feedback to all applicants. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as applications will be reviewed as received. Save the Children reserves the right to change the closing date, if considered necessary.