Call for proposals Baseline Study in Hlaing Bwe, Kayin State, Myanmar Malteser International in Myanmar is seeking to hire a consultant to carry out a baseline survey for its German government-funded project “Creation of an enabling environment for the social reintegration of refugees and IDPs in Kayin State through sustainable reconstruction and improved access to social infrastructure”. 1. Background and Rationale Malteser International is the relief agency of the Sovereign Order of Malta for humanitarian aid. With over 100 projects annually in some 25 countries throughout Africa, Asia and the Americas, we provide emergency relief after disasters and support recovery efforts with a focus on sustainable development. Malteser International has been operational in Myanmar since 2001 and is currently implementing health, WASH (water, sanitation, hygiene) and DRR (disaster risk reduction) programs in Rakhine, Shan and Kayin States. The goal of the project is the support of resident population in areas of origin of Karen refugees for the improvement of a social infrastructure with regard to the reintegration of refugees from Thailand as well as IDPs. The following results are planned: 1. Access to and utilization of public and community primary health care services is improved in 30 villages for residents and for a future reintegration of refugees or IDPs. 2. The access to mother-child-health services is improved through a network of trained public and community health staff in 30 villages for the residents as well as for a future reintegration of refugees or IDPs. 3. Access to safe drinking water, basic sanitation and hygiene awareness in 30 villages are improved for the residents as well as for a future reintegration of refugees or IDPs The consultant shall furthermore review the intervention logic in the logical Framework against the findings of the baseline in order to provide recommendations for adjustments of activities and indicators. 2. Purpose, Objectives and Use The main purpose of the baseline study is to provide baseline information for the project, specifically on each indicator of the project LogFrame as well as household data from selected target villages in Hlaing Bwe Township, Kayin State. The sample size and number of villages shall provide a statistically representative analysis. Specifically the Consultant shall assess     Access and utilization of public and community primary health care services in 30 villages. Access to mother-child-health services Access to safe drinking water, basic sanitation and hygiene awareness Basic household information, such as age, gender, income, etc. 3. Scope of Work The study will identify the baseline on the basis of pre-determined results and indicators in the LogFrame. Malteser International will provide:      The results of the village assessment conducted by Malteser International A generic draft questionnaire for the survey to be further developed and translated Malteser International staff to be trained to support as enumerators/data collection Guidance throughout all phases of the assignment Logistical arrangements for the field work The consultant will be responsible for        Finalizing the questionnaire(s) for households and other target groups (ex. Community health networks and similar) as well as interview guides and other tools needed in accordance with relevant methodology set-out by the consultant in consultation with relevant Malteser International staff. Train enumerators among provided Malteser staff, ensure quality of data collection and entry is secured. Conducting the baseline study with support of Malteser enumerators. Manage data entry, cleaning and processing Production of deliverables in accordance with contractual requirements. Production of the final baseline consultancy report containing all baseline figures as indicated in the project LogFrame Provide recommendations for amendment of activities and indicators based on relevant findings and analysis made of baseline findings. 4. Methodology The baseline study shall include both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection and analysis. The consultant will develop the survey design, questionnaires and electronic format of the database, which should be in common use readymade software, (such as SPSS or EPI Info or Microsoft Access). The consultant will develop and propose the study design and appropriate methodologies, which will be agreed with Malteser International operation staffs before starting the field phase according to an agreed work plan. 5. Outputs and Deliverables The required outputs and deliverable of the consultancy will be as follows:    Inception report (2-3 pages) Draft baseline report (max 30 pages) Final baseline report (max 30 pages): Three printed copies and electronic version (Word and PDF)    Filled in questionnaires Interview transcripts Database and statistics collected in electronic form The draft baseline report shall be submitted within two weeks after completion of the field phase. Malteser International shall provide comments within two weeks after the submission of the draft baseline report. The final baseline report shall be submitted two weeks after Malteser International submitted the feedback. The final baseline report shall follow the following structure a) Executive summary (that will be of standalone character, max. 5 pages) b) Main Report focusing on the purpose and objectives of the baseline raised in this ToRs (max. 30 pages) c) Annex of main supporting documents, agenda, maps, interview guidelines, etc. The report and all background documentation will remain the property of Malteser International and will be promulgated as appropriate by Malteser International. The consultant shall not use the information generated during the baseline study in any other way or for personal purposes. 6. Expert Profile of the Consultant For the implementation of the baseline study an independent consultant or consultant team shall be contracted. Essential qualifications:       At least 5 years of experience in conducting baselines or assessments for humanitarian or development projects, preferably in the field of health care as well as water/sanitation; Health qualification (e.g. Public Health, Health Management Systems) or equivalent, MSc preferred; Excellent English skills both written and verbal Profound knowledge of statistics and data analysis Familiarity with Community Based Health Care and WASH programmes in underdeveloped and complex environments; Knowledge of health systems and experience of assessing health systems Desirable:    Previous work experience in Myanmar, Kayin State or the Thai/Myanmar border; Understanding of Myanmar and Sgaw Karen language (either consultant or consultant team members); Valid Myanmar MoH visa / Business visa (facilitation of business visa possible). 7. Tentative Timetable The baseline survey shall take place in second half of March 2015 and shall be completed by mid-April 2015. The following timeframe is foreseen: Activity Preparation and desk study, preparation of interview guidelines Training of staff on the questionnaires and field work Briefing with Malteser International in Hpa-An Field work, interviews Data entry and analysis Report writing Total Days 3 3 1 10 3 5 25 days How to apply? Interested candidates are invited to submit the following documents    1-2 page technical proposal outlining how the Consultant plans to conduct the baseline study, including methodology and approach and a draft work plan Proposed budget not exceeding 7,000 USD including all expenses CV and evidence/references of past baseline studies or similar work. Bids should be submitted electronically to Malteser International by the closing date of 06 February 2015 COB to all of the following persons:    Per Vogel, Program Coordinator, Kayin State ([email protected]) Serge Birtel, Program Officer ([email protected]) Gerhard Serafin, Country Operations Coordinator ([email protected])