Malaria Consortium, established in 2003, is one of the world’s leading non-profit organisations specialising in the prevention, control and treatment of malaria and other communicable diseases among vulnerable populations. Our mission is to save lives and improve health in Africa and Asia, through evidence-based programmes that combat targeted diseases and promote universal health coverage.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: National / Lead Consultant

Location: Niger

Background

• Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) and Vitamin A Supplementation (VAS) are life-saving health interventions delivered hitherto through siloed periodic mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns to children below five years of age.
• While SMC has recorded high acceptability and coverage (often above 95%), VAS coverage has been below 46%, nationally (NDHS 2018).
• Given WHO’s recommendation that delivery of health interventions be integrated where possible to maximize effectiveness, implementation research was designed to improve Vitamin A coverage through integration with SMC campaigns delivered through a common door-to-door approach. The study is being conducted in Niger State.
• The State has 25 LGAs with Minna as its administrative center. The target population for the SMC+VAS integrated campaign is primarily children between the age range of 6-59 months.

Purpose of Assignment

• The purpose of this Term of Reference (ToR) is to engage research consultant that will conduct endline qualitative survey (FGDs and KIIs).
• The Consultant will oversee the entire qualitative aspect of the project, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery and providing technical guidance and leadership to the research team.

Scope

• The scope of the study will focus on evaluating the effectiveness (coverage and quality) of VAS co-implementation with SMC when implemented at scale. It will also assess if integrating VAS into SMC reduces the uptake of other key MNCHW interventions.
• The endline evaluation will be conducted 25 Local Governments in Niger State where SMC+VAS integrated campaign is being implemented.
• The KII component of the qualitative research will be conducted among state level stakeholders in Niger State.
• This will entail engaging and training of data collectors, who will conduct the data collection as well as transcribing. Data will be collected using paper-based FGD and KII guides, notes and voice recorders.

Specific Tasks

• Lead Consultant shall be responsible for the qualitative component of the endline survey
• Train all data collectors for qualitative component survey
• Coordinate field testing of the FGD and KII guides
• Revise FGD and KII guides based on findings from field testing
• Liaise with Project Manager to prepare list of key informants and FGD participants and arrange for interviews and FGDs
• Conduct key informants’ interviews at State level
• Prepare quick brief after field work to debrief PM and Senior Research Officer
• Prepare data analysis plan for FGDs and KIIs
• Collate and summarize all transcriptions
• Conduct data analysis and report writing
• Collate and submit all assessment materials including soft copies of all FGDs and KIIs data sets
• Prepare and submit the report in MS word and a summary of key findings in MS PowerPoint slides

Qualifications and Experience

• A post-graduate Degree in Social, Behavioural or Health Sciences
• At least 5 – 7 years’ experience in conduct and management of qualitative studies
• Demonstrated expertise in rigorous qualitative research design, data collection and data analysis techniques
• Strong analytical skills and ability to clearly synthesize and present findings, draw practical conclusions, make recommendations and to prepare well-written reports in a timely manner
• Experience in leading evaluations, surveys, and analysis is highly desirable.
• Experience in the use of qualitative statistical softwares such as Nvivo and Atlas Ti etc
• Demonstrable experience in data transcription
• Ability to work within stipulated time frame
• Demonstrate report writing skills for qualitative study;
• Preferably a female (preferred in the core northern states), but males are encouraged to apply
• Experience, knowledge and clear understanding of Nigeria Northern context.
• Hausa language is necessary.

Evaluation Deliverables:

• Collated and summarized transcript
• Data analysis report submitted
• Key findings in power point presentation
• Quality of report and findings
• Timeliness and adherence to the timeline.

Application Closing Date
31st October, 2024.