Consultancy - AQCESS

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), is a private, non-denominational, international development agency established in 1967. It seeks sustainable solutions to long-term problems of poverty, hunger, illiteracy and ill-health with special emphasis on the needs of rural communities in mountainous and other resource poor regions, primarily in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Its main areas of focus are education, health, rural development, environment and strengthening civil society.

The Aga Khan Foundation (Pakistan) [AKF(P)] is seeking a high caliber professional/firm for the following:

“Consultancy for the preparation, organizing and reporting a learning workshop of Access to Quality Care through Extending and Strengthening Health Systems (AQCESS) Project in Islamabad”

Background:

Aga Khan Foundation (Pakistan) [(AKF (P)] is executing a multi country Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) project in Pakistan – Access to Quality Care through Extending and Strengthening Health Systems (AQCESS). The project aims to improve MNCH outcomes, specifically women of reproductive age, men, girls and boys under the age of five (5). AQCESS is being implemented by Government Department of Health and local agencies that are institutional members of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). The programme seeks to accelerate the reduction of maternal and child mortality in targeted regions through focusing on three key components: improved delivery of essential MNCH health services; improved utilization of essential MNCH services by communities; and improved dissemination and use of MNCH information and evidence by key stakeholders in target regions.

AKF seeks an experienced development professional with extensive program management, evaluation and quality facilitation skills to provide technical inputs and support the design, planning and delivery of an end of project lessons learned event for a diverse stakeholders from the national, provincial and district level including community representatives. AQCESS Pakistan team expects to have studies and evaluations completed by end of February 2020. The consultant/firm to review all of the studies and other documentation, prepare a consolidated summary report and other communications materials, as well as to assist with organizing a learning workshop event on March 30 – 31 and submit a learning workshop report by April 10, 2020.  

Objectives:

·     To develop a concise communication brief that captures important findings of the studies conducted including baseline, midline, end line and other qualitative research studies, case studies and major lessons learned and success stories around major thematic areas of AQCESS project.

·         To design, plan and deliver an end of project learning event.  

·         To compile a detailed and a summary report of the learning workshop.

Scope of Work:

The consultant/firm will be engaged to provide technical services for the completion of the following tasks: 

·         Participate in an inception meeting to discuss AQCESS project framework of activities and major deliverables;

·         Desk review of available information collected including proposal, annual reports, gender equality strategy, field case study reports, training reports, evaluations and assessments reports;

·         Review findings of studies, evaluations and monitoring (including case studies, success stories, results of FGDs) and compile key findings into communication brief for use in the learning event.

·         Develop and design project communication and dissemination material for printing such as summary report, leaflets, standees, posters and videos;

·         Finalize the design of AQCESS learning event program and sessions, using best practice for development program lessons learned methodologies.

·         Design, develop and produce materials required for delivery of lessons learned sessions, including agenda.

·         Identify presenters, panelists and speakers

·         Identify participants and key stakeholders

·         Develop a detailed event guide for the AQCESS Project Management team.

·         Prepare facilitator notes and guidelines.

·         Work with facilitators to prepare session introductory remarks and presentations.

·         Conduct a facilitator briefing in Islamabad prior to learning events.

·         Coordinate facilitator delivery during learning events.

·         Coordinate documentation of lessons learned during learning events.

·         Produce an AQCESS Project lessons learned report (one review by AKFP and AKFC), the contents of which will be used to inform the final donor report, as well as be used for external audiences.

·         All materials will be developed in English and Urdu languages on need basis.

The consultant/firm will work closely with AKFP and AKFC focal persons and follow the guidelines to be provided in doing the preparation for the workshop. All deliverables to be reviewed and approved by AKF (P) and AKFC. All materials produced during the consultancy will be treated as AKF (P)’s property and cannot be used elsewhere without prior approval.

Main Deliverables:

The consultant/firm will meet with a team from AKF(P) on a periodic basis to discuss the theme, process, progress, and outcomes during the consultancy contract tenure. Following are the more specific deliverables, which the consultant/firm must carry out/submit during and at the end of the project:

1.      Develop a summary report of main findings of the documents reviewed, including summary of best practices and integration of at least 3 to 4 case studies from implementing partners in a communication brief;

2.      Develop project learning workshop materials including agenda poster, standees, leaflets and videos.

3.      Prepare a learning workshop report that captures important agenda and discussion points.

Task

Contractor’s Time Requirement

Initial and subsequent communication/discussion with client (AKFP & AKFC) by phone/Skype/ in person

1 day

Development/finalization of work plan

Deliverable 1: A proposed work plan and draft table of contents of final report

1 days

Desk review of AQCESS project materials and partner organizational structure and materials

3 days

Produce a communication brief summarizing key achievements of AQCESS project

Deliverable 2: A communication brief

2 days

Design and planning of AQCESS learning events

Deliverable 3: Final agenda, session overviews, facilitator guides and notes, event guide, session notes and presentations, participant materials, session materials, additional session materials (photo gallery, video displays, booth guidelines)

4 days

Design and planning of AQCESS learning events

Deliverable 4: Local production of relevant materials, set up of venue, support set up of booths

1 day

Supporting the delivery of AQCESS learning events

Deliverable 5: Facilitator briefing, collection of lessons learned documents

2 days

Draft report

Deliverable 6: Draft report as per agreed report structure

2 days

Final report

Deliverable 7: Final report as per agreed report structure and AKFP and AKFC feedback

1 day

Total

Up to 17 days

Payment Plan:

The following payment plan is proposed for the assignment:

i)        30% of the contract value as advance on signing of the contract.

ii)      40% of the contract value on submission of first draft of detailed report, summary report and case studies.

iii)    30% of the contract value on submission of the final report, summary report and case studies.

Withholding tax will be deducted at source.

Location of Assignment

Consultation will be based in Islamabad however; will visit to project areas of Pakistan on need basis.

Time line of the Consultancy

·         The time period of this consultancy is from February 25, 2019 to April 15, 2020

Reporting mechanism

 The consultant will be reporting to Manager, Health – AKF(P).

Qualification:

The prospective consultant/firm is expected to demonstrate an appropriate balance of management, technical skills and research skills, knowledge of the region, and experience in qualitative and/or mixed method research. Consultant/firm should possess excellent writing skills and analytical skills. Qualifications of key representatives should include:

·         At least a Master’s degree in Public Health, Social Sciences Research or communication with a strong background and experience in organizing and facilitating learning workshop.

·          Minimum of seven (7) years of demonstrated experience in preparing communication materials, organizing dissemination and learning events.

·         Excellent analytical and report writing skills and verbal communication skills in English.

·         Demonstrated experience in designing, planning and facilitating large multi-stakeholder development program learning and reflection events.

·         Knowledge and experience of international best practices in documenting lessons learned for development projects, specifically in health programming.

·         Experience working on development program evaluations.

·         Knowledge of health systems strengthening and gender issues and key players in Pakistan context.

·         Outstanding written and interpersonal communications skills in English and Urdu;

·         Outstanding facilitation skills with large groups.

AKF(P) offers a competitive remuneration package and conducive working environment. We are an equal opportunity employer - females are encouraged to apply.

AKF(P) recruitment and selection policy and procedures reflect our commitment to equal opportunity and the safeguarding of children, beneficiaries, partners, community members and employees in accordance with AKF(P)’s Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy, Intellectual Property, Copyright, Privacy and Data Protection Act. Consultant/ firm will adhere to AKF(P) policies and procedures.

Interested consultant/firm(s) should forward their applications or profiles by February 10, 2020.

Please note that only short-listed consultant/firm(s) will be contacted.