Consultancy - Field Assessment SHP

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 high caliber professional Consultants/firms for the following Consultancy in Gilgit Baltistan (GB).

“Conducting a field assessment to document impact of Social Health Protection Micro-Health Insurance Initiative - Gilgit-Baltistan”                                                       

1. Background

The German Government, through KfW, is providing financial support to the Government of Pakistan for a social health protection micro health insurance (SHP-MHI)

scheme in Gilgit district. The specific objectives of this scheme are to:

•              Reduce catastrophic and out of pocket health expenditures of the 21% poorest families in Gilgit district

•              Improve in health status of the population of the district through improved access to secondary health care services.

•              Improve health seeking behaviour amongst the target population through awareness raising and community mobilisation.

•              Promote the product among the general population by targeting the voluntary enrolment of 29% of the population by the end of 5 years thereby contributing in promoting alternate health financing mechanism

Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) Consortium, comprising Aga Khan Foundation Pakistan, Aga Khan Rural Support Programme and Jubilee Life Insurance (JLI), is implementing the scheme of (SHP-MHI) in Gilgit District under a contract with DOH-GB for five years since August 2016.

2. Purpose of the Field Research

The purpose of the field research is to document impact of the SHP-MHI implemented in Gilgit district. The broader aims of the field research are to:

·         Carry out a qualitative study that investigate, among eligible (the poorest 21% households, the insurance premium of whom, is paid by the Government of GB out of programme funds) and wider population (the households who purchase health insurance voluntarily) the motivation for enrolment, challenges in the process of enrolments, client satisfaction level of the product and the suggestions for the improvement of health services and the product design. Further investigate the reasons and factors influencing enrolment for the wider population, selection of hospital for health care.

·         Conduct a quantitative study through collection and reviewing data (existing data and specific additional data) that provides evidence and comparative advantages of insurance as compared to non-insured in the areas of health access, financing for health care, out of pocket (OOP) health expenditure, and protection against catastrophic expenditure in case of illnesses.

3.  Scope of Work

• Collection and review of documents, data and other information material related to
  • Existing project under SHPI in GB
  • SHPI-MHI scheme KP being implemented in four districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP)
  • Provincial government Health Insurance Scheme in KP
  • Health Insurance scheme implemented by The Federal Government
  • Other Health Insurance Scheme in Pakistan and the developing countries.

·         Comparative analysis of different health insurance schemes

·         Preparation of a concise report of insurance concept, product design, process of enrolment, associated challenges, factors affecting uptake of services covered under the insurance scheme.

·         Conduct a research to assess following outcomes of SHP-MHI:

o   Extending coverage to the poor and vulnerable households

o   Improving ability of insured households to pay for medicines, consultations, diagnostic tests.

o   Determining that the package of services under the scheme is sufficient to protect the poor and vulnerable against catastrophic health costs and cover the needs of the poor.

o   Assessing that insured households with catastrophic expenditure is lower than the uninsured and resulted in reduction in out of pocket expenditure while accessing health care

o   Protect poor households from hazardous, wealth threatening health financing strategies such as borrowing money or selling assets to cover health care cost.

·         Based on field research, the consultants/firm will also

o   Identify the beneficiary preferences (under self-paying as well as compulsory enrolments – both wider and cashless schemes) in choosing public or private sector hospitals for their treatment.

o   Identify the reasons for higher number of female admissions in the last three years of project implementation.

o   Identify the reasons for Top 5 causes of admissions under SHPI during last three years of project.

o   Identify level of awareness regarding the scheme and utilization of the health card among target beneficiaries of cashless scheme.

o   Determine annual continuation rate of wider enrolment product i.e. what % enrolled continue every year

o   Determine effectiveness of advocacy campaign and card renewal process to motivate for annual renewal and continuation of wider enrolment product.

o   Why some of the UCs are underutilising wider enrolment product and what are the suggestions for improvements

·         The Consultants/firms will also advise on policy implications and considerations for the health and other social sector planning.

4.  Assignment Management

The consultants/firm will work closely with the Health manager AKFP and will be reporting to the consortium committee comprising of project Director Programme Implementation Unit of SHPI-GB, representative of OPM and AKFP. The deliverables to be reviewed and endorsed by the committee.

5.  Deliverables

1.      Inception Report giving detailed methodology of conducting the research with timelines.

2.      Periodic progress reports as agreed during inception

3.      Final report compiling findings and secondary data according to the objectives and scope of the work.

6.  Payment and Tax Arrangement

1st   Payment: 20 %, mobilization fee on signing of the agreement and agreed inception report.

 2nd Payment: 20 %, satisfactory completion of field based data collection work

 3rd Payment: 60 %, satisfactory completion of the assignment.

Payments to be made based on the satisfaction and clearance of committee. All applicable taxes will be deducted at source, as per Government of Pakistan (GOP) statutory laws.

7.  Timeline of the Consultancy

The duration of the Consultancy would be for a period of 30 days. 

8.  Required Qualifications

The prospective consultant/ Consultancy 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 /consultancy 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 another relevant field of study;
• Good understanding of the GB  health sector and context;
• Minimum of 7 years of demonstrated experience in qualitative and/or mixed methods research including training and supervising;
• Excellent analytical and report writing skills;
• Strong leadership, planning and problem-solving skills;
• Must be able to work independently with excellent demonstrated teamwork and coordination skills;
• Previous experience working for or with international non-governmental organizations and donors is desirable.

Please note that the applicant(s) are advised to upload their Profiles, Technical & Financial proposal(s) properly. No direct application will be entertained.

AKF(P) offers a competitive remuneration package and conducive working environment. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.

Women are encouraged to apply.

Only online applications will be entertained. The deadline for applications is March 24, 2020.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.