Independent Researcher/Consultant at Care Best Initiative (CBI) – Nigeria

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT/RESEARCHER FOR STUDIES ON HEALTH (SRH) SERVICES FOR GBV SURVIVORS IN YOBE STATE, NIGERIA

PROJECT TITLE:

“Empowering Women, Girls and Persons with Disabilities in Bade and Jakusko LGAs: A Comprehensive Community-Based Initiative for GBV Prevention, Response and SRH Enhancement in Yobe State”

RESEARCH TITLE:

“The Availability and Provision of Health Services to GBV Survivors in Yobe State: Focus on Bade and Jakusko LGAs”

DURATION:

September to November 2024 (30 days period)

ORGANIZATION:

Care Best Initiative (CBI) – Nigeria

LOCATION:

Yobe State, Nigeria (with focus on Bade and Jakusko LGAs)

POSITION

Independent Researcher/Consultant

BACKGROUND

Care Best Initiative (CBI) is a women-led national non-governmental organization committed to restoring human dignity by providing essential life necessities and capacity building in Nigeria. Since 2019, CBI has been actively addressing critical humanitarian needs in Northern Nigeria, focusing on vulnerable populations, particularly children under five and pregnant and lactating mothers, using a multi-sectoral approach. In 2022, CBI expanded its operations to Yobe State, launching an integrated health program aimed at enhancing primary health care services, reproductive health services, and cholera response. This initiative, funded by the Nigerian Humanitarian Fund (NHF), focused on capacity building for health workers, facilitating referrals, and providing treatment for affected internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities in Bade, Damaturu, Jakusko, and Nguru LGAs. The program’s overarching goal was to improve health services while contributing to sustainable health system strengthening at the LGA level. Building on this foundation, in 2024, CBI has remodeled its program to incorporate Gender-Based Violence (GBV) components. This enhanced initiative, implemented in partnership with Rapid Action Aid Initiative (RAAI), is now an innovative, comprehensive community-based program for GBV prevention, response, and Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) enhancement in Bade and Jakusko LGAs of Yobe State. This initiative is carried out in close collaboration with the Health Sector Nigeria, the Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Sub-Working Group, and the GBV Area of Responsibility (AoR) to ensure a holistic and coordinated approach to addressing GBV and SRH issues. Furthermore, CBI is working in partnership with the Yobe State government, specifically the Yobe State Primary Health Care Management Board, Yobe State Ministry of Health, Ministry of Women Affairs, and Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. These partnerships are crucial for aligning the program with state policies and ensuring sustainability through government support. A key activity in this new phase is conducting a knowledge improvement research study on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) and GBV. To this end, CBI is seeking proposals from qualified independent consultant(s) to lead a comprehensive research study titled “The Availability and Provision of Health Services to GBV Survivors in Yobe State: Focus on Bade and Jakusko LGAs.” This study aims to address critical knowledge gaps in community contexts and contribute to evidence-based policymaking for strengthening health systems’ response to GBV in Yobe State and across Northeast Nigeria. The findings from this research will be instrumental in informing future interventions, policy reforms, and capacity-building initiatives to better serve GBV survivors and at-risk populations in the region.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this research is to examine the accessibility, adequacy, and responsiveness of existing health facilities and services in addressing the needs of GBV survivors in Bade and Jakusko Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Yobe State, Nigeria.

SCOPE OF WORK

The consultant will be responsible for:

1. Designing and implementing a comprehensive research methodology
2. Conducting a thorough assessment of current health services for GBV survivors
3. Evaluating the effectiveness, accessibility, adequacy, and responsiveness of these services
4. Identifying gaps and challenges in existing health service delivery
5. Engaging with key stakeholders, including health professionals, local authorities, and GBV survivors
6. Analyzing data and preparing detailed reports
7. Providing actionable recommendations for policy reforms, resource allocation, capacity building, and legislative measures
8. Collaborating with local stakeholders and partners throughout the research process
9. Publishing the research findings in a reputable journal.

KEY DELIVERABLES

• Deliverable 1: Research Methodology and Protocol

Expected by: September 20, 2024

• Activity 1.1: Review existing literature and reports on GBV health services in Yobe State and Northeast Nigeria.
• Activity 1.2: Develop a comprehensive research protocol, including data collection methods, sampling strategy, and ethical considerations.
• Deliverable 2: Field Research Report

Expected by: October 20, 2024

• Activity 2.1: Identify and engage key stakeholders in Bade and Jakusko LGAs, including health professionals, local authorities, GBV survivors, and community leaders.
• Activity 2.2: Conduct field research using mixed methods (surveys, interviews, focus groups) to assess the availability, accessibility, and quality of health services for GBV survivors.
• Activity 2.3: Analyze collected data and prepare a preliminary report of findings.
• Activity 2.4: Participate in regular meetings with CBI, health sector, GBV AoR partners to provide updates and address any methodological issues.
• Deliverable 3: Final Research Report and Presentation

Expected by: November 30,2024

• Activity 3.1: Present preliminary findings to CBI and stakeholders for feedback and incorporate their inputs.
• Activity 3.2: Develop a comprehensive final report detailing research findings, analysis, and recommendations.
• Activity 3.3: Create a presentation summarizing key findings, including visual aids and interactive elements to effectively communicate results to diverse audiences.
• Deliverable 4: Policy Brief and Dissemination Activities

Expected by: December 15, 2024

• Activity 4.1: Produce a concise policy brief highlighting main findings and key recommendations for policymakers and program implementers.
• Activity 4.2: Organize and participate in dissemination activities, including workshops and webinars, to share research results with relevant stakeholders in Yobe State and beyond.
• Activity 4.3: Prepare a manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed journal to contribute to the broader academic discourse on GBV health services in conflict-affected areas.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree in Public Health, Social Sciences, or related field
• Minimum 5 years of experience in conducting research on GBV and/or health services in Nigeria
• Strong understanding of the local context in Yobe State and Northeast Nigeria
• Excellent analytical, writing, and presentation skills
• Fluency in English and local languages (Hausa, Kanuri and Bade languages preferred)
• Experience working with international organizations and government stakeholders
• Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines

LOCATION

Hybrid – On-site and Off-site (Home-based).

TRAVEL

The consultant may be expected to travel.

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Interested consultants should submit:

1. Technical Proposal:

• Understanding of the project and methodology
• Work plan and timeline
• Relevant experience and qualifications

1. Financial Proposal: Detailed budget breakdown
2. CV/Resume
3. Sample (at least two) of previous work
4. Two references from similar projects

How to apply

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Address all submissions of proposals and requests for further details to:

The Program/Health Coordinator,

Care Best Initiative, Northeast – Nigeria

1, Behind UN House, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.

VIA:

pc.ne@cbi.ngo

The email subject should be – “CBI-Activity 1.1.9: Research on Availability and Provision of Health Services to GBV Survivors in Yobe State”

SUBMISSION DEADLINE:

The deadline for submission is Friday 09 August 2024. However, submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Relevance and comprehensiveness of the technical proposal
• Demonstrated experience and expertise
• Feasibility and clarity of the work plan and timeline
• Cost-effectiveness of the financial proposal

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This Request for Proposals may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies related to GBV and health services research.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further evaluation.
• CBI may use a written test as part of the screening process.
• Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide scanned copies of their degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) before the interview. CBI recognizes qualifications from accredited institutions listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
• CBI is committed to workforce diversity. Applications from qualified women and underrepresented groups in Yobe State and Nigeria are particularly encouraged.
• CBI adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and expects the same from its consultants.
• CBI has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and other types of abusive conduct. All consultants are expected to promote a safe and respectful work environment.
• Background verification will be conducted for final candidates to ensure the integrity and safety of our research projects.
• Consultants will perform work as independent contractors in a personal capacity, not as representatives of any entity or authority. The consultancy does not create an employer/employee relationship with CBI.
• Consultants are solely responsible for any taxes, duties, social security contributions, or other contributions payable in their location/jurisdiction. CBI will not reimburse these expenses.
• CBI is committed to creating a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
• By submitting a proposal, candidates acknowledge that they have read and understood these terms and conditions.
• For more information about CBI and its operations, please visit www.carebestinitiative.org.

CBI looks forward to receiving insightful and innovative proposals that will contribute significantly to addressing the health service needs of GBV survivors in Yobe State – Nigeria.