Request for Proposal for Consultant to Conduct WASH FIT Assessment in Health Facilities in Kakuma refugee camps and Kalobeyei integrated settlement.

Peace Winds Japan (PWJ) is a Japanese Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) that has been actively involved in humanitarian and development assistance since 1996. PWJ has operated in Kenya since 2012, focusing on Shelter, Water, Sanitation, Hygiene (WASH), and human Development, aiming to improve the living conditions of both refugee and host communities in Dadaab, Kakuma, and Kalobeyei. PWJ is also the UNHCR’s implementing partner for critical services in WASH, fleet management, and shelter construction.

Currently, PWJ is leading WASH interventions in Kakuma refugee camp, Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement, and host communities in Turkana West. These efforts are aimed at improving access to clean water and sanitation in health facilities and ensuring proper hygiene practices to mitigate waterborne diseases.

PWJ, in collaboration with UNHCR, plans to conduct an in-depth WASH FIT assessment in 12 selected health facilities within Kakuma, Kalobeyei, and the host community. The findings of this assessment will provide a comprehensive understanding of the existing WASH conditions in these facilities and guide future interventions aimed at improving health outcomes for the communities served.

2. Objective of the Consultancy

The main objective of this consultancy is to assess the current WASH conditions in health facilities in Kakuma and Kalobeyei, including the host community. The assessment will identify gaps, assess the adequacy of WASH infrastructure, and provide recommendations for improvement to ensure safe and hygienic health environments. Specifically, the consultant will:

1. Evaluate the status of WASH infrastructure (water supply, sanitation, and hygiene facilities) in the targeted health facilities.
2. Identify gaps and challenges in the availability, quality, and maintenance of WASH services in these health facilities.
3. Assess compliance with national WASH standards in health facilities and relevant international guidelines, such as the WHO’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene for Health Care Facilities (WASH FIT) tool.
4. Review the hygiene promotion practices and their impact on health outcomes within these facilities, including hand hygiene, waste management, and infection prevention and control (IPC) measures.
5. Provide actionable recommendations for upgrading and improving WASH infrastructure, as well as strategies for sustainable hygiene practices in these health facilities.

3. Specific Tasks for the Consultant

The consultant will undertake the following tasks:

1. Develop an Inception Report outlining the proposed methodology, work plan, and tools for data collection and analysis. The report must be submitted to PWJ for approval prior to fieldwork.
2. Conduct a desk review of all relevant project documents, existing WASH assessments, and national/international WASH standards in health facilities. This will include reviewing WASH FIT guidelines and other frameworks for health facility WASH assessments.
3. Design and test WASH assessment tools for use in the selected health facilities, incorporating input from PWJ, UNHCR, IRC, Kenya Red Cross and local health authorities.
4. Conduct field visits to the identified health facilities to evaluate WASH infrastructure and services. This will involve inspecting water supply systems, latrines/toilets, handwashing stations, solid and liquid waste management, and hygiene promotion efforts.
5. Facilitate Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with facility staff, patients, and relevant stakeholders to gather insights on the challenges and effectiveness of WASH interventions in these health settings.
6. Analyze the data collected to produce a draft assessment report that outlines the current status of WASH infrastructure and practices, highlights key challenges, and provides initial recommendations for improvements.
7. Present findings to PWJ and key stakeholders for validation and feedback, incorporating any suggestions into the final report.
8. Submit a final report that includes a detailed analysis of the WASH situation in the assessed health facilities and practical recommendations for enhancing WASH service delivery.

4. Key Deliverables

The consultant will deliver the following outputs:

1. Inception Report outlining the methodology, data collection tools, and a work plan – due one week after the consultancy begins.
2. Draft WASH Assessment Report detailing initial findings, analysis, and recommendations – due three weeks after the start of the consultancy.
3. Final WASH Assessment Report incorporating feedback from PWJ and stakeholders – due six weeks after the start of the consultancy.
4. Raw Data collected during the assessment, including filled-out assessment tools, interview transcripts, and notes from focus group discussions.

5. Requirements for the Consultant

• Academic Qualifications: A degree in Public Health, Environmental Health, Water Engineering, or a related field. A Master’s degree in Public Health, WASH, or Environmental Engineering will be an advantage.
• Experience: At least 8 years of professional experience in WASH assessments, project evaluations, or health facility infrastructure assessments. Previous experience in humanitarian settings and familiarity with WASH FIT or similar health facility assessment tools is highly desirable.
• Skills: Proficiency in conducting qualitative and quantitative assessments, including data collection, analysis, and reporting. The consultant should be familiar with tools like SPSS, STATA, or NVivo for data analysis.
• Language: Fluency in English, with strong report-writing and presentation skills. Knowledge of local languages is an added advantage.
• Previous Experience working with UN agencies, NGOs, or government bodies in the WASH sector, particularly in refugee or low-resource settings.

6. Contractual Responsibilities

6.1. Responsibilities of the Consultant:

• Deliver the consultancy services as per the agreed-upon methodology and timeline.
• Conduct field visits and data collection in line with approved tools and protocols.
• Engage actively with PWJ, UNHCR, health facility staff, and other stakeholders to ensure a participatory approach to the assessment.
• Present findings and recommendations during debrief sessions with PWJ and stakeholders.
• Submit high-quality reports within the stipulated time frames.

6.2. Responsibilities of PWJ:

• Provide all relevant project documentation, including previous assessments and data related to WASH in health facilities.
• Coordinate access to the selected health facilities, including logistical support for field visits.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagements, including setting up interviews and focus groups.
• Provide timely feedback on draft reports to ensure the consultant meets deliverables on schedule.
• Provide accommodation and transport to the field and back within Kakuma plus air tickets.

7. Duration of the Consultancy

The consultancy is expected to start on 15th November 2024 and conclude by 30th November 2024. The final report, along with all deliverables, is expected by the end of this period.

8. Application Process

Interested consultants should submit a technical and financial proposal, including:

• A clear understanding of the assignment, methodology, and proposed approach.
• A detailed work plan with roles, responsibilities, and timelines.
• A financial proposal with a detailed breakdown of costs.
• Firm registration certificate, KRA compliance, CVs of key personnel, highlighting relevant experience.
• Two sample reports from previous similar assessments.
• Three references from previous clients or organizations.

How to apply

Applications should be submitted by 5th November 2024 via email with the subject line “Proposal for Consultant to Conduct WASH FIT Assessment in Health Facilities” to [tenders@peace-winds.or.ke]