Background
Pathfinder International is a nonprofit organization that collaborates closely with partners around the world to offer life-saving maternal, newborn, and reproductive health care; integrate health and environmental work to address the holistic needs of communities; and reach the most vulnerable populations, including those who have been displaced due to conflict and natural disaster. Since 1957, we have partnered with local governments, communities, and health systems in developing countries to remove barriers to critical sexual and reproductive health services. Together, we expand access to contraception, promote healthy pregnancies, save women’s lives, and stop the spread of new HIV infections, wherever the need is most urgent. Our work ensures millions of women, men and young people can choose their own paths forward.
Pathfinder in implementing the GeoST4R (Use of Geospatial data and tools for RMNCHN microplanning and decision support) project, a four-year grant funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and it aims to enhance RMNCH+N outcomes along the continuum of care by identifying service delivery and operational gaps that affect access to quality health care and support the development of realistic, context-specific plans to address them using GIS maps and tools. The project is implemented by a consortium of partners, with Pathfinder as the lead and supported by GRID3, Natview Foundation and Data Science Nigeria. The project will be implemented in 4 BMGF priority states – Kano, Kaduna, Gombe and Lagos.
Assignment Summary
The Consultant will be responsible for leading and coordinating state-level implementation of the Pathfinder projects. The job holder will provide technical support and guidance to the State Primary Healthcare Development Agencies on RMNCHN microplanning and rollout of HPV vaccines in the state. Additionally, they will be involved in capacity-building and advocacy efforts, engaging government stakeholders, and developing customized strategies related to RMNCHN microplanning and rollout of HPV vaccines in their respective states. Field visits for problem-solving and offering technical assistance, as well as participation in working groups and high-level government engagements, are integral to this role.
The position will be full-time and based in Gombe State, and proposals will only be accepted from consultants who are based in Gombe State. The role will report to the Advisors at the country office.
SCOPE OF WORK (SOW)
Name of Independent Contractor: xxxxxxxxxx
Assignment Title: State Consultant.
Department/Unit: GeoST4R Project
Pathfinder Involvement:
The following individuals will be involved in this assignment according to the roles below.
Technical Advisor
Finance & Admin. Manager
Purpose and Objectives
The purpose of this consultancy is to lead and coordinate state-level implementation of the Pathfinder projects. The consultant will provide technical support and guidance to the State Primary Healthcare Development Agencies on RMNCHN microplanning and rollout of HPV vaccines in the state. Moreover, the consultant will be involved in capacity-building and advocacy efforts, engaging government stakeholders, and developing customized strategies related to RMNCHN microplanning and rollout of HPV vaccines in their respective states. Field visits for problem-solving and offering technical assistance, as well as participation in working groups and high-level government engagements, are integral to this role.
The specific objective is to:
The consultant will provide technical support and guidance to the State Primary Healthcare Development Agencies on RMNCHN microplanning and rollout of HPV vaccines in the state.
Major Activities
The engagement process will consist of the following major activities:
- Lead and coordinate the day-to-day implementation of the Pathfinder projects at the state level.
- Provide technical assistance, strategic direction, and support to the State Primary Healthcare Development Agencies on RMNCHN microplanning and rollout of HPV vaccines in the state.
- Support capacity-building and advocacy activities related to for RMNCHN microplanning.
- Regularly engage government stakeholders and other actors in the state.
- Contribute to the development of project work plans, activity implementation plans, regular activity and progress reports, and other relevant project-related documentation.
- Contribute to technical reviews and abstract and article development during implementation and ensure that the design delivers high-quality integrated health programs for children and women, building on global best practices.
- Undertake facility visits to project states, work with the state teams to understand, operational challenges, and continuously identify low-hanging opportunities for learning and improvement.
- Ensure project activities are technically sound, evidence-based, and responsive to the needs of the stakeholders in the state.
- Work with the MERL team to implement the MERL activities in the state.
- Actively participate and provide TA to all the TWGs meeting.
Deliverables
The following are the deliverables of this consultancy.
- Weekly Report of technical assistance
- Monthly report of activities.
- Activity reports with high-quality photographs.
Location of Assignment: Gombe: Gombe State.
Period of Performance/Duration of Assignment: 10th May to 31st October 2024
Level of Effort: 20 Days/month
Positions Available: 1 position
Eligibility, experience & qualification requirements:
- Master’s degree in public health or relevant/related field, Clinical background in medicine or nursing is preferred.
- At least 4 years of experience in public health.
- Expertise in supporting Maternal and Child Health, Nutrition, and RI programs in multiple technical capacities and resource-limited settings.
- Demonstrated capacity in developing and implementing effective collaborations with partners, local government entities, other NGOs, and community leaders.
- Prior experience working with and a strong understanding of Nigeria’s public health system and functional dynamics.
- Demonstrated leadership, management, coordination, teamwork, and planning skills, with proven ability to network effectively with and collaborate with a range of key stakeholders, including national, subnational, and local officials, public, private, and civil society partners, and communities.
- Strong training, mentoring, coaching, and interpersonal communication skills
- Computer literacy in the following: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
- Fluency and strong communication skills in English are required.
- Experience in microplanning for RI or polio eradication is an added advantage.
- Consultant must be based in Gombe State to be eligible.
Proposal Deadline
All written responses to this RFP must be received by Pathfinder no later than 5:00 PM on 2nd May 2024
Payment Terms
We anticipate entering into a time and material consultancy contract with the selected candidates.
Terms
Pathfinder reserves the right to cancel this solicitation at any point and is under no obligation to issue a subcontract as a result of this solicitation.
Pathfinder will not reimburse any expenses related to the preparation of any proposal related materials or delivery.
Confidentiality
As a part of the RFP process, Pathfinder International may be providing confidential information. Consequently, consultant must complete a Confidentiality/ Non-Disclosure Agreement.
Thank you,
Procurement Unit
Pathfinder International
Independent Contractor Agreement (ICA)
Terms and Conditions
Relationship: It is understood and agreed that the Contractor is furnishing services to Pathfinder International as an Independent Contractor, and nothing contained in the Agreement between Pathfinder and the Contractor shall create any association, partnership, joint venture, employer-employee or agent-principal relationship.
Confidential Information: Each party shall treat as confidential all information obtained from the other during the course of performance under the Agreement. Neither party shall disclose such information without prior written consent of the other, unless compelled to do so by law. All confidential information disclosed or otherwise made known to the Contractor as a result of the services remains the sole property of Pathfinder.
Intellectual Property: The title to all Intellectual Property rights in or in relation to material created during the course of the services, including but not limited to designs, works of authorship, analyses, reports, improvements or processes, vests in Pathfinder upon its creation. These rights include title and interest in patent, copyright, trademark and other proprietary rights. At its sole discretion, Pathfinder may grant to the Independent Contractor, a limited, royalty-free license to use material developed under this Agreement. In addition, nothing in this Agreement shall supersede the rights of donors supporting Pathfinder’s work.
Non-Compete: While this Agreement is in effect, the Independent Contractor shall not perform similar services with any party directly or indirectly in competition with Pathfinder without giving prior notice to and obtaining written consent from Pathfinder.
Assignment: The Independent Contractor may not assign its rights or responsibilities under this Agreement without the prior written consent of Pathfinder.
Indemnification: Independent Contractor will indemnify and hold Pathfinder, its employees, and its customers harmless from all penalties, damages and expenses, including attorneys’ fees, incurred by Pathfinder and/or its customers (whether or not the agreement is canceled) caused by or arising out of Independent Contractor’s breach of any term of this Agreement including, without limitation, the timely performance thereof.
Termination for Convenience: Pathfinder International reserves the right to terminate this Agreement or any part hereof for its sole convenience. In the event of such termination, the Independent Contractor shall immediately stop all work hereunder. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Independent Contractor shall be paid for services rendered up to the time of termination.
Termination for Cause: Pathfinder International may terminate the Agreement or any part thereof, for cause in the event of any default by the Independent Contractor, or if the Independent Contractor fails to comply with any term or condition of the Agreement, or fails to provide Pathfinder upon request with adequate assurance of future performance, or in the event of termination of funding or the prime award for convenience. In the event of termination for cause, Pathfinder shall not be liable to the Independent Contractor for any amount for services not accepted, and Independent Contractor shall be liable to Pathfinder for any and all rights and remedies provided under the Agreement or by law. If it is determined that Pathfinder improperly terminated the Agreement for default, such termination shall be deemed a termination for convenience.
Waiver: Failure of Pathfinder to enforce at any time or for any period of time any of the provisions of this Agreement will not constitute a waiver of such provisions or of the right of Pathfinder to enforce each and every provision.
Inspection/Acceptance: Prior to acceptance, all Deliverables will be subject to review and approval by Pathfinder. Pathfinder’s Assignment Manager will promptly inform the Independent Contractor whether deliverables, reports or other outputs are accepted. Pathfinder may require additional work or changes in the deliverables prior to acceptance.
Invoice Requirements: Independent Contractor shall submit an invoice for work performed immediately upon completion, and in no case later than 60 calendar days after the end date of this Agreement. Each invoice shall include: (a) the Independent Contractor’s name and address, dates and number of days of performance and amount of payment requested as fees for service; and (b) a description of the deliverables or services for which payment or reimbursement is sought. Upon acceptance of the deliverables or services and submission and acceptance of the Independent Contractor’s expense report, if any, Pathfinder will make payment within 30 days of receipt of the invoice.
For assignments of greater than 90 days’ duration, the Independent Contractor may submit interim invoices on a schedule to be agreed upon with the Assignment Manager for this assignment.
Billing Policies: a) Payment shall be on a daily fee basis. Pathfinder will not pay for more than one eight hour day in any 24 hour period. b) Independent Contractor may bill for not more than one day during travel status in each direction to or from assignment.
Expense Report: The Independent Contractor shall be reimbursed for properly documented travel and other expenses incurred in direct support of services performed under this agreement. Travel and other expenses must comply with Pathfinder’s travel policies and procedures for reimbursement, including submission of the Travel Expense Voucher (TEV) forms provided by Pathfinder. Expense reports submitted later than 15 calendar days after the end date of this Agreement will not be paid.
Modifications: The scope of work and other terms and conditions contained in this Agreement shall not be added to, modified, superseded or otherwise changed except by written modification.
Disputes: Any dispute or disagreement which cannot be resolved by Pathfinder and the Contractor after good faith efforts, and any controversy, claim or dispute otherwise arising out of or in connection with this Agreement or breach thereof will be subject to arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. This Agreement is governed by and construed under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, U.S.A.
Entire Agreement: This Agreement supersedes all prior oral or written agreements, if any, between the parties concerning the work under this Agreement and constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the work to be performed under this Agreement**.**
How to apply
Prospective consultants are to visit the career section of Pathfinder’s home page https://www.pathfinder.org/careers/. and register as consultant.
And email, in PDF format, not more than seven pages, the proposals, CV, and other information directly to: Nigeriaprocurement@pathfinder.org
Inquiries:
If you have any questions/inquiries, please kindly send e-mail inquiries to: Nigeriaprocurement@pathfinder.org no later than 12:00 noon 3rd May 2024.