Request for Proposal (RFP) for National consultant for conduct a formative research (Knowledge Attitude and beliefs of religious leaders to advocate improvement of maternal and child nutrition) – Mogadishu, Somalia

Functional Title: Individual Consultant (Short Term)

Somalia has been in a state of ‘chronic catastrophe’ characterized by a complex political environment, extreme poverty, food insecurity, escalated insecurity conflict and instability.

In the recent years, the country has faced devastating droughts in most regions in Somalia. Drought often increases the levels of malnutrition and mortalities in the country.

Somalia’s malnutrition rates are consistently among the worst in the world, with currently 11% wasting in children under five years of age, high levels of stunting 17.2%, low levels of exclusive breastfeeding only 16.7% of children <6 months are exclusively breastfed, and only 17% of children aged 6-23 months were given minimum dietary diversity and widespread micronutrient deficiencies 40% of women and children were anaemic and over 26% had iron deficiency anaemia, while 34%of children and 11% of women had vitamin A deficiency.

Somalia nutrition strategy 2020-2025 objectives highlighted at increased awareness and demand of good nutrition practices and provide caregivers with knowledge, skills and support required to adopt healthy nutrition practices while Social Mobilization, Advocacy and Communications Strategy 2019-2021 A coordinated, government-led approach to multisector social mobilization, advocacy and communication efforts to scale up nutrition in Somalia. The Strategy seeks to improve maternal and child nutrition in Somalia, with focus on reduction of maternal infant and young child under-nutrition and child stunting. This will be achieved by up scaling both essential nutrition specific as well as nutrition-sensitive interventions.

Religious and traditional leaders have deep and trusted relationships with their followers and often have strong linkages with the most disadvantaged and vulnerable members. As such, they are particularly well placed to address issues related to social factors such as social norms, behaviours and practices that affect access to services and thus facilitate efforts towards the realization of the positive actions.

Religious and traditional leaders can influence thinking, foster dialogue and set priorities for members of their communities. Therefore, using religious system to mainstream maternal and child nutrition beliefs will gain success at all levels.

• They can shape social values and promote responsible behaviours that respect the dignity and sanctity of all life.
• Many religious and traditional leaders are skilled and influential communicators who can reach the hearts and minds of millions of people in ways that humanitarian actors cannot.
• Religious institutions have already established social, organizational and physical structure reaches from the national up to the grassroot level.
• They can act on their own with minimum support

It’s important to note that improving maternal and child nutrition depends on understanding their socio-cultural and economic determinants and using these to design effective public health interventions. Therefore, the baseline survey is aimed at determining Knowledge of tradition and religious leaders towards maternal and child nutrition.

Qualification/level requirements

Master of Public Health, Health Promotion, Development Studies, or other related fields such as MASTER of Social studies, Statics and Epidemiology.

·      At least 3 years of progressively responsible work experience related to nutrition and nutrition assessment and surveys.

·      Experience in communication for development (C4D) programming required

·      Experience in conducting KABP studies or health/nutrition formative research is required

·      Good understanding of nutrition and Health sector strategies.

·      Experience in producing nutrition facilities capacity building materials, such as training materials, resources packages, toolkits. Fluency and strong communication and writing skills in English.

·      Understanding/previous working experience with UN agencies and organizations

Preliminary Evaluation Criteria

1.     Properly filled proposal submission form

2.     Nationality of bidder (attach proof of Somali Nationality)

Technical Evaluation Criteria

1. General qualification (diploma, training and general experience) (15 points) •  Master degree in public health, social science, environmental health, water and sanitation, or a related field; or any field deemed relevant.

2. Specific experience relating to the tasks to be performed described in the ToR 70 Section D above. Specific experience will be noted at the rate of 5 points per year of experience. (30 Points)

To be awarded the maximum points, the expert must have justified at least eight (05) years of similar.

The original copy (s) or certified copies of work certificates and additional proof of qualification and experience deemed necessary. The candidates are also required to submit at least two (02) samples of similar reports.

3. Methodology and approach to the terms of reference (40 points). The candidate must demonstrate an appropriate methodology, data collection tools and approach to the terms of reference.

4. Work plan: (15 points) The candidate must indicate a detailed work plan that will enable him/her execute the assignment. Demonstrate analytical and conceptual ability; demonstrate understanding of survey design and social research methods to hygiene and sanitation behaviour change;

5. The minimum qualification mark is 70 points.

Bidders who will have attained the minimum qualification points will be shortlisted for financial evaluation.

Financial Evaluation Criteria

Shortlisted candidate(s) will be requested to submit their financial proposals at a later phase. The candidate with the least quotation which is within our budget shall emerge as the best candidate.

Attn: Mr. Abdirahman Ali Mire

The Head, Procurement Unit

Federal Ministry of Health and Human Services

Qualified national consultants (Individual consultants and Firm consultants) should be sending their technical and financial proposals detailing his/her understanding of ToR and methodology that will be used to undertake the task including profiles of similar tasks carried out in the last 3 years.

Proposals should be submitted on or before 25^th October 2021 at the following address. (procurement@moh.gov.so) and copy to (nutrition@moh.gov.so) (familyhealth@moh.gov.so).

Request-for-Proposals-Formative-research-KAP-of-traditional-and-reliogious-leaders-to-improveme-maternal-and-child-nutrition-18.10.2021