WASH Consultant at Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Baidoa, Somalia

WASH Consultant

Baidoa WASH assessment and Project Evaluation

MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES (MSF) – SOMALIA MISSION

MSF is an independent humanitarian medical organization providing emergency medical aid to populations in need. MSF Somalia mission is seeking a qualified WASH Consultant as per below TOR:

Project Background

Somalia is facing one of the worst droughts in decades, following four poor rainy seasons and a locust invasion that swept across the Horn of Africa. Severe water shortages and dry pastures have decimated livestock, affecting the livelihoods of Somali pastoralist communities. Large parts of the country are experiencing critical water shortages with the Southwest state being the most affected.

The town of Baidoa, located in Bay region of Southwest state Somalia, is currently facing an ongoing internal displacement crisis due to various factors such as armed conflict, natural disasters, and socioeconomic instability. According to recent reports from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Baidoa is home to a large population of internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have been forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in the city. The IDP population in Baidoa is estimated to be over 700,000 individuals, with the majority living in overcrowded and inadequate temporary settlements. This has resulted in numerous challenges, including limited access to basic services such as food, water, shelter, and healthcare.The current water shortage is likely to deepen the existing humanitarian crisis in the coming months, particularly in areas facing critical water shortages, where their main water sources dried-up resulting in a sharp increase in water prices. The situation in Baidoa highlights the urgent need for comprehensive and sustainable interventions to address the ongoing IDP crisis and improve the living conditions of these vulnerable individual. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international humanitarian organization that provides medical assistance to people affected by armed conflict, natural disasters, and other emergencies. MSF has been providing health care services in Baidoa since 2018. In addition to their medical aid, MSF also implements Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WATSAN) programs in the health facility and community. The activities included water treatment, water tracking, drilling of borehole, construction and rehabilitation of latrines and waste management. It is equally reported that other organizations are contributing to alleviating the WATSAN needs in Baidoa.

However, despite all the WATSAN activities taking place in community, few studies have examined the patient and community outcomes of WATSAN interventions. Within the realm of MSF’s Community WATSAN practice in Baidoa, there’s a scarcity of comprehensive research showcasing the impact of community WATSAN program on patient or community well-being. Likewise, there’s limited study describing the scope nor the extent of other organization watsan activities in community of Baidoa. Nevertheless, evaluating the results of such WATSAN strategies is crucial for assessing their worth and understanding the overall influence that MSF’s WATSAN program have on communities.

Objective of the Consultancy:

The consultancy is expected to employ cross sectional, scientific and statistical approaches to evaluate the Wash activities were implemented by MSF including the outcomes, gaps and rooms for improvements. Consultant also to conduct a comprehensive WASH assessment in Baidoa in order to analyses the current situation of wash, ongoing interventions and possible gaps. Specifically, the consultant is expected:

1. To evaluate the impact of all WASH activities previously carried out by MSF OCBA in Baidoa Measure the outputs and outcomes of intervention.
2. Undertake a comparative assessment on the progress achieved in delivering the program results and to identify key successes, learning, gaps, and constraints that need to be addressed.
3. Assess Relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, sustainability, and coherence of the intervention
4. Assess the impact of the actions on the targeted population and document the lessons learn
5. To map all water point and other actors who are present in Baidoa and their activities
6. To provide recommendations for future interventions

Specific Terms of Reference:

Develop an Inception Proposal outlining the study process and methodologies to achieve the consultancy objective. This includes field schedules, timelines, and the allocation of resources for the exercise.

Conduct a comprehensive desk review of relevant documents, reports, and other pertinent sources of information.

Arrange meetings with various stakeholders at both the Baidoa and Mogadishu levels, such as wash clusters, to gather relevant information and capitalize on their insights. Consult with the Ministry of Health and other relevant authorities to inform them about the planned Wash Assessment and the activities to be undertaken.

Collaborate with the MSF team to design, develop, critique, and refine data collection tools, including

those for focus group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews (KIIs), and household questionnaires. Provide training for data collectors involved in the assessments and surveys.

Organize adequate supervision and coordination of the data collection teams in the field during the assessment and evaluation period.

Conduct a comprehensive WASH assessment using both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, and ensuring detailed insights are gathered for the project evaluation.

Establish and implement quality control mechanisms to ensure credible and high-quality assessment and evaluation processes.

Utilize the Kobo mobile data collection system provided by MSF for data collection, with analysis performed using STATA 15 software.

Draft and submit final reports for both the evaluation and WASH assessment, presenting and analyzing all relevant findings. Incorporate remarks and comments from the MSF Technical team and stakeholders into the reports

Study Method:

The methodology for evaluating WASH implemented activities and comprehensive wash assessment in Baidoa adopts a rigorous mixed-methods design combining quantitative and qualitative instruments.

1. Approach: The study uses both quantitative and qualitative methods to assess WASH needs and other related indicators in Baidoa. Triangulation of findings from various instruments including key informant interviews, community surveys, and focus group discussions etc.

2. Desk Reviews: Essential for refining the methodology, desk reviews rely on qualitative and quantitative approaches. These reviews draw from literature, secondary quantitative data, program reports, and other relevant documents to inform the study context.

3. Quantitative Data (Survey Data):

Sampling: Sample size will be calculated using a population-based formula. Cluster random sampling is employed to select respondents, ensuring representation across targeted areas.

N= Z2PQ/D2   N= sample size     P= the percentage of main wash indicator in baidoa=           Q = (1-P), D=0.05

Surveys: Individual questionnaires will be administered at the household level, targeting communities involved in MSF projects in Baidoa. Water points/sources will also be mapped in the camps.

4. Qualitative Methodology:

Data Collection and Sampling: Purposive sampling is used for key informant interviews and focus group discussions, guided by engagement with MSF and other stakeholders. Participants are

selected based on their relevance to the project.

Stakeholder Consultations: Approximately 10 stakeholder consultations and FGDs involving men and women across villages and IDP camps are conducted.

5. Data Analysis:

Quantitative: Data collected via Kobo mobile data collection system will be analyzed using STATA 15 software. Descriptive analysis, including percentages, graphs, tables, and means, will

conducted. Cross tabulation with main variables will also be performed.

Qualitative: Triangulation of findings will be emphasized, utilizing data from various sources to capture different perspectives of the same phenomenon. Multiple sources of data help verify and validate the findings.

Overall, the study methodology will integrate quantitative and qualitative approaches to comprehensively evaluate WASH needs in Baidoa, aiming to provide a holistic understanding of the situation and inform interventions effectively.

Deliverables at Inception Phase:

Assessment and Evaluation proposals that includes:

Objectives of the Assessment and evaluation

Detailed methodology: Sampling, sample size, means of data collections, quality assurance, analytical

methods, ethical considerations Tools

Work plan

Deliverables Final:

Separate Reports for Evaluation and Wash Assessment.

Introduction, Extensive literature Review related with the subject matter of the Wash assessment. Objectives, Methods, Results, Discussions and Recommendations

Reference List Annexes

Annexes to be attached to the report:

Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assessment. Dataset organized in selected software.

List of stockholders consulted during the assessment process. Various formats and questionnaires utilized for data collection.

Additional tools and checklists employed for data collection purposes. References of documents reviewed.

Other pertinent technical annexes, such as statistical analyses, tables, figures, etc

Requirements for the consultant:

Possession of a Master level degree in Public Health, Development Studies, Water Engineering, or a related field from an accredited university, coupled with relevant experience in a similar discipline

specifically experience on Economic evaluation of intervention.

Demonstrated record of accomplishment of successfully completing assignments of comparable

complexity and scope within the past few years.Proficiency in statistical analysis and data interpretation using both qualitative and quantitative

methodologies, along with expertise in utilizing mobile data collection tools. Effective communication and interpersonal abilities.

Prior professional involvement with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in WASH initiatives,

particularly within humanitarian contexts, is highly desirable.

Exceptional English language proficiency and adeptness in report writing and presentation skills.

Duration of consultancy Duration: 25 working days

How to apply

Interested consultant shall prepare and submit technical and financial proposals as indicated in the guidelines below:

Technical Proposal:

The consultant’s technical proposal shall contain the following:

Thorough comprehension of the terms of reference, along with any pertinent comments. A well-defined methodology outlining how the consultant plans to execute the assignment.

Detailed work plan delineating duties and responsibilities for each team member, if applicable.

Overview of the consultant’s relevant experience in handling assignments of similar scope and complexity.

Composition and qualifications of the team, if applicable. CV of consultant and proposed team members.

Submission of two sample reports from comparable assignments undertaken previously.

Contact information for at least two references from reputable organizations with whom the consultant has collaborated in recent years. Include a description of the assignment, execution dates, organization

name, and contact person details (email and phone).

Financial Proposal:

The consultant will submit a separate financial proposal outlining the costs associated with executing the planned activities, encompassing travel expenses and accommodation (if necessary). The financial proposal must be in US Dollars and cover all relevant expenses.

Your proposal should be sent by email to jobs@somalia.msf.org under the subject line “WASH Consultant _BAIDOA” no later than 6th March 2024.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

(MSF is an equal Employer and does not charge any application/recruitment or training)