Individual consultancy: Provide consultancy services to conduct a quality and cost-effectiveness analysis of various rural sanitation approaches

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UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

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Scope of Work: The water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) needs in Mozambique are significant. The Joint Monitoring Program (JMP) estimates that in 2020, 30 percent of the population was practicing open defecation and 45 percent had access to unimproved sanitation services in rural areas. Access to sanitation demonstrates large inequities with the poorest 20% of the population being 49,5% practicing open defecation against only 2% of the wealthiest 20% of the population (JMP, 2021). Overall, it is estimated that poor sanitation costs Mozambique US$124 million each year (WSP, 2012). Achieving the SDG Target 6.2 by 2030 in Mozambique will then require significant efforts and investments from the Government of Mozambique (GoM) and partners. To accelerate results towards the achievement of the SDGs, the GoM recently approved the National Rural Sanitation Strategy (2021-2030) which aims at eliminating open defecation and achieving universal access to basic sanitation by 2030 using Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) as the core approach. Since 2009, the GoM implements CLTS through the so-called ‘Community Participation and Education’ (PEC) mechanisms with technical and financial support from UNICEF and other partners. Under the UNICEF WASH supported Programme, PEC service providers are recruited through the GoM procurement mechanisms and contracts are being held and managed by provincial (DPOP) while payments are being made against results. While this approach has proven to be efficient with more than 2000 communities ODF-certified over the past 5 years through the UNICEF supported program, some limitations have also been experienced such as limited ownership of district authorities, sustainability of results, scalability issues, as well as cost-effectiveness questions. To address those issues, UNICEF piloted some alternative approaches since 2018 including:

  • Decentralised PEC. Introduced in 2019 in Zambezia and Nampula, decentralized PEC contracts are being held by district authorities (SDPI) with an objective to allow for greater ownership. This approach is currently being implemented in 7 districts across the two provinces mentioned above (Milange, Molumbo, Lugela, Pebane, Ribaue, Monapo, and Nacala-a-Velha).
  • District Driven Team (DDT). Introduced in 2018, this approach is currently being used in 9 districts in Manica, Zambezia, and Nampula provinces (Monapo, Ribaue, Nacala Velha, Gurue, Mulevala, Namacurra, Guro, Macossa, and Manica districts). District staff across departments are responsible for triggering, follow-up, and ODF-certification while sub-district extension workers are responsible for regular monitoring. SDPI are responsible for financial management. So far, 214 ODF communities have been ODF-certified with this approach in Zambezia, 343 in Nampula, and 20 in Manica.
  • District Sanitation Fund (DSF). Introduced in 2019 in Zambezia province, this approach is currently operational in 6 districts (Quelimane, Nicoadala, Mocuba, Luabo, Inhassunge, Chinde). This model works with the same modalities as DDT mentioned above but with a more limited scale and budget. Funds are being transferred to DPOPs which then transfer funds to the selected SDPIs. So far, 81 ODF communities have been delivered through DSF in Zambezia province.

Those approaches, while implemented at a very limited scale and despite some challenges mostly related to limited government capacities as well as staff shifting and conflict of priorities, have allowed to achieve a significant number of ODF-certification at community level with very limited investments. Accordingly, UNICEF MCO, in collaboration with the GoM, is looking to hire services of an individual consultant to generate evidence on the cost effectiveness of the different implementation approaches through the analysis of existing data as well as field visits to selected districts. This will ultimately inform the operationalisation of the newly adopted National Rural Sanitation Strategy and will guide UNICEF MCO as well as other key sanitation stakeholders in determining which of the implementation modalities can provide the most cost-effective solutions at scale. Objectives and Expected Results The main goal of the analysis is to generate substantive evidence on the cost effectiveness of the different implementation approaches through the analysis of existing data and use them to influence the approach to rural sanitation within the recently signed cooperation Programme between UNICEF and the Government of Mozambique, as well as to influence other key sanitation stakeholders’ strategies. More specifically, the specific objectives of this analysis are to: • Support evidence-based decision making. Identify strengths and weaknesses of the different approaches used and determine any programmatic adjustments needed to make investments more effective towards the achievement of ODF-Mozambique and universal access in 2030 through cost-effective and sustainable CLTS implementation (i.e. adjustment, cessation, continuation or scaling up of current approaches). • Promote accountability. Provide evidence to UNICEF and partners on the performance around the implementation of CLTS using different approaches. • Contribute to learning in the Sanitation sector. Contribute to the national, regional, and global knowledge with additional learnings from Mozambique. Description of the Assignment Research Questions Under the supervision of the Sanitation Manager, the consultant will be responsible to undertake an in-depth analysis to answer research questions on Efficiency, effectiveness, and affordability. Key questions include: What were the incremental costs of the different approaches implemented? What was the cost-efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the different approaches? What are the main cost drivers for the different approaches? Are the implementation strategies cost-effective and how could they be improved? Is the level of achievement of outputs and outcomes related to the eradication of open defecation satisfactory when compared to the level of financial and human resources mobilized? Have the interventions been designed and managed in a way that aimed to reduce unit costs (without compromising on quality and sustainability of results)? Has there been any significant delays in programme implementation and achievement of results that have a clear impact in costs, and if so, why? To answer the above-mentioned core questions, the consultant will also need to address supplementary questions on quality and relevance as well as on sustainability. • Quality and relevance: What are the roles and responsibilities of the different actors involved in CLTS into the different approaches, and how these different set-ups affect CLTS implementation? Were the various activities well designed to achieve the targeted outputs and logically lead to the achievement of the intended outcomes related to the eradication of open defecation and handwashing practices? How could UNICEF adjust its strategy and programming in the sector to better target its contribution to the WASH SDGs? What are the factors affecting the pace and quality of implementation and how can these be mitigated? • Sustainability: What are the technical, financial, institutional, environmental, and social factors that enabled or constrained the sustainability of ODF? How have these different approaches contributed to capacity building within Government entities? Are there any elements in the approaches design and implementation arrangements that could be improved to enhance sustainability of the outcomes? Key data sources and data collection methods The consultant is expected to employ quantitative and qualitative methods using a combination of tools for data collection and analysis. The following outlines some key methodological requirements for the proposed study. On this basis, a more detailed methodology will be proposed by bidders in their technical proposal and finalised in collaboration with UNICEF and DNASS during the inception phase. The key data sources and data collection method that may come in use include the following:

  • Desk review of secondary data/documents: UNICEF and partners will make available any relevant documents such as contracts, workplans and budgets, financial reports, etc.
  • Key informants’ interviews and focus group discussions. The consultant is expected to undertake key informant interviews with UNICEF WASH Programme staff, line ministries representatives at national and local level, as well as PEC service providers. Focus group discussions with some beneficiaries could also be undertaken to assess the quality of the work at community level.
  • Field visits to a representative sample of districts where the different approaches have been implemented. While the UNICEF Sanitation Program is currently being implemented in more than 30 districts in 6 provinces throughout the country, it is proposed to conduct in-depth analysis and field visits only in a restricted sample covering the different implementation modalities to ensure findings are representative. At this stage, it is proposed to conduct in-depth analysis in 10 districts across 5 provinces, namely Tete (Marara), Manica (Gurue and Mossurize), Sofala (Gorongosa and Chibabava), Zambezia (Nicoadala, Quelimane, Molumbo, and Gurue), and Nampula province (Ribaue). The proposed list will be reviewed and finalised during the inception phase in collaboration with UNICEF and DNASS.
  • Triangulation of methods and data is required, preferably through the analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data. Tasks The broader tasks of the Consultant would be following, but not limited to: Inception Phase
  • Conduct induction meetings with UNICEF and DNASS to agree on the research methodology and list of stakeholders to be consulted during the consultation process.
  • Develop the inception report under UNICEF and DNASS guidance including detailed work-plan and methodology, detailed research questions, etc.
  • Conduct a desk-study based on relevant documents provided by UNICEF, such as contract, workplans, budgets, financial report, and results obtained. The analysis on costs and results is expected to take place before the primary data collection. ➢ Deliverable: Inception Report Primary data collection Phase
  • Visit selected provinces and districts and conduct key stakeholder interviews and focus group discussions with relevant stakeholders. ➢ Deliverable: Data collection report Validation Phase
  • Draft a report based on the desk review findings as well as primary data collection.
  • Facilitate a workshop at national level with critical stakeholders to ensure buy-in. Costs associated to this workshop will be covered by UNICEF and do not need to be included in the financial proposal.
  • Finalise the report based on comments received from UNICEF and stakeholders involved in the workshop.
  • Draft a 2-pager learning note to be widely shared at national level. ➢ Deliverables: PPT for the workshop, workshop report, final report, and 2-pager learning note. Deliverables, timelines, and payment schedule The total duration of this assignment is a maximum of 4 months with an estimated 40 working-days. All deliverables are to be drafted in Portuguese expect for the learning note which will be made available in English and Portuguese. Executive summary of the final report should be in both English and Portuguese.

Deliverables Timeline Schedule of Payment

Deliverable 1: Inception Report approved by UNICEF and DNASS with a clear workplan and detailed methodology both for the field work and data analysis

Timeline: 1 month after signature of the contract (5 days required)

Schedule of Payment: 20%

Deliverable 2: Data collection Report

Timeline: 3 months after signature of the contract (25 days required)

Schedule of Payment: 30%

Deliverable 3: PPT for the workshop highlighting the methodology, key findings, and key recommendations

Deliverable 4: Short workshop report (10 pages maximum) highlighting the key comments from participants

Deliverable 5: Final report including detailed data analysis as well as key recommendations to UNICEF and partners to ensure achievement of the ambition sets out in the National Rural Sanitation Strategy

Deliverable 6: 2-pager learning note summarising key findings from the study and recommendations

Timeline: 4 months after signature of the contract (10 working days required)

Schedule of Payment: 50%

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

UNICEF is looking for an individual consultant to perform this assignment (ideally a team with a team leader and a national expert with a track record of substantial sanitation expertise that includes WASH-related policy and strategy development based on complex sector and policy analyses). Consultant based within and outside Mozambique are welcome to apply. Some part of the assignment can be done remotely but at least one mission in Mozambique is required. Gender balance in the team is desired. The team leader (national or international) must demonstrate the following:

• Must hold a postgraduate qualification, at least master’s degree, in one or more of the disciplines relevant to the following areas: development studies, WASH or sanitation and hygiene, public health, or economics and social sciences;

• Minimum 10 years of relevant work experience in developing countries;

• Sound understanding of sanitation issues, policies and stakeholders in Mozambique;

• Have demonstrated prior experience of conducting cost-effectiveness analysis;

• Experience working with/in UNICEF, the UN or other international development organizations is an asset;

• Excellent communication and facilitation skills, especially in facilitating key informant interviews, and workshops with various groups of stakeholders;

• Demonstrated technical report writing skills.

• Fluency in written and oral English and Portuguese (mandatory);

• Sensitivity to cultural and political issues.

• Integrity and respect to all stakeholders;

• Experience working with/in UNICEF. The national expert must demonstrate the following:

• Must hold a postgraduate qualification in one or more of the disciplines relevant to the following areas: development studies, WASH or sanitation and hygiene, or economics and social sciences or equivalent work experience in addition to the experience listed below

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in the sanitation and hygiene sub-sector in Mozambique;

• Sound understanding of sanitation issues, policies and stakeholders in Mozambique;

• Fluency in Portuguese and local languages;

• Good facilitation and communication skills.

Evaluation process and methods:

• Technical Proposal: The consultant is expected to provide a technical proposal detailing his understanding of the context and assignment, proposed methodology and timeline, expected challenges and mitigation measures, references for similar assignments, examples of sample reports from similar assignments (co)authored by the proposed consultant, and detailed CV(s). The proposal should not exceed 15 pages.

• Financial Proposal: The financial proposal will be all-inclusive and will provide a detailed budget covering consultant fees, travel and subsistence costs, and other expenses to be incurred for this assignment. Note that UNICEF will cover the workshop costs, and this should not be included in the financial proposal.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA).

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unicef.org

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