Consultancy for the preparation, organizing and reporting a learning workshop of Access to Quality Care through Extending and Strengthening Health Systems at Aga Khan Foundation

Background

Aga Khan Foundation East Africa (AKFEA) is executing a multi country Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (RMNCH) project–Access to Quality Care through Extending and Strengthening Health Systems (AQCESS) in Kenya. The project is funded by the Government of Canada and Aga Khan Foundation Canada. The project aims to improve MNCH outcomes, specifically women of reproductive age, men, girls and boys under the age of five (05). In Kenya, the project is implemented in two counties: Kilifi and Kisii. Implementing agencies are institutional members of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and work in partnership with County and Sub-County governments. The project seeks to accelerate the reduction of maternal and child mortality in targeted regions through focusing on three key components: improved quality of essential RMNCH health services; improved utilization of essential RMNCH services by communities; and improved dissemination and use of RMNCH information and evidence by key stakeholders in target regions.

AKFEA seeks to engage an experienced development professional with extensive project management, evaluation and quality facilitation skills to provide technical inputs and support the design, planning and delivery of an end of project lessons learned workshop for the implementing AKDN agencies, and the diverse AQCESS project stakeholders from the County and subcounty levels including community representatives. AQCESS Kenya team expects to have research imbedded in AQCESS and project end-evaluation completed by end of February 2020. The consultant will review all research and other project documentation, prepare a consolidated summary report and other communications materials, as well as assist with organizing the learning workshop event on March 19th and 20th in Kilifi County and on March 26th - 27th in Kisii County. The final learning workshop report is to be submitted by April 5, 2020.

B: Objectives

• To develop a concise communication brief that captures important findings of the research conducted including baseline, midline, end line and other qualitative research studies, case studies and major lessons learned and success stories around major thematic areas of AQCESS project.
• To design, plan and deliver an end of project learning event.
• To compile a detailed and a summary report of the results of the learning workshop.

C: Scope of Work

The consultant will be engaged to provide technical services for the completion of the following tasks:

• Desk review of available information on AQCESS project including original project proposal, Project Implementation Plan, project measurement framework (PMF) annual reports, gender equality strategy, gender assessment study report, field case study reports, training reports, baseline/midterm and end-evaluation reports (as available) and other relevant documentation that will be provided by the implementing agencies;
• Review findings of studies, evaluations and monitoring (including case studies, success stories, results of FGDs) and compile key findings into communication brief for use in the learning event.
• Develop and design project communication and dissemination material for printing such as summary report.
• Finalize the design of AQCESS learning event program and sessions, using best practice for development program lessons learned based on the guidance provided by AKFC. methodologies.
• Develop a detailed event guide for the AQCESS Project Management team.
• Prepare facilitator notes and guidelines.
• Work with facilitators to prepare session introductory remarks and presentations.
• Conduct a facilitator briefing in Kisii and Kilifi prior to learning events.
• Coordinate facilitator delivery during learning events in English and Swahili where needed.
• Coordinate documentation of lessons learned during learning events.
• Produce an AQCESS Project lessons learned report (one reviewed by AKFEA and AKFC), as per the specifications provided. The contents of which will be used to inform the final donor report, as well as be used for external audiences.
• All materials will be developed in English.

The consultant will work closely with AKFEA, AKFC focal persons and the Global Learning Advisors, and follow the guidelines to be provided in doing the preparation for the workshop. In coordination with AKFEA, the consultant will also work closely with the other implementing AKDN sister agencies including the Aga Khan University and the Aga Khan Health Services Kenya. All deliverables to be reviewed and approved by AKFEA and AKFC (in consultation with the sister AKDN agencies). All materials produced during the consultancy will be treated as AKF (EA)’s property and cannot be used elsewhere without prior approval.

D: Specific Deliverables

The consultant/consultancy firm will meet with a team from AKF (EA) including representatives of the AKDN sister agencies as applicable on a periodic basis to discuss the theme, process, progress, and outcomes during the consultancy contract tenure. Following are the more specific deliverables, which the consultant/consultancy firm must carry out/submit during and at the end of the project:

1. Prepare a workshop guide for structuring of the two-day event and proposals for penal sessions/ presentations / break-out sessions.

2. Facilitate the learning workshops in both implementation sites.

3. Prepare a learning workshop report that captures the key results of the workshop and discussion points and includes recommendations in terms of project processes, achievements, gaps and lessons learned.

Task and Contractor’s Time Requirement

Initial and subsequent communication/discussion with client (AKFEA & AKFC and AKDN sister agencies) by phone/Skype/ in person - 1 day

Development/finalization of work plan

Deliverable 1: A proposed work plan and draft table of contents of final report - 1 day

Desk review of AQCESS project materials and partner organizational structure and materials - 3 days

Produce a communication brief summarizing key achievements of AQCESS project

Deliverable 2: A communication brief - 2 days

Design and planning of AQCESS learning events (remote)

Deliverable 3: Final agenda, session overviews, facilitator guides and notes, event guide, session notes and presentations, participant materials, session materials, additional session materials (photo gallery, video displays, booth guidelines - 4 days

Design and planning of AQCESS learning events

Deliverable 4: Local production of relevant materials, set up of venue, support set up of booths - 3 days

Supporting the delivery of AQCESS learning events

Deliverable 5: Facilitation of meeting and briefing for support Facilitators, collection of lessons learned documents, assessment of learning event (participant feedback) - 4 days

Draft report

Deliverable 6: Draft report as per agreed report structure - 2 days

Final report

Deliverable 7: Final report as per agreed report structure and AKFEA and AKFC feedback - 1 day

Total - Up to 22 working days

E: Timeline of the Consultancy

The time period of this consultancy is from January 22, 2020 to April 5, 2020

F: Payment Plan

The following payment plan is proposed for the assignment:

• 30% of the contract value as advance on signing of the contract.
• 40% of the contract value on submission of first draft of detailed report, summary report and case studies.
• 30% of the contract value on submission of the final report, summary report and case studies.

Withholding tax will be deducted at source.

G: Qualification and Experience

The prospective consultant/firm is expected to demonstrate an appropriate balance of management, technical project management and monitoring and evaluation skills, knowledge of the region, and experience in qualitative and/or mixed method research. The consultant shall also be experienced in workshop planning and application of appropriate tools to facilitate learning and project evaluation with key stakeholders. Consultant/ firm should possess excellent writing skills and analytical skills. Qualifications of key representatives should include:

• At least a Master’s degree in Public Health/Social Sciences Research/ management/communication/organizational development with health/social background and/or Communication with a strong background and experience in organizing and facilitating learning workshop;
• Minimum of 7 years of demonstrated experience in preparing communication materials, organizing and facilitating dissemination and learning events;
• Excellent analytical and report writing skills and verbal communication skills in English;
• Demonstrated experience in designing, planning and facilitating large multi-stakeholder development programme evaluation, learning and reflection events;
• Knowledge and experience of international best practices in documenting lessons learned for development projects, specifically in health programming;
• Experience using gender sensitive and participatory facilitation approaches and methodologies;
• Knowledge of health systems strengthening, gender equality in health and social development, environmental aspects related to health care system, public-private partnership, donor funded development project and key players.
• Outstanding written and interpersonal communications skills in English and Swahili
• Outstanding facilitation skills with large and diverse stakeholders.