Research Partner - Qualitative Research at Viamo

• The research partner will provide qualitative feedback on the US experiments to inform iteration and refinement of the features and initiatives being tested, and also provide additional information to complement an impact evaluation (under a separate RFP) which will be conducted following the FP experiments.

Activities

• Identification of gaps in Viamo’s quantitative dashboard data.
• Design of follow-up qualitative instruments.
• Field team training and piloting of qualitative instruments.
• Implementation of follow-up qualitative research.
• Agile synthesis, analysis and initial reporting of qualitative findings.
• Final synthesis and reporting.

Qualitative Research Approach

• Engagement with users through phone-based and in-person In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) will be conducted to collect qualitative data. This will help explain quantitative trends identified from dashboard engagement data, including reasons for fall-off behavior and attitudes/opinions about content and enhancements.

Deliverables

• Qualitative feedback framework and workplan
• Qualitative instruments finalized
• UX Qualitative assessment report deck (live document, to be updated as experiments are completed and feedback gathered)
• Translated interview transcripts, notes, and insights generation in Dovetail.

Content of the offer

Technical offer

• Applicants should provide a technical narrative proposal outlining their proposed approach, key personnel, tools, methodologies, and data analysis techniques for feedback to the Viamo team conducting the experiments. Please note the evaluation criteria outlined below.
• The technical proposal should envision feedback from small, representative groups of Viamo Platform users for 15 platform experiments, conducted in Uganda, Mali and Nigeria.
• Viamo will accept applications from individuals or companies and in both cases would need to see clearly how data will be collected, and by whom.

Financial offer

• Budgets should be presented to cover a period of six months, and should be submitted in USD.

Administrative documents

• Bank details, tax clearance card ( / fiscal card / tax identification number). Or, evidence that the individual or the firm is duly registered and up to date with obligations with local tax authorities.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated against the following criteria.

• Expertise and Experience
  • Relevance of the proposing organization's experience in qualitative research, UX evaluation, and similar international development or health-related projects.
  • Past experience working with under-connected populations, in particular women and girls or conducting research in Mali, Nigeria, and Uganda.
  • Experience in topics around gender, inclusion and family planning.
• Methodology
  • Soundness and clarity of the proposed methodology for conducting qualitative follow-up research and UX evaluation.
• Technical Competence
  • Demonstrated familiarity with relevant tools and data analysis techniques.
  • Evidence of technical capabilities in handling project requirements.
• Innovation and Adaptability
  • Creativity and innovation in proposing qualitative instruments and approaches for engaging with users.
  • Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing circumstances and provide agile synthesis and analysis.
• Team Qualifications
  • Qualifications and expertise of the proposed project team members, including relevant educational background and professional experience.
  • Evidence of the team's ability to collaborate effectively with Viamo and other stakeholders.
• Budget Appropriateness
  • Relevance and reasonableness of the proposed budget in relation to the scope of work and deliverables.
• Timeline Management
  • Feasibility and realism of the proposed timeline in completing the scope of work within the specified timeframe.
• Alignment with Objectives
  • Clear alignment of the proposed approach with the primary objective of supporting platform experiments through qualitative research.
  • Demonstration of understanding of Viamo's goals and the BMGF's Digital Connectivity Learning Agenda.
• Communication Skills
  • Quality and clarity of written communication in the proposal.
  • Ability to articulate complex concepts and methodologies in a clear and accessible manner.
• References and Past Performance
  • Positive references and testimonials from previous clients or partners.
  • Evidence of successful completion of similar projects, including testimonials or case studies.
• Ethical Considerations
  • Demonstrated commitment to ethical research practices, including confidentiality and data security.
  • Adherence to ethical guidelines and standards in the field of qualitative research - including IRB approvals as necessary.
• Inclusion and Diversity
  • Strategies proposed to ensure inclusivity and diversity in the research process, particularly in engaging with women and girls in under-connected populations using the Viamo platform.
  • Evidence of commitment to gender equality and diversity.
• Cost-Effectiveness
  • Cost-effectiveness of the proposed budget in relation to the anticipated outcomes and impact.
  • Any innovative or cost-saving measures proposed by the organization.