CONSULTANCY TO CONDUCT BASELINE SURVEY
Christoffel Blinden Mission(CBM)
Christoffel Blinden Mission (CBM) International is an International Christian Development Organization, committed to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities in the poorest countries of the world. CBM provides grants sourced from private and institutional donors to local partners, who subsequently implement the grants on the basis of contracts signed with CBM detailing implementation, accounting, and reporting standards. In this set-up, CBM Country Offices (CO) perform control and monitoring procedures aimed at partner projects; control reports from implementing partners to CBM, including comparison with original source documents, project contract and cost plans; and ensure compliance with organizational and statutory requirements.
Terms of Reference for Baseline Survey
1. Baseline Survey Summary
Program/Project,Project Number
Bridging the Gaps: Strengthening mental health support for children and young people (P4017-UKCR-MYP)
Partner Organisation
Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI)
Project start and end dates,Phase of project
July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2025
Baseline Survey Purpose
Ascertain the existing situation with youth and child appropriate approaches for delivery of mental healthcare and education-based interventions, suicide prevention, and use of technology for therapeutic purposes before the project intervention starts, and to utilise the information to confirm the pre-determined set of project indicators and benchmarks by which the intended change can be measured.
Commissioning organisation/contact person
CBM Nigeria Country Office / Bright Ekweremadu, Country Director
Baseline Survey Team members (if known)
To be determined
Primary Methodology
Mixed Method (Quantitative and qualitative)
Proposed Start and End Dates
June 25, 2021 – August 12, 2021
Anticipated Baseline Survey Report Release Date
16 August 2021
2. Background of Project
CBM is working with Mentally Aware Nigeria (MANI) to deliver a Comic Relief funded Bridging the Gaps project which seeks to improve mental well-being for young people with mental and psychosocial challenges in Nigeria by building the capacity of MANI, a user-led organisation, as well as working directly with young people (face-to-face in Lagos and Imo States and the Federal Capital Territory, and online nationwide). Through the implementation of the project, CBM and MANI hope to see remarkable improvement in the mental well-being of young people in Nigeria by reducing stigma, improving mental health literacy at all levels and improving access to mental health services.
Impact:
Improved mental well-being for young people with mental and psychosocial disabilities in Lagos and Imo States, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Outcomes:
- MANI’s organizational capacity to implement mental health projects throughout Nigeria is strengthened.
- Student Advocacy Networks (STANS) for mental health are established in 4 Universities.
- Reduced stigma and improved attitudes and help-seeking and help-giving behaviors surrounding mental health amongst students and their support networks in the states.
- Children and young people with mental and psychosocial disabilities in 3 states of Nigeria experience reduced stigma and discrimination, increased understanding and support, and improved access to mental health services.
Context
Young people face new pressures based on rapid changes in society, including social media, cyberbullying, body image issues and rising unemployment. The education system over-emphasises exams and under-prioritises student wellbeing. Many university students also face the culture shock of rural-urban relocation, being far from home. Students from low-income homes worry about how to feed and clothe themselves whilst bearing immense pressure to graduate and get a good job to ease the family’s financial burdens. In Nigeria, most universities lack mental health support programmes and promotion activities. Statistics show a growing number of mental health challenges amongst young people, and suicide has been identified as one of the most common causes of death in this age group.
Culturally, young people do not have a voice in Nigeria and are often dependent on their parents into their late 20s. Due to the overwhelming prevalence of mental health stigma and poor mental health literacy, many young people feel unable to share their struggles with their parents (or other adults) for fear of either having their concerns dismissed as nothing (not real health issues), or suffering the consequences of stigma and misunderstanding (e.g. sent to prayer houses).
Existing mental health services are not accessible to young people because they are limited (Nigeria has around one psychiatrist per million people), require money, transport and/or approval from parents, and due to stigma from themselves, family, peers, schools and communities. Without a reliable community to turn to, or access to crisis support and other mental health services, young people often resort to substance abuse (a rising epidemic in Nigeria), and other unhealthy behaviours. Also, there has been a recent spike in reported suicides among students and Nigeria has the 7th highest suicide rate (overall) in Africa, yet attempting suicide is still a criminal offence, illustrating the prevailing and institutionalised levels of stigma and discrimination.
Despite MH challenges being most prevalent amongst adolescents and young adults, they are the least likely group to seek help or access professional care. Untreated mental disorders are associated with functional impairments, poorer education and employment opportunities, unhealthy behaviours and complications (including drug and alcohol dependence), and a greater risk for antisocial behaviour. This creates a significant burden for the young person, their family and friends, and society as a whole.
78% of people screened by MANI in 2018 identified as students. This project has been designed based on their experiences, and on survey feedback and interviews with students. The team of MANI volunteers who designed this project are students and recent graduates.
Young people’s mental well-being will improve in Nigeria by reducing stigma and improving access to mental health (MH) services. We’ll strengthen the capacity of MANI, a user-led MH organisation, to create Student MH Advocacy Networks to improve MH literacy in universities, schools & communities & develop a digital crisis intervention platform.
Young people (aged 6-25) experiencing mental health (MH) challenges across Nigeria, and particularly in the catchment areas of 4 universities in 3 states, will benefit from this project. The core group will be university students, who will conduct outreach activities in primary and secondary schools and communities.
The target states will be determined during the first year, after further research and stakeholder meetings. We aim to include one university in each of the South East, North, and South West regions to facilitate learning about what works in each context. In addition to strong links in other states, our partner, Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI) is well-established in Lagos State, and so, the first two universities are likely to be there.
3. Baseline Survey Objectives
The broad objective of the baseline survey is to ascertain the existing situation with youth and child appropriate approaches for delivery of mental healthcare and education-based interventions, suicide prevention, and use of technology for therapeutic purposes before the project intervention starts, and to utilise the information to confirm the pre-determined set of project indicators and benchmarks by which the intended change can be measured. More specifically, the objectives of the baseline survey will be:
- To assess the feasibility and acceptability of the proposed intervention in the target states (Lagos and Imo States, and the FCT) given the prevailing economic, political and social environment in the targeted states.
- To assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of the general population towards children and young adults with mental health conditions, aged 6-25 years in Nigeria This should cover an assessment of stigma and discrimination, and awareness of referral rates in the survey states (Lagos and Imo States, and the FCT).
- To assess the existing situation in terms of access of children and young adults to mental healthcare, education-based interventions, suicide prevention support services, and use of technology for therapeutic purposes in the survey states (Lagos and Imo States, and the FCT).
- Assess the extent of validity of identified universities and schools for the Bridging the Gaps project in terms of relevance, effectiveness and sustainability of project outcomes and make recommendations based on findings from the survey. This should focus on identifying universities that have resource and leadership and staff willingness to participate in the project, and assessing their awareness of issues and their current policy and practice in reference to mental health issues.
4. Detail the scope of the baseline survey:
The scope of the baseline survey should assess the feasibility and acceptability of the proposed intervention within the context of prevailing socio-economic and political climate in the project target states, and establish baseline data for the project about what is existent and what is not in terms of capacity and resources of MANI and partner universities to deliver the project and achieve the desired project outcomes. The baseline survey will be conducted in three (3) locations – Lagos State, Imo State and the FCT over seven (7) weeks – from 25th June to 12th August 2021. An external consultant is required to lead on the implementation of the baseline survey.
Cross-cutting issues to consider while conducting the baseline survey are disability inclusion, gender mainstreaming, and safeguarding. See the key questions/areas of the cross-cutting issues (but not limited to) to consider tabulated below.
CROSS CUTTING ISSUES TO CONSIDER
Disability Inclusion
The survey shall
· Ensure that baseline data collected should be disaggregated by disability.
· Assess how project beneficiaries, especially children and youth with lived experience of mental illness will be identified and reached with services.
· Assess how persons with other forms of disabilities will participate in the project services.
Gender
· The study shall consider gender aspects of the project and report on the likelihood of equal participation of women, men, boys and girls, especially those with psychosocial disabilities in the project.
· The study shall ensure that data collected should be disaggregated according to sex (gender) and age (and as mentioned before, disability).
Safeguarding
The study shall assess of the extent that safeguarding mechanisms for the project have been put in place, and how practical it is to implement them. This concerns children and adults at risk. The study should be able to establish the potential risks associated with safeguarding this vulnerable group in the target area, and will show how and whether they will be protected from abuse, and prevented from practices harmful to their health and development in the course of project implementation.
5. Intended Use of the Baseline Survey:
This study is being carried out as part of the project requirements. Findings from the baseline survey will be used for the following:
- Planning of the project interventions so as to ensure the effectiveness and impact of the project in the target locations.
- Stakeholder engagement so as to ensure ownership and sustainability of the project.
- To determine the outcome targets for specific project indicators.
- To provide baseline data against which project progress and final evaluation will be measured.
- To serve as reference document for future programme development purposes.
- To guide CBM in determining areas of needs for MANI’s capacity strengthening.
6. Methodology
The survey process will take a participatory approach by involvement of programme stakeholders. CBM and partner (MANI) staff will play a strong role in the baseline survey process.
The consultant will develop the survey methodology in the framework of the available survey budget in collaboration with CBM and MANI’s representative. He/she is expected to submit a brief inception report where a survey methodology should be proposed. The survey must meet the principles of being inclusive, participative and interactive, involving both male and female beneficiaries (youth and children aged 6-25 years with lived experience, as well as other people with psychosocial disabilities). As a minimum, the baseline survey process should include the following key steps:
· It is highly anticipated that the consultant will take up both quantitative and qualitative methods for the baseline survey. The consultant will be required to use participatory tools and techniques for data collection, which may include but not be limited to in-depth interview, key informant interview, focus group discussion, survey questionnaires (KAP questions), etc.
Comprehensive desk review of all relevant documents i.e. review of related literature, books, records, reports and related government policy papers as deemed important. While we are suggesting these, we expect the consultant to develop the most appropriate methodology for the survey, which they will share with CBM and MANI prior to field data collection.
· The consultant will interact with both CBM staff, MANI staff and volunteers, and other potential stakeholders (e.g. education authorities, young people with lived experience of mental illness, etc.) on a sample basis, which the consultant will include in their study methodology that they will share with CBM and MANI.
· The consultant will have to fully engage our primary participants and stakeholders (i.e. young people aged 6-25 years who have lived experience of mental illness and their family members, school teachers, etc.) who as our core constituencies play the most significant role in the development process.
· Data collection tools and detailed methods as well as roles of the survey team members shall be consulted and agreed with MANI and CBM. Data collection instruments and detailed methodology will be included in the inception report which will be reviewed and approved by CBM and MANI.
Do-No-Harm, Safeguarding and Data Security:
Regarding safeguarding, confidentiality and data protection, the consultant must take all reasonable steps to ensure that the respondent is not adversely affected by taking part in the evaluation. He/she must ensure that informed consent is given according to CBM’s requirements for all interviews; must keep responses confidential at all times and must not do anything with interview responses that they are not informed about at the time. Also, particular care must be taken with children, young people and vulnerable adults. Permission must be granted from a parent or an officially designated caregiver for interviews with children aged under 18yrs, and CBM’s child safeguarding policy should be applied in all circumstances. The safeguarding code of conduct should be signed prior to commencement of the work.
Following data collection and analysis, the consultant will share preliminary findings with CBM and MANI. This shall be achieved through virtual debrief sessions CBM and MANI. The sharing of preliminary findings is an opportunity for the stakeholders to hear what the survey has found and to be involved in thinking through recommendations. It should include constructive discussions around the key issues identified by the baseline survey.
7. Limitations
Civil unrests, political instability (state-level bye-elections), insurgencies, banditry, kidnappings and armed herders’ attacks are currently being experienced around the country. These have potential of posing challenges to any form of human activity in the proposed survey locations.
Also, COVID-19 pandemic and government restrictions can likely limit movement of people, and mass gathering (number of people gathering at a time). As much as possible, it is recommended that government’s guidelines for the prevention of spread of the virus be adhered to.
While it is recognized the impact that these limitations could have on the baseline study (e.g. could lead to extension of the consultancy), it is recommended that the risks be assessed and monitored to ensure effective management of the occurrence of the risks.
8. Required Expertise of the Consultant
The baseline survey will be conducted by an independent consultant who will work in close collaboration with CBM Nigeria Country Office and MANI.
The consultant must have multi-disciplinary expertise with a key background and expertise in public health, monitoring and evaluation (especially in conducting baseline surveys), knowledge and experience in youth engagement, mental health programming and disability inclusion.
Persons with disability must be involved in conducting the baseline survey to best assess the extent of inclusion of the proposed project components.
The consultant will be selected based on the following criteria:
ü Seven (7) to 10 years’ proven experience in programme design, implementation and evaluation with five (5) of those years in conducting baseline survey for programmes of similar size and topic
ü Advanced degree/MSc degree/ in public health or International Development, or other relevant fields
ü Strong background in mental health programming as well as in inclusive development is desirable
ü Knowledge and practical experience in working with health and / or development programmes
ü Proven senior-level evaluation experience (at least 5 years) including knowledge of study methodology
ü Ability to draw practical conclusions and to prepare well‐written reports in a timely manner and availability during the proposed period
ü Ability to provide strategic recommendations to key stakeholders
ü Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including ability to facilitate and work in a multidisciplinary team
ü Analytical skills proven through submission of a past baseline survey report
ü Knowledge of disability inclusive practices in studies is an added advantage
ü References to include clients and other team members
MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
9. commissioning responsibility
CBM is responsible for commissioning the baseline survey and provide guidance and institutional support to the external consultant.
CBM Nigeria CO will be responsible for planning and managing the survey and checking that quality standards are met, ensuring the survey conclusions and recommendations are communicated effectively.
The survey team will be identified and approved by CBM jointly with MANI.
CBM CO Nigeria is responsible for the contract and payments.
A joint approval of the final report will be done by CBM and MANI. The final instalment of consultant’s fees will be disbursed following sign off of the final report by CBM. See disbursement plan below.
10. Logistics and coordination
COORDINATION AND LOGISTICS
CBM Nigeria Country office has responsibility for:
· Overall coordination of survey process
· Recruitment of consultant
· Work with MANI to agree on inception report, data collection tools, consultants and survey process and schedule
· Gathering documents and data for evaluator in collaboration with MANI
· Organising post-survey debriefing with the consultant, including MANI in the process
· Organising communication of results of the survey
· Support MANI in developing a management response/action plan based on evaluation recommendations
MANI have responsibility for:
· Working with the Country Office to organise meeting schedule for survey team
· Identifying “neutral” and accessible locations for interviews/ meetings to take place (where people will feel free to speak as openly as possible)
· Organising for interviews with respondents according to the consultant’s requests/methodology
· Organising for interviews with the stakeholders according to the consultant’s requests/methodology
· Provision of guidance on security and safety at the survey sites**
Consultant have responsibility for:
· Professional and ethical conduct of the entire survey following the do-no-harm principles and adhering to CBM safeguarding policies
· Ensuring participatory and inclusive methodology
· Delivery of the following products (according to agreed schedule):
(i) An Inception report
(ii) Detailed work plan and baseline survey tools
(iii) A final baseline report using CBM survey report template
(iv) Data sets for all collected data (quantitative and qualitative)
(v) All data collection tools that have been used together with a summarized analysis of the data
(vi) Submission of consent forms where applicable.
(vii) Separate list of persons interviewed, or group discussions conducted, ensuring that personal data is processed in a safe manner
(viii) Actual evaluation schedule/agenda indicating actual working time covered
(ix) A PowerPoint presentation or similar, summarizing the key finding from the baseline survey for presentation in a final workshop with MANI and CBM
(x) Depending on defined needs for target schools/ communities, an accessible and easy to understand presentation of the findings and recommendations for the stakeholders
INCEPTION REPORT
An inception report is expected from the consultant after the literature review and submitted before the inception briefing to inform discussions. The purpose of this report is to ensure that the consultant covers the most crucial elements of the exercise including the appropriateness and robust methodology to be employed. The inception report provides CBM, MANI and the survey team with an opportunity to verify that they share the same understanding about the baseline survey and clarify any misunderstanding at the outset. The report should reflect the survey team’s review of literature and the gaps that the field work will fill. It will also provide a detailed schedule for the survey exercise on location.
The inception report shall follow the suggestions of the CBM Inception Report Template and can be amended as needed.
BASELINE SURVEY REPORT
A draft survey report must be submitted to CBM Country Office at the agreed date. The draft survey report will be circulated by CBM Country office to key stakeholders (MANI) for review and feedback. Feedback shall be provided within 2 weeks of receipt of the draft survey report.
The survey should be prepared using the CBM survey template in Appendix 1. It shall comply as much as possible with accessibility criteria – CBM will provide guidance on that.
The final report of the baseline survey must be submitted to CBM after review and incorporation of the various comments made at the agreed date. The main aim of the report is not only to feedback on this program, but to improve on the quality of MANI’s and CBM’s work.
The baseline survey report is an exclusive property of CBM and should not be released without prior authorization to any other party. The final report will be available through CBM as well as being specifically circulated (by CBM) to the stakeholders including MANI who will be able to use the baseline survey report freely.
DATA SETS
After final approval and payment of the baseline survey report, the consultant has to ensure that no personal data from the interviews etc. is available to a third party. This might include the handing over of such data to the CBM CO for storage. Electronic data have to be deleted entirely from the computers of all consultants or their associates involved in this survey.
11. Duration and Phasing
11.1 Proposed Time Frame
The proposed time-frame for this baseline survey is 25th June to 12th August 2021.**
11.2 Duration of Activities
The duration of the baseline survey exercise shall be 22 working days from a mutually agreed date. The survey will follow the key phases:
Phase I – Desk study: Review of documentation, elaboration of inception report, and development of baseline survey tools [9 days]
The consultant will review relevant documentation. Based on this review, he/she will produce an inception report which will include a survey plan, methodology and sampling strategy of the data collection for study. An inception briefing with CBM Nigeria CO and MANI will be held.
Phase II: Field Data Collection (14 days)
This phase of the baseline survey will seek to collect primary data from respondents. The survey team will use the agreed plan, methodology and sampling strategy to conduct the field work.
Phase III – Data analysis and production of baseline survey report [26 days]
The survey team will draw out key issues in relation to the study objectives and produce a comprehensive report.
- COSTS AND PAYMENTS
12.1 SCHEDULE OF PAYMENT
· Signing Contract: First advance of 10%
· Submission and approval of inception report and data collection instruments: Second advance of 30%
· Approval of all deliverables as stated above to CBM: Final payment following receipt of invoice from consultant 60%.
12.2 MODE OF PAYMENT
Payments for this work will be made via bank transfers.
Appendix 1: Stakeholder Analysis for Baseline Survey.
You could use a matrix like this to examine stakeholders involved in the project, and determine whether and how they could contribute to the baseline survey, through interviews, surveys and meetings.
Please list all current and potential external and internal stakeholders including beneficiaries that contribute or influence the success of the proposed project(s)[1] for which the baseline survey is conducted.
Stakeholders
What is their interest and contribution in the proposed project?
What is their power and influence in the project (1-5 rating, 1=low, 5=high)
Will the project involve / these stakeholders in the survey? How?
Primary Stakeholders
e.g. Women and men with disabilities
e.g. Girls and boys with disabilities
Secondary stakeholders
e.g. Mothers, fathers, care givers
e.g. Volunteers
e.g. Local Government
e.g. Board of partner organisation
e.g. Central Government
e.g. Community
e.g. NGOs
e.g. Project staff
e.g. CBM staff
How to apply
Qualified consultant should submit via email:
· A cover letter indicating interest
· Curriculum Vitae of the expert/s
· A short summary of your understanding of the TOR
· A technical offer, which must include detailed suggestions on the baseline survey approach/methods, the plan and the timeframe
· A financial offer, including daily professional fees for each consultant, any other costs related to the baseline survey, including travel cost, insurance etc. The consultant will be responsible for his/her travel cost, insurance etc.
· A statement of availability of all team members during the suggested time frame – CBM may terminate the contract in case the suggested expert is unavailable after signature of the contract and if no adequate consultant with the same expertise can be nominated and agreed with CBM and the partners
The information should be sent to [email protected] titled “Statement of Interest: Bridging the Gaps Baseline Survey Consultant” in the subject line. The deadline for applications is 13th June 2021.
· The consultant adheres to CBM’s Code of Conduct and commits to CBM’s Child Safeguarding Policy.
· The consultant also commits to highest standards of data security.
· Related statements of the above have to be signed together with the contract.
· CBM is an equal opportunities employer, and particularly encourages qualified women and people living with disability to apply.
Selection criteria
Regarding the selection criteria, the technical and financial proposals will account for 70% and 30%, respectively. The main criterions of the technical proposal are: survey methodology (25%), team composition/key personnel (20%), professional experience (15%), experience relevant to this baseline survey (10%).
If you have any questions about the terms of reference, please send your queries to [email protected].
