Terms of Reference (TOR)
Development of National Comprehensive Community Led Advocacy and Research (CLAR) Capacity Building Guide

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR A CONSULTANT TO DEVELOP A NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY LED ADVOCACY AND RESEARCH (CLAR) CAPACITY BUILDING GUIDE FOCUSED ON HIV, TB, MALARIA, AND PUBLIC HEALTH SURVEILLANCE FOR CSOs AND COMMUNITIES.

Community System Strengthening
27/11/2024

1. BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

• DAPP-Zambia is a local Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) focused on improving health, livelihoods, and education in Zambia.
• From June 2024 to December 2026, DAPP, with support from Churches Health Association of Zambia (CHAZ) and funding from the Global Fund, will implement a three-year program to reduce malaria incidences and mortality through Community System Strengthening.
• The program aims to mobilize communities to engage and improve health services related to HIV, TB, and malaria, as well as contribute to disease surveillance efforts.

HIV

• Zambia is facing a widespread HIV and AIDS epidemic, with approximately 1.25 million people living with HIV.
• HIV prevalence decreased from 15.6% in 2002 to 11% in 2021. However, 28,000 new infections still occur annually, with 17,000 AIDS-related deaths.
• Adolescents, particularly girls, are disproportionately affected, and further interventions are required to curb new infections.

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Zambia is ranked 21st among the 30 high TB burden countries.
• In 2020, Zambia reported 40,000 new and relapse TB cases, with a treatment coverage of 68%.
• Many TB cases go undetected due to low awareness, poor diagnostic tools, and weak coordination.

Malaria

• Zambia remains a high-burden malaria country, with 7,050,968 malaria cases reported in 2021.
• Malaria prevalence varies widely, from 63% in Luapula Province to 3% in Lusaka and Southern Provinces.
• Efforts to control malaria include the distribution of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and the provision of diagnostic and treatment services.

Public Health Surveillance

• Public health surveillance involves the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of health data to inform decision-making and prevent public health emergencies.
• It enables monitoring and evaluation of interventions and helps track progress toward health goals.

Introduction to Community-Led Monitoring (CLM)

• CLM refers to models where service users and local communities collect, analyze, and use service-related data to improve healthcare services and hold providers accountable.
• CLM is instrumental in addressing health inequalities, improving service delivery, and reducing the burden of diseases such as HIV, TB, and malaria.

2. OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT

• To develop a national comprehensive Community Led Advocacy and Research (CLAR) capacity building guide focused on HIV, TB, malaria, and public health surveillance for CSOs, government, and communities.

3. SCOPE OF WORK

3.1 Expected Impact

• Align with Zambia’s national malaria, TB, and HIV program objectives.
• Enhance resilient and sustainable health systems (RSSH) and drive social behavior change (SBC) through increased community engagement.
• Promote accountability, efficiency, and transparency in the healthcare system.

3.2 Target Audience

• Primary Audience:
  • CLM implementing organizations and their staff.
  • Neighbourhood Health Committees (NHCs).
  • Community Health Workers (CHWs), CBVs, and CLM data collectors.
  • Community leaders.
  • Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
• Secondary Audience:
  • Ministry of Health (MoH) staff at health facility, district, provincial, and national levels.
  • Zambia Public Health Institute (ZPHI).

3.3 Expected Outcomes

• Enhanced community and CSO capacity to conduct CLM and CLAR for improved healthcare delivery.
• Empowered community leadership to lead SBC efforts and advocate for better healthcare services.
• Increased accountability through community involvement in monitoring and advocacy.
• Improved data collection and analysis to inform health decision-making.
• Strengthened partnerships between communities, healthcare providers, and decision-makers.

3.4 Proposed Methodology

• Review existing community-based and led research methodologies and CLM tools.
• Conduct key informant interviews with implementers of CLM projects (Global Fund, PEPFAR, and Stop TB Partnership).
• Conduct interviews with MoH staff to understand how the guide will support government strategies.
• Organize community and CSO meetings to assess the guide’s usefulness.
• Hold focus group discussions with care receivers.

3.5 Key Components

• Desk review of existing literature on CLAR methodologies, practices, and successes.
• Key informant interviews with CLM implementers and other community-based research and advocacy organizations.
• Meetings with health facility staff and volunteers.
• Development of a draft CLAR capacity building guide.
• Collect feedback from stakeholders (project staff, CSOs, MoH, beneficiaries).
• Finalize the CLAR guide.
• Present the finalized guide to stakeholders.

Draft Content of the CLAR Capacity Building Guide:

• Introductions.
• Description of existing CLAR methodologies and tools, including best practices.
• Guide for improving CLAR for communities and CSOs.
• Data/evidence collection and analysis.
• Using findings to create advocacy action plans.
• Implementing advocacy action plans.
• Annexes: Tool kit with various tools for CLAR activities.

4. CONSULTANCY DELIVERABLES

• Inception Report: 5 working days after signing the contract.
• Development of the CLAR Draft Guide: 10 working days.
• Improvement of assignments following feedback: Based on comments from DAPP and other stakeholders.
• PowerPoint Presentation: For key stakeholders during engagement meetings.
• Final Report: Submission of final report after incorporating all feedback.

5. MANAGEMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION RESPONSIBILITIES

• The consultant will report to the Project Manager/Coordinator and DAPP National Partnership M&R Officer.

6. DAPP, CHAZ, and Sub-Recipients Responsibilities

• Provide guidance and technical support.
• Provide an introductory letter from the PS MoH.
• Facilitate meetings with key government staff.
• Provide comments and feedback on deliverables.

7. PROPOSED METHODOLOGY

• Participatory and consultative processes.
• Evidence-based and context-specific content.
• User-friendly format using adult learning principles.
• Diverse tools and techniques for data collection and analysis.

8. BUDGET AND PAYMENT MODALITIES

• Ceiling for Assignment: K150,000 (Zambian Kwacha).
• The budget should include all costs, including transportation, printing, consultancy fees, and taxes.

Payment Modalities:

• 40% of total budget upon acceptance of the Draft Inception Report.
• 30% upon production of the first acceptable draft assessment report.
• 30% upon production of an acceptable final assessment report.

9. TIMEFRAME

• The assignment must commence immediately after signing the contract.
• To be completed within 6 weeks after signing the contract.

10. REPORTING AND COORDINATION

• The consultant will report progress to Mr. Fredrick Mabele, the DAPP contact person for this assignment.

11. EVALUATION CRITERIA

• The technical and financial proposals will be evaluated.
• Criteria include:
  • Experience and capacity to deliver the required assessment.
  • Ability to deliver within the proposed time frame.
  • Quality and feasibility of proposed assessment methodologies.
  • Realistic and cost-efficient budget.

12. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Lead Consultant Qualifications:

• Minimum of a degree in public health, social sciences, or development studies.
• Proven experience in conducting research.
• Familiarity with the program’s thematic areas, context, and target audience.
• Excellent communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, meeting deadlines.

13. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND PROCESS

Submission Details:

• Cover letter.
• Project proposal detailing interpretation of the TOR, proposed methodology, framework, schedule, and time frame.
• Proposed budget in Zambian Kwacha (ZWK).
• Capability statement demonstrating how you meet the qualifications and competencies.
• CVs for specific individuals who will be directly involved in the project.
• Contact details for three references.

Submission Deadline:

• All applications should be submitted by email to procurement@dappzambia.org, with a copy to info@dappzambia.org, by 9th December 2024.

Note: Only short-listed consultants will be contacted.