TERMS OF REFERENCE

GENERAL INFORMATION

Contract Type: Consultancy Company

Duration: Six Months

Expected Start Date: Upon Signing the Contract

Terms of Reference (ToR) for Monitoring and Evaluation Services by a Consulting Company

Background

Health Development Initiative (HDI) strives to empower individuals, communities, and institutions to improve inclusive development and accessibility of health care for all using rights-based programming. HDI builds sustainable alliances to advocate for and support inclusive, health-friendly policies and services for everyone regardless of social, cultural, economic or any other status. HDI was founded in 2005 by a dedicated group of Rwandan physicians dedicated to advance health and inclusive development for disadvantaged communities. This diverse group of health professionals was united by a shared commitment to improve the health of disadvantaged communities within and outside of the healthcare system. Today, HDI brings together a team with vast experience in medicine, public health, policy advocacy, human rights litigation and community development to bridge the gap between communities and the healthcare system. HDI believes that health outcomes can be improved by putting in place laws, policies and programs that are responsive to the needs of those who are poor and vulnerable, such as women and children, historically marginalized communities, people living with HIV/AIDS, young people and other marginalized populations. HDI focuses its work on three thematic areas: sexual and reproductive health and rights, human rights and the right to health, and community health and development.

HDI is seeking a Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Specialist to enhance the effectiveness and impact of our projects.

The MEAL Specialist will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive MEAL systems that support evidence-based decision-making, accountability, learning, and project improvement.

Objectives:

• Develop and implement comprehensive MEAL frameworks tailored to ongoing and new projects, ensuring alignment with project goals, donor requirements, and organizational strategies.
• Integrate data-driven indicators for effective project monitoring, capturing both quantitative and qualitative data through diverse collection methods (surveys, questionnaires, and interviews).
• Implement improved data analysis plans utilizing advanced analytics and AI tools (where appropriate) to assess program efficiency and progress towards achieving objectives.
• Conduct systematic evaluations (qualitative and quantitative) to determine program impact, effectiveness, and long-term sustainability.
• Generate insightful M&E reports tailored for internal and external stakeholders, highlighting key findings, emerging trends, potential challenges, and actionable recommendations.
• Leverage data visualization tools to create user-friendly dashboards for improved project management, communication, and informed decision-making.
• Designing and implementing MEAL frameworks.
• Identifying areas where complex data analysis techniques or interpreting advanced data visualizations can benefit from AI-powered interactive learning modules.
• Developing or sourcing AI-powered e-learning modules to address these specific needs, promoting personalized learning and knowledge retention.
• Provide technical assistance and capacity-building workshops on best practices in data collection, analysis, and utilization of findings for evidence-based decision-making.
• Facilitate knowledge-sharing sessions and promote a culture of continuous learning within the organization.

Key tasks and responsibilities

Under the direct and overall supervision of the Director of Research, Knowledge Management, and Learning, the consulting firm will operate within the following refined guidelines and responsibilities:

Framework Design and Implementation:

• Partner with program coordinators, M&E officers, and the data manager to co-create data-driven MEAL frameworks tailored to specific project goals and contexts.
• Ensure alignment with donor stipulations and organizational strategies through the development of actionable logic models, results frameworks, and performance indicators that demonstrably measure project effectiveness and impact.
• Collaborate with the data manager to identify precise and measurable indicators that capture both quantitative and qualitative data essential for effective project monitoring and evaluation
• Design and implement innovative data collection instruments, considering factors like cultural sensitivity and participant accessibility (Objective 2). This may include surveys, questionnaires, and interview protocols, along with exploring potential applications of AI-powered data collection tools for enhanced efficiency and reach.
• Implement robust data analysis plans utilizing advanced analytics and AI tools (where strategically advantageous) to assess program efficiency, progress towards achieving objectives, and uncover actionable insights for continuous improvement
• Conduct thorough analyses of collected data, employing both quantitative and qualitative techniques, to gain a holistic understanding of project impact, identify areas for improvement, and demonstrate the value proposition of the project to stakeholders
• Provide technical assistance and capacity building workshops on best practices in data collection, analysis, and utilization of findings for evidence-based decision-making
• Facilitate knowledge-sharing sessions and promote a culture of continuous learning within the organization, with a focus on leveraging data insights for informed decision-making

Evaluation and Impact Assessment:

• Conduct systematic evaluations (qualitative and quantitative) aligned with the established MEAL frameworks to determine program impact, effectiveness, and long-term sustainability.
• Utilize advanced analytics and AI tools (where strategically advantageous) to gain deeper insights into program efficacy and identify potential areas for improvement.
• Generate insightful and actionable M&E reports tailored for internal and external stakeholders.
• Highlight key findings, emerging trends, and potential challenges in a clear and concise manner, emphasizing the demonstrable value of the program.
• Leverage data visualization tools to create user-friendly dashboards, including real-time data feeds where applicable, to enhance understanding and communication of program impact.
• Deliver compelling presentations on M&E findings to program teams and organizational leadership, fostering informed decision-making and program optimization.
• Creatively leverage technology to tailor the dissemination of M&E findings based on the specific needs and preferences of the audience. This may include interactive reports, targeted email summaries, or engaging social media content.
• Facilitate knowledge-sharing sessions within the organization, promoting collaboration and continuous learning from program evaluations.

Knowledge Management and Learning:

• Document critical lessons learned and successful practices from project evaluations and M&E activities.
• Spearhead knowledge-sharing sessions with program staff and partners, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Facilitate knowledge-sharing sessions across the organization to ensure widespread dissemination of best practices and program insights.
• Provide specialized technical assistance and capacity building workshops on best practices in data collection, analysis, and utilization of findings for evidence-based decision-making.
• Identify areas where complex data analysis techniques or interpreting advanced data visualizations can benefit from AI-powered interactive learning modules.
• Develop or source AI-powered e-learning modules to address these specific needs, promoting personalized learning and knowledge retention.
• Ensure that Knowledge Management and Learning principles are deeply integrated into all M&E frameworks and program activities.
• This includes establishing user-friendly knowledge management systems for storing and accessing critical project data, best practices, and M&E reports.
• Advocate for the strategic use of real-time data dashboards to keep staff informed and facilitate data-driven decision-making.
• Undertake other tasks as required, remaining adaptable to the evolving needs of the department and the organization.
• Regularly assess the effectiveness of knowledge management strategies and learning initiatives, adjusting for improvement.

Qualifications and experience

The consulting company should have:

• Proven MEAL Leadership: Possess extensive experience in designing, implementing, and managing comprehensive MEAL frameworks, particularly within the health sector.
• Data-Driven Approach: Demonstrate a strong track record in utilizing advanced analytics, AI tools (where applicable), and robust data analysis methodologies to assess program efficiency and progress towards achieving objectives.
• Effective Communication & Knowledge Sharing: Excel at generating insightful M&E reports, creating user-friendly data visualizations (including real-time dashboards), and delivering compelling presentations to diverse stakeholders.
• Capacity Building Proficiency: Possess a proven ability to provide technical assistance and capacity building workshops on best practices in data collection, analysis, and utilization of findings for evidence-based decision-making.
• Continuous Learning Advocate: Champion a culture of continuous learning within the organization by facilitating knowledge-sharing sessions, integrating AI-powered e-learning modules where appropriate, and fostering the application of lessons learned.

Application process

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

• A technical proposal outlining methodological approach
• Relevant previous work demonstrating experience and expertise in MEAL
• Qualifications of the team
• A detailed quotation for the consultancy services, inclusive of all necessary costs.
• Contact details of three past performance references.

Applications should be sent electronically to recruitment@hdirwanda.org or submit hardcopies at our office with the subject as TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL PROPOSAL no later than Sunday, 02/06/2024 at 17:00 PM CATS