Terms Of Reference To Hire, An Individual Consultant To Conduct Needs Assessment And Mapping Of Malaria Hotspots Among Hard To Reach Groups For Guiding Implementation Process And Service Delivery To Beneficiaries.
Background
Malaria remains a public health priority in Rwanda with the whole population at risk of malaria infection. Today, Rwanda continues to make progress in malaria control through multifaceted evidence-based approaches such as Information, Education and Communication (IEC); distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs); Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) and; early diagnosis and effective management of malaria cases as guided by the National Malaria Strategy.

Following the recent Malaria Program Review conducted in October 2019, a gap in Malaria related SBCC interventions was noted and an urgent need to design and implement key community sensitization interventions for behaviour in malaria control such as integrated messages to sensitize communities so as to ensure the use of malaria preventive measures, early treatment seeking behaviour and support of environmental management including larva source management. It was further recommended that innovative approaches are required for effective SBCC including messages through mass media campaigns, community dialogues, community outreaches for targeted groups, distribution of IEC materials and interpersonal communication and through Community Health Workers, house to house messaging, IVM approaches, etc.

Recently, The Ministry of Health/RBC/MOPDD, in collaboration with partners have conducted an in-depth analysis using the Roll Back Malaria (RBM) Matchbox Toolkit as a guide to ensure that the interventions being implemented are addressing the documented barriers, to identify any additional specific human rights or gender barriers in the context of malaria and to provide guidance on specific interventions to address any barriers. This assessment was conducted between April and May 2021, under the coordination of the RBC/MOPDD, Rwanda CCM with support from The Roll Back Malaria (RBM). The assessment was aiming to identify the most vulnerable groups and key populations at increased risk of malaria infection, the barriers related to access to malaria services for these populations, how gender, humans’ rights and social issues affect malaria programs. It was also intended to contribute robust recommendations for improving malaria services coverage and decreasing malaria risk among the most affected populations.

The findings of the assessment shows that the NMCP Strategy for malaria control amongst vulnerable groups in the country appears comprehensive, and program data suggest some success in reaching most of the at-risk population, but gaps may persist, These vulnerable groups include Prisoners, Refugees, Pregnant Women, Mothers/Nannies of U5, Rice Farmers, Fishermen, Mining workers, truck drivers, Health Care Providers, Students at School, Hotels Staff and Clients, Female Sex Workers , Security Staff, People with disabilities and travelers ,etc. These results also indicate that there are some important gaps that could be due to these barriers. From the Assessment reports, key recommendations to address malaria vulnerable and risk groups included: (1) the development of a clear Action Plan to address gaps in Malaria in Vulnerable Groups and (2) Ensure CSOs are engaged in addressing malaria in Vulnerable and high-risk Groups. Malaria prevention and control interventions need to respond to geographical hotspots of transmission vis a vis malaria incidence, malaria death and severe malaria related. In order to implement Malaria SBCC Strategic Interventions ASOFERWA funded by Ministry of Health through Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC). In this regard, ASOFERWA is hiring Individual consultant to conduct and lead the needs assessment and mapping of malaria hotspots among hard to reach groups for guiding implementation process and service delivery to beneficiaries. The assignment will be carried out Countrywide.
Main objective
The overall aim of the assignment is to asses and lead the mapping of malaria hotspots among hard to reach groups for guiding implementation process and service delivery to beneficiaries

The Specific Objectives:
The planned assessment aims to:
• To identify and mapping of hotspots per administrative sector and cell level among malaria high risk groups.
• To Identify Program Partners and beneficiaries
• To identify Peer educators of malaria high risk groups among Malaria high risk groups per administrative sector and cell.
• To identify gaps related to service delivery per Malaria high risk groups
• To provide recommendations to improve service delivery among malaria high risk groups

Scope of assignment
ASOFERWA is looking for a high caliber individual consultant to asses and lead the mapping of malaria hotspots among hard to reach groups for guiding implementation process and service delivery to beneficiaries to guide Malaria Control Interventions and inform strategic planning process. The consultancy will be implemented countrywide. After assessment and Mapping, the consultant will submit a preliminary draft, incorporate feedback from stakeholders and submit final assessment report.

Expected results:
The specific results include:
• Identification and mapping of malaria hotspots per administrative sector and cell level among malaria high risk groups.
• Identification of Peer educators of malaria high risk groups among Malaria high risk groups per administrative sector and cell.
• Identification of gaps related to service delivery among Malaria high risk groups

Deliverables
The Consultant will develop a conceptual framework including a detailed methodology, work instruments, work plan, analytical plan and development plan. He or she will present a draft document and a final document to be discussed by stakeholders involved in implementation of Malaria strategic interventions. Summary document and reference materials will also be prepared for ease of use. The specific deliverables will include:
1. Inception report, methodology and instruments.
2. Draft of assessment report and printed maps for all identified hotspots mapped per District and sector.
3. List and description of peer educators per Malaria hard to reach groups include Female sex workers, People with disabilities , Truck drivers, Motors cyclists, Cyclists , Seasonal workers and cross border traders per sector, district and their size (number) in form of tables.
4. Final Assessment Report with feedback incorporated and printed maps of all identified hot sports.

Qualification, Knowledge, Skills and Experience
• The consultant should have a PhD or Master’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology or Health Research related studies;
• Demonstrate evidence of career progression in areas of public Health;
• Have very good understanding of Rwanda Health System and proven exposure to Malaria Program in Rwanda;
• Have good understanding of possible factors leading to malaria transmission, morbidity, mortality or how it affects community behavior vis a vis malaria prevention and control interventions in Rwanda;
• Proven experience in carrying out research or health related consultancies in Rwanda, and in the Malaria program domain, will be a plus;
• Ability to work and engage with a range of stakeholders, including high level policy makers, and civil society organizations, local leaders and the community;
• Excellent communication skills and experience in working with communities in both urban and rural settings;
• Excellent command of English, French and Kinyarwanda both spoken and written will be added advantage.
• Have the ability to collect and analyze malaria program data, produce graphs, maps and interpret them.

Working Language
The working language for this assignment will be English.

Selection criteria
Applications will be assessed on cost reasonableness (30%) and technical competence (70%).

Timeframe (Duration of the Assignment)
This assignment is expected to be implemented within a timeframe of forty (35) working days starting from the date of signing the consultancy contract. The consultant will be required to work closely with ASOFERWA /Supervising staff with guidance of RBC/Malaria Division

Application requirements
The application file will be comprised of;
• Letter expressing interest to carry out the consultancy service required;
• Detailed CV (maximum 2 pages) of the individual consultant
• A brief proposal written in English describing the background, methodology and timeline (maximum 5 pages)
• Price quotations for the consultancy service required.
• Certified copies of academic and professional qualifications;
• Copy of national Identity card/ or Passport of the consultant
• Valid proof documents of completion of similar assignments

Submission Procedure
Interested candidates are invited to apply by addressing their application letter with attached requirement documents to the ASOFERWA’s Executive Secretary. Application documents will be deposited in sealed envelope at ASOFERWA’s Headquarters in its Secretariat at KG 682 St 3, Kimihurura, Gasabo District not later than August 24th, 2022 at 10:00AM. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps.

Terms of Performance.
• The effective date of the terms of reference and statement of work will be the date of contract signature by ASOFERWA
• Quality of deliverables must be ensured by the consultant

Report Submission
The final report of the assessment should be a maximum 35 pages, excluding annexes, and should be written in English. It should contain an executive summary of a maximum 2 pages. The report should follow the following format:
• Title page
• Table of contents
• List of Table
• List of figures
• Acronym list
• Short description of reviewers
• Executive Summary
• Introduction/context
• Objectives
• Methods
• Findings
• Constraints
• Summary
• Conclusions and recommendations)
• Annexes
For more information, contact us at 0788301260/ 0788436581 or email asoferwa@ymail.com ,
Done at Kigali on 12th August, 2022
NSHIMIYIMANA Appolinaire
Executive secretary of ASOFERWA