Terms of Reference (TOR) for end of Project Evaluation TECHNOLOGY FOR MATERNAL HEALTH PROJECT

Transcription

1 Terms of Reference (TOR) for end of Project Evaluation TECHNOLOGY FOR MATERNAL HEALTH PROJECT 1.0 Organisational Profile: Savana Signatures is an ICT for Development oriented organization registered in Ghana. We have a Mission to equip youth, women and vulnerable groups with ICT skills for personal development through the innovative use of ICT and a Vision of a society where relevant information, knowledge and skills for development are enhanced by equal access to and use of ICT. Savana Signatures works in the four programme areas of Education, Youth Empowerment, Gender and Social Inclusion and Sexual reproductive Health and Rights. 2.0 Project Description: The 4th in the series of special MDG progress report on Ghana published by the UNDP indicates that based on current trends, maternal mortality will be reduced to only 340 per 100,000 by 2015 instead of the MDG target of 185 per 100,000 by The report further states that unless extreme efforts are made by all stakeholders, Ghana is unlikely to meet the target. The Ghana MDG Acceleration Framework and Country Action Plan on maternal health in summary of key priority Interventions from identifies among others, the improvement in public awareness and understanding of maternal health. The latest statistics released by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) indicates that the Northern Region continuous to record comparatively higher maternal mortality rates, a development that perhaps is confirming that the entire nation is still far from achieving the Millennium Development Goals four and five (MDGs 4 and 5) by There is evidence of limited knowledge and skill in the use of ICT to communicate maternal health information among midwives and Community Health nurses. In addition, health facilities lack basic IT equipment such as computers that can easily facilitate interaction with expectant mothers 1

2 2.1 Scope of Project The Technology for Maternal Health Project is a two year STAR Ghana funded Project that is being implemented in four districts (Tamale, Yendi, Savelugu and Kumbungu) in the Northern Region of Ghana. The Facilities where the project is being implemented are the Kings Medical Center, Yendi, Savelugu, Tamale Central, Tamale West and Tamale Teaching hospitals all in the Northern Region of Ghana. 2.2 Overall Outcome: Reduced maternal mortality rate by 5% in the four project districts of Tolon, Yendi, Savelugu and Tamale 2.3 Overall Outcome Indicators: 1. Low incidence of maternal mortality in project areas. 2. High attendance of antenatal care and deliveries at health facilities by expectant mothers. 2.4 Project Results: 1. Enhanced skills, knowledge and approaches in the use of ICT tools by midwives and community health nurses to communicate maternal health information and a functioning maternal health information communication system used to lobby for scale up. 2. Increased access to easy-to-understand maternal health care information by sixty percent (60%) of expectant mothers in project target facilities 3.0 Scope and Requirements of the Assignment The Consulting assignment will cover the six (6) health facilities in the four (4) participating districts in the Northern region. The Consultant is required to assess them in the light of internationally agreed evaluation standard of relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, impact and sustainability Evaluation Objectives 1. Assess changes in knowledge levels of ICT champions, target mid-wives and community health nurses. 2. Assess the functionality of Maternal Health Corners at the various facilities 3. Assess the effectiveness of maternal health and communication system as well as the knowledge sharing sessions to expectant and/or new mothers. 1 Refer to Outline defining parameters for each criterion 2

3 4. Assess the conceptual framework and project design and the extent to which these have contributed positively or negatively to project progress. 5. Draw conclusions and make recommendations for purposes of learning and future programming. 4.0 Consultant s Mandate and Deliverables: The consultant shall among other things undertake the following 1. Review all relevant reports, proposals and relevant literature on the project 2. Design a study to evaluate outcomes of the project as stated above 3. Identify and conduct interviews with a sample of stakeholders in project area to gather data on project results and outcomes 4. Lead a discussion with Management team of SavSign on findings of the evaluation prior to finalising the report Key deliverables are the following: 1. An Inception report detailing out: a: methodology for evaluation, delivery schedule, budget, and sample tools 2. Soft and hard copies of draft of evaluation report 3. Final report in both soft and hard copies and, 4. Develop a power-point presentation on the evaluation process/approach, findings, conclusions and key recommendation 5.0 Management and Coordination Upon selection, the Consultant will be expected to engage with SavSign for the following: a) Negotiate and conclude the contract terms and sign a contract b) Review and finalise the Terms of Reference for the assignment c) Explore and reach agreement on the approaches or methodology to be employed for the assignment (including documentation of Most Significant Change Stories) d) Obtain the documents critical to the assignment for initial review. e) Explore and sort out logistical needs for assignment including appointments f) Finalise delivery plan with a designated SavSign staff member who will work closely with the Consultant for purposes of learning, coordination and providing backstopping support. The staff will also have the responsibility of providing regular update on progress to the Management team/evaluation committee. 3

4 6.0 Duration of Assignment It is estimated that this assignment will officially commence on 6 th October 2014 and finish by end of 19th November The actual timeframe will be finalised with the consultant upon selection. The final report of no more than 35 pages should be submitted no later than 3 days after discussing the draft findings with the SavSign management team. 7.0 Ethical considerations 1. Upon delivery of final document, the consultant relinquishes intellectual property right of the document to SavSign/STAR-Ghana 2. The Executive Director or his authorized representative shall be the primary contact person during the consultancy period. 8.0 Proposed Format for the Evaluation Report The final report must include the following sections: 1. Title Page including Project Identification Details 2. Table of Contents 3. Abbreviations / acronyms page 4. Executive summary (maximum 3 pages) 5. A short introduction to the programme 6. The evaluation methodology 7. Findings in relation to standard evaluation criteria 8. Innovation and lessons learned 9. Summary of conclusions and recommendations. Annexes must include: Achievement Rating Scale Evaluation schedule / timetable List of people met Documents consulted Detailed statistical data such as updated baseline surveys, etc. The evaluator(s) will be briefed properly and provided evidence in an open and transparent way. 4

5 9.0 Consultant Profile a) A very good understanding of the Context of the Region. b) Good knowledge of the district assemblies, Health institutions and related service providers c) Strong experience in project reviews and assessments which include final evaluation and impact assessments. d) Familiar with gender and social inclusion issues in Ghana e) High analytical abilities in the context of human development and f) Proven record of applying participatory approaches in project evaluation 10.0 Application Procedure (How to Apply) Interested Consultants should formally send the following to: info@savsign.org a) Written Expression of Interest which includes understanding of the assignment, approaches or methodology, a delivery plan and a proposed budget; b) Detailed Curriculum Vitae which reflects the consultant profile above and contacts of 2 references; c) An Executive Summary of one project evaluation you were part of Consultant Contracting Process No Activity Proposed Timeline 1 Call for Expression of Interest 11 th September Review of Expression of Interest 22 nd September Pre contract discussions with Successful Consultant 25 th September Contracting 30 th September Appointments with heath Facilities 3 rd October Field Visits for data collection 8 th 20 th October Data analysis and sharing of draft data 22 nd 25 th October Report preparation with conclusions and 5 th November 2014 recommendations 9. Validation Meeting(s) 12 th November Final Reporting 19 th November 201 5