The purpose of the terms of reference therefore is to recruit a consultant to guide the process evaluation to determine the impact of low cost, ready to use food snacks on the health and nutrition status of children aged 6 – 59 months.
Various indicators, including malnutrition rates, hygiene practices and incidence of diarrheal diseases, will measure impact.1 By reviewing baseline and end line data and collecting relevant quantitative and qualitative data throughout the life of the project, the process evaluation will aim to answer the following:
To what extent did the project (including the food snack itself, its production and distribution and the complementary behaviour change promotion activities) improve the nutrition status of the target population?
To what extent did the project improve the feeding practices, food knowledge and dietary intake of the target population?
Did the activities related to the food snack – including its consumption – influence the socio-economic status of the target populations and their households?
Have all activities been implemented as planned, were outputs delivered and were they received and used by the intended target groups?
Which activities appear to be the most acceptable, relevant, effective and efficient? Which have been less so and how could they be improved for the future?
Has the food snack influenced policy and stakeholder investment if yes/ no, why/ why not?
Are there signs that the project activities and results could be sustained, including production of the snack and distribution/ consumption by the most vulnerable – if which activities are contributing the most, why and what needs to be adjusted for the future?
Justification
Given the multi-sectoral nature of this project, the five-year time frame and the novel approach of engaging the private sector to improve nutrition of the most vulnerable, an investment in a process evaluation is warranted. There is a need to follow project activities, delivery of outputs, engagement of different stakeholders; to understand if the approach is working; and to adjust activities and approaches if it is not. The process evaluation will be integral to a results based management approach to implementation.
Methodology
A before and after study using process evaluation will provide more in-depth information regarding the intervention. Due to existing Monitoring and Evaluation plans, the team will understand the impact of the food snack, which will be informed by baseline and end line evaluations in intervention sites. This provides a ‘before and after’ picture of the nutrition status and provide an understanding of the food-snacks’ contribution. A process evaluation methodology will be used to better understand the implementation of the intervention, and work to understand outcomes of this intervention. The proposed approach is the RE-AIM Framework http://www.re-aim.org
RE-AIM, which stands for ‘Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance’ is a process of evaluation, which supports implementers and researchers to pay attention to essential programme elements that can improve sustainable adoption and implementation of effective interventions. By exploring each of the 5 elements, RE-AIM translates research into action, which can help programmes translate and improve findings into more ‘real world’ actions.
This study proposed to utilise several methods and tools, all aligned to understanding the 5 elements of RE-AIM, to answer the research question and provide important implementation considerations for the Lishe Poa project.
These will include:
Existing M&E plans, including baseline and end line KAP/SMART Surveys. This will help us understand Reach and Efficacy.
Focus group discussions with community members including caregivers and vendors to ascertain acceptability, barriers and adoption
Key informant interviews such as programme staff, MoH and food suppliers, to understand maintenance and implementation. Maintenance will also be understood through addressing Objective 3 within Lishe Poa and its associated M&E indicators.
Document reviews will be used to understand implementation process, specifically fidelity, and assess the project across the theory of change.
Outputs and Deliverables
A consultant with experience in process evaluations and practical nutrition programme is expected to deliver the following outputs.
Output 1: Develop a clear understanding of the Process evaluation using the RE-AIM approach; 2 days; Apr 2021
Output 2: Develop a clear study design;1 day; Apr 2021
Output 3: Present and get approval from the Nutrition Information Working group and the Research TWG in the division of nutrition and dietetics; 1 day; Apr 2021
Output 4: Develop and successfully submit an Ethics Research protocol to a suitable IRB; 4 days; Apr 2021
Output 5: Undertake regular review of the project implementation in line with the process evaluation and as part of the larger project steering committee; 8 days (2 days per quarter); April 2021 – March 2023
Output 6: Support the development of suitable peer reviewed publications, learning, policy and project briefs throughout the implementation of the project; 4 days; April 2021 – March 2023
Final evaluation: 10 days; April – June 2023
Remuneration
Please provide your Consultancy rate per day
Desired Qualifications/Specialized Knowledge
Advanced degree in Nutrition, Food Technology, Public Health or related field;
Specialist in Nutrition, Food Security, Food safety, Food Manufacturing or any other related sectors.
Experience in process evaluations and practical nutrition programming
Good analytical, pedagogic, negotiating, communication and advocacy skills and report writing skills.
Experience on private sector manufacturing in urban settings.
Extensive knowledge of nutrition programs in Kenya.
Previous consultancy experience with bilateral agencies or international NGOs.
Knowledge/Experience of food systems and food processing related policies will be an added advantage.
Available to start work immediately.
How to apply
Submission
Submissions to be made via email to
Quotes.Kenya@concern.net with subject line “SR91751: Lishe Poa Consultancy”, by 4:00pm 26th March 2021.
