GENERAL INFORMATION

Contract Type: Individual Consultancy (IC)

Duration: Until the completion of the assignment

Expected Start Date: Upon Signing the Contract 

Overview:

Health Development Initiative (HDI) is an independent, non-profit organization based in Kigali and registered with the Rwandan government. HDI strives to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare for all Rwandans. 

Vision: A society in which everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the highest attainable standard of health and well-being, regardless of social, cultural, economic, or any other status.

Mission: To empower individuals, communities, and institutions to improve community health and development in Rwanda. Using a rights-based approach, 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.   

Introduction:

Adolescents and young people with disabilities in Rwanda face unique challenges in accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. These challenges are attributed to a variety of factors, including physical, communication, and social barriers, as well as stigma and discrimination. Therefore, the purpose of this consultancy is to conduct a research study that will generate evidence-based data and information on SRH issues among adolescents and young people with disabilities in Rwanda.

OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF THE CONSULTANCY

Overall, the aim of the research is to generate evidence-based data and information that can inform policy and practice to improve SRH outcomes for adolescents and young people with disabilities.

Objectives:

The consultant will be required to:

  • Identify the prevalence of SRH issues, including sexual activity, contraceptive use, unintended pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among adolescents and young people with disabilities in Rwanda.
  • Identify the factors that influence SRH behaviors and outcomes among adolescents and young people with disabilities in Rwanda.
  • Assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to SRH among adolescents and young people with disabilities in Rwanda.
  • Identify the barriers that adolescents and young people with disabilities face in accessing SRH services in Rwanda.
  • Develop recommendations for improving SRH services for adolescents and young people with disabilities in Rwanda.
  • The consultant will be responsible for getting an approval from the Rwanda National Ethics Committee
  • The consultant will also be responsible to conduct all data collection and field related activities

Methodology:

The consultant will be expected to use both qualitative and quantitative research methods to collect data. The following methods are recommended:

  • Conducting a literature review of existing literature related to SRH services for adolescents and young people with disabilities in Rwanda.
  • Conducting a survey of adolescents and young people with disabilities, using a structured questionnaire that will collect data on demographic characteristics, SRH behaviors and outcomes, knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to SRH, and barriers to accessing SRH services.
  • Sampling methods will include a multistage sampling approach, where the first stage will be to identify the geographical areas where adolescents and young people with disabilities are concentrated, and the second stage will be to randomly select respondents from those areas.
  • Data analysis will include descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression to identify the factors that influence SRH behaviors and outcomes.
  • Conducting interviews with key stakeholders, including adolescents and young people with disabilities, their parents, caregivers, health workers, and policy makers.
  • Conducting focus group discussions with adolescents and young people with disabilities to explore their experiences and perceptions regarding SRH services.
  • Observing the delivery of SRH services to adolescents and young people with disabilities in health facilities.

Expected Outputs:

The consultant will be expected to deliver the following outputs:

  • A comprehensive report on the research findings, including a summary of the existing literature, key findings from interviews and focus group discussions, and recommendations for improving SRH services for adolescents and young people with disabilities in Rwanda.
  • A policy brief highlighting the key findings and recommendations of the research study, targeting policy makers and other relevant stakeholders.
  • A presentation of the research findings to stakeholders and interested parties.

Duration and Timeline:

The consultancy is expected to be completed within four months from the date of the signing of the contract. The following timeline is suggested:

Activity | Timeline

  • Literature review, developing a research protocol and applying for RNEC | 1 month
  • Data collection | 1 months
  • Data analysis and report writing | 1 month
  • Presentation of findings | 1 day

Total | 3 months

Application process:

  • Submit a technical proposal and relevant previous work
  • A detailed quotation for the consultancy showing all necessary costs. Bids shall be provided in Rwandan francs, including applicable taxes, and shall be valid for at least 90 days after submission.
  • Contact details of three past performance references
  • Applications should be sent electronically to info@hdirwanda.org or submit hardcopies at our office with the subject as TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL PROPOSAL no later than 28/05/2023 at 5:00 PM CAT.
  • Any requests for clarification should be referred to Louange Twahirwa on: email: louange@hdirwanda.org or +250788303908.

Qualifications:

The consultant should have the following qualifications:

  • Advanced degree in a relevant field, such as public health, social sciences, or development studies.
  • At least 5 years of experience in conducting research related to SRH issues and/or disability.
  • Demonstrated experience in using both quantitative and qualitative research methods.
  • Strong analytical and report-writing skills.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the context of SRH services for adolescents and young people with disabilities in Rwanda.
  • Fluency in English and Kinyarwanda.
  • Effective communication and strong interpersonal abilities.
  • To guarantee inclusivity, involving individuals with disabilities is essential.

Evaluation Criteria:

The following criteria will be used to evaluate the proposals submitted:

  • Relevance of the proposed methodology to the ToR.
  • Clarity and feasibility of the proposed methodology.
  • Demonstrated experience and expertise in conducting research related to SRH issues and/or disability.
  • Qualifications and experience of the consultant and the proposed team members.
  • Reasonableness of the proposed budget.
  • Ability to deliver quality outputs within the given timeline.

NB: Please take note that the consultant will assume complete financial responsibility for all research-related responsibilities, which encompass the development of the research protocol and obtaining RNEC ethical approval. Furthermore, the consultant will manage all field activities, including the payment and supervision of data collectors, as well as handle transportation and logistics. Additionally, it is the consultant’s responsibility to refine the draft report based on feedback, make any necessary adjustments, and ensure its final approval by the research steering committee.

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