Consultant Role for baseline study for a Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Programme in Nigeria Full Time

1. Background and rationale

The Integrated Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) project, funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and co-funded by CBM Australia, CBM New Zealand, and CBM UK, has been implemented by Health and Development Support Programme (HANDS) in collaboration with the Nigerian government for over 12 years. The project aims to control and eliminate onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis (LF) in Abuja, Jigawa, and Yobe states, aligning with national and international NTD goals.

The project has progressed from delivering preventive chemotherapy to vector control, clean water provision, sanitation, and intensified case management, including community mental healthcare. These efforts have significantly advanced NTD elimination in the intervention states and Nigeria, approaching WHO targets.

Despite successes, public health and patient care for those already affected by NTDs need more attention. The WHO Roadmap for NTDs (2021-2030) emphasizes person-centred care and integrated approaches. CBM Global and HANDS have piloted person-centred care for LF in Nigeria and are scaling up to include other skin NTDs.

Having achieved Stop-MDA status for LF in 94% of intervention LGAs, the project plans to add Schistosomiasis and Soil Transmitted Helminths in the next phase. Climate change impacts on NTDs necessitate adaptation strategies to preserve project gains.

CBM Global seeks to understand the current situation, including gender disparities, to support the design of the next project phase. A consultant will lead in this baseline assessment.

2. Purpose and Deliverables

The purpose of this consultancy is to assist CBM Global and its partners with baseline information to generate evidence and tools for advocating for gender equality, disability and social inclusion in NTD policy and services reforms at government and community level. More specifically, the consultancy will focus on the following:

1. Readiness assessments of 50 health facilities in the project intervention states for delivery of hydrocele surgeries at LGA level, and their capacity to recognize mental health and LF, manage lymphedema and provide mental health support at the community level.
2. Gender Equality, Social and Disability Inclusion analysis to understand socio-cultural barriers faced by women and girls and persons with disabilities and the gender-specific needs in the project states to inform inclusive and effective programme planning and implementation.

The deliverable of the consultancy includes:

1. Baseline study inception report, data collection tools, and the study protocol developed.
2. Ethical approval for the baseline study secured.
3. Feedback and validation workshop conducted.
4. Draft baseline study report produced.
5. Final baseline study report including an executive summary produced.
6. A power point presentation of not more than 25 slides with visuals (graphics, info graphs etc) summarizing the report.
7. Manuscript for publication developed.
8. Production of policy/advocacy briefs and Social and behaviour Change Communication messages (by the due date of submission of final report)

3. Scope

This consultancy will be conducted in three (3) states – Abuja (FCT), Jigawa State, and Yobe State for a period of 31 calendar days. The consultant will provide feedback to CBM Global, its partners, and other stakeholders of the situation of NTDs in the target LGAs and communities for planning the implementation phase. In addition, the consultant will ensure accountability for results to the project’s funders, stakeholders, and project participants.

4. Timeframe and duration

The consultancy is expected to be delivered within 31 calendar days (which will take effect from the day of contract signing) providing the deliverables by the following due dates:

1. Baseline study inception report, data collection tools, and the study protocol developed
2. Ethical approval for the baseline study secured
3. Feedback and validation workshop conducted
4. Draft baseline study report produced
5. Final baseline study report produced
6. Manuscript for publication developed

5. Place/ location of service delivered

The consultancy is expected to be delivered within 31 calendar days (which will take effect from t The Consultant’s regular place of work for this research is at the project states, which include Abuja (Federal Capital Territory), Jigawa State, and Yobe State.

6. Required Expert Profile

The Baseline assessment will be a consultant. S/he will be an experienced evaluator, who will be responsible for the overall baseline evaluation process and the production of the baseline evaluation report and related products.

The consultant must sign the CBM Global Safeguarding and PSEAH policies before they embark on field work. S/he should be familiar with disability-inclusive approaches in evaluations in line with international standards.

The consultant will be supported by a staff of HANDS during the field visits.

The key qualifications required to perform the consultancy include:

• Post-graduate qualification in relevant fields such as Social Sciences, Development Studies, Monitoring and Evaluation, or other relevant fields.
• At least, seven years of proven experience in conducting qualitative and quantitative research.
• Previous experience in conducting surveys, baseline, midline, end line, and/or prevalence studies.
• Knowledge of disability-inclusive practices is an added advantage.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Ability to draw practical conclusions and to prepare well‐written reports promptly and available during the proposed period.

7. Payment schedule

The consultant will be paid upon presentation of invoices after each milestone under this consultancy has been completed. At the point of contracting, CBM Global will provide the Consultancy Invoice Information form, which gives the requirements for the formal content of such invoices. CBM Global will only settle invoices in the agreed currency.

The schedule of payment for this consultancy includes:

• Signing Contract: First advance – 25%.
• Submission and acceptance of inception report, data tools, and study protocol: Second advance – 25%.
• Submission and acceptance of final report, datasets, transcripts, PowerPoint summary, and manuscript for publication by CBM Global and HANDS: Final payment – 50%

8. How to apply

Qualified and interested research/evaluation consultants should submit application via email: [email protected]

• A cover letter expressing their interest.
• Curriculum Vitae for individuals and corporate profile for firms. For corporate organizations applying for this baseline study, they must include the CVs of the members of their team and their defined roles to perform in the research.
• A short summary of their understanding of the Terms of Reference (ToR).
• Three previous sample reports of similar assignment carried out
• A technical offer, which must include the technical requirements and the mid-term review approach/methods, and the work plan and the timeframe to address them. It would also be an opportunity for the consultant to challenge the ToR and offer options.
• A financial offer, including a budget for the research. This should include the research team’s daily rates for the assignment, detailing professional fees and logistics. CBM Global will negotiate with them the final fees in line with the budget available for this research and based on the experience of the chosen candidate.

9. Diversity Policy Statement

Everyone has the right to be treated with consideration and respect. CBM Global is committed to achieving a truly inclusive environment for all, by developing better working relationships that release the full potential, creativity and productivity of each individual. CBM Global aims to ensure that all staff, volunteers, donors, partners, contractors, and the general public are treated fairly. This will be regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender re-assignment, marital or civil partnership status, race (including colour, nationality, ethnicity, or national origin), disability, medical status, age, religion or belief, political opinion, social or economic status.

10. Application Closing date:

9th April 2025.

[1] Inclusive, holistic & person-centred: Our NTD work in Nigeria | CBM Global

[2] CiSKuLA – HANDS

[3] New research flags the urgent need for research and evidence on the impact of climate change on neglected tropical diseases and malaria

Tagged as: CBM Global Disability Inclusion, Nigeria