Research Consultant for EJAF/ELMA Phase II Programme Evaluation in Uganda Consultancy

Background of the Programme

Adolescents and Young People (AYP) aged 15-24 years are disproportionately affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Uganda. This group accounts for 60% of new HIV infections, with young females having higher infection rates than males. HIV prevalence is also higher among Key Populations (KPs), such as men who have sex with men (MSM) and female sex workers. Despite efforts, the adolescent birth rate remains high, with many young people facing barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, including contraception and HIV care.

Additionally, mental health challenges in Uganda are strongly correlated with SRH outcomes. However, stigma prevents many young people from seeking mental health support, exacerbating these challenges.

Tiko has been operating in Kampala since August 2023, utilizing its digital platform to deliver integrated SRH, HIV, and mental health services for AYP. The platform also supports young people in holding service providers accountable, providing greater choice in service access, and leveraging the private sector to complement public sector offerings.

Building on the lessons from Phase I, Tiko’s Phase II programme aims to expand the reach and impact of its services. The overall goal is to contribute to Uganda’s HIV reduction targets, improve mental health services for AYP, and address the unmet need for family planning and other SRH services.

Objective of the Evaluation

To assess the impact of the programme, Tiko intends to address the following primary objectives and related research questions:

1. Objective: Determine the extent to which the Tiko app improves the satisfaction, performance and retention of Young People and Adolescent Peer Supporter (YAPS) on the platform. Research Question:

• To what extent does the Tiko approach improve the satisfaction of YAPs with the Tiko platform?
• To what extent does the Tiko approach improve the retention of YAPs on the Tiko platform?
• To what extent does the Tiko approach improve the performance of the YAPs to engage on the Tiko platform?

2. Objective: Determine the extent to which Tiko’s KP Navigators increase the ability of hard-to-reach AYP to access HIV testing, HIV self-testing, ART and PrEP services. Research Question:

• To what extent does the KP-Navigators’ approach improve knowledge about HIV services (HIV testing, HIV self-testing, ART and PrEP) among hard to reach and at risk AYP?
• To what extent does the KP-Navigators’ approach improve attitudes around HIV services (HIV testing, HIV self-testing, ART and PrEP) among hard to reach and at risk AYP?
• To what extent does the KP-Navigators’ approach improve the agency of hard to reach and at risk AYP to access HIV care (HIV testing, HIV self-testing, ART and PrEP)?
• To what extent does the KP-Navigators’ approach improve access to and retention to HIV care (HIV testing, HIV self-testing, ART and PrEP) among hard to reach and at risk AYP?

3. Objective: Understand the extent to which AYP reached by the programme access integrated, user centric SRH, HIV and mental health services. and the extent to which they are empowered on their mental, sexual and reproductive health and wellbeing. Research Question:

• To what extent does the Tiko platform/membership increase AYP’s access to SRH (family planning), HIV (HIV testing, ART, PrEP) and mental health services?
• To what extent do Tiko users feel satisfied with services provided through the Tiko platform?
• To what extent do Tiko users feel their knowledge and attitudes around SRH, HIV and MH has improved? To what extent do they feel their agency has improved?
• To what extent does the Tiko platform/approach/model improve service continuation and retention to care for SRH, HIV and mental health services?

4. Objective: Understand the process through which Tiko influences non-integrated health facilities. Research Question:

• How does the presence of Tiko-supported facilities impact the client volume, available services, and pricing strategies of non-integrated facilities?
• To what extent do non-integrated facilities feel compelled to adapt their service offerings, pricing strategies, or delivery models in response to competition with Tiko-supported facilities, and what specific changes have they made?
• How do non-integrated health service providers become aware of the Tiko-supported facilities and the services they offer, and how do they incorporate this information into their own service delivery
• What is the pathway to change that non-integrated facilities follow when adapting their service delivery models, pricing strategies, or service offerings in response to Tiko’s presence?

Scope of Work

The Research Consultant will support Tiko in the following tasks:

1. Research Design and Instrumentation:
   • Develop and refine research tools (qualitative guides, quantitative surveys) in collaboration with Tiko.
   • Review existing instruments and ensure they are aligned with the evaluation objectives and ethical standards.
2. Data Collection Management:
   • Manage and supervise the data collection process, including panel studies, and qualitative interviews with YAPS, KP Navigators, and AYPs.
   • Ensure data collection teams are trained and that ethical standards are adhered to.
   • Provide quality assurance during the data collection process, including reviewing field reports and conducting checks on data quality.
3. Data Analysis:
   • Conduct both quantitative and qualitative data analysis to assess trends, barriers, service uptake, and outcomes related to SRH, HIV, and mental health services.
   • Use appropriate statistical tools for quantitative analysis (e.g., Stata, Excel) and thematic coding for qualitative data.
   • Synthesize findings into actionable insights that align with the evaluation objectives.
4. Reporting and Dissemination:
   • Prepare appropriate reports summarizing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
   • Develop data visualizations and PowerPoint presentations for internal and external dissemination.
   • Provide regular updates to the Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Team at Tiko.

Deliverables

The Research Consultant is expected to deliver the following tasks and outputs, with allocated days and budget per quarter for each evaluation activity. The consultant will work closely with Tiko’s MERL team and the broader project team to ensure high-quality production of these deliverables:

h-quality production of these deliverables:

Evaluation Activity

1.Panel Study: Conduct small panel studies for AYP reached by KP Navigators (Q2 2025 & Q2 2026). Estimated Sample Size (Per Quarter / Study): 200 AYPs Reached by KP Navigators per Panel Study. Estimated Man-Days Per Quarter: 30

Deliverables:

• Inception report detailing study objectives, tools, methodology, and work plan
• Baseline panel report (Q2 2025) and endline panel report (Q2 2026)
• Raw and cleaned datasets (quantitative + qualitative)
• Policy brief for external sharing

2. Small Qualitative and Quantitative Study with YAPS (Q2 2026). Estimated Sample Size (Per Quarter / Study): 21 YAPS + 4 FGDs. Estimated Man-Days Per Quarter: 8

Deliverables:

• Inception report detailing study objectives, tools, methodology, and work plan
• Baseline and endline study report (Q2 2026)
• Raw and cleaned datasets (quantitative + qualitative)
• Presentation slides for Tiko staff and donor briefings

3. Study on Tiko’s Impact on Non-Integrated Facilities (Q2 2025). Estimated Sample Size (Per Quarter / Study):10 Non-Integrated Facilities, 10 Providers, 4 FGDs with AYPs. Estimated Man-Days Per Quarter: 5

Deliverables:

• Mixed-methods evaluation report on Tiko’s impact on non-integrated facilities
• Case Studies of 2-3 non-integrated facilities
• Infographic or 2-page summary highlighting programmatic and market ripple effects

4. Routine Analysis of Tiko Service Data (Q1 2025 – Q3 2026). Estimated Sample Size (Per Quarter / Study): Ongoing analysis of service uptake trends across all service types. Estimated Man-Days Per Quarter: 16

Deliverables:

• Quarterly data trend reports with descriptive statistics, graphs, and interpretation of service trends
• Dashboards or visual summaries for internal use and decision-making
• Short technical briefs highlighting urgent or emerging issues based on trends

5. Dissemination of Report from Data Collected in 2025 Panel Study (Baseline).

Deliverables:

Dissemination report for the 2025 panel study, CEIs, Tiko platform, and qualitative interviews

6. Dissemination of Report from Data Collected in 2026 Panel Study (Endline).

Deliverables:

Final report including all evaluation data, insights, and strategic recommendations.

Qualifications and Experience

The Research Consultant must possess the following qualifications:

• Education: Advanced degree in Public Health, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Experience:
  • Proven track record in research, particularly in health systems, HIV, SRH, or mental health evaluations.
  • Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research methods, including survey design, data analysis, and report writing.
  • Previous experience working with adolescents and young people in Uganda or similar contexts.
• Skills:
  • Strong proficiency in statistical analysis tools (e.g., Stata, SPSS, Excel).
  • Excellent communication and report writing skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Duration and Reporting

• Start Date: 1 July 2025
• End Date: 30 July 2026
• The consultant will report to Tiko’s MERL team and collaborate closely with other stakeholders, including the EJAF team and local research partners.

Tagged as: Tiko, Uganda