Engagement of a qualitative research consultant for the end-of-intervention qualitative evaluation of the task shifting and task sharing project Full Time NEW

Background
Pathfinder International is driven by the conviction that all people, regardless of where they live, have the right to decide whether and when to have children, to exist free from fear and stigma, and to lead the lives they choose. Since 1957, Pathfinder has partnered with local governments, communities, and health systems to remove barriers to critical sexual and reproductive health services, expanding access to contraception, promoting healthy pregnancies, saving women’s lives, and stopping the spread of new HIV infections, wherever the need is most urgent.

Nigeria continues to face one of the highest burdens of maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality globally. A critical shortage of skilled health workers, particularly at the Primary Health Care (PHC) level, remains the central driver of preventable deaths. Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) and Junior CHEWs (JCHEWs) constitute the backbone of the PHC workforce in Kaduna and Kano States. Yet, they have historically operated beyond their formal scope without structured training, consistent mentorship, or systematic supervision.

In response, Pathfinder International, in partnership with Impact Catalysts, is implementing a two- year proof-of-concept investment (2024–2026) funded by the Gates Foundation (INV-074254). The project is co-designing and testing a comprehensive Task Shifting and Task Sharing (TSTS) implementation framework across 222 PHCs in Kaduna (77) and Kano (145) States. The framework integrates competency-based training for (J)CHEWs, clinical mentorship, improved supervision, M&E capacity strengthening, referral pathway improvement, and early Network of Care (NoC) linkages.

The project evaluation adopts a prospective mixed-methods design, combining quantitative service delivery data from DHIS2 and facility registers, pre/post Diagnostic Accuracy Assessments and Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), and qualitative research to capture implementation processes, stakeholder perceptions, and health worker experiences.

As the project approaches its end, Pathfinder seeks to engage a qualified Qualitative Research Consultant to design, implement, analyze, and report on the qualitative component of this evaluation.

Objectives of the Engagement
The main objective of this engagement is to mobilize and contract a qualified Qualitative Research Consultant to lead the end-of-intervention qualitative evaluation of the TSTS project in Kaduna and Kano States.

Specifically, the engagement aims to:

Generate rigorous qualitative evidence on how the TSTS implementation framework was operationalized, experienced, and perceived across state, LGA, and facility levels.
Assess the quality and effectiveness of coaching and mentoring from the perspectives of clinical mentors and (J)CHEW mentees.
Capture the experiences of trained (J)CHEWs in delivering expanded PHC services, including changes in confidence, competence, and clinical decision-making.
Understand client perceptions of the quality, respectfulness, and effectiveness of services provided by mentored health workers at supported PHC facilities.
Examine how gender norms, social dynamics, and contextual factors influenced TSTS implementation, health worker deployment, and client uptake.
Identify key facilitators and barriers to TSTS implementation to inform future scale-up and policy advocacy at the state and national levels.
Produce a high-quality, policy-relevant qualitative findings report and stakeholder presentation that contributes to evidence-based advocacy for TSTS institutionalization in Nigeria.
Scope of Work
The Qualitative Research Consultant will operate across three levels of the health system: state, LGA, and facility, in both Kaduna and Kano States. The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Pathfinder MEL team and in close coordination with program staff, state government counterparts, and Impact Catalysts. The scope of work encompasses the following activities:

Inception and Planning
Review all relevant project documents, including the Investment Document, Master Research Protocol, training reports, success stories, M&E plan, and existing data collection tools.
Consult with the Pathfinder MEL team and program leads to align on research questions, sampling logic, field logistics, and ethical procedures.
Develop a detailed Work Plan specifying research questions, participant categories, sampling approach, field schedule, data management procedures, and quality assurance plan.
Submit an Inception Report for review and approval by the Pathfinder MEL team before fieldwork commences.
Development of Data Collection Instruments
Develop Key Informant Interview (KII) guides for: state SMOH/SPHCB officials, DPRS, HRH Desk Officers, LGA M&E/HMIS Officers, RH Coordinators, and clinical mentors.

Develop Focus Group Discussion (FGD) guides for: (J)CHEWs (mentees), Officers-in- Charge (OICs), clinical mentors, and clients served by TSTS-supported facilities.
Ensure all instruments are contextualized to the TSTS framework, culturally appropriate, and pre-tested before large-scale use.
Training and Orientation of Data Collectors
Collaborate with the Pathfinder team to conduct a one-day orientation session for field researchers and facilitators.
Orientation will cover: TSTS project background, qualitative research ethics and informed consent, KII and FGD facilitation techniques, probing and active listening, note-taking standards, audio recording protocols, and data security procedures.
Conduct practical simulations and role-plays to build interviewer competence before deployment.
Fieldwork and Data Collection
Lead and provide technical oversight for all qualitative data collection activities in Kaduna and Kano States.
Conduct or supervise KIIs with state, LGA, and facility-level stakeholders.
Facilitate or supervise FGDs with (J)CHEWs, OICs, clinical mentors, and clients at selected intervention facilities.
Ensure real-time data quality checks, including daily review of notes and recordings throughout the fieldwork period.
Purposively sample a mix of high-performing and lower-performing facilities across urban and rural LGAs in both states to capture diverse implementation experiences.
Transcription and Data Preparation
Conduct full verbatim transcription of all audio-recorded KIIs and FGDs.
Translate Hausa-language interviews and FGD transcripts into English.
Clean, organize, and label all transcripts and field notes into a structured, shareable dataset.
Maintain strict data security throughout: no participant identifiers in transcripts; all files stored on encrypted, password-protected devices.
Thematic Analysis
Conduct systematic thematic analysis of all qualitative data using a structured coding framework.
Apply inductive and deductive coding to identify patterns related to allevaluation domains.
Use a matrix or framework analysis approach to organize themes by stakeholder group and evaluation domain.
Highlight convergences and divergences across participant groups, states, and facility types.
Integrate a gender lens throughout, examining how gender norms shape TSTS implementation and service delivery.
Triangulate qualitative findings with available quantitative service delivery and competency assessment data where possible.
Selection Criteria
Technical expertise and methodological rigor 40%

Demonstrated experience designing and leading qualitative research in global health or public health settings; proposed methodology is sound, appropriate, and clearly articulated.

Relevant experience and quality of sample reports 30%

Minimum 5 years leading qualitative evaluations; prior work in health systems strengthening, PHC, HRH-related programs in Nigeria or similar settings; quality of submitted sample reports.

Value for money 20%

The financial proposal is reasonable, well-justified, and competitive relative to the scope of work.

Availability and compliance with the timeline 10%

Consultant is immediately deployable and can commit fully to the 40-day assignment without competing obligations.

Deliverables

The Qualitative Research Consultant is expected to produce the following outputs within the 40- day contract period. All written outputs must be submitted in English, in Microsoft Word format (reports) and Microsoft PowerPoint format (stakeholder presentation), unless otherwise agreed in writing with the Pathfinder MEL team:

Deliverable

1. Inception Report & Qualitative Work Plan Days 1–7

Concise work plan covering the qualitative approach, sampling strategy, field schedule, data quality assurance procedures, and finalized KII and FGD guides. Must be reviewed and approved by the Pathfinder MEL team before fieldwork commences.

2. Data Collection Instruments Days 5–7

Finalized, pre-tested, and culturally adapted KII guides, FGD guides, and client exit interview questionnaire; Hausa translations produced for field use.

3. Training / Orientation of Data Collectors Day 8

One-day orientation for field researchers and facilitators covering qualitative methods, ethical conduct, KII/FGD facilitation, probing, note-taking, audio recording, and data quality standards.

4. Fieldwork and Data Collection Days 9–22

Conduct and technical oversight of all KIIs, FGDs, and client interviews across selected facilities and LGAs in Kaduna and Kano. Real-time quality checks conducted daily.

5. Transcription and Data Cleaning Days 20–27

Full verbatim transcription; Hausa-to-English translation; cleaned, labeled, and organized dataset ready for analysis. Transcription begins during late-stage fieldwork.

6. Qualitative Data Analysis Days 25–32

Systematic thematic analysis using a structured coding framework; findings organized by evaluation domain, stakeholder group, and state; gender lens applied throughout.

7. Draft Qualitative Findings Report Days 30–35

Comprehensive draft including executive summary; methodology; participant characteristics; key themes with illustrative quotations; cross-cutting findings (including gender); interpretation linked to learning questions; and preliminary recommendations.

8. Stakeholder Presentation (PowerPoint) Days 34–36

Professional, concise deck (maximum 20 slides) summarizing key findings, illustrative quotes, and actionable recommendations for Pathfinder, state government partners, and the Gates Foundation.

9. Final Qualitative Evaluation Report Days 37–40

Revised, finalized report incorporating Pathfinder team feedback; presenting consolidated findings, cross-domain synthesis, lessons learned, and prioritized recommendations for strengthening TSTS implementation and informing scale-up.

Contract period:
The contract will be valid for a period of forty (40) working days, between May to June 2026, inclusive of inception, fieldwork, analysis, and final reporting phases.

Number of consultants needed:
Pathfinder International wants to secure the services of one (1) Consultant for the end-of- intervention qualitative evaluation of the TSTS project in Kaduna and Kano States.

Methodology and Process
The engagement process will involve competitive procurement of a qualified individual or institutional consultant. The consultant will be selected through an open call for applications reviewed against defined technical and financial criteria. The following criteria will be used in engaging the consultant:

Advanced degree (master’s or PhD) in Public Health, Social Sciences, Health Systems Research, Medical Anthropology, Epidemiology, or a closely related field.
Minimum of five (5) years of hands-on experience designing and leading qualitative research in global health or public health settings.
Demonstrated experience conducting KIIs and FGDs with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, health workers, and community members.
Strong proficiency in qualitative data analysis using thematic or framework analysis; experience with qualitative analysis software (NVivo, ATLAS.ti, or MAXQDA) is required.
Prior experience in health systems strengthening, primary health care, and human resources for health (HRH) program evaluations in Nigeria or similar low-resource settings is an advantage.
Knowledge of gender-responsive research methods; fluency in Hausa is a significant advantage.
Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage field teams, and deliver high-quality outputs under tight deadlines.
Justification
Engaging a qualified Qualitative Research Consultant is essential for generating rigorous, policy- relevant evidence on the effectiveness, feasibility, and scalability of the TSTS implementation framework. While quantitative service delivery data can demonstrate what changed in key PHC indicators, qualitative evidence is indispensable for explaining how and why those changes occurred, under what conditions the model thrieves and what adaptation are required for national scale-up.

The TSTS project represents a significant investment by the Gates Foundation to generate a proof-of-concept for task shifting and task sharing in Nigeria. Qualitative evaluation is a core component of the mixed-methods study design. Without it, the evidence base for advocating policy adoption, institutionalization, and scale-up of TSTS across Kaduna, Kano, and other Nigerian states will be incomplete.

Furthermore, the human-centered evidence generated through this consultancy, particularly health worker transformation stories, client experience data, and stakeholder perceptions, will directly support donor reporting to the Gates Foundation, government advocacy, peer-reviewed publication, and national dissemination of TSTS learnings.

People that will involve in this consultancy

MEL Officer:

State Program Manager (Kaduna)

State Program Manager (Kano)

Senior Technical Advisor

Program Manager

Admin & Finance Manager

How to apply
All written responses to this RFP must be received by Pathfinder no later than 5:00 PM on 15th May 2026

Please email the proposals/CV and other information directly to: [email protected]

The subject of the email must be the title of the consultancy:” Engagement of a Qualitative Research Consultant for the End-of-Intervention Qualitative Evaluation of the Task Shifting and Task Sharing (TSTS) Project and Task Sharing (TSTS) Project”. Any submission without this title will not be considered.

Inquiries

If you have any questions/inquiries, please kindly send e-mail inquiries to: [email protected] no later than 12:00 noon 14th May 2026. As a part of this RFP process.

Withholding taxes will be deducted from all payments. Pathfinder International reserves the right to award the contract in part or in whole to consultants**.**

Terms

Pathfinder reserves the right to cancel this solicitation at any point and is under no obligation to issue a subcontract as a result of this solicitation.

Pathfinder will not reimburse any expenses related to the preparation of any proposal related materials or delivery.

Confidentiality

As a part of the RFP process, Pathfinder International may be providing confidential information. Consequently, consultant must complete a Confidentiality/ Non-Disclosure Agreement.

Thank you,

Procurement Unit

Pathfinder International

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