Terms of Reference (ToR): Baseline Data Collection for RMNCAH Improvement Project, Taplejung

Terms of Reference (ToR)

Baseline Data Collection for RMNCAH Improvement Project, Taplejung

1. Background

Action for Nepal (AF Nepal), registered as a Non-Profit Distributing Company in Nepal, is dedicated to advancing the development of remote communities by enhancing health, education, and empowering locals to achieve sustainability. As a community-centric organization, AF Nepal remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering healthy and educated communities throughout Nepal.

AFN, with funding support from the Australian Himalayan Foundation (AHF), is implementing the four-year “RMNCAH Improvement Project Taplejung” in Maiwakhola and Aathrai Tribeni Rural Municipalities of Taplejung District.

The project aims to improve equitable reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH) outcomes through an integrated approach focused on:

• Strengthening local health governance and planning systems 
• Improving quality and readiness of RMNCAH services 
• Enhancing capacities of health workers and HFOMCs 
• Strengthening HMIS/LMIS and evidence-based decision-making 
• Promoting community engagement and behavior change 
• Advancing Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) 
• Ensuring safeguarding and prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (PSEAH) compliance 

To establish benchmark values for the project indicators and inform evidence-based implementation, AFN intends to conduct a comprehensive baseline study in the project areas.

2. Purpose of the Assignment

The primary purpose of this assignment is to conduct a baseline assessment for the RMNCAH Improvement Project and generate reliable quantitative and qualitative baseline data against the project’s Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) framework and logical framework indicators.

The baseline study will:

• Establish benchmark values for project indicators
• Assess the current status of RMNCAH services, governance, and community practices
• Identify gaps and barriers in service access and utilization
• Provide evidence for planning, monitoring, adaptive management, and evaluation
• Inform target setting and future comparison for end line evaluation

3. Objectives of the Baseline Study

The consultant/consulting firm will:

General Objective:

Conduct a comprehensive baseline study for the RMNCAH Improvement Project in Maiwakhola and Aathrai Tribeni Rural Municipalities.

Specific Objectives:

1. Assess the current status of RMNCAH service availability, readiness, accessibility, and utilization in the project sites. 
2. Assess governance, planning, coordination, and accountability mechanisms related to health service delivery. 
3. Assess the capacity of health workers, HFOMCs, FCHVs, and local stakeholders. 
4. Examine community awareness, behaviors, social norms, and practices related to RMNCAH and ASRH. 
5. Assess the status of HMIS/LMIS reporting and use of data for decision-making. 
6. Generate baseline values for all relevant indicators in the project logical framework. 
7. Identify gaps related to GEDSI, disability inclusion, safeguarding, and PSEAH practices within health facilities and communities. 

4. Scope of Work

The consultant/firm will be responsible for the overall design, implementation, analysis, and reporting of the baseline study.

The assignment will cover project sites in:

• Maiwakhola Rural Municipality: Ward- 2 (Dhungesanghu), Ward -3 (Sanghu), Ward -5 (Phakumba)
• Aathrai Tribeni Rural Municipality: Ward -1 (Nighuradin), Ward -2 (Phulbari), Ward-3 (Hangpang), Ward - 4 (Change)

5. Key Tasks and Responsibilities

The consultant/firm shall:

1. Review project documents including:
   • Project proposal
   • Logical framework
   • MEL framework
   • Indicator reference sheets
   • Relevant government policies and guidelines
2. Develop:
   • Detailed inception report
   • Study methodology and sampling approach
   • Data collection tools and protocols
   • Data quality assurance mechanisms
3. Conduct:
   • Quantitative household and facility-level surveys
   • Health facility assessments
   • Key informant interviews (KIIs)
   • Focus group discussions (FGDs)
   • Stakeholder consultations
4. Ensure:
   • Ethical data collection practices
   • Informed consent procedures
   • Confidentiality and data protection
   • Gender-sensitive and disability-inclusive approaches
5. Train enumerators and supervisors.
6. Collect, clean, analyze, and interpret data.
7. Present preliminary findings to AFN and incorporate feedback.
8. Prepare and submit final baseline report with indicator-wise findings and recommendations.

6. Methodology

The consultant/firm is expected to propose an appropriate mixed-method methodology including both quantitative and qualitative approaches.

The methodology should include:

• Sampling design and sample size justification
• Household surveys
• Health facility assessments
• KIIs with municipal officials, HFOMCs, health workers, FCHVs, teachers, adolescents, and community leaders
• FGDs with mothers’ groups, adolescents, disability, and marginalized groups
• Secondary data review (HMIS, LMIS, municipal records, etc.)
• Data disaggregation by sex, age, disability, caste/ethnicity, and location where feasible

The methodology must integrate GEDSI, safeguarding, and PSEAH principles throughout the study process.

7. Expected Deliverables

The consultant/firm will submit the following deliverables:

8. Duration of Assignment

The total duration of the assignment is expected to be approximately 30–40 working days from the date of contract signing.

9. Reporting and Coordination

The consultant/firm will work closely with AFN project and M&E teams throughout the assignment and report directly to Program Director.

AFN will provide relevant project documents, coordination support with local stakeholders and municipalities, and necessary introduction letters and permissions required for the successful implementation of the baseline study.

10. Required Qualifications and Experience

For Consulting Firm/Organization

The consulting firm should have:

• At least 5 years of experience in conducting baseline studies, evaluations, or health-related research
• Proven experience in RMNCAH, public health, or community development studies
• Strong expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies
• Experience working in rural and remote areas of Nepal
• Demonstrated understanding of GEDSI, safeguarding, and disability inclusion
• Qualified multidisciplinary team with expertise in public health, statistics, and social research

For Individual Consultant/Teams

The individual consultant should have:

• At least a Master’s degree in Public Health, Statistics, Social Sciences, or related field
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in baseline/evaluation studies
• Experience in RMNCAH and health systems strengthening projects
• Strong analytical and report-writing skills
• Familiarity with digital data collection platforms

11. Proposal Submission Requirements

Interested consultants/firms should submit:

1. Technical proposal including:
   • Understanding of the assignment
   • Proposed methodology
   • Work plan and timeline
   • Team composition
2. Financial proposal with detailed budget breakdown
3. Organizational profile/CV
4. Examples of similar previous work
5. PAN/VAT registration and tax clearance documents (for firms)

12. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Understanding of assignment and methodology
• Relevant experience and technical expertise
• Qualification of proposed team members
• Quality of previous work
• Financial competitiveness

13. Ethical Considerations

The consultant/firm must:

• Maintain confidentiality of all collected information
• Ensure informed consent from all participants
• Protect children and vulnerable populations during data collection
• Adhere to safeguarding and PSEAH principles
• Ensure no harm to participants during the study process

14. Ownership of Data and Reports

All data, reports, and materials produced under this assignment shall remain the property of Action for Nepal. The consultant/firm shall not share or publish any findings without prior written approval from AFN.

15. Application Process:

Interested individuals, teams, organizations, or consultancy firms who meet the required qualifications and experience are invited to submit their applications as mentioned above in Section 11 (Proposal Submission Requirements) via email to Action for Nepal at actionfnepal@gmail.com. The deadline for submission is May 19, 2026.

For inquiries and submissions, please contact at actionfnepal@gmail.com or at +977 01 4915979/ 9801864454.

Note: This TOR may be subject to modification based on the evolving needs of the project and discussions with the selected consultant or expert, to better serve the project goals.