Consultancy Opportunity-Baseline Data Collection for Realising Inclusive and Safe Education Project

Job description

TERMS OF REFERENCE

CONDUCT DATA COLLECTION FOR A BASELINE EVALUATION COLLECTING INFORMATION ABOUT EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES IN KABWE AND CHIBOMBO DISTRICTS OF ZAMBIA.

1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

The Scottish Government’s Realising Inclusive and Safe Education (RISE) Programme implemented by School-to-School Zambia in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, aims to promote equitable access to quality, inclusive education for children with disabilities in Zambia. Central to the RISE project is the integration of children with mild to moderate disabilities into mainstream classrooms. To support this goal, the project will conduct a baseline evaluation to gather information on knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to inclusive education and the education of children with disabilities.

2. OBJECTIVE OF THE CONSULTANCY

The objective of this consultancy is to conduct both qualitative and quantitative data collection from fourteen (14) primary schools (leaders, teachers, learners and parents), three (3) government offices (ministry of health, ministry of education and ministry of community development and social services), two (2) organizations of persons with disabilities and community leaders in Kabwe and Chibombo Districts of Zambia.

3. SCOPE OF WORK

The firm’s tasks will include, but are not limited to, the following:

a. KoBo Toolbox Upload

·       Review data collection tools (questionnaires).

·       Program and upload tools to KoBo Toolbox (including coding, skip logic, validation checks etc.).

·       Test tools before fieldwork and revise based on pilot feedback.

b. Recruitment & Training

·       Hire twelve (12) qualified enumerators, preferably with education qualifications or experience in school-based research.

·       Attend 5-day data collection training in Kabwe (Enumerators and Supervisors). The training will include a pilot tool testing exercise at selected schools. NB: The firm will cover their team’s accommodation, transport, fuel and DSA for this activity.

c. Fieldwork Implementation

·       Deploy trained enumerators to target locations (Kabwe and Chibombo).

·       Ensure timely data collection, uploads and synchronization with KoBo.

·       Conduct random spot checks for quality assurance during data collection.

d. Data Cleaning & Validation

·       Conduct initial data cleaning (check for duplicates, missing data etc.).

·       Verify and correct inconsistencies.

·       Ensure completeness of all datasets

e. Data Transcription

·       Transcribe responses collected in Bemba and Nyanja into English, ensuring translations are accurate and contextually correct.

f. Communication

·       Work closely with the STSZ RISE MEL team to review and incorporate any necessary edits or revisions.

·       Submit activity report summarizing the exercise including challenges and recommendations.

4. SAMPLE

·       Data will be collected from a total of Fourteen (14) schools in Central Province.

·       7 schools in Kabwe: One (1) school from each of the seven zones in the district.

·       7 schools in Chibombo: One (1) school from each of the following zones;

–        Mufwambe zone

–        Moomba zone

–        Kalala zone

–        Mwayasunka zone

–        Shalubala zone

–        Chibombo zone

–        Keembe zone

5. DATA COLLECTION METHODS

·       Focus Group Discussions: Qualitative data captured using voice recorders and hard copy notes then transcribed and uploaded to Kobo).

·       Key Informant Interviews: Qualitative data captured using voice recorders and hard copy notes then transcribed and uploaded to Kobo.

·       Surveys: Quantitative data captured electronically directly into KoBo.

·       Classroom Observations: Quantitative data captured electronically in KoBo. NB: Enumerators conducting observations should have prior experience conducting primary school classroom observations.

6. DELIVERABLES

The consulting firm will be responsible for delivering the following outputs:

a. All data collection tools formatted and uploaded to KoBo.
b. Twelve (12) enumerators (including two supervisors) hired.
c. Clean and validated data set.
d. Transcribed Bemba and Nyanja responses.
e. Final activity report.

7. DURATION AND TIMELINE

The consultancy is expected to be conducted over a period of 25 days: 5 days for training, 10 days for data collection, 10 days for data cleaning, transcribing and finalization. The detailed timeline for each task will be agreed upon during the inception phase.

8. CONSULTANTING FIRM PROFILE

The consulting firm should possess the following experience and expertise:

a. At least five (5) years’ experience conducting similar data collection activities for evaluations; Experience collecting data in government schools from teachers, pupils etc. is especially preferred.
b. Knowledge and understanding of the Zambian education system, cultural contexts and sensitivities.
c. Experience working with KoBo Toolbox software.
d. Experience collecting qualitative and quantitative data.
e. Ability to work collaboratively with STSZ RISE team and meet deadlines.
f. Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

9. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

All intellectual property rights, including the final data collected and any related materials, will be transferred to School-to School Zambia upon completion of the consultancy.

10. CONFIDENTIALITY

The consulting firm shall maintain the confidentiality of all data, information, and discussions related to the consultancy.

11. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

Interested firms are invited to submit the following:

i. Complete proposals highlighting their capacity, proposed methodology and experience.
ii. CVs of lead consultants and core team members.
iii. A comprehensive overview of previous data collection experience involving KoBo Toolbox.
iv. A detailed financial proposal including all anticipated costs; transport, fuel, accommodation, DSA, communications, stationery and professional fees. NB: The firm is expected to provide their own electronic gadgets for data collection.
Contact information for three (3) professional references.
Proposals should be submitted to the address below in electronic form ONLY and must be clearly indicated “PROPOSAL FOR BASELINE DATA COLLECTION”.

Deadline: Please submit your application by Sunday 20th April 2025 to admin@STS-Zambia.org