Position: Independent Consultant to Provide Research Services for a Trial of Improved Practices Study (TIPS) and Formative Research on Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) Product Packaging (Helen Keller)__Deadline:09-August

BACKGROUND: In 2023, a cluster randomized non-inferiority trial was completed in Kampong Thom province, Cambodia (n=1546) to assess pregnant women’s adherence to multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) compared to iron and folic acid (IFA) during pregnancy. This study was jointly implemented by the Ministry of Health, Helen Keller Intl (Helen Keller), Vitamin Angles, and the MMS steering committee. In-depth interviews were completed with study participants who were high adherers (>80%), low adherers (<80%), and those who did not complete the trial. Thematic analysis revealed a range of factors influencing adherence. At the individual level, forgetfulness and negative pregnancy- related experiences (e.g., nausea, fatigue) emerged as barriers for low adherers while high adherers highlighted establishing routines, using visual cues in the house as memory aids, and positive beliefs in MMS benefits as facilitators. Interpersonal factors significantly influenced adherence; strong existing norms around IFA and discouragement from family/friends during pregnancy-related symptoms were barriers for some, while support from family (husbands, mothers-in-law) and healthcare providers, including reminders and endorsement of MMS, were enablers for high adherence. No institutional barriers were identified, however, institutional enablers included an endorsement by government health providers and counseling from healthcare professionals. Based on these findings, it is clear that effectively scaling up and promoting MMS adherence will require the involvement of pregnant women, family members, and midwives.

NATURE OF SERVICES: The TIPS is a participatory formative research technique used to test and refine potential health interventions, focusing on behavior changes on a small scale before introducing them on a large scale. TIPS are used to gauge the acceptability of proposed new practices by engaging with potential participants in the design of the intervention. This study will use TIP principles to explore and design culturally appropriate memory aids and motivational strategies to improve MMS adherence during pregnancy.

In addition to testing adherence strategies, product packaging (i.e., its color, packaging material, design, font, product name etc.) is the most important and influential factor influencing consumer decisions. The MMS Steering Committee recommends conducting formative research to gather information concerning packaging that will build consumer confidence and trust in the product among pregnant women and other influential family members. The research findings will be used to design the packaging of the MMS product.

CONTRACTING ENTITY:  Helen Keller Intl.
Guided by the remarkable legacy of its co-founder and namesake, Helen Keller Intl (Helen Keller) partners with communities striving to overcome longstanding cycles of poverty. By delivering the essential building blocks of good health, sound nutrition, and clear vision, we help millions of people create lasting change in their lives. Working in more than 20 countries – across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the United States – and together with a global community of supporters, we ensure everyone has the opportunity – as Helen did – to reach their true potential.

PLACE of PERFORMANCE:  Helen Keller’s Cambodia office.

DURATION and TIMEFRAME: 60 working days from August-November 2024.

SCOPE OF WORK
This consultancy aims to support the TIPs and formative research into MMS product packaging.  Both studies  will  be  conducted  in  Kampong  Chhnang,  Ratanakiri,  Takeo  and  Kampot,  representing
Cambodia’s four regions; Coastal, Upland, Lowland and Tonle Sap. Protocols, tools, and consent forms
for both studies have been drafted. The consultant will collaborate closely with Helen Keller’s MMS implementation and M&E teams.

The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:
1.    Review existing protocol, tools and consent forms, and edit MMS-related documents (5 days)

• Review the protocol, tools and consent forms of the MMS acceptability and adherence study and refine them as needed in consultation with the principal investigator (PI).
• Review the protocol, tools and consent forms for MMS product packaging and refine them as needed in consultation with the PI.
• Read the findings of the MMS acceptability and adherence study.
• Read the MMS dissemination workshop and Sierra Leone learning visit reports.
• Review the MMS social behavior change and communication development experience from Indonesia and other countries.

2.    Develop data collector training manual and PowerPoint training materials (5 days)

• Develop a training manual with clear standard operating procedures for data collection during the TIP and the MMS product packaging studies.
• Develop training materials (PowerPoint slides and other training resources)
• Share the draft training manual with Helen Keller’s team for feedback.
• Finalize the data collector/interviewer training manual and associated training materials.

3.    Participate in recruiting data collectors (2 days)

• Work with Helen Keller’s MMS implementation and M&E teams to prepare the job announcements for the required data collectors.
• Participate in interviewing data collector candidates.
• Participate in selecting interviewed data collector candidates.

4.    Conduct data collection training and field test study tools (10 days)

• In partnership with the PI, prepare a detailed data collection training schedule (time, content, needed materials). The anticipated duration is three days TIPS training and one day for MMS product packaging workshops.
• In partnership with the Helen Keller team and PI, support the organization and facilitation of the data collection training, including practical sessions.
• Conduct field pre-testing of research tools and refine them accordingly.
• Work with Helen Keller’s MMS implementation and M&E teams to develop a detailed field data collection schedule.

5.    Supervise the field data collection - before, during, and after (10 days)

• Coordinate with the data collection team to ensure all necessary supplies, materials, and equipment for the survey are in good condition.
• Collaborate with the MMS implementation and M&E teams to inform communities prior to the arrival of research teams.
• Oversee the research team's activities including sampling, adherence to inclusion and exclusion criteria, interviews, and adherence to protocols and schedules.
• Assist the data collection team in case of any problems or difficulties and offer necessary guidance during data collection.
• Supervise transcription and translation of FGD from Khmer to English. Provide spot checks to ensure the quality of English translations.
• Ensure that the data collection team reaches the target respondents daily.

5.    Data analysis (10 days)

• Coordinate with the MMS implementation and M&E teams to transcribe and translate all FGDs based on the audio recordings and field notes that have been generated.
• Develop a data codebook in consultation with the PI for the TIPS trial and the MMS product packaging workshops based on an initial review of transcripts using the COM- BI framework.
• Supervise coding of data collectors to ensure inter-coder reliability.
• Utilize QSR NVivo software in consultation and partnership with PI to facilitate the coding
• and analysis of the data.
• Conduct data analysis using thematic analysis.
• Substantiate  findings  with  illustrative  narratives  and  excerpts  from  focus  group discussions and workshops to illustrate common themes, opinions and viewpoints.

6.    Draft and finalize reports (13 days)

• Prepare draft reports for the TIPS and product packaging study (reporting format will be provided).
• Share draft reports with the PI and Helen Keller team for review.
• Revise, finalize and submit the study reports to Helen Keller.

7.    Present the research findings to the MMS steering committee/dissemination workshop (5 days)

• Prepare two PowerPoint presentations based on the final reports: one for the TIPS and one for the formative research into MMS product packaging.
• Share draft presentations with the Helen Keller team for review.
• Finalize presentations based on the Helen Keller team’s feedback.
• Deliver presentations at the MMS steering committee’s meetings.
• Refine research reports based on feedback from the steering committee if required.

DELIVERABLES:
The consultant will deliver the following deliverables:

• Inception report outlining the work plan, timelines and research methodologies.
• Refined study protocols, tools and consent forms.
• Adapted data collector/interviewer training manual.
• Training materials for the data collector training.
• Final TIPS report.
• Final report for formative research into MMS product packaging.
• PowerPoint presentation for the TIPS.
• PowerPoint presentation for formative research into MMS product packaging.
• Final progress report (summary).

QUALIFICATIONS:
The consultant should have the following qualifications:

• Master's degree in nutrition, public health, food science, or a related field.
• Experience in MMS or micronutrient research and studies.
• Strong analytical and English writing skills.
• Experience in conducting qualitative research.
• Experience in developing evidence-based recommendations.
• Fluency in English and Khmer.

SPECIFIC REQUESTS for INFORMATION
Please describe the nature of your education and experience and why it is well suited to the nature of the  work  described  above.  Please  address  the  qualifications  and  experience  listed  above  and
comparable project work. In addition, please provide:

• Your CV
• A sample of your previous work including:

1. Details of your expertise and experience in MMS/micronutrient research.
2. A sample of a previously developed protocol or guideline that you led or contributed
3. to, ideally related to MMS/micronutrients.

• Three references who may be contacted by Helen Keller Intl. These references should be clients or employers for whom you have provided similar services.
• A pricing sheet/list for the services that you/your company is interested in and can offer based on the above activities.
• A confirmation of availability, including your earliest possible starting date.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
Eligible vendors may submit their proposal in one of two ways:

• Electronically: Sign, stamp, scan and send the proposal as an attachment in PDF format to the email address cambodia.recruitment@hki.org
• Hard copy: Submit the proposal with a cover letter signed and stamped to Helen Keller’s office, addressed to Mr. Hou Kroeun, Country Director. The office is at address #40, Street 348, Sangkat Toul Svay Prey 1, Khan Boeung Keng Kang, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Submissions will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. 

 

EVALUATION and AWARD PROCESS
This RFP is open to all persons or entities deemed capable of implementing the scope of work and have a solid integrity and business ethics record.

The award will be given to the seller representing the best value to the project and Helen Keller. Price, delivery, technical proficiency and past performance are equally important for evaluating and selecting the “best value” awardee.

Moreinfo: https://helenkellerintl.org/careers/us-international

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