TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR SERVICE CONTRACTING

Assignment: Technical support for finalising a multisectoral training package in Epidemiology, Preventive and Control Strategies during cholera epidemics and delivered it.

Location: Home Based.

Duration: 40 days.

Start date: July 01, 2020.

End date: September 30, 2020.

Reporting to: Health Specialist, Health and Nutrition section, MENARO.

1. JUSTIFICATION/BACKGROUND

    

UNICEF is a key partner in the prevention and response to cholera epidemics

UNICEF response to cholera brings together Health, Nutrition, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and Communications for Development (C4D) in an integrated approach at different intervention levels from household, community, facility and institutional levels to central level, for a comprehensive public health approach. The UNICEF Strategy is built on 5 key principles – (i) integration of WASH, Health and Communication response, (ii) partnership and coherence with Health and WASH clusters, (iii) a focused approach on priority districts and hot spots, (iv) address the ongoing outbreak (response and control) and (v) prevention of future outbreak (prevention, preparedness and health system strengthening).

Cholera in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region

The incidence of cholera has been rising over the last few years in MENA region and some countries have experienced large outbreaks lasting more than one year. From October 2016 to November 2019, more than 2,2 million suspected cholera cases were reported in Yemen. This outbreak has been driven by years of conflict and has now became the largest of the cholera history. With more than 36,800 acute watery diarrhoea cases reported from August 2016 to February 2018, Sudan has also experienced a countrywide epidemic. This long-lasting epidemic has not prevented the occurrence of another one in 2019 in a previously non-affected region. While of smaller amplitude, Iraq has reported 2,810 confirmed cholera cases among refugees on a 3-month period in 2015 and Algeria has reported more than 100 cases in 2018 after 22 years without any case.

The political instability and civil conflict affecting many countries in the region have resulted in major internal displacement of civilians and breakdown the basic social services. There are also some large population movements of economic migrants from cholera endemic /epidemic settings. This phenomenon associated with the deterioration of the health, water and sanitation infrastructures can create the soil of potential cholera epidemic.

The global strategy for cholera control

In its global strategy for cholera control, the Global Task Force on Cholera Control (GTFCC) has defined a global roadmap for ending cholera to 2030.  The strategy includes two major components. A first one, an early detection and quick response to contain outbreaks and second one, a preventive strategy to prevent cholera recurrence using a targeted multi-sectoral approach. The strategy also calls on countries and partners to focus on cholera “hotspots”, the relatively small areas most heavily affected by cholera, which experience cases on an ongoing or seasonal basis and play an important role in the spread of cholera to other regions and areas. Cholera transmission can be stopped in these areas through measures including improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), communication and community engagement and through the use of oral cholera vaccines (OCV).

Multisectoral capacity for an integrated and multisectoral approach

Given the endemicity and the risk of cholera in the MENA region, UNICEF MENA regional office with the participation of WHO EMRO and EMPHNET, has conducted one multisectoral training on Epidemiology, Preventive and Control Strategies during Waterborne diseases epidemics. The objective was to equip the UNICEF country office staff working in Health, WASH and C4D sectors, with the capacity to comprehend and interpret epidemiological data for timely and effective action in a multisectoral and integrated manner in line with the GTFCC roadmap. This first training has been done in Amman (Jordan) in July 2019. Trainees have manifested a strong interest in this training, that convinced UNICEF MENARO to improve this first edition in developing a training scenario based on data and information available from the MENA region. The current training package includes presentations and practical exercises focusing on the main indicators used in epidemiology, the initial epidemiological assessment, the elaboration of a multisectoral response strategy, the coordination mechanism in the response, and the methods to monitor and evaluate the response. Practical exercises are already available but are not all inspired of regional epidemics and not integrated into an overall scenario.  Considering the increasing need to limit personal and professional travels, UNICEF MENARO would like to propose this training using remote learning modalities and make it accessible to Arabic speakers.

2. OBJECTIVE, PURPOSE AND EXPECTED RESULTS

Purpose:

The purpose of this work is to produce a course that enables staff and partners in the MENARO region to work across sectors and disciplines and transform epidemiological data into effective action. Providers are encouraged to use innovative methods, with the purpose to enhance engagement of participants.  Considering the need to limit personal and professional travels, UNICEF want to propose remote learning modalities for this training using new digital communication tools, that can be accessible both in English and Arabic language.

Objective:

Designing and delivering an educational exercise for adult learners that meets the following learning objectives:

1.   Learners are aware of the process and understand the purpose of epidemiological assessment

2.   Learners appreciate the complexity and pitfalls of a multisectoral response strategy

3.   Learners are familiar with the coordination mechanism in the response, monitoring and evaluation process

Expected Result:

Finalize a multisectoral 30h training package on Epidemiology, Preventive and Control Strategies during cholera epidemics using experiences of previous 2019 cholera epidemics (Sudan, Yemen), that can be delivered remotely and be accessible, both in English and Arabic language.

3. DESCRIPTION OF THE ASSIGNMENT

This assignment covers the period from 1 July 2020 to 30 September 2020

The tasks to be completed by the firm include to:

1. Create a training scenario with practical exercises covering epidemiological indicators, outbreak investigation, elaboration of an integrated multisectoral response, inter-partners coordination, monitoring and impact of implemented actions, in using key epidemiological data, responses provided, and difficulties met during the Sudan and/or Yemen 2019 cholera epidemics.
2. Develop the full training package for a synchronized on-line education event that mixed knowledge transmission and practical learning time in remote workgroup.
3. Translate the training package as well as the support material in Arabic language.

   4. EXPECTED DELIVERABLES

   1. A training scenario is developed based on real data and/or situations inspired from the latest cholera epidemics occurred in Sudan and Yemen in 2019 - Deadline: July 29th
   2. The 30h training package for a synchronized on-line education event is developed – Deadline: September 9th

The time dedicated to knowledge sharing and practical exercises is well balanced for ensuring a full commitment of the audience.

1. The full 30h training package is translated in Arabic language – Deadline: September 30th

Deliverable No. 1:  A training scenario

The organization should work with UNICEF to develop a training scenario that can be relevant for the professionals working in the region and be flexible to revise this scenario or create a new one, as deemed necessary by UNICEF. This scenario should cover epidemiological indicators, outbreak investigation, elaboration of an integrated multisectoral response, inter-partners coordination, monitoring and impact of implemented actions. The scenario should be inspired of epidemiological data, public health responses provided, and difficulties met during the latest cholera epidemics occurred in Sudan and/or Yemen in 2019.  UNICEF will share the situation analysis reports, epi data, survey results and any other relevant documents that could be useful for developing a scenario-based training.

Deliverable N  2 : A training package for a synchronized on-line education event

The organization should work with UNICEF to re-adjust and finalise a training package initially developed for a face-to-face training into a synchronized on-line education event using reliable modern web video-conferencing tool. The training package should well balance knowledge transmission time and practical time in workgroups mixing facilitated/ self-paced methods.  The overall training duration, the trainee’s daily involvement and the learning methods should be readapted to remote delivery modalities in order to maintain the full commitment of the audience. The audience being composed of professionals who are experts in their sector (Health, Wash or C4D), the participation of the trainees in the knowledge/experience transmission is strongly encouraged.

The course structure will remain divided into modules, with relevant and specific learning objectives for each module. Define activities for each module which best support the learning goals. As it was the case for the face-to face initial version of the training, it is expected that the programme will remain highly participatory.  The program should also include group discussions (e.g., role play) to provide opportunities for trainees to demonstrate their abilities as professionals to apply concepts and lessons learned.  Pre-assessments and post-assessments of each module will be proposed to show the participant how his/her attitude and perception changes or does not change because of the course. 

A blueprint document of the course structure with modules, activities and learning objectives should be developed. In addition, the provider will need to develop the training supports that includes, but are not necessarily limited to the following: workbooks to provide key concepts, basic information and examples, references for key topics included in the training, handouts to support the training materials such as guideline for facilitators for each session/ workgroup, initial and final trainees evaluation tool and any other materials that help to convey key concepts.

Deliverable N  3: The training package is translated in Arabic language

Training materials and most literature/ technical information provided should be in Arabic and English, though bulky items of reference material (e.g., manuals) may be provided in their original language. Where available their Arabic versions should also be included.

5. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

The selected organization will share with UNICEF focal point:

• A research workplan and tracker, that is continuously updated. This workplan and tracker will be made accessible to UNICEF focal point.
• All tools/documents/presentation developed for this assignment; additionally, all finalized tools will be stored on a separate shared folder that is accessible for both UNICEF and the organization.

In addition, it is expected that at minimum the firm would be proactive, and share regular updates on progress, challenges and discuss any action needed throughout the contract period to mitigate any delay. A weekly formal update on progress will be required via email.

Each product in progress will be shared with the UNICEF focal point, for review and feedback. He/she will also liaise when needed, with other relevant regional and country office experts on the topic to provide timely and quality feedbacks. At the end of each period, clearance will be granted for each milestone.

6. LOCATION AND DURATION

This assignment covers 40 working days over a 3 months period from 1 July 2020 to 30 September 2020. It will be home based.

7. OFFICIAL TRAVEL INVOLVED

Not applicable

8. ICT CONSIDERATIONS (PLEASE CHECK IF APPLICABLE)

The consultant is expected to have and use its own ICT hardware and software for the proper implementation of the objectives of this assignment.

9. CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

               The oversight of the execution of the contract will be under the accountability of the Health specialist -Epidemiologist in UNICEF MENARO. For any issues related to the contract signature, or any other terms and conditions within the contract, the organization will communicate with Supply and procurement team at UNICEF Jordan.

Programmatic Supervision

               The programmatic supervisory accountability of the assignment will be from the Health specialist -Epidemiologist in UNICEF MENARO. The specialist will also liaise with other relevant regional and country office experts on the topic to provide timely and quality feedbacks on the various products.

10. FREQUENCY OF PERFORMANCE REVIEWS AND PERFORMANCE INDICATORS FOR EVALUATION OF RESULTS

The progress of work will be measured by adherence to deliverable deadlines.  The performance will be measured in relation with the goals and specifications outlined in the Terms of References in the paragraph 4 and that includes assess initiative/drive, including ability to take action and get things done. 

11. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE OR EXPERIENCE

PLEASE REFER TO ANNEX1

Organizational Requirements

• Registered organization, with its own office and qualified staff, this includes evidence of legal registration;
• An overview of the organization’s experience delivering this type of work should be submitted as part of the proposal;
• Willingness to undertake the assignments in the given time;
• Any previous best practice in training of professionals that could be applied to this project;

12. PROPOSED PAYMENT SCHEDULE

PLEASE REFER TO ANNEX2

13. STRUCTURE AND EVALUATION PROCESS OF THE PROPOSAL

Each proposal will be assessed first on its technical merits (including by reference to legal requirements) and subsequently on its price.  In making the final decision, UNICEF considers both technical and financial aspects. The Evaluation Team first reviews the technical aspect of the offer followed by the review of the financial offer of the technically compliant vendors.  The proposal obtaining the overall highest score after adding the scores for the technical and financial proposals is the proposal that offers best value for money and will be recommended for award of the contract.

Technical Proposal

The Technical Proposal should include but not limited to the following:

• Detailed understanding of UNICEF requirements
• Detailed Methodology/Approach to project demonstrating how you meet or exceed UNICEF requirements for this assignment
• Proposed timeline and milestones
• Project dependencies and assumptions
• Expertise of Company detailing general and specific experience with similar assignments in the past 10 years. Bidders are requested to back up their submissions by providing:
  • Three similar training packages containing the following information:
    • Name of Client
    • Objectives of the training
    • Duration of the training
    • Scope of Requirements
    • Deliverables and performance evaluation
    • Team members on each of the project and their specific roles
    • Reference /Contact person details
• Details of the Proposed Team for the assignment including the following information:
  • Title/Designation of each team member on the project
  • Educational qualifications and professional experiences
  • Past experience in working on similar project and assignment – List all similar projects they worked on and their roles on the project.
• Project implementation and work plan showing the detailed sequence and timeline for each activity and man days of the of each proposed team as necessary
• Quality assurance mechanism and risk mitigation measures put in place
• Registration in country of operation

Financial Proposal

The financial submission by the organization should utilize the following format. The financial bids will be assessed on a per day basis. All line items included in the financial submission should be in line with how the organization will invoice the work conducted to UNICEF.

The Financial Proposal shall be submitted in a separate file, clearly named Financial Proposal. No financial information should be contained in the Technical Proposal.

14. UNICEF RECOURSE IN CASE OF UNSATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE

In case of unsatisfactory performance, the payment will be withheld until quality deliverables are delivered. That includes that deliverables fit with the specifications detailed in section 4, are adapted to the targeted audience, the content is in high quality language and delivered in a professional format. If the selected organization is unable to complete the assignment, UNICEF has a right to terminate the contract and initiate another selection process to identify appropriate candidate.

15. REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL EVALUATION WEIGHTING CRITERIA

PLEASE REFER TO THE CONTRACTUAL PROVISIONS PART OF THIS DOCUMENT.

16. CONDITIONS AND ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES

• The contractor will work on its own computer(s) and use its own office resources and materials in the execution of this assignment. The contractor’s fee shall therefore be inclusive of all review administrative costs.
• All persons engaged under a UNICEF service contract, either directly through an individual contract, or indirectly through an institutional contract, shall be subject to the UN Supplier Code of Conduct: https://www.ungm.org/Public/CodeOfConduct
• Please also see UNICEF’s Standard Terms and Conditions attached.