Consultancy Service To Conduct A Programme Baseline Assessment

Terms of reference (TOR) Consultancy service to conduct a programme baseline assessment UGANDA & KENYA Project: Integrated Community Nutrition Management Programme (ICNMP) Procuring Organisation: IsraAID Contract Type: Consultancy Contract Period: October 2026 to December 2026, 75 days (Phased implementation) Target Start Date: Tentatively 26/10/2026 Application Deadline: 23/10/2026 Submission Method: EMAIL – see 'how to apply' BACKGROUND IsraAID is an International Humanitarian Non-Governmental Organization founded in 2001 and headquartered in Israel. It supports people and communities affected by humanitarian crises, combining rapid emergency response with longer-term recovery, resilience, and preparedness. Over the years, IsraAID has worked in more than 60 countries, responding to disasters, displacement, epidemics, and other crises. Its mission is centered on partnering closely with local communities to provide urgent assistance while helping them rebuild and strengthen their resilience to future shocks. IsraAID is implementing a project titled Integrated Community Nutrition Management Programme (ICNMP) in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda and in Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya. The programme intends to improve health outcomes and reduce morbidity and mortality associated with malnutrition in vulnerable communities participating in the Program. ICNMP is designed as a regional initiative that responds to acute and chronic nutrition needs across East Africa, beginning its phase zero in Q2 of 2026, and actual implementation in September 2026. Although the immediate program launch focuses on Uganda and the emergency phase in Kenya, early 2027 will see Kenya incorporating the full package while the broader intention is to establish a model that can later expand to South Sudan as funding becomes available. The regional framing is essential, as the scale of displacement, vulnerability, and recurring shocks across these countries requires harmonized technical standards, shared learning, and coordinated supply chain approaches. The program will expand decentralized nutrition services by placing screening, early identification, and treatment within spaces that families already use daily, including schools, Child-Friendly Spaces, transit points, and primary health facilities. To be able to achieve the intended outcomes, IsraAID seeks services of a consultant to conduct a baseline upon which project progress and successes will be measured. This Terms of Reference (ToR) sets out the background, purpose, objectives, scope of work, expected deliverables, and management arrangements for the baseline study, and invites eligible firms to submit technical and financial proposals for consideration. PURPOSE This assignment aims at establishing both quantitative and qualitative baseline information on access to integrated nutrition services, nutrition and food security practices and programme systems to ensure that these are addressed by programme interventions to realise the intended overall goal. The baseline will also establish baseline information on several learning areas under the OECD criteria and the IsraAID Community Resilience framework (CRF). The baseline therefore aims at obtaining verified, disaggregated benchmark values for the programme indicators, enabling precise measurement of outcomes and impacts at endline (Year 2, 2028). OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT The assignment will specifically A. Assess the 3 programme outcome indicators 1. Vulnerable communities especially children under five and pregnant and lactating women (PLW) access integrated, quality nutrition services delivered through a multi-tier workforce (community and formal system) and functional multi-sectoral pathways. 2. Caregivers and community structures adopt improved nutritional and food security practices that prevent and protect against malnutrition. 3. Programme systems accountability, information, governance and supply chain, inventory management systems, logistics & distribution modalities are functional and progressively integrated into and owned by national, district and community structures. B. Provide baseline information on the specified Community Resilience Framework (CRF) and OECD learning questions. SCOPE The baseline survey will be conducted in programme’s area of implementation, covering Nakivale Refugee Settlement and its surrounding host communities in Western Uganda and Turkana West Sub-County specifically targeting Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kalobeyei settlement and its surrounding host communities in Kenya. There are several credible data sources that will benefit the project including, among others, District Information Health System (DHIS 2), Food Security and Nutrition Assessment reports (FSNA), Demographic Health Surveys, and Population Census reports. Primary baseline information will be obtained from, among others, health facilities, schools, households, children-friendly spaces, community structures and partners engaged in nutrition interventions METHODOLOGY IsraAID anticipates a mixed-methods baseline design combining quantitative and qualitative approaches, consistent with the evidence requirements set out in the MEAL Plan. The final design will be proposed by the Firm and refined collaboratively with IsraAID’s MEAL team. The baseline study should be designed so that its instruments, sampling frame, and methodology can be replicated with fidelity at endline, enabling credible before and after comparison and contribution analysis. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS The consultant will be expected to demonstrate how the assessment will be conducted in line with research ethics while protecting the human rights of the participants. It will also be the responsibility of the consultant to ensure strict adherence to IsraAID Safeguarding Policy. The consultant will also be responsible for ensuring that any persons hired, engaged, or consulted during the process are familiar with the policy and commit to abide by it during the delivery of the assignment. EXPECTED DELIVERABLES AND TIMELINE This assignment will last approximately 75 days from the date of signing of the contract. The consultant will provide a detailed work plan with realistic timelines to the logical conclusion of the baseline survey. The following deliverables are expected from the consultant: The baseline assessment will be undertaken by one consultant/firm. Fieldwork will be conducted sequentially, beginning in Uganda and subsequently moving to Kenya. 1. Inception & Evaluation Design – Week 1 Key activities Desk review of programme proposal, Theory of Change, Logic Model and MEAL Plan. Inception meetings with IsraAID. Refine evaluation design, sampling strategy and evaluation matrix. Deliverables Inception report. Refined methodology and sampling plan. Approved work plan and evaluation/indicator matrix. 2. Tool Development, Piloting & Field Preparation – Weeks 2–3 Key activities Finalize quantitative and qualitative data collection tools aligned with Indicator Reference Sheets. Share tools with relevant teams and incorporate feedback. Pilot testing and tool refinement. Enumerator training/orientation and field preparation. Ethics/safeguarding clearance preparation. Deliverables Approved final data collection tools and protocols. Pilot findings and revisions. Enumerator training/orientation completed. Ethics/safeguarding documentation. 3. Data Collection – Uganda – Weeks 4–5 Key activities Deploy quantitative and qualitative surveys/interviews with agreed respondents in Uganda. Conduct ongoing field-level data quality assurance. Hold regular field debriefs with participating stakeholders. Complete Uganda fieldwork and initial data quality checks. Provide the IsraAID team with access to data on a rolling basis as it is collected. Deliverables Uganda quantitative and qualitative data. Field notes/transcripts. Data quality assurance records. Cleaned Uganda dataset. 3. Transition & Data Collection – Kenya – Weeks 5–7 Key activities Close out any outstanding Uganda data collection activities. Uganda findings first draft submission Transition/travel from Uganda to Kenya. Conduct quantitative and qualitative data collection in Kenya. Maintain ongoing data quality assurance and stakeholder debriefs. Provide the IsraAID team with access to data on a rolling basis as it is collected. Complete Kenya fieldwork and initial data checks. Deliverables Uganda fieldwork close-out and initial findings draft shared. Kenya quantitative and qualitative data. Field notes/transcripts. Data quality assurance records. Cleaned Kenya dataset. 4. Analysis & Validation – Weeks 7–9 Key activities Clean, code and analyze quantitative and qualitative data. Triangulate findings across methods and countries. Develop and populate indicator baseline values. Prepare and conduct validation workshop with IsraAID/programme stakeholders. Deliverables Analyzed datasets. Populated indicator baseline table. Draft findings. Validation workshop summary. 5. Reporting & Dissemination – Weeks 9–10 Key activities Incorporate feedback from IsraAID. Finalize evaluation/baseline report. Prepare executive summary/brief and presentation deck. Present findings to relevant stakeholders. Hand over final datasets, tools and supporting documentation. Deliverables Final report in MS Word and PDF. Executive summary/brief. Presentation deck. Final clean datasets and tools. Summary of Key Milestones Week 1: Inception phase completed Week 2 & 3: Tools finalised/piloted and field preparation completed Week 4 & 5: Uganda fieldwork completed Weeks 6 & 7: Kenya fieldwork completed and initial Uganda finding draft Weeks 8 & 9: Analysis and validation completed; draft report ready Week 10: Final report, presentation and data/tools handover completed Note: The timeline is indicative and may be adjusted in consultation with IsraAID, provided the overall 10-week period and Uganda-to-Kenya sequencing are maintained. Analysis may overlap with final data cleaning. IsraAID will want to be provided access to data on a rolling basis as it is collected, to enable ongoing data quality checks and early identification of gaps or issues. Summary of Key Baseline Deliverables Inception report by the consultant within one (1) week upon signing of the consultancy contract. Draft Baseline Survey report with clear findings in line with the aim and outcomes of the programme, conclusion, and recommendations for review. Final Baseline Survey report in electronic format (MS Word as well as PDF) Summary of the findings in (MS PowerPoint) to be used for subsequent dissemination. All raw data: transcripts from In-depth Interviews, Individual Surveys, FGDs and cleaned data set used for analysis and production of the final report in an acceptable electronic format shared on a rolling basis. KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES IsraAID and the Programme Team Draw the contract and manage its implementation within the period. Coordinate the baseline study Share relevant documentation that are important for this assignment Introduction of the consultant and team to the relevant bodies within the study locations. Organize a validation meeting for the baseline findings. Review and approve the deliverables presented by the consultant. Consultant Recruit, contract, remunerate, train, coordinate, and supervise data collectors, ensuring compliance with the agreed methodology, ethical standards, data quality requirements, and timelines. Lead consultancy assignment including data collection and analysis. Develop and review the data collection tools. Lead the development of the consultancy report and incorporate any feedback from IsraAID Ensure all deliverables of the assignment are accomplished and approved by IsraAID Present findings to the IsraAID team and relevant stakeholders for validation. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE IsraAID expects the successful consultant/firm to field a multidisciplinary team with a balance of quantitative, qualitative, and GESI expertise, complemented by strong in-country presence across ICNMP priority geographies where possible. The indicative team composition below is provided as guidance; consulting firms may propose an alternative structure provided all required competencies are demonstrated and justified. Team Leader / Baseline Study Lead: Advanced degree in public health, social sciences, statistics, international development, or related field; minimum 10 years’ experience leading baseline/endline evaluations for complex, multi-country development programs; demonstrated experience with forced displacement, refugee, or migration programming; strong track record managing mixed-methods research teams across multiple African countries. Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with the IsraAID team. Quantitative Research Specialist: Advanced degree in statistics, economics, or related field; expertise in survey design, sampling methodology, and quantitative data analysis (e.g., STATA, R, SPSS); experience with mobile data collection platforms (e.g., KoboToolbox, SurveyCTO, ODK). Qualitative Research Specialist: Advanced degree in social sciences; expertise in qualitative methods including KIIs, FGDs, and complexity-aware approaches (e.g., Outcome Data Management / MEL Support: Experience in data cleaning, database management, and dashboard/data visualization; familiarity with data protection standards applicable to work with protected persons. GOVERNANCE AND REPORTING LINES The consulting firm will report to IsraAID’s ICNMP MEAL Coordinator, who holds day-to-day responsibility for the MEAL leadership of the ICNMP programme, and will work closely with the ICNMP program teams in both Uganda and Kenya Country Offices on tool design, data quality assurance, analysis, and reporting. The ICNMP MEAL Coordinator retains overall accountability for the assignment and will review and approve the inception report and final baseline report. PAYMENT PLAN 50% after the approval of the inception report, 50% after the approval of the final report. APPLICATION PROCESS Interested candidates should submit the following: Technical proposal outlining approach and methodology A financial proposal in US Dollars (USD), detailing all consultancy-related costs (operational, and logistical costs for conducting the assignment in Kenya and Uganda). CVs of the Lead Consultant and the entire team At least three relevant samples of previous similar work At least two (2) recommendation letters from recent clients for similar assignments. Copy of the company registration, Memorandum, and Articles of Association if a company/ firm is applying. Copy of tax compliance Certificate TIN Number VAT Number Any other relevant information supporting the application. EVALUATION CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF THE CONSULTANT/CONSULTING FIRM Proposals from the interested bidders will be evaluated against the following criteria: 1. Technical Approach & Understanding of the Assignment (30%): Understanding of the programme, evaluation objectives and scope; quality and appropriateness of the proposed methodology; sampling approach; quantitative and qualitative methods; data analysis, triangulation and validation; and ethical/safeguarding considerations. 2. Relevant Experience & Technical Capacity (25%): Demonstrated experience conducting baseline studies, evaluations or similar assignments, particularly in humanitarian, refugee, displacement and development contexts. Experience working with refugee and host communities in Uganda and/or Kenya will be an advantage. Qualifications and expertise of the proposed consultant/team will also be considered. 3. Workplan, Fieldwork & Data Quality Approach (20%): Feasibility of the proposed workplan within the 10-week period; capacity to undertake fieldwork sequentially in Uganda and Kenya; approach to data quality assurance, data management, safeguarding and secure access to data on a rolling basis during data collection. 4. Financial Proposal & Value for Money (25%): Completeness, clarity and reasonableness of the financial proposal, including professional fees and all logistical and operational costs required to conduct the assignment in Uganda and Kenya. ANNEXES 1. Program Document 2. Program LogFrame RESERVATION OF RIGHTS Nothing contained in this RFP/TOR shall be construed as creating any obligation on the part of IsraAID to enter into a contract with any bidder. IsraAID reserves the unrestricted right to determine the evaluation criteria, request additional documentation, waive minor irregularities, seek clarifications, reject any or all proposals, and terminate the procurement process at its sole discretion and without prior notice.