VSF-G Baseline survey Water for Lakes Dec 2015 2.pdf (127.9 KB)
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Animal Health Project Baseline Survey, Lakes State, South Sudan
Apply to Email: admin_hr@vsfg.org and juba@vsfg.org
Background
Lakes State is one of the ten states of South Sudan; it boasts abundance of natural resources that enables 87% of its population to carry out crop farming and a similar proportion to undertake livestock production. Sorghum, milk and meat constitute the major part of the diet, complemented with traditional vegetable and to an extent forest foods sources during the wet season. The rains are mono-modal commencing from April/May and ending in September/October, ushering in dry hot period.
The agro-pastoralist population of Lakes State suffer common livelihood shocks that include drought/floods, death or theft of livestock, crop diseases and severe human illness among others. Opportunities for coping with these shocks are limited - sell of livestock, working harder, seeking humanitarian relief, selling of other assets and eating lower amounts of quality of food. The people of Lakes State are averse to borrowing, only 11% of the households undertake borrowing in times of distress against a national average of 18.6% and a high of 33%.
On average, a livestock owning household in Lakes possess 13 heads of cattle, 6 sheep, 15 goats and 13 poultry. Despite this level of wealth and a long history of humanitarian and rehabilitation support from NGOs, bilateral partners and UN agencies, the state population has an equally protracted record of severe food insecurity and malnutrition, presently equivalent to states which have been most affected by the crisis of December 15, 2015. Household food sources comprise markets at 56% and own production at 25% (among other various minor sources) and livestock productivity is estimated at 20% of their potential.
VSF Germany is an international Non-Governmental Organization, providing humanitarian aid and development assistance to pastoralists and vulnerable communities in areas where livestock is of importance. VSF Germany supports in animal health, livestock related agriculture, marketing, food safety, drought responses and mitigation, capacity development of communities and governmental institutions, peace and conflict resolution with the ultimate aim of food security and strengthened livelihoods of pastoralist communities.
VSF Germany is undertaking a one year livestock intervention in 5 counties of Lakes State under the Water for Lakes Programme which is implemented by Euroconsult Mott MacDonald through a funding to the Government of South Sudan (GoSS) by the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
While the Water for Lakes Programme aims to stimulate economic development by: unlocking the potential of integrated development and management of land and water resources for production in agriculture, livestock and fisheries and; improving community health conditions, the VSF Germany sub-component is seeking to:
a. facilitate the identification and training / retraining of at least 50 Community Animal Health Workers (CAHWs), each selected by their respective communities in a participatory manner, conscious of gender considerations.
b. promote or establish development of a network of veterinary pharmacies for supply and distribution of veterinary drugs on cost basis.
c. establish (through the CAHW network) at least 30 rural pastoralist field schools (PFSs).
VSF Germany seeks the services of a qualified, experienced and competent programming researcher/institution/organization to undertake a baseline survey for its component of the initiative in order to define parameters, approaches and processes that will guide and measure accomplishment and achievement of the stated outputs and outcomes, covering all the three components listed above.
Scope of work
i. Development of appropriate assessment/study tools with valid measurement and analytical qualities;
ii. Training of context competent but low level education data collectors to requisite competency for the level of tasks, and their effective supervision to accomplish their assignments.
iii. Analysis of the collected data and information, and translation of the same into content for communication of findings and recommendations to VSF Germany, Euroconsult Mott MacDonald, the Government of South Sudan (GoSS) and the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Requirements
- A degree in veterinary medicine or animal health science;
- Experience and competency in Community Based Animal Health Service design, implementation and appraisal;
- Experience in application of the above in South Sudan, if not the Horn of Africa;
- Demonstrated quantitative and qualitative research skills;
- Demonstrated capabilities in effective communication through writing and presentation;
- Immediate availability; ability to work in remote volatile conditions with little basic amenities.
Administration
The exercise commences on the 14th December 2015 with literature review and development of survey instruments and approval of the same which will take 4 man days. This phase may be carried out in the place of origin. The second phase will be conducted in five counties of Lakes State with the support of County Inspectors and data collectors. This will involve 12 man days. Data analysis and report writing will follow immediately thereafter for a period of 4 man days. This may be carried out in the place/country of origin.
Prospective candidates are requested to submit a comprehensive technical proposal (with at least 3
professional referees) and a financial (fees only) plan for the survey.
Applications should be sent to the following Email addresses: admin_hr@vsfg.org and juba@vsfg.org indicating on the subject the Consultancy Title. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews. The selection exercise will start on 14th December 2015 on a rolling basis, and once suitable candidates are identified, the process will stop. Closing date for receiving applications is 21st Dec 2015.