Terms of Reference (ToR): Qualitative Research Consultancy for Mental Health Programming
Service: Provision of Qualitative Research Consultancy Services—M(H)IND Project (AID 012590/07/)
Location(s): South Sudan (Central Equatoria, Western Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, Warrap states, and Juba).
Reporting relations: M(H)IND Consortium Coordinator
About Amref:
Amref Health Africa is the largest indigenous health development non-governmental organization based in Africa. Working with and through African communities, health systems, and governments, Amref Health Africa aims to close the gap that prevents people from accessing their basic right to health. Amref Health Africa is headquartered in Nairobi and has programs in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Southern Africa, and West Africa. For more information visit our website www.amref.org
The M(H)IND project [AID 012590/07/0] aims at improving the mental health status and resilience of people with psychological, neurological, and psychiatric disorders in South Sudan through a reduction of stigma, dedicated community and clinical services, and competent social and health personnel.
Purpose of the Consultancy:
Amref Health Africa seeks a qualified consultant (individual or firm) to provide scientifically rigorous, context-sensitive qualitative research services that support program learning, adaptation, and publication. The consultant will contribute to generating insights that inform mental health programming and influence policy and practice in a fragile context.
Scope of Work
The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:
- Design and implement qualitative data collection activities, including Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and any other appropriate participatory methods
- Translate and transcribe interviews and FGDs (as necessary), ensuring linguistic and cultural accuracy.
- Conduct in-depth thematic analysis using qualitative data analysis software (NVivo, Atlas.ti, etc.). The analysis might be performed on different sets of qualitative data—either collected by Amref Health Africa and its partners within the framework of past activities and/or collected by the consultant (ref. to task “a” of this list).
- Provide contextually grounded interpretation of results and triangulate findings.
- Draft a summary findings report, including practical recommendations for project teams and stakeholders.
- Participate in periodic check-ins and validation workshops with Amref and project partners.
- Contribute to drafting of scientific publication aligned with peer-reviewed journal standards.
Deliverables
| Item | Deliverable | Description | Due Date (Tentative) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Inception Report | Work plan, tools, ethical plan | Within 1 week of contract signing |
| 2 | Translated & Transcribed Data | Raw transcripts in English | Ongoing, as collected |
| 3 | Coded and Analyzed Data Output | Thematic summaries and quotes | Mid-activity |
| 4 | Draft Qualitative Report | Preliminary findings and analysis | By end November 2025 |
| 5 | Final Report and Knowledge Products | Refined report and slide deck | By December 15, 2025 |
| 6 | Draft Manuscript (optional) | Based on agreement with Amref | TBD |
Requirements
The consultant can be either an individual, a team, or an organization. In all cases, the Consultant shall demonstrate or possess the following:
- Clear and demonstrated understanding of (mental) health and knowledge of the South Sudanese context.
- Track record of successful design, implementation, and reporting of qualitative data collection methods.
- Excellent competency and use of qualitative data analysis software (e.g., NVivo).
- Access to qualitative data analysis software.
- Min. 2 publications in peer-reviewed journals, where the consultant contributed to the qualitative component of the study.
- Strong interpersonal skills and capacity to work with people at all levels and with different cultural backgrounds.
- Committed to work and meet the deadlines as agreed with Amref.
- Proactive attitude, able to work with minimal supervision and to plan work around tight deadlines.
- Available and fit to travel to locations in Central Equatoria, Western Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, Warrap states, and Juba, in South Sudan.
- Excellent English communication and writing skills. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Western Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, and Warrap is an advantage.
Timeframe
The consultant might be contracted to deliver services between September and December 2025.
Application
This is a challenging opportunity for dedicated and highly motivated professional(s) from East Africa. If you are interested, please submit:
- Degree in a relevant field (e.g., social sciences, health sciences, etc.), at least for the Lead Consultant.
- Curriculum Vitae of professional(s) to be engaged in the consultancy.
- Financial Proposal, simply indicating:
- the offered gross daily consultancy fee (in USD).
- the Consultant’s bank account details.
- Evidence of past performance of similar work, such as reports of similar services rendered in the past (max. 3), etc.
- Links to scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals (as per the above requirements).
- Desirable: 2 references (e.g., from previous clients).
- *Submit your proposal through this link by or before August 15th, 2025:
M(H)IND Qualitative Study Consultancy_TORs_DEF.docx (41.1 KB)