Team Leader (Consultant position) – Special Study on Local Work for Environmental Health Project

Team Leader (consultant position)

Special Study on Local Work for Environmental Health project

(implemented by Institute of Population, Health and Development - PHAD) 

Location: Ha Nam and Thanh Hoa, Vietnam

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Social Impact (SI) is a global development management consulting firm which provides monitoring, evaluation, strategic planning, and capacity building services to advance development effectiveness. In Vietnam, SI is implementing the USAID Learns program to support USAID staff and partners to implement more efficient, effective, and transparent programs. Today, SI seeks a qualified consultant to lead a study on the implementation of the Local Work for Environment Health project.

** Note: Candidate must live in Vietnam and speak Vietnamese. Priority will be given to Vietnamese citizens, but international experts with relevant experience in the area may also be considered **

Study Background

The Vietnam Local Works for Environmental Health project is implemented by Institute of Population, Health and Development (PHAD) with the aim to strengthen partnerships among local organizations to sustainably address environmental health challenges through a learning-by-doing model.

Currently, the project implementation is at mid-point (Year 3 and scheduled through 2022).  For the past two years, PHAD have been addressing water-related health issues in two provinces: Ha Nam and Thanh Hoa.  In Year 3, the best practice models from this project will be scaled-up to other locations including: An Giang, Ha Giang, and others such as Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Vinh Phuc.

At the request of USAID/Vietnam Local Works Initiative (LWI) team, USAID Learns is conducting a special study to review the implementation in Y1 and Y2 to identify the existing challenges and barriers, as well as  potential gaps or the overall appropriateness of the approach when expanding to new locations for the remaining duration of the project. This study covers two provinces: Ha Nam, Thanh Hoa. The consultant should note that a special area of interest is how to use the findings and lessons learned to help inform more effective project implementation toward its objectives, current and future expansion.

Activity Objectives

Based on relevant document review, interviews with Key Informants and observations, this study will seek to achieve the following:

1. Identify principle challenges associated with the timeliness and reported effectiveness of activities since the start of implementation. Disaggregate identified challenges by
   1. Those deemed outside of USAID & PHAD’s control or unlikely be overcome over the remaining period of implementation; and
   2. Those which PHAD has already addressed or should actively attempt to address during the remaining period of implementation.

2. Based on identified challenges and lessons learned, outline all practical recommendations which ought to be ADAPTED into current activities and considered ahead of any future expansion into new areas.

Notes

1. It may become necessary to integrate questions on new factors outside of PHAD and USAID’s control, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, might impact programming and what hedging measures could be made in advance to minimize negative impact or risks. At the current time, this remains a secondary priority, but the consultant should be prepared to incorporate this into the planning (and associated level of effort may be adjusted if necessary).

2. The depth and scope of this study is not intended to match the rigor of an evaluation, and as as such is also not intended to evaluate PHAD’s performance. USAID hopes above all to use this study?to draw lessons learned in support to the next phase of expansion.

Position Description

Activities:

SI is seeking a competent consultant to act as Team Leader to conduct this study, with specific activities include, but are not limited to

1. A plan that principally identifies qualitative assessment tools and key stakeholders
2. Desk research of existing planning and MEL documents.
3. Key informant interviews with stakeholders, including but not limited to: USAID, PHAD staff, provincial government partners, private sector stakeholders and other local actors in the Water Health Network);
4. Focused group discussions with (direct) current and future beneficiaries of the project intervention (while remaining adaptive to health-related restrictions and COVID-19-related conditions at the time of the study); and
5. Analysis and Report writing.

Desired deliverables:

1. Kickoff meeting with USAID and PHAD (post document review) supported by:
   • Outline of the special study plan,
   • Confirmed research scope/questions (including agreed changes/adjustments)
   • Confirmed list of anticipated Key Informant Interviews.
2. Top-Line Findings (Validation event)
   • PowerPoint presentation outlining key preliminary findings based on field research
3. Draft Report:
   • Complete draft report submitted to USAID in line with the research scope of work.?
4. Reflection Event (facilitated with the support of Learns):
   • Summary notes on key recommendations emerging from USAID-IP reflection event focused on the recommended way forward.
5. Final report (including USAID/IP recommendations on way forward and USAID comment on the Draft Report)
   • Final copy-edited report, approved by USAID.

Qualifications: Team Leader (* with the possibility of complimentary STTA support if required)

• Expertise in environmental pollution, preferably water-related health issues required.
• Experience in local actor networking and policy advocacy desired.
• At least five years of experience in evaluation for development projects, specifically in conducting?assessments?or special studies,?and?familiarity with related compliance.?
• Must have experience coordinating with GVN to implement USAID programs.
• Fluency in Vietnamese required.
• Fluency in English with demonstrated excellent writing skills required.
• Familiarity with USAID funding mechanisms desired.

• Experience working at project sites is a plus.

(*) While the recruitment process is ongoing, Learns will continue to ascertain whether an additional team member might be required to compliment his/her skill set.

Expected timeline (subject to change due to current COVID-19 situation): May 11 – July 16, 2020

Come join our energetic and innovative team!  We offer you the opportunity to play a leading role in the growth of our company, work as part of a creative and committed team, and make a difference in the well-being of our world.

To learn more about Social Impact, please visit our website: http://www.socialimpact.com

SI is an EEO/AA/ADA Veterans Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview. Please, no phone calls.

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