Consultant for Baseline Study

Terms of Reference (ToR)

American Red Cross, Bangladesh delegation (PNS) of The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is seeking consultant(s) to conduct the baseline study for Coastal Disaster Risk Reduction Program of Bangladesh Red Crescent Society.

Background

The Enhancing Community Preparedness in Bangladesh (Coastal DRR) program will work in 17 new communities (and 20 new schools) across the districts of Bagerhat, Patuakhali, and Khulna, and continue phase I follow up activities in 8 existing communities (20 existing schools),in Bagerhat and Patuakhali districts for a year.  The overall program will emphasize strengthening of community level preparedness with the advancement of relevant national level systems that will contribute to more effective and sustainable local level preparedness and response actions by the national society through informed Forecast based Actions.  Work in the eight existing communities will focus on sustainability of the initiatives implemented during Phase I.  Activities implemented in the 12 new communities in Bagerhat and Patuakhali districts will be centered on scaling up of the coastal community-based disaster risk reduction (CBDRR) and school-based disaster risk reduction (SBDRR) program model and expand it to new communities and schools. For the 5 new communities of Khulna district, activities will be geared towards the replication of the CBDRR and SBDRR model through the newly established CPP organization mechanisms supported by the technical capacities of Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS), American Red Cross (AmCross), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), as well as the Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP) and the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief of the Government of Bangladesh.

Purpose

The purpose of the baseline study is to measure current knowledge, attitude and practice towards disaster risk, and disaster preparedness among households in targeted communities and schools covered by the project. Additionally, the baseline study will also enable identification and understanding of the level of preparedness of communities (including schools) to natural hazards, specifically in terms of their self-organization, ability to take action, knowledge and awareness, and connectivity.

Scope of work

The consultant will be responsible to ensure the baseline study utilizes methodologies that meet quantitative and qualitative research standards of the scientific community. The scope of work must include the following:

  • Review of secondary sources of information
  • Questionnaire finalization (in close consultation with the project team)
  • Conduct baseline survey and community (and school) disaster readiness assessment (in close consultation with the project team)
  • Data management, analysis, and reporting (in close consultation with the project team)

Required outputs/outcomes/deliverables

Expected deliverables for the Baseline study are as follows:

  • Inception Report (study design)
  • Finalized data collection tools, in English and the local language
  • Training manual for field staff, in English and the local language
  • Data entry software designed for survey (for use with mobile devices)
  • All data files in SPSS & Excel (raw data sets, modified data sets, log files, code book)
  • Sampling weights used in data analysis (if applicable)
  • Report with preliminary study results
  • Draft report (based on feedback provided from initial version with preliminary results)
  • Final report as per the instructions provided in the detailed ToR.

Timeframe

The study period will be for a maximum of 40 working days. The consultant will be required to provide and confirm a detailed work plan during the inception period. The study period maybe extended considering delays in field data collection, if any, caused as a result of COVID19 pandemic.

COVID-19 Guidance

The consultant should ensure that all activities are conducted in accordance with relevant and mandated technical guidance related to the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as advised by the Bangladesh Red Crescent Sosciety, Government of Bangladesh and the World Health Organization (WHO).  The consultant should also consider potential delays when planning and scheduling activities as a result of adjustment of policies and guidance related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Person specification

Education/Qualifications Required Preferred
Post graduate degree, from a recognized institution, in social research, survey methodologies, or monitoring & evaluation X  
Experience    
Five to seven years’ experience conducting and leading survey research and assessments, both quantitative and qualitative, 4 of which should be with international organizations (NGOs, UN, and other humanitarian agencies) X  
Demonstrated experience in questionnaire development and testing X  
Demonstrated experience in training and managing data collectors/enumerators X  
Experience with survey work in DRR or related sectors X  
Experience in Monitoring and Evaluation (preferably in DRR or related sectors) X  
Demonstrated experience and expertise in designing, managing and analyzing data for multifaceted survey designs (stratified, clustered, multistage, disproportionate selection probabilities, etc.) X  
Experience in using mobile device-based data collection X  
Skills/knowledge    
Excellent knowledge and skills in research methodology and statistical analysis. X  
Advanced computer skills (SPSS and Excel) X  
Excellent communication skills for training and facilitation, and leadership to manage and coordinate a team of data collectors/enumerators X  
Excellent report writing skill both in English and Bangla X  
Ability to work independently, ability to juggle and coordinate various tasks simultaneously, ability to prioritize tasks, well organized, reliable and trustworthy X  

Application Procedures

Please submit your proposal application in English, and in accordance with the detailed Terms of Reference no later than 10 October 2020 to info@amcrossbd.org. In the subject line please include your full name along with the following words “Consultancy Application: Baseline Study 2020”.  Only short-listed candidates will be notified and contacted for an interview. Applications received after the deadline or incomplete applications will not be considered.

About Us

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organisation. The IFRC Country Office in Bangladesh has worked alongside the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) for more than 30 years in humanitarian fields including disaster management, with a focus on the cyclone early warning and response programme in the coastal belt, and disaster preparedness and response during natural disasters.

American Red Cross is working in Bangladesh as an integrated partner of Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) and IFRC to support the humanitarian efforts of BDRCS.

The IFRC is an equal opportunity employer