Consultants at Palladium Group (3 Openings) Full Time

Job Title: Consultant for Difficulty to Remove Implant Training for Kebbi, Ebonyi States and the FCT Secondary and Tertiary Health Facilities Service Providers

Locations: Abuja, Ebonyi and Kebbi
Project Integrated Health Program Kebbi, Ebonyi States and the FCT

Subject RFP #:

• TO4/217727/Consultancy/Fixed Price Contract-2021-0003
• TO6/217727/Consultancy/Fixed Price Contract-2021-0003
• TO7/217727/Consultancy/Fixed Price Contract-2021-0003

Project

• The Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), 2018 shows that Ebonyi, state, Kebbi state and the FCT have total fertility rates (TFR) of 7.2, 6.5 and 7 children per woman respectively all of which are above the TFR of 5.3 nationally. Similarly, the modern contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) in the states (Ebonyi– 5.2%, Kebbi – 3.2%, FCT-4.6) are lower than that of the national average of 12%(NDHS 2018). These poor indices can be reversed partly, with increased uptake of long acting reversible modern contraceptives in the 3 states, one of which is contraceptive implants.
• Use of contraceptive implants has surged in recent years, yet emerging data show a deficit in service delivery capacity and coverage for implants removals. The number of projected removals needed in the 69 FP2020 focus countries in 2018 (4.9 – 5.8 million), Nigeria inclusive, is more than twice that estimated for 2015 (2.2 million). We must proactively plan and execute high-quality removal services in order to fulfil the exceptional promise of implants in meeting clients’ needs and advancing towards FP2020 goals
• Implants removal is an essential component of contraceptive implant scale-up, critical to offering high-quality services and continuity of care that meets women’s and families’ family planning needs and fertility goals. Inadequate access to quality implant removal services leaves some clients on contraception even when they would prefer not to be, whether the intention is to conceive or change or discontinue the method for other reasons. This inability to access removal services within a reasonable time-frame consistent with access to other services compromises clients’ right and choices
• Removal of implants is dependent on access to skilled providers. When implant users reach the end of the implant’s effectiveness or decide to discontinue the method for any reason, it is of paramount importance to ensure these users have access to quality removal services with competent providers, including removal of difficult-to-remove implants. Although most implants can be successfully removed by trained front-line health workers working in PHCs (nurses, midwives, CHEWs), a proportion of implants will be difficult to remove and will require referral and access to providers with specialized skills to remove difficult-to-remove implants. Typically, these specialized providers are located in hospitals.
• The USAID Integrated Health Program (IHP) task orders 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 are multi-year, reproductive health/family planning, maternal, new-born and child health, nutrition, and malaria (RMNCH+NM) program being implemented Bauchi, Kebbi, Sokoto, Ebonyi states and the FCT respectively, under the IHP indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract. IHP aims to contribute to State level reductions in maternal and child morbidity and mortality and to increase the capacity of health systems (public and private) to sustainably support quality primary health care (PHC) services for RMNCH+NM.
• One of the specific activities under the IHP is to build the capacity of health care workers to provide high-quality FP services and method mix, including the insertion and removal of implants (both routine removal and removal of deeply inserted implants using evidence-based approaches). This will increase access to quality Implants services.
• In view of the above, one consultant is required to facilitate a seven-day competency-based training in 2 batches on difficult-to-remove implants for family planning service providers from selected Secondary and Tertiary hospitals in Kebbi, and Ebonyi states and the FCT.

Descriptions

• Palladium invites applications from suitably qualified individual consultants to organize and facilitate a sevenday training in two batches (3 days per batch) on difficult-to-remove implants for family planning service  providers from selected Secondary and Tertiary hospitals in Ebonyi, and Kebbi States and the FCT.
• In this Request for Proposal, Palladium expects offerors to develop training plans and proposal to Palladium for consideration. Bidders are required to provide justification for the work proposed methodology to be adopted.This will be a Best Value procurement.
• This consultancy aims to plan, in collaboration with IHP and relevant stakeholders in Ebonyi, and Kebbi states and the FCT, the training of health service providers in selected secondary and tertiary hospitals on difficult to remove implants for family planning.

Type of Contract

• This is a firm fixed price deliverable-based contract. The consultant is expected to satisfactorily accomplish the deliverables before he/she gets paid for that deliverable.
• The IHP Chief of Party reserves the right to confirm if a deliverable is delivered adequately or otherwise.
• No price change is expected after contract is signed. IHP will not pay for cost of any deliverable that is not complete, of quality or on time.

Anticipated Contract Term

• The anticipated performance period for the consultancy is May 17, 2021 to September 30, 2021
• As a firm fixed price consultancy based on deliverables, Palladium will only pay for deliverables that have met the standards and expectations of the program and which is also delivered within assigned timelines.

Scope of Work and Standards

• The scope of the consultancy is to build the capacity of 20 – 24 family planning service providers per state. The 20 -24 participants in each state would be trained in two batches. Each batch will consist of 10-12 participants who will be trained over 21/2 days for each batch.
• The participants will be selected from IHP supported secondary facilities in Kebbi, Ebonyi states and the FCT and at least 1 or 2 participants from 1 tertiary referral health facility in each state will also be included in the training.

Purpose

• To build the capacity of family planning providers on identification and management of difficult contraceptive implant removals.

Specific Objectives
By the end of the training learners are expected to:

• Provide pre-removal counselling with respect and care, answer any questions the woman may have, and ensure she understands the removal process, including potential adverse events
• Recognize the variations of implant placement according to visibility, arrangement and palpability (VAP) and correctly assess what type of difficult removal is needed and is possible
• Remove deeply positioned implants using the modified-U technique or refer to a higher-level facility
• Apply knowledge of the variations of difficult implant placement for successful removal.

Scope of work – Key Tasks

• Work with IHP to develop Operational Training Plan (as per the deliverable requirements below). Work closely with the technical IHP staff (Integrated PHC Advisor, Integrated Supportive Supervision and Quality Improvement Specialists and State Focal Persons) to develop the Operational Training Plan and any follow-on support.
• Use the IHP training preparation checklist to support advance preparation for the training
• Go with IHP to conduct an advance visit to clinical training site the day before the training.
• Set up simulation stations using the guidance provided in the trainers’ manual.
• Facilitate the clinical skills training using ‘hands-on’, interactive, competency based, training approaches and methodology.
• Identify peer practice coordinator(s) (1-2 high performing specialist) from the Tertiary Hospital in each State who can provide continuing post-training support.
• Administer pre and post knowledge, questionnaire, and skills’ assessment to assess knowledge and skills of learners before and after the training.
• Carry out any other related tasks that may be necessary to facilitate the training activity.

Outputs and Deliverables

• Deliverable 1: Prior to commencement of training: Operational training plans developed and submitted at least 2 days before commencement of the training. The Operational Training Plan should be developed in collaboration with IHP staff, and include dates of training, training site(s), selection of targeted facilities, lists of provider participants.
• Deliverable 2: Within 2 weeks of the final training session: A comprehensive final report that includes a brief description of the training methodology, a summary of training sessions (dates, sites, participants); results of pre-and post-training provider knowledge and skills assessments for each participants (and assessment methods/tools used ); list of participants for each training along with signed daily attendance sheets for all participants; a summary of any challenges encountered and lessons learned; and recommendations for strengthening future training and sustaining provider skills for removal of “difficult-to-remove” implants.
• Deliverable 3: Prior to the commencement of the training: Procure all the materials that will be needed for the training to ensure the training is administered effectively. IHP will not provide commodities and materials for training and so the consultant should include the cost of the items as appear on the list provided in attachment E

Final report appendices should include:

• Action photographs
• Pre and post training knowledge and skills test scripts
• Copy of analysis of the training evaluation forms
• Copies of facility action plans
• Original signed attendance sheets.

IHP Responsibilities

• IHP will provide the trainer’s manual, checklist and pre- and post-test, and arm models
• IHP with State Ministry of Health will identify appropriate training site(s), trainees, and ensure the selected sites have done advance mobilisation so that clients for difficult implant removal are available.

Required Qualifications

• Registered and practicing Obstetrician / Gynaecologist with at least 5 years post-qualification working experience.
• Evidence of previous and ongoing work experience in a facility delivering family planning and LARCs, especially difficult implants removal services.
• Evidence of previous experience conducting Difficult Contraceptive Implant Removal training especially within the last 24 months.
• Evidence of having up-to-date annual practicing license with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
• Evidence of strong coaching, mentoring and facilitation skills
• Evidence of strong analytical and communication skills.

Knowledge and skills scope of training:

• Standard and difficult implant removal services
• Standard for comprehensive, client centred implants removal
• Clinical Experience: managing clients revisit and side effect
• Management of revisit clients
• Assessment of management of revisits using checklist and giving feedback
• Update on clinical skills for removal.
• Review and management of removals
• Step by step instructions for removal:
• Client care after removal
• Follow up on contraception
• Managing difficult removal:
• Tips for difficult removals
• Discuss the referral process
• Step by step for modified U technique
• Demonstration of the skills on the arm model
• Demonstration and simulation of difficult removals
• Facilitate practice on arm models
• Facilitate clinical practice
• Facilitate action planning by facility

Terms of Consultancy

• The consultant is expected to submit the consultancy deliverables (outlined below) to the State Technical Director.
• Please note that the data emanating from the IHP and the workshop training as well as the learning resource packages that would be made available to you are the exclusive property of IHP and shall not be shared or published by you or anyone else (with the exception of branded training materials available in the public space.)
• The ultimate approver of all deliverables is the IHP Chief of Party before any payment will be made.

Management:

• One IHP PHC Advisor in each State (Kebbi, Ebonyi state and the FCT) will serve as the focal points for this consultancy. Technical leadership, direction and oversight will be provided by the State Technical Directors. Any required meeting with government and other partners during the fieldwork must be arranged by IHP and not the consultant.
• This is a fully loaded fixed price contract for the consultancy. This means that all costs for the consultant must be included in the cost proposal, including air/other travel to the States, local transportation, meals and incidentals, and hotel accommodation. IHP will arrange for the on-site training costs, site readiness and participant costs (if any).

Timeline

• Applications are expected to be submitted on or before the due date stated below.
• Bidders are expected to submit both technical and financial bids using the online submission platform on the Palladium website quoting the RFP number as it appears on the cover page. Applications received will have a validity period of six months.
• Palladium will set up an evaluation committee who will meet to review all applications received within two weeks after the application period has closed. Top candidates may further be invited for an interview by the evaluation committee which will be conducted a week after the first evaluation. Depending on availability of the members of the evaluation committee and the exigences of the program, evaluation may be conducted at times which may be shorter or longer than stated here.
• Palladium will most likely issue the contract to the successful contractor from this process within 30 to 60 days after submission. Palladium’s ability to issue such contracts may be contingent upon USAID approval and when donor approval is required, timelines for contract award may be longer than stated.
• Palladium hopes that the services to be rendered on this consultancy will commence on May 24, 2021.

Application Closing Date
30th April, 2021; 11.59pm (WAT)

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates (Bidders) should submit both Technical and Financial Bids to: [email protected] quoting the RFP number as it appears

Note: No late application will be received after the deadline.