Position: Consultant (Individual Consultant/team/Consultant Firm)

Application Deadline: 31 March 2022

Duration: April to July 2022 (60 working days)

Reports to: Senior Research and MEAL Manager 

1.  Background

1.1   Habitat for Humanity Nepal

Habitat for Humanity has been present in Nepal since 1997, serving landless, low-income, vulnerable (Ultra-poor, socially excluded, disaster-affected, or living in disaster-prone areas) and Dalit families to build adequate (safe, secure, habitable, accessible and affordable) houses. With its central office in Kathmandu and two field offices in Eastern Region (currently in Province 1) and the Far-western region (Sudur Paschim province), Habitat Nepal works in over 10 districts throughout Nepal.

Habitat Nepal is registered with the Social Welfare Council (SWC) as an INGO, as Habitat for Humanity International Nepal working towards adequate housing. It employs a holistic approach to long-term shelter solutions by forging effective coordination, collaborative partnerships with government agencies, strengthening relationships with local partners, and pursuing growth through market development initiatives.

Responding to the root causes of inequity in the housing ecosystem, HFHN wants to support people to thrive through housing by applying a people-centered approach (i.e., putting people and their capabilities, vulnerabilities, voices and influence) at the center of its work and partnering with people, the public and private sectors to reduce inequities in the housing ecosystem by building the capacity and agencies of vulnerable people, facilitating the public and private sectors and leading evidence generation, awareness raising, and advocacy to ensure more people live in adequate, affordable, and sustainable housing leading to thriving people and communities living with dignity, security and resilience within a stronger, more equitable housing ecosystem.

1.2   The Hilti Project

The Impact 2026 – Safe and Durable Bamboo Housing Solution for Easter Nepal also called Hilti Project in brief is funded by The Hilti Foundation and it is conceptualized for 7 years of implementation in three contiguous phases. There are five components in the project i.e., 1) Bamboo Treatment Centre 2) Bamboo House Design 3) Build Bamboo Houses with Government Subsidy 4) Market Based Housing and 5) Ecosystem Strengthening. These components have different targets for different phases. 

The Phase II of the Hilti Project will lay the foundation for scaling the adoption of safe (disaster-resilient), durable and affordable treated bamboo housing solutions among low-income families of the Eastern Terai of Nepal.

   2.  Baseline Study

Habitat Nepal has developed theory of change (TOC) contextualizing the Habitat International theory of change. TOC has stated supper impact as ‘People thrive-living with dignity, security resilience’ and three impact statements as 1) people and community are more resilient, 2) people have improved health and wellbeing and 3) people enjoy inclusive educational, economic, and cultural life/opportunities. Therefore, now Habitat Nepal has plan to evaluate its impact statements through conducting outcome and impact assessment at different period i.e., the end of the Hilti Project and similar housing project implemented by Habitat Nepal. To estimate the attributable impact there is a need to establish the baseline for each of the outcome and impact indicators (selected relevant indicator from SDG for Nepal).  

Therefore, Habitat Nepal is now planning to conduct a baseline study for Hilti Project’s outcome and impact indicators to establish the present status i.e., values for each the indicators. These values will be used to estimate the project achievements by comparing these values with the values of each the indicators estimated during mid-line or end-line surveys. 

In view of the above, HFHN is seeking the services of a consultant or consultancy team for the Baseline Study of the Hilti Project. The analysis will also provide baseline information on the overall operating context, demographic description of the target population, their needs relevant to adequate, safe, and affordable housing.  

2.1   Objectives of the Study

a.  To establish baseline value on:

• Demographic characteristics of the target population, the operating context, needs relevant to adequate, safe, and affordable housing including drivers of demand
• Project indicators outlined in the project logical framework that will be used as reference points to measure and evaluate progress over time
• Overall health, education, and socio-economic status of the population to enable analysis of change and impact at the project endline

b. To establish foundational metrics from which subsequent assessments and research planned throughout the Hilti Project period will build upon. These include the design of the satisfaction surveys, routine monitoring activities, midline evaluation, and endline impact evaluation

c. To establish a strong evidence base on best practices, and opportunities for replication and influence in other countries supported by Hilti and the wider Habitat for Humanity network

2.2   Scope of the Baseline Study

a.  Project results and indicators

Refer to the project logical framework. Baseline values will be identified for Hilti project indicators, where relevant.

b. Habitat’s Housing Quality Standards

The baseline study will gather data on the status of housing based on Habitat’s Housing Quality Standards, looking at design, durability, secure tenure, water, sanitation.

c.  Sustainable Development Goals

The baseline study will endeavor to gather data to contribute to the analysis of SDG indicators relevant to the goals and interventions of the Hilti Project.

d. Health, education, social and community development, socio-economic/livelihood outcomes

2.2.1  Health outcomes

1.  Affordable housing can improve health outcomes by stabilizing or reducing costs and saving family resources for other essential expenditures. (Indicator: reduced expenditures for health-related cost)
2. Physical improvements in housing can lead to positive health outcomes by reducing exposure to toxins and asthma-promoting conditions and improving the physical comfort of the home. (Indicator: reduced risks of contracting acute respiratory infections through improved housing structures)
3. Avoiding challenging situations such as reductions in stress associated with crowding and domestic abuse can lead to improve health outcome and (Indicator: reduced morbidity)
4. Improve residential stability can lead to improve health outcomes by reducing stress and enabling chronically ill individual to maintain a consistent treatment regime. (Indicator: improved capacity to consistent treatments among chronically ill individuals)
5. Reductions in parental and child stress associated with crowding and parental stress associated with unaffordable rent and loan payments. (Indicator: reduced economic burden)

2.2.2  Education outcomes

1.   The educational benefits provided by residential stability (i.e., fewer moves), to the extent it leads to school stability. (Indicator: improved school attendance)
2. The educational benefits of moving to areas with stronger schools and/or schools where the households have higher incomes. (Indicator: improved access to quality learning opportunities)

2.2.3  Social and community development outcomes

1. Social and political involvement
2. Neighborhood perceptions and social capital.

2.3  Research Questions

2.3.1  Broad question to be answered by the survey are as below.

• What is the socio-economic status of homeowners?
• How safe, affordable, adequate, and sustainable are their housing?
• How are the people, families and communities’ relationships and cohesion in the present settlement?
• How DRR and climate change elements adopted in existing housing?   

2.3.2 Specific questions to be answered by the survey are as below.

• What is the status of homeowners’ health, education and socioeconomic outcome and impact indicators?

 3. Consultant Scope of Work and Deliverables

Scope of Work:

The consultant will oversee the planning and implementation of the baseline study, in close coordination with HFHN. Based on the scope of work of the study outlined above, the consultant will perform the following:

•  Provide inputs to improve the definition of appropriate indicators for health, education, and socio-economic outcomes of safe, secure, affordable, and adequate housing on poor and marginalized families
• The consultant will indicate in their proposal how they will carry out the requirements of the baseline survey design.

Deliverables:

1. Inception report
2. Final list of indicators for outcome and impact of safe, affordable and adequate housing with WASH
3. Survey tools for qualitative and quantitative data collection
4. Clean datasets
5. Analyzed tables in MS Excel sheet that is used in report
6. Soft copy of draft and final report
7. Hotel bills, transportation, and other expenses

 4. Timeline

 5. Qualifications of the Consultant:

HFHN is looking for a consultant/team of consultants meeting the following criteria:

1. Demonstrated capacity to conduct baseline study in the areas of housing and settlements, with cross-cutting technical capacities on health, WASH, education and livelihood. 
2. Proven competency and relevant work experience in carrying out baseline studies, analysis and reporting on the outcomes and impacts related to adequate, safe, and affordable housing interventions in relation to health, education, livelihood, and social development outcomes.
3. Proven experience and knowledge of health and nutrition, education, livelihood, and social development policies, practices, and government and non-government structures in Nepal
4. Proven competency in systematic integration and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data
5. Proven competency in developing and using tools and methods specifically conducting literature review, household-level surveys, focus group discussions, key informant interviews with different respondent groups including women, community members, and government and non-government stakeholders
6. Demonstrated experience in data collection ethics and methodologies: recording, processing, and analysis
7. Excellent computer skills with high proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel; practical experience using, or at least familiarity with, information management systems and analysis software such as, Kobo, ODK, SurveyCTO, SPSS, etc.
8. Proven experience in coordinating with diverse teams
9. Effective, high-quality communication, writing, and interpersonal skills are essential
10. Professional fluency in spoken and written English and Nepali, and ability to communicate concisely with impact; high level English writing skills are mandatory

6. Coordination and Supervision

Under the supervision of Senior Research and MEAL Manager, the consultant will work closely with HFHN’s Hilti Project Manager and MEAL teams.  The consultants will be required to undergo a session on Habitat’s Safeguarding policies as part of the onboarding process.

7.  Support from Habitat Nepal:

Habitat Nepal will provide following documents and support to the consultant to complete the baseline study:

1. Hilti project documents
2. Overview of HFHI theory of change
3. Overview of Habitat Nepal’s draft theory of change
4. Organize meetings at various phases of the study, including meetings with partners, government institutions, and Habitat Nepal staff
5.  Selection of enumerators and arranging for training on study tools
6. Provision of vehicles for field visits

8. Ethical Standards and Intellectual Property

Throughout the design and conduct of the Baseline Study, the consultants are expected to adhere to HFHN Code of Conduct including the Safeguarding Policy, ensuring that all measures are taken to protect the rights, safety, and welfare of the individuals and communities involved. The consultants should guarantee that the analysis is technically accurate and reliable and is conducted in a transparent and impartial manner. All products resulting from this analysis will be owned by HFHN. The consultants will not be allowed, without prior authorization in writing, to present any of the results or use any product resulting from the analysis as his or her own or for private publication purposes.

9. Queries on TOR

In case of any confusion or clarification in this TOR, the firm/individual can send their issues at  [email protected]

10.  Application Requirement Documents-

The interested individual consultant/ teams/Consultant Firm to submit the following documents:

• Expression of interest outlining how the consultancy team meets the qualifications required for the Baseline Study and their understanding of the TOR.
• A description of the analysis framework, scope of work, and proposed methodology to be use
• Names and contacts (email, physical address, and telephone) of three professional referees for whom similar work was conducted 
• Two samples of relevant work completed 
• Names and CVs of team members proposed, highlighting their experience relevant to this consultancy and their roles in the achievement of the assignment
• Financial proposal with details of all relevant costs including but not limited to fees, travel, transport, and accommodation
• For consultant firm-submit VAT/PAN document, company registration document and latest tax clearance document-2077/2078.

Human Resources Department, Habitat for Humanity International Nepal

In accordance with its foundational mission principles, Habitat for Humanity International is committed to the highest ethical standards and opposes all forms of discrimination, exploitation, and abuse. We intend to create and maintain a work and living environment that is safe, productive, and respectful for our colleagues and for all we serve. Habitat for Humanity International Nepal is an equal opportunity organization. Women, persons with disabilities, marginalized and disadvantaged communities, and local candidates are encouraged to apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps in recruitment. Habitat for Humanity International Nepal reserves the right to accept or reject any applications without assigning any reasons.

Habitat for Humanity International Nepal reserves the right to make the final selection decision.