TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR): Consultancy service to conduct a baseline assessment

Job Description

• Background

SNV is an international not-for-profit development organization, working in over 25 countries worldwide, including 17 countries in Sub Saharan Africa. It has been in development for more than 60 years. In Ethiopia, SNV has involved in various development works since 1974, focusing on agriculture, Energy and Water sectors. SNV operates in more than 600 woredas in Afar, Amhara, Tigray, Benishangul Gumuz, Gambell, Oromia, Somali, Sidama, South Ethiopia, and Central Ethiopia National Regional States. To realize its program objectives, SNV works with the Government, Development partners, Non-Governmental Organizations, local service providers, cooperatives and unions, the private sector, knowledge institutes, the media, and low-income communities, so that together it can transform ideas into policy, policy into action, and action into results. 

With financial support from the Fred Hollows Foundation Ethiopia, and in collaboration with the Oromia Bureau of Health, SNV is implementing a project entitled “Clean Faces, Clean Environment: A Path to Sustaining Trachoma Elimination.” The project aims to address implementation gaps in the Facial cleanliness and Environmental improvement components of the WHO SAFE strategy and to contribute to improved health outcomes in the country.

The project is being implemented in 49 woredas across six zones of the Oromia Regional State: Arsi, East Harare, East Shewa, Guji, Jimma, and West Harare.

No	Project Location
	Zone	Woreda
1	Arsi (7)	Bale gascar, Chole, Gololcha, Hetosa, Robe, Seru and Limu Bilbilo
2	East Showa (4)	Adama, Adami Tulu, Bora and Lume
3	East Hararghe (12)	Chinaksen, Eder, Goro gutu, Gurawa, Haramaya, Jarso, Kersa, Kombolcha, Kurfacale, Melka balo, Meta and Meyu
4	Guji (9)	Adolla Rede, Anna Soraa, Arda Jila, Bore, Girja, Haro Wolabu, Odo Shakiso, Aga wayu and Uraga
5	Jimma (10)	Chora Botor, Deddo, Kersa, Mancho, Gomma, Ommo Nadda, Omo Beyam, Saka Chekorsa, Sigimo, and Tiro Afeta (Nedi Gibe)
6	West Hararghe (7)	Boke, Burka dhintu, Doba, Gemechis, Shenen Dhugo, Habro & Daro lebu

SNV plans to commission a baseline assessment to establish key benchmarks prior to the main implementation phase of the project. The primary objective is to generate comprehensive pre-intervention data that will enable accurate measurement of change and overall project impact.

Specifically, the assessment will measure the current situation against the project’s intended outcomes, outputs, activities, and indicators. It will be conducted at community, institutional levels (schools and health facilities) and will also examine the

extent of WASH–NTD integration, coordination mechanisms, and existing gaps at zonal and woreda levels.

This exercise will provide a deep contextual understanding to help the project team validate initial assumptions, set realistic and achievable targets, and refine the implementation plan for maximum relevance, effectiveness, and impact.

• Overview of the project objectives

The “Clean Faces, Clean Environment- A Path to Sustaining Trachoma Elimination” project builds on the achievements of WASH Tra I & II project, focusing on the Facial Cleanliness and Environmental Improvement components of the WHO SAFE strategy. The project aligns with Ethiopia’s Total Sanitation to End Open Defecation and Urination (TSEDU) initiative and the One WASH National Program (OWNP).
The goal of the project is to reduce TF prevalence below the WHO threshold of 5% among children aged 1–9 through a three-pillar approach: (i) Clean Body – Beyond Faces: promoting personal and household hygiene, especially face washing; (ii) Clean Environment – Beyond Latrines: improving sanitation and environmental management to curb fly breeding and waste; and (iii) Integration and Coordination – Beyond Meetings: embedding joint WASH–NTD programming within government systems for lasting impact. 

• Purpose and objectives of the consultancy

Overall, Purpose: To collect reliable, disaggregated baseline data for all outcome and output indicators to guide evidence-based planning and provide benchmarks for project implementation, future midline and endline evaluations.

Specific Objectives:

• Decide the prevalence of clean faces among children (1–9 years) in target communities and schools.
• Assess the proportion of households with handwashing facilities with soap and water, and with improved sanitation.
• Measure open defecation status, solid and liquid waste management, and environmental cleanliness at community and institutions level.
• Evaluate the extent of integration between WASH and NTD programs.
• Assess gender, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI) within community hygiene and sanitation initiatives.
• Establish baseline values for all indicators in the project’s Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) framework.

• Scope of Work

The survey will be conducted across all 49 target woredas in 6 zones in Oromia region. It will combine quantitative household surveys, school and institutional assessments, and qualitative inquiry through Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs).

• Methodology

A suitable and detailed method in line with the objectives of the study should be provided by the consultant at baseline study inception. This should involve a robust selection of quantitative and qualitative methods applied at the various points in the exercise and with different sampling units (individual, household, group, health facilities and schools, government stakeholders.). One of the critical tasks will be to match the

selection methods with the diverse range of information/data that needs to be collected and to decide the appropriate sampling frames, selection method and sample sizes at each point in the study. All survey data will be disaggregated by GAPSED+ dimensions and includes the Washington Group Questions. 

• Expected deliverables and Timeline.

To complete this task, the consultancy is expected to accept a total of 60 calendar days starting on the date of the signing of the contract. In accordance with the following timetable the consultant will:

• Survey Inception Report: A detailed document containing the comprehensive, pre-approved data gathering tools and guidelines, a finalized data analysis plan, and clearly defined data collection methodologies. The inception report will be due within ten calendar days after signing the contract and its finalization will involve incorporation of feedback from SNV, BoH and FHF.
• Cleaned Datasets: Complete, clean quantitative and qualitative datasets, submitted in an agreed-upon format.
• Draft Baseline Report: One comprehensive, clearly structured draft report written in simple English. This draft will be circulated to all stakeholders and must provide a rational basis, justification, and clear, realistic recommendations. The consultant will present the baseline findings and recommendations to selected reginal, zonal and woreda stakeholders for validation.
• Final Reports: The final version, which must incorporate feedback received from all stakeholders. This report is required in both soft copy (digital) and two neatly bound, full-color hard copies.

• Team Composition

The consultant team should include a Team Leader, Statistician, WASH Specialist, Behavior Change Expert, GEDSI Expert, Supervisors & Enumerators with relevant qualifications and experience.

The consultant should possess working experience in Oromia region and experience working with international organizations and WASH BCC and GESI related functions and responsibilities. Preference will be given to firms with proven relevant experience in undertaking Trachoma-related project study, design and MEL and shall have the following qualifications and experience:

• Minimum of an advanced degree in Health, WASH, social science or another relevant field.
• Other training in the areas of assignment will be an asset (Behavioral change communication, GEDSI, etc.)
• At least ten years of professional experience in the field of WASH, preferably behavioral change, communication and awareness raising campaigns.
• Experience of conducting mixed-methods baseline studies and evaluations and in producing high quality analytical reports (examples of previous work will be requested).
• Statistical analysis skills and strong proficiency with data analysis packages
• Excellent communication and written skills in English and knowledge of Afaan Oromo language and the ability to present data concisely and clearly.

The Study Lead person will coordinate with baseline team members to conduct the baseline study for the project to the required standard. Accordingly, he/she will coordinate field level data gathering, processing and writing up of the final report and benchmarking of indicators. He/she is also responsible for the day-to-day management of baseline activities. The survey leader will also provide guiding notes on how each key question will be administered and how the responses should be captured. The lead is also expected to deliver a presentation to stakeholders as Scheduled by the client. In general, the major responsibilities of the Study team include the following: 

• Review of project documents and preparation of a brief baseline design document
• Develop the baseline timeline/schedule and select interview and focus group discussion participants.
• Lead training of data enumerators.
• Collect, triangulate and summarize the primary and secondary data for quantitative and qualitative analysis and study,
• Prepare data collection tools for review, feedback and possible translation into Afaan Oromo language to make it more understandable and easier to use by the baseline team members,
• Conduct a detailed baseline assessment, assessing all the relevant components of the project.
• Undertake in-depth interviews with relevant participants and sector experts to gain valuable and relevant information.
• Conduct briefing and de-briefing with project implementing parties (SNV, BoH, FHF and other partners as appropriate)
• Validate findings with Stakeholders, SNV project team, BoH & FHF representatives (Preliminary Presentation of Report)
• Prepare and submit draft baseline report for review and feedback,
• Submit final baseline report on hard and electronic copies.

• Management and Coordination

The consultant will report to the SNV Project Manager, with technical oversight from FHF’s and ORHB’s CDC Directorate.

• Financial proposal

The financial proposal covers all costs related to personnel, fieldwork, data collection, logistics, analysis, and reporting. Clear description of budget items, unit of measurement and quantity, unit rate, total budget, and any applicable tax (not more than 1 page). 

• Consultant selection evaluation

• Technical Criteria for Baseline Survey (weight: 70 %)

A pre-defined technical criterion will be employed for the evaluation of applicants. Failure to secure greater than or equal to 35/70 in the technical criteria will automatically disqualify the applicant.

Technical Qualifications	Scoring Criteria	Max. Score
1. Page Limit on Technical Proposal	The technical proposal should not be less than 20 pages. CVs and other supporting documents should be included as annexes	Mandatory
2. Solid Experience and Knowledge of the organization/consultant	Proven working experience in Oromia region in conducting baseline, endline and similar surveys in WASH, BCC and GESI related functions and responsibilities. Preference will be given to firms with proven relevant experience in undertaking Trachoma-related project study, design and MEL. Very good knowledge and experience in baseline survey, evaluation and methodologies – quantitative, qualitative and mixed approach.	25
	– More than 10 years of direct experience in similar assignments:	25
	– 5-8 years of relevant experience:	20
	– 3-5 years of relevant experience:	10
	– Less than 3 years of relevant experience:	0
3. Quality of Technical Proposal	Demonstrates a clear understanding of the assignment’s objectives and scope. The proposed method is sound, and the work plan is clear, detailed, and logical.	30
	– Proposal clearly demonstrates a full understanding of the assignment with a high-quality, detailed method and work plan:	30
	– Proposal indicates a partial understanding of the assignment:	20
	– Proposal does not indicate a clear understanding of the assignment:	10
4. Team Capacity and Composition	The proposed team is multi-disciplinary and possesses the required technical expertise to cover all issues of the assignment. CVs of the proposed team members clearly demonstrate the necessary experience. Summary page showing team expertise and specific responsibility in the assignment.	15
	Team Leader (PHD, MA and Higher Degree in public health, social science, management or Economic or related qualifications Statistician (MA in statistics, economics or related subjects WASH Specialist ( MPH  or above in public health, environmental health, or related subject) Behavior Change Expert (MPH or MA in SBCC/IEC or related subject GEDSI Expert (MA or undergraduate in Gender or Sociology or Related subject Supervisors & Enumerators with relevant qualifications and experience. (15 points)	15
	– Team composition is acceptable, but lacks expertise demonstrated in one or more of the above key areas:	10
	– Team composition is missing more than half of the required expertise:	0
Total Technical Score	70

• Financial Evaluation Criteria (weight: 30%)

• The financial proposal, submitted in a separate document, should be simple, and the proposals shall indicate all applicable taxes separately in a clear manner.
• Applicants shall be legally registered consulting firms (copy of annexing of business license, tax registration certificate or any other legal documents need to be submitted). If the supplier is a Local supplier SNV shall deduct 3% of the contract amount in lieu of withholding tax and duly paid to relevant inland authority.
• Financial Proposal needs to be submitted in Birr.

• Payment schedule

• First instalment of 30% of the total consultancy fee upon satisfactory submission of a quality inception report validated by SNV.
• Second instalment of 40% of the total consultancy fee upon satisfactory submission of a quality first draft report.
• Third, instalment of 30% of the total consultancy fee upon satisfactory submission of a final quality report inclusive of feedback collected at a validation workshop and validated by SNV.

• Ethics and Safeguarding

All activities must comply with the Safeguarding Policies of SNV and FHF, and the National Research Ethics Guidelines (MoH). The consultant/ firm will protect the confidentiality of those participating in the survey at all stages. All data is confidential and is the property of the project. No data or other information from this survey will be released to third parties without the written approval of the project Manager. 

• Submission Guideline and Application submission date

Interested and qualified applicants who meet the qualification stated above, should submit their proposals as indicated below.

Title of the specific assignment, “Consultancy service to conduct a baseline assessment for the project entitled “Clean Faces, Clean Environment – A Path to Sustaining Trachoma Elimination” in Oromia region of Ethiopia” should be mentioned in the envelop/email subject.  SNV will not be responsible for proposals submitted without indicating title of the assignment on the envelope or subject of the email. 

Both the Technical and Financial proposals should be submitted in a separate email to: ettenders@snv.org. or a separate envelope for those who are submitting in person. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in automatic rejection of the bid.

SNV will not be responsible for proposals submitted without indicating the title of the assignment (“Consultancy service to conduct a baseline assessment for the project entitled “Clean Faces, Clean Environment – A Path to Sustaining Trachoma Elimination” in Oromia region of Ethiopia”) on the subject of the email/envelop.

Proposals must be received by SNV Addis Ababa office to the address below no later than March 23, 2026, 17:00 (5:00PM) close of business.

All submissions should be sent to: Via email to: ettenders@snv.org or must be submitted in person. 

All physical submissions should be sent to: SNV Ethiopia, Mexico Sar Bet Road Next to African Union P.O. Box 40675, Addis Ababa | Ethiopia Fax + 251 (0) 11 616 6252 Tele + 251 (0) 11 616 6232 or via <ettenders@snv.org>.

ToR can be downloaded from the below link:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oHQ5LqVbiFjrk0tx5AwXf5zzUc-QERU-/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=100196715550210544788&rtpof=true&sd=true