Terms of reference for hiring a consultant to conduct a midterm Value Chain Analysis for UNITAID Private Sector RDT Project in Uganda

Transcription

1 Terms of reference for hiring a consultant to conduct a midterm Value Chain Analysis for UNITAID Private Sector RDT Project in Uganda 1.1 Project background Malaria Consortium together with partners is implementing a three year UNITAID funded five country project geared towards promoting use of malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests (mrdts) in the private sector in order to improve malaria case management. Malaria Consortium is implementing in Nigeria and Uganda and the other implementing partner PSI (Population Service International) is working in Kenya, Madagascar and Tanzania. The goal is to increase the appropriate use of quality-assured RDTs in private sector outlets within beneficiary malaria-endemic countries by increasing their uptake in private sector markets through targeted activities. Using an indirect mode of marketing, Malaria Consortium rolled out use of mrdts whereby there is no interference in the regular operations of private sector supply chain mechanism and a bundle of services such as training, supervision, promotion and waste management have been attached to the mrdt delivery cost. Malaria Consortium s role is to ensure that quality services are maintained along the supply chain and to engage in activities geared to creating and increasing demand for mrdts at a provider and consumer level. Malaria Consortium commenced implementation activities in the pilot district (Wakiso) in August Scaleup of activities to greater Wakiso, mid-western Uganda, Kampala and Mukono districts is to start in August During setup of pilot phase, several studies were carried out namely; mapping of outlets in the supply chain, Value Chain Analysis (VCA), market study, baseline (exit, household and mystery client surveys) to inform Malaria Consortium on the status and other dynamics of the private sector market in regard to mrdts, malaria case management, supply chain and pricing. Using the VCA study, the recommended retail price was set at Ugx 2,500/= leaving a margin of over 100% for retail outlets hence, not affecting the margins they were enjoying. Also, while setting the cost at Ugx 2500/=, it was ensured that, the cost to test for malaria was less than the price for ACTs available on the market. 2 The project supply chain and roles executed by different actors; During the first year, two manufacturers were selected, each working with one first line buyers (FLBs), namely Medilink and BDH, who in turn are working with a total of three local distributors, Marketing Group (UHMG), Quality Chemicals(QC) & Karuri pharmaceuticals. namely Uganda Health 1 P a g e

2 First line Importers BDH & Medlink Distributors QC, UHMG & Karuri Sub distributors Delly & Hawa Pharmacies Retailers Pharmacies/ Drug shops & Clinics Consumers/End users Figure 1: Lay out of the supply chain and actors at different levels. By April 2015, a total of 226 private sector outlets; clinics, pharmacies and drug shops that had shown interest in participating, had been mapped and met the NDA criteria were randomly distributed to each of the distributors, through the FLBs. Each of the distributors conducted training for their allocated providers, with support from Malaria Consortium and the professional bodies. However, each distributor sales team can serve any outlet in need of mrdts during their routine sales visits which thereby, induce competition. To enhance quality of care given by providers subscribing to different professional bodies, Malaria Consortium on this project is working with different professional bodies namely; Uganda Medical & Dental Practitioners Council (UMDPC), Allied Health Practitioners Council and the Nursing Council to supervise the practice of the providers on the project General objective of the value chain analysis To carry out a mid-term VCA following 10 months of actual project implementation and advise Malaria Consortium on what to change, maintain and/or eliminate during the scale up phase putting in consideration the project objectives Objectives Value chain analysis 1. To understand the current mrdt market following 10 months of the UNITAID private sector RDT project intervention in Wakiso district. 2. To assess the current mrdt market in the new 8 scale up districts for the UNITAID private sector RDT project. 3. Assess the costs, effectiveness and profitability of the project supply chain partners current activities with specific emphasis on the model used by Malaria Consortium. 4. Identify factors within the supply chain that are affecting uptake of mrdts. 5. Identify key short, medium and long term opportunities to increase demand for mrdts 6. To understand interdependence of different actors along the supply chain and how their activities are supplementing or negatively affecting each other. 2 P a g e

3 7. Assess the effect/ contribution of professional bodies to the roll out of mrdts in the private sector. 8. To identify areas where the project model has got a competitive edge against other players in the mrdt market. 9. To assess the effectiveness of support provided directly by Malaria Consortium at different levels of the supply chain. 10. To identify the level of assistance required by outlets in relation to what they are receiving from distributors/wholesalers, professional associations and regulatory authorities. 11. To identify the satisfaction level of the clients with the product and service received for the price paid The assignment As part of this assignment, the selected consultant will be expected to execute the following tasks; 1. Review available reference materials to gather detailed knowledge about the project. 2. Develop a methodology detailing the intended approach for the assignment. 3. Generate thematic questions covering all actors of the supply chain 4. Develop data collection tools for different stakeholders 5. Train research assistants and oversee the entire data collection process. 6. Schedule and carry out interviews with key informants in the supply chain i.e. project team, importers (for the project and others in the country), distributors, regulatory bodies, tax authorities, local & international manufacturers, professional bodies supporting the project, providers and clients among others that the consultant deem key for this assignment in private and public sector. 7. Data analysis and report writing 6.0 Expected outputs 1. An inception report 2. Data collection tools and an analysis plan 3. Training plan for research assistants and data entrants. 4. Data screen 5. Draft and final value chain analysis reports. 6. Signed consent forms for photos used in the final report. 7. Present final findings of the assignment to a forum to be determined by Malaria Consortium. 8. Data set and do files 3 P a g e

4 7.0 Duration The duration of the assignment is 30 calendar days. The final report is expected after 30 days of engagement. 8.0 Supervision The Technical Marketing officer and Communications Manager will provide technical guidance & support while the UNITAID project Manager will provide overall supervision of this assignment. 9.0 Qualifications and Experience of the Prospective Subcontractor s Personnel The prospective consultant will be selected on the basis of their proven experience, qualifications and ability to deliver good quality work in a timely and efficient manner. Minimum qualifications, experience, knowledge and other capabilities of the consultant will include; 9.1 Required qualifications and competences 1. A minimum of Masters degrees in the fields of Business Administration, Marketing, procurement, or Logistics and Supplies. 2. Proven knowledge experience in conducting Value Chain Analysis and marketing studies. 3. Comprehensive knowledge of Uganda s Pharmaceutical industry and Medicine supply chain. 4. Demonstrate ability to produce high quality reports and publications. 5. Familiar with global commodity supply chains in private sector supply chains 6. Ability to analyze data, apply statistical methods appropriately and interpret the research findings. 7. Excellent analytical and writing skills. All reports shall be in the English language and shall be submitted to the Technical Marketing officer, in MS compatible document Deliverable Schedule The consultant shall submit the deliverables described above in accordance with the following Deliverables Schedule: Deliverable Deliverable Name Due Date No. 1 An Inception Report TBD 2 Thematic questions TBD 3 Data collection tools TBD 4 P a g e

5 4 Draft report TBD 5 Presentation TBD 6 Final report TBD TBD To be decided after selection of Consultant 11.0 Term of payment Payment to the consultant will be effected according to the schedule below with approvals of the Project Manager; Table 3 Deliverable Deliverable Name Proportion of total No. cost 1 An Inception Report, list of thematic questions, data collection tools 50% 2 Final report, presentation & data set 50% 13.0 Application procedure Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information alongside their proposals to demonstrate their qualifications: 1. Personal CV including past experience in similar projects and at least 3 references, where more than one consultant will be involved, clearly indicate the overall lead consultant and responsible persons 2. Technical proposal explaining why you/they are the most suitable for the work and providing a brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the work. 3. Two sample reports from similar assignments worked on by the applicant as the lead consultant. 5 P a g e

6 Signed by; Requester Name: Geoffrey Ssenvuma Signature: Date: Budget Holder Name: Signature: Date: Communications Manager Name: Signature: Date: Country Technical Coordinator Name: Signature: Date: Country Director Name: Signature: Date: P a g e