Social Development Foundation (SDF)

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1 Social Development Foundation (SDF) Nuton Jibon Livelihood Improvement project (NJLIP) Terms of Reference (TOR) for hiring Service Providing and Capacity Building Consultants (INGO/NGO/PO) for Providing Nutrition Awareness and Support Services for Barisal Region of SDF 1. Background of SDF Package no NS (NJLIP) The Social Development Foundation (SDF) is a not-for profit organization registered under the Companies Act (1994) established by the Government of Bangladesh in2000. SDF promotes inclusive and sustainable human development and works to reduce poverty in the rural areas of Bangladesh. Poverty reduction is the overarching goal and at the core of SDF s work to support transformational change in the lives of people living in the rural areas. SDF is uniquely positioned to help advocate for change to connect community to the knowledge and resources they need, and coordinate the efforts in fighting poverty and advancing progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. In 2003, the Government of Bangladesh, with the support from IDA began implementation of the Social Investment Program Project (SIPP-I) through SDF as the implementing agency. SIPP was initiated as a small-scale pilot to test community driven development approach, which explored new ways of delivering critical infrastructures services and social assistance to the rural poor while simultaneously addressing institutional organizations and capacity building needs of the village. The project worked in about 943 villages of the most poverty prone areas of Jamalpur and Gaibandha districts. SIPP-I achieved wider success for improving socio-economic condition of the targeted community people. In July, 2011, GOB and the World Bank scaled up the SIPP activities in Bangladesh as the Empowerment and Livelihood Improvement NutonJibon project (SIPP-II) to be implemented over five years. The project was implemented in 3262 villages of 16 most vulnerable districts and benefits 564,384 households. The project also aimed to reduce the vulnerability of the poor to risks by enhancing skills to increase employment opportunities as well as support small scale, demand driven community investment sub-projects that were prioritized, implemented and managed directly by the beneficiaries. The NutonJibon Livelihood Improvement Project (NJLIP) is a World Bank and People s Republic of Bangladesh USD 220 million-funded successor project to SIPP II that commenced implementation in August 2015 for a 6 year period. The project expands its operation to an additional 5 districts and deepen activities in the existing districts where it currently operates. The Project Development Objective is to improve livelihoods of the poor and extreme poor in the project areas. The project has three main components: A) Community Institutions and Livelihood development; B) Business development and Institutional Strengthening; and C) Project Management, Monitoring and Learning. Component A has three sub-components: A1 works for developing and strengthening of Community Organization; A2 works for Financing of Community plans, Community Infrastructure Support Fund(CISF) and Institutional Development Fund (IDF) purposes; and A3 works for Nutrition awareness and support activities implementation. Component B has three sub-components: B1 for Business partnership development and Market linkages; B2 which works for Second-tier Institutional development support; and B3 for Employment generation support. Component C has two subcomponents: C1 for project management and C2 for monitoring and learning. 1

2 Nutrition in Bangladesh and Livelihood Linkages In the last decade, Bangladesh has made notable improvements in health outcomes, lowered child mortality and increased under-five vaccination rates for all children. However, the country has been facing serious challenges in addressing the problem of under-nutrition. A multiple indicator cluster survey ( ) conducted by UNICEF to monitor the situation of children and women in all the 7 Divisions of the country indicates sobering results, particularly for prevalence of underweight and stunting amongst children below the age of 5 years across the country. The survey showed that 41% of under-five children are stunted, with 15.3% severely stunted. The prevalence of wasting among the under-five children is 16%, with 4% being severely wasted. The prevalence of underweight children is 36%, with 10% being severely underweight. Given that Bangladesh is one of 14 countries in which 80% of the world s stunted children live, implementing nutrition specific and complementary nutrition sensitive interventions that address the manifestation(especially during the critical 1000-day window of opportunity from pregnancy until 2 years of age) and its multiple underlying causes are required. Three immediate causes of malnutrition are commonly recognized: a) inadequate access to diverse, sufficient and safe food, b) lack of a sanitary environment or insufficient access to health services such as treatment for diarrhea, Vitamin supplementation, de-worming etc., and c) care practices and behaviors of mothers/caretakers including breastfeeding, preparation of infant and young child feeding (IYCF). Underlying causes of people s health, care and dietary habits include access to assets and the overall enabling environment (see UNICEF s causal-model, which has been used for over 25 years). In order to ensure a sustainable change in behaviors, effective communication strategies are imperative. This is anchored in a grounded understanding of the related norms, taboos and values; what motivates and hinders individuals to change their care, health and dietary habits; the information to which they are receptive; and the skills and resources needed to act on nutrition messages Rural institutions (particularly those composed of women) and livelihoods interventions can serve as robust platforms for nutrition interventions. Improving livelihoods can provide people with the means to change their behaviors. Coupled with behavior change communication (BCC) or awareness raising for nutrition, the impact of such interventions can be leveraged to help improve the nutrition situation among targeted households, as evidenced by experiences gathered from Development Partners (USAID, WFP, UNICEF, FAO and IFPRI). 2. Importance and Justification for including Nutrition in NJLIP While survey results show a direct impact of the SDF program on the availability of food among beneficiary households, communities have expressed that they struggle with issues related to nutrition, including access to potable water, access to diverse safe foods, fatigue and weakness, disease, mortality, and complications during pregnancy (especially for adolescent mothers). As a result, during the design of the third generation Nuton Jibon Project, nutrition awareness and provision of services was included as a sub-component. NJLIP seeks to support livelihood development, empower women, and improve access to finance for the poor and ultra-poor in rural Bangladesh through a community-driven mobilization approach. As such, SDF intends to link and strengthen these livelihood interventions with Nutrition Awareness & Support Services in 2,500 villages in NJLIP working areas: Mymensingh, Barisal, and Khulna. Linkages include supporting beneficiaries who have access to increased income to make informed market choices, supporting the cultivation and rearing of diverse nutrient-rich crops/livestock in homestead gardens, women s empowerment for improved child feeding and intra-household distribution of food, family planning to reduce early pregnancies, and improving access to health services. The total budget allocated to (i) strengthen the capacities of SDF staff on livelihood-nutrition linkages as well as to (ii-iv) implement activities in three regions is USD 3.4 million. POs can bid to work on both issues or in multiple regions, given demonstrated capacity. 2

3 3. Justification for hiring POs As SDF does not have prior experience in implementing nutrition interventions, it intends to hire POs to develop its own capacity through extensive trainings as well as to implement BCC activities in project areas with NSCs. The role of SDF will be to coordinate and monitor and evaluate BCC interventions, led by Nutrition Coordinator. 4. Objective of Nutrition Awareness &Support Services/Project(Sub component- A3) The objective of the sub-component is to raise awareness, improve attitudes and practices that enhance nutritional outcomes for targeted beneficiaries in selected project areas and to support beneficiaries in optimizing nutrition through their livelihood activities. 5. NJLIP Total Coverage and Target Groups: Nutrition interventions will be targeted to poor and extreme poor households in 2500 villages of 36upazillas covering 13 poverty prone districts in3regions of the project working area. NGOs will work through Nutrition Support Committees to ultimately reach 500,000 targeted households that are covered by NJLIP. Special attention will be given to pregnant women, lactating mothers and <2 children who are sufferings from chronic and severe acute malnutrition led mortalities and morbidities. 6. Working areas of Barisal Region: The contracting PO will have to work in Barisal region of NJLIP project area in 670 villages, 54 unions under 10 upazilla of Barisal, Bagherhat Pirojpur and Sariathpur districts. In this region, a total of 134,000 poor and extreme poor households will receive nutrition services from the contracting NGO/PO. Districts Upazilla Unions Villages Barisal Banaripara, Muladi and Uzirpur Bagherhat Chitolmari,Mollarhat Pirojpur Kawkhali, Nazirpur Sariatpur Sariatpur Sadar, Gosaighat and Mukshedpur (Upazilla of Goplalganj district) Total - 04 Total 10 Total 54 Total 670 Note: If a proposal requires intensive community engagement based on demonstrated evidence, the contracted consultant may propose a number of target villages less than said Scope of Work and Approach: Nutrition activities should converge with NJLIP s approach of community mobilization and work through an established platform of Nutrition Support Committees (NSCs), which are composed of four (mostly women) community volunteers in each of the 2,500 NJLIP villages. By engaging with these NSCs, the consultant is expected to develop innovative community-based interventions to instigate behavioral change particularly among pregnant and lactating women and adolescent girls. Emphasis will be placed on improved WASH and health, dietary habits, and care practices. Underlying issues, such as promoting women s empowerment as well reducing early marriage and improving intra-household distribution of food will also be the core of such interventions. In line with other livelihoods interventions, focus should be placed on responding and preparing communities for natural and environmental disasters. NSC members will be made aware of the locally available foods and IYCF guidelines/disciplines to protect the most vulnerable groups. The contracted consultant should clearly specify its handover/exit plan to ensure sustainability of the intervention. 3

4 Convergence approach: NJLIP is not a health nor nutrition-specific intervention. Instead, it seeks to support nutrition-promoting behaviors and practices and link communities with their respective nutrition services/entitlements. Implementation through NSC should strengthen this linkage. In areas where other stakeholders are already active (including health-based interventionssuch as immunization, vitamin supplementation, deworming, medical treatment and disease prevention, homestead gardening, and other BCC campaigns), emphasis will be on linking project villages to these programs/entitlements. Activities should comply with the standards set by the National Nutrition Services (NNS). Approaches and use of materials: In a workshop held in November, 2015, a mapping of active organizations in project areas was undertaken, gathering relevant materials and tools from previous and ongoing nutrition-sensitive and BCC interventions. While materials to be utilized by the PO are at the discretion of the hired consultant, SDF suggests (but does not require) the use of two manuals developed for the context of Bangladesh: The Integrated Agriculture and Health-based Interventions manual for improved Food and Nutrition Security (IAHBI) jointly prepared by UNICEF and FAO and Nurturing Connection developed by Helen Keller International. Proposed approaches (for engaging communities and relaying messages contained for example in the above-mentioned guides) may differ based on documented evidence and experience. The key is that POs engage NSCs in a participatory manner (for example through role play, radio, video, or group discussion) to address culturally-sensitive issues (including negotiating taboos and traditional values with new information). A second key principle is that NSCs should not be the end target but be trained as the vehicles/facilitators to engage their communities in BCC for improved nutrition outcomes. Note: While the consultant will not necessarily be required to provide extensive inputs to targeted communities, improving access to hand washing stations will be a priority and if deemed necessary, the consultant will be responsible to provide equipment. The costs associated with the provision of these materials (as well as other inputs such as for homestead gardening) will be borne by the PO. Note: All eligible POs will have previously carried out a BCC assessment in the area of proposed engagement. If not, it will be responsible to bear the costs of such a study to inform project activities. 8. Terms and Conditions of Service Contracts For this purpose, SDF is inviting eligible INGOs/NGOs/POs to show their interest in providing the services for Nutrition Awareness & Support Services for a period of three (3) years or thirty six (36) months. Initially, after 1 (one) year from the date of contract signing, the performance of contracted INGOs/NGOs/POs will be reviewed. Based on satisfactory performance (as per set milestones) the extension of the contract for next 2 (two) years may be accomplished. 9. Expected key results: Capacity development support delivered for NSCs on key nutrition issues, including health, dietary, and care practices; Capacity of NSCs strengthened to facilitate discussions/engage in BCC with their communities; BCC counseling received by NSCs on how to access nutrition and health-related services/entitlements; Inputs provided as deemed necessary including seeds for home gardens, tippy taps, or hand washing station structures; Hand washing practices adopted and access to hand washing stations improved; Effective and innovative educational and communication materials/tools developed and/or applied including ICT; BCC delivered and aligned in strong collaboration and convergence with POs active in other two regions as well as PO responsible for capacity development of SDF; Line Ministries and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare along with other directorates kept informed and all activities aligned with NNS standards and recommendations; 4

5 National and district-level workshops carried out on sharing lessons and findings; Community Operational Manual (COM) developed with community, completed by end of first year of intervention; Exit plan prepared to ensure that NSC continued community engagement; Findings and results of approaches and outcomes including change in behaviors/practices/and knowledge documented and regularly shared with SDF and other regions; Note: The PO will bear the costs for the preparation of modules and aid materials and provision of equipment. 10. Eligibility criteria of POs Have the social welfare and NGO Bureau of registration; Have seven (7) years of experience implementing BCC nutrition programs in Bangladesh including use of participatory/community driven approaches, use of ICT and/or development of comprehensive user-friendly materials with extensive exposure and/or experience in working in other countries; Have carried out a BCC assessment in the area of proposed engagement, and if not, will be responsible to bear the costs of such a study to inform project activities; Have proven competency to engage large numbers of people across an expansive region and have sufficient staff resources and skills and global technical competencies in nutrition to carryout technical and financial responsibilities; Liquid assets and/or credit facilities, net of other contractual commitments and exclusive of any advance payments which may be made under the Contract, of no less than the amount specified in the Estimated Budget; Copies of recently completed or ongoing two annual reports on nutrition activities and similar assignment, especially related to rural community driven nutrition program activities; Note: POs must not be black listed by GoB or any international organization that do not have any criminal cases and/or judiciary allegations. 11. Application Process/Procedure Interested applicants will pass through two selection stages Expression of Interest (FIRST STAGE) Interested and eligible consultants are requested to submit an 8-10 page EOI in English. In the main body, POs are requested to include a summary of prior experiences in implementing and documenting results of BCC activities, technical note on proposed intervention and approach, an assessment of existing capacities, and a timeline and estimated budget to carry out intended activities. However, interested consultants are encouraged to enclose appendices where necessary. Deadline for Submission of EoI: Interested consultants may obtain further information from the official web site of SDF ( or from the office of the Managing Director of SDF (office hours Sunday - Thursday 9:00-17:00). Expression of Interest must be submitted in hard and soft copies: four (4) hard copies should be sent to the Managing Director, Social Development Foundation (SDF), Z House, 6/6 Block-F, Lalmatia, Mohammadpur, Dhaka-1207 and electronic submissions should be sent by to fpdhq@sdfbd.org by 13/06/2016. Evaluation process of EOI proposal: Shortlisted consultants will be reviewed and evaluated based on the following criteria: Registered and recognized by the Government of Bangladesh; Availability of appropriate capacities; Innovative approaches to instigating behavior change; 5

6 Demonstrated capacity to handle such an assignment; Experience carrying out similar tasks Submission & evaluation of Technical Proposal (TP) & Financial Proposal (FP) (SECOND STAGE) Shortlisted consultants will be requested to submit a full technical and full financial proposal. Deadline for submission of TP & FP: This will be informed during debriefing session. Technical Proposal Assessment (TPA): Evaluation Score- 75% o Technical part 1: demonstrated technical expertise and knowledge (globally and in country) of BCC/nutrition-sensitive interventions score 25% o Technical Part 2: demonstrated experience working on BCC in Bangladesh &using innovative participatory approaches/ict - score 25% o Technical part 3: institutional capacities and track record demonstrated by way of annual reports and other submitted documentation score 25% Financial Proposal Assessment (FPA): Evaluation score-25%. o Market competitive package values; o Lowest package but highest quality of program preference compared to Technical Package; o Program cost compared to staffing and overhead cost. Note: The detailed financial template to be completed by the bidder (budget envelop preparation) will be provided by SDF s head office. Incomplete and false information will not be accepted and will subject the potential bidder to disqualification. Clarification of the procedures and financial format will be provided during the debriefing session. 12. Selection process: This will follow the QCBS procurement procedure. An independent Evaluation committee will be formed and assigned by the SDF higher management to perform the short listing as well as selection process. This committee will review the technical and financial proposals and the evaluation process will follow the criteria outlined in the Terms of Reference. 13. Payment procedure: SDF and World Bank procurement policy will be followed (further information on processes, guidelines and procedures will be given during the debriefing session to be held at SDF). Financial deals for Input service delivery: The costs for all the equipment and inputs procured and provided to the community by contracted POs will be expressed through calculated budget under financial proposal in the submission of Request for Proposal (RFP) when selecting PO. SDF will evaluate the cost and reimburse accordingly. Taxes and VATs: Consultants will have to determine taxes and VAT separately and need to be presented as separate line budget items in the financial proposal. 14. Termination of Contract: SDF reserves the right to cancel or terminate the ToR circulation at any time without given notice or reason. 6