Expression of Interest (EOI) for the Review, Adapting, and Development of the Bayelsa State OVC Strategic Plan (2024 - 2030) at the Centre for Clinical Care and Clinical Research, Nigeria (CCCRN)

The Centre for Clinical Care and Clinical Research, Nigeria (CCCRN) is the Implementing Partner for the Integrated Child Health and Social Services Award Lot1 (ICHSSA1), a five-year cooperative agreement funded by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), beginning December 19, 2019. CCCRN is implementing this project in partnership with Catholic Relief Services, and supported by expert local resource partners in priority LGAs in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, S/South Nigeria.

Title: Request for Expression of Interest (REOI) - Concept Note for Review, Adapting, and Development of the Bayelsa State OVC Strategic Plan (2024 - 2030)

Location: Bayelsa
Period of Performance: 12 days (February - April 2024)
Contract Type: Fixed Price
Total Number of Days: 12 days

Background

• The State Ministry of Women Affairs (SMWA) is the coordinating Ministry that promotes the development of women and children as well as coordinates orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) programs in the State. It has a broad mandate to advisethe government on Gender and Children issues. The Ministry initiates policy guidelines and leads the process of gender equality and mainstreaming at thestate level.
• Orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) represent a significant and vulnerable demographic in society, facing a range of challenges such as lack of parental care, access to education, healthcare, and protection. The Orphans and Vulnerable Children Strategic Plan is a comprehensive framework designed to address the multifaceted needs of this group, aiming to create an environment that ensures their well-being, development, and integration into society.
• The global population of orphans and vulnerable children has grown due to factors such as HIV/AIDS, conflict, poverty, and other socio-economic challenges. These children often face heightened vulnerability, discrimination, and limited access to essential services, making it imperative to develop a holistic and strategic approach to address their unique needs.

Overall Objective

• To ensure the protection of the most vulnerable children in Bayelsa State and reduce child poverty.

Roles and Responsibilities
The role of a consultant in developing a strategic plan is crucial in guiding the process, facilitating collaboration, and providing expertise. The consultant plays a pivotal role in ensuring the successful formulation and implementation of the strategic plan. The specific roles and responsibilities of a consultant in this context will include:

• Develop and share the methodology with CCCRN for approval.
• Conduct a thorough analysis of the organization or community to understand the current state, challenges, and opportunities.
• Facilitate workshops and interviews to gather input from key stakeholders to ensure diverse perspectives are considered.
• Identify and engage relevant stakeholders, including leadership, staff, beneficiaries, and external partners.
• Organize and lead strategic planning workshops, guiding participants through the process of goal setting, SWOT analysis, and strategy development.
• Foster a participatory environment that encourages open dialogue and idea generation.
• Analyze data collected during the needs assessment and other research processes to inform the development of goals, objectives, and strategies.
• Present findings clearly and understandably to guide decision-making.
• Work with stakeholders to articulate clear and achievable goals for the organization or community.
• Develop detailed action plans outlining specific activities, responsible parties, timelines, and resource requirements for each strategy.
• Ensure that action plans are realistic and aligned with the overall strategic goals.
• Guide best practices and methodologies related to strategic planning.
• Document the entire strategic planning process, including research findings, stakeholder engagement activities, and the development of the plan.
• Prepare regular progress reports and present updates to CCCRN and The Ministry.
• Ensure the quality and coherence of the strategic plan by reviewing and refining documents to meet established standards.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere to ensure stakeholder buy-in.
• Facilitate knowledge transfer to internal staff and stakeholders, ensuring that they are equipped to continue the implementation and monitoring of the strategic plan after the consultant's involvement.
• Present the finalized strategic framework to CCCRN and SMWA for approval.
• Ensure that the final document is approved and acknowledged by the SMWA.
• The consultant will work closely with the Child Development Department unit of the  SMWA to carry out this assignment.

The following tasks will be carried out by the Consultant:

Deliverables in Milestones

• M1 - Finalized calendar /work plan for the consultancy, develop the methodology and hold kick-off meeting with CCCRN project management on the plan and methodology.
• M2 - Identify key stakeholders to be involved at different levels. Present a draft of the strategic plan framework and share the stakeholders' list and areas of involvement with CCCRN for approval.
• M3 - Share findings from the literature reviews, and needs assessments with CCCRN. Also conduct a SWOT analysis with Ministry staff to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats and share findings with CCCRN.
• M4 - Facilitate workshops to set clear and achievable goals for the well-being and development of OVC and Define specific objectives aligned with each goal.
• M5 - Facilitate collaborative sessions to develop strategies that address the identified needs and challenges. Develop detailed action plans for each strategy, including activities, responsible parties, timelines, and resource requirements.
• M6 - Develop detailed implementation plans for the strategic plan, including roles and responsibilities, budgeting, and a timeline.
• M7 - Design a robust monitoring and evaluation framework with key performance indicators (KPIs).
• M8 - Facilitate validation meetings to share the draft with stakeholders. Revise the strategic plan based on stakeholder feedback and share the draft with CERN and SMWA and review based on feedback.
• M9 - Share with CCCRN all supporting materials before each meeting with stakeholders (case studies, PowerPoints, flip charts, etc.):
• M10 - Share with CCCRN the final copy of the SSP for approval and proceed to get the necessary approval documents from the State Ministry leadership for the Strategic Plan (OVC 2024 – 2030). 
• M11 - Submit Activities and Final Approved Consultancy Report and other required documents to CCCRN

Payment
Payment will be based on the satisfactory completion of milestones as shown:

Timeline February to April 2024
Logistics:

• All arrangements should be planned by the Consultant and approval given by CCCRN.

Reporting and Work Relationships:

• The consultant will report to the CCCRN focal person and Director Child, SMWA.
• The consultant is expected to work with a committee set by the SMWA to make the work easy and facilitate the process.

Qualifications and Requirements
Candidate must possess the following qualifications and experience to be hired for the position:

• At least a Degree in Sociology, Social Work Public Health, or any other related course (a Master’s Degree and other higher qualifications are an added advantage)
• A child expert (protection, case management, programming, etc.)
• Over 10 years of experience implementing OVC program in Nigeria. He/she must demonstrate a sound understanding of the issues affecting VC nationally and globally.
• Experience carrying out a similar assignment at either sub-regional or national level.
• Experience planning and facilitating sub-national and national technical meetings and workshops.
• Demonstrated skills in qualitative research methods required.
• Demonstrated capacity to analyze complex issues, draw relevant conclusions, and produce a comprehensive technical report.
• Experience in multi-level stakeholder engagement
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including experience, in successfully interacting with USG implementing partners, federal and state government officials, civil society partners, and other stakeholders
• Cultural sensitivity, particularly in multiethnic and multi-religious contexts.
• Fluency in English
• Strong writing skills

Budget:

• (Activity 7 in SS FY24 Budget)

Application closing Date
19th February, 2024.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified consultants should:
Click here to apply online