Objective of the Consultancy
The primary objective of this consultancy is to facilitate the qualitative data collection component of the AIM Plus FY26 Baseline across all Area Programmes in scope, ensuring that data are collected in a rigorous, ethical, and timely manner and submitted to the WVK National Office DMEAL team for analysis train and supervise volunteers to administer STAR in schools, administer WASH facilities assessments in schools and health facilities and Faith leaders' contribution to child wellbeing assessment.
Scope of Work
The consultant will undertake the following tasks:
Pre-Field Preparation
Review the AIM Plus Basic Information Sheet, qualitative tools, and sector-specific FGD/KII guides provided by the NO DMEAL team.
Familiarise with approved Global Centre qualitative protocols and WVK-adapted guides, including those for Child Sponsorship, CWBO, WASH, Health, Education (STAR Tangerine/IDELA), and Faith & Development indicators.
Note:
School WASH, health facility, and faith leaders' CWB assessments will use WV-designed Kobo tools; the STAR Tangerine tool will be used for reading proficiency assessments.
Attend a briefing/orientation session with the NO DMEAL team prior to fieldwork.
Ensure all ethical requirements are in place, including NACOSTI compliance and informed consent/assent scripts.
Data Recording and Submission Requirements
The consultant's role in the qualitative phase is to collect, record, and submit raw qualitative data to the WVK NO DMEAL team. Analysis will be conducted by the NO DMEAL team. The following data recording and submission protocols apply:
All FGDs and KIIs must be audio-recorded with explicit participant consent/assent obtained prior to recording.
The consultant must transcribe all FGDs and KIIs verbatim. Transcription must be completed within 48 hours of each session.
Transcripts must clearly indicate, for each session: the group interviewed (for example, Children FGD Age 7 to 12, Adult FGD Female Caregivers, or KII Health Facility In-charge), the AP name, the date and location, the facilitator and note-taker names, and the number of participants.
Responses must be recorded per question, clearly attributing each response or theme to the correct discussion question. The transcript format must mirror the FGD/KII guide structure, with responses organised question by question.
For structured assessments, the consultant must: (a) administer the STAR Tangerine reading proficiency tool for 50 Grade 3 children per AP, recording all individual responses per question; (b) complete WV-designed Kobo tools for school WASH assessments (20 schools per AP), health facility assessments (all designated facilities), and faith leaders' CWB assessments. Each Kobo submission must identify the school/facility/respondent, AP, date, and assessor. Kobo data must be submitted to the NO DMEAL team in the format agreed at orientation.
Audio files and transcripts must be stored securely and submitted to the NO DMEAL team via WVK-approved secure digital channels. Audio files must be retained and submitted alongside transcripts.
Field notes capturing non-verbal cues, group dynamics, and contextual observations must supplement audio records for each FGD/KII.
TERMS OF REFERENCE: AIM PLUS FY26 QUALITATIVE DATA COLLECTION
All submitted data must be de-identified (no participant names) in line with WVK data protection protocols.
The consultant does NOT conduct qualitative data analysis. The NO DMEAL team will perform thematic analysis and synthesis of all submitted transcripts and data.
World Vision Kenya will provide the following support to the consultant:
Approved qualitative tools, FGD guides, KII guides, and assessment instruments prior to field deployment.
Orientation and briefing by the NO DMEAL team on AIM Plus methodology, tools, and ethical requirements.
Introductory letters and community entry coordination through AP Managers and Cluster DMEAL officers.
Access to AP-level participant lists and sampling frames (RC lists, caregiver rosters, school/facility directories).
Logistical support coordination (field scheduling, AP-level contacts) though transport and accommodation costs are to be factored into the consultant's financial proposal.
Secure digital submission platform for transcripts and audio files.
Designated NO DMEAL contact person for day-to-day field coordination and quality feedback.
Ethical Considerations and Safeguarding
The consultant must hold, or obtain prior to fieldwork, a valid NACOSTI research permit, or operate under WVK's institutional permit as directed.
Informed consent must be obtained from all adult participants. For child participants (under 18 years), caregiver consent and child assent using age-appropriate scripts must be obtained prior to any FGD or interview.
All child FGDs must be conducted in child-safe spaces, facilitated in a child-friendly manner, and free from coercion or leading questions.
The consultant and all field assistants engaged for this assignment must sign and adhere to WVK's Child Protection and Safeguarding Protocol before commencement of fieldwork.
The Do No Harm principle applies throughout. Any safeguarding concerns identified during data collection must be reported immediately to the designated WVK Safeguarding Focal Person.
All personally identifiable information must be handled in accordance with WVK data protection protocols. Participant names must not appear in transcripts or submitted data.
Audio recordings and photos (if any) require explicit additional consent/assent and must not be shared publicly or outside WVK without organisational approval.
Key Qualifications and Experience
The Individual Consultant should possess the following minimum qualifications:
Education
A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Public Health, Education, or a related field. A Master's degree is an added advantage.
Professional Experience
At least 5 years of experience in qualitative data collection in development or humanitarian contexts, including facilitating FGDs and KIIs.
Demonstrated experience conducting qualitative research with children and adolescents, including adherence to child safeguarding standards.
Experience in WASH, health, education, or livelihoods programme contexts within Kenya is an added advantage.
Familiarity with World Vision's AIM Plus, sponsorship programming, or OIOS indicator frameworks is an added advantage.
Skills and Competencies
Demonstrated capacity to collect qualitative data across multiple geographic locations simultaneously. The consultant must show, through their technical proposal, a credible plan to cover all Area Programmes within 30 working days.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Kiswahili. Proficiency in relevant local languages spoken in assigned AP areas is highly desirable.
Strong facilitation skills, with demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups including children, caregivers, community leaders, and service providers.
Proven skills in verbatim transcription and accurate recording of qualitative responses per question.
Proficiency in managing audio recordings, field notes, and structured assessment tools.
Ability to manage multiple AP assignments simultaneously while maintaining quality and timeliness.
High integrity and commitment to ethical research conduct, child protection, and data confidentiality