TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR BASELINE STUDY ON THE ROOT CAUSES OF BEGGING AMONG PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN RWANDA

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR BASELINE STUDY ON THE ROOT CAUSES OF BEGGING AMONG PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN RWANDA 

 Context

 VSO is a development organisation that has been working through volunteers to fight poverty for more than 50 years and we are the leading organisation in the field. We work in almost 34 countries worldwide and we are constantly exploring new ways to use the time, energy and skills of people to make a difference. We bring people together to develop local solutions to local, national and global priorities.

VSO Rwanda is currently implementing a project on the promotion of education and disability rights in Rwanda: Inclusive Services through Participation of Stakeholders for realising Rights in Education and Disability (INSPIRED) (2013-2016).This project is funded by UkAid.

A key partner of VSO Rwanda in the implementation of this project is the National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPD). The INSPIRED project is enabling NCPD to deliver some key actions in its current strategic and Operational Plans. One such activity is to address the prevalence of begging amongst people with disabilities in Rwanda. At the request of NCPD, VSO Rwanda would like support the delivery of a Baseline Study on root causes of begging among persons with disabilities in Rwanda to support the work of NCPD in this area. VSO is seeking the services of a qualified and experienced research institute/centre or firm to provide with this technical assistance to NCPD.

Objective of Study

The main purpose of this study is to discover and document the key causes of begging among persons with disabilities in Rwanda and to identify key recommendations for addressing begging amongst people with disabilities in order for NCPD to develop an evidence-based, strategic response to this issue.

 Scope of work

 The consultant will carry out the research in seven Districts in all Provinces and the City of Kigali: Gasabo, Nyarugenge, Kicukiro (City of Kigali), Huye (Southern Province), Kayonza (Eastern Province), Rubavu (Western Province) and Musanze (Northern Province).

The consultant will be responsible of the following tasks:

•          Drafting and submitting the technical and financial proposal to VSO;
•          Designing the research tools;
•          Hiring the research assistants for this research;
•         Conducting research in seven districts;
•          Working closely with NISR to approve the research findings;
•          Collaborate with VSO, and NCPD Organs at national and local level during the research period;
•          Organise a validation meeting with stakeholders (Government institutions, civil society organisations, and development partners);
•         Submit the final version contain all recommendations two days after its validation.

Methodology

 Applicants should submit a work plan and the methodology to be used for the research. VSO Rwanda and NCPD would like the following elements to be considered in the work plan and methodology: 

·         Participatory qualitative consultation using appropriate and ethical methodology with people with various types of disability who are begging

·         Inclusion of NCPD Coordinators at District level in carry out the research

Timing and reporting

This project should be complete before the end of March 2014.  

Key phases:

·         Five working days after signature of the contract: Consultant will submit a detailed work plan and final budget.

•         By 1^st March 2014: Complete research amongst Persons with Disabilities in 5 districts
•          By 10^th March 2014: Submission of the first draft report;
•          By 20^th March 2014: Validation meeting
•         By 31^st March 2014: Submission of final report.

Management

 The consultant will report to the Director of Economic and Social Empowerment Unit, National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) and the Senior Programme Manager, VSO Rwanda. The VSO Learning and Impact Manager will also provide oversight.

 Deliverables 

•          Final report of findings and recommendations in hard and soft copy
•          PowerPoint presentation outlining key findings and recommendations of the report.

Qualification and Competencies required

a. Qualification

The consultant should have a Degree in Social Science, Public Policy, Law, or other related field.

b. Professional experience

•          More than five years in the social research sector;
•         Strong background in qualitative and quantitative research;
•          Experience in conducting research related to human behaviour, psychology and/or social welfare;
•          Experience in preparing research reports including making evidence-based recommendations;
•          Experience of mobilising research teams;
•         Excellent writing skills in English, and French;
•          Knowledge of Rwandan context, especially having worked with Persons with Disabilities in Rwanda would be added value.

 Brand guidelines and confidentiality:

The final product will have logos of VSO and its donors and of NCPD as per their respective guidelines and as directed by VSO and NCPD. All material produced under this assignment will be the property of VSOR and NCPD and any use of it other than for the purpose of the assignment will only be determined and decided by VSOR and NCPD. The consultant will not have any right to use any of the materials produced under this consultancy

 Budget

The consultant will present their financial offer at the point of application. The final budget will be mutually negotiated and agreed between the consultant and VSO and will accordingly be reflected in the contract.  

Interested consultants to send their technical and financial proposal (including cover letter, CV(s), 3 references from previous similar assignments, and, whenever possible, a sample of similar work) to sarah.challoner@vsoint.org.uk and copyEuthyme.Mudaheranwa@vsoint.org and tuyizero@gmail.com.