ThaiNGO

Consultant to undertake an Endline Evaluation for Save the Children Thailand, 50 Healthy Schools Project

Background

As an upper middle income country, Thailand has been experiencing the dual burden of under and over nutrition. Including a growth in a number of health and nutrition issues, usually associated with more developed countries. Over 70% of deaths are now from non-communicable diseases like heart attacks, cancer, respiratory diseases, and diabetes. This change is noticeable in the health and nutrition status of children and adolescents. Modern supermarkets and convenience stores now control about 50% or more of the food distribution and retailing system. This has led to an increasing availability of calorie dense foods, as well as foods higher in sugar, salt and oil than raw unprocessed foods. Poor diet and nutrition along with insufficient active play and physical activity has led to problems of obesity and other diet related diseases. Today, Thailand suffers from the second highest rate of obesity in Asia.

According to the World Food Programme (WFP), Thailand has successfully dropped child malnutrition from 36 per cent to approximately 8.42 per cent within 30 years. Thailand’s success stemmed from an in-depth look at growth rates, nutritional education, supplementation of iron and vitamins, as well as a focus on health coverage. However, according to the Thailand Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2015-16, undertaken by UNICEF, National Statistical Office and the National Health Security Office, it was found that 1 in 10 children in Thailand are severely or moderately stunted and 15.3 per cent of children aged 1-14 years are obese. Acute malnutrition is a serious public health concern and is known to permanently damage the cognitive development of children which decreases their overall Intelligence Quotient (IQ). The 12th National Economic and Social Development Plan (2017-2021) also states that “Thai people are deemed to be more likely to be affected by non-communicable diseases and premature death as a result of inappropriate consumption behaviors and a lack of adequate physical activity.” Only 23.2 per cent of Thai children and youth aged 6 to 17 years met the Physical Activity guidelines of 60 minutes daily. In general, it was found that girls were less active than boys. There are numerous programs, both compulsory and voluntary, that the Royal Thai Government has initiated. However, there needs to be more support in terms of promoting nutrition knowledge among school staff, children and caretakers driving good habits around nutrition and physical activity. 

To promote positive nutritional practices and physical activity among children, caretakers and communities in Thailand, Cargill, a global corporation, and Save the Children have entered a partnership. The “50 Healthy Schools” project is being implemented in Saraburi, and Nakhon Rachasima Provinces. The project is active from September 2018 to February 2021, with a target reach of 5,000 children, aged 7 to 12 years old. Together, and in partnership with local schools and the government, we have promoted nutrition and physical activity, first in 12 existing Cargill-supported schools (six in Saraburi, six in Nakhon Rachasima), so that they can be “model schools”, and then in 38 “cluster” schools in the vicinity of the existing schools.

Our key objectives are to:

1.           Increase children’s knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) towards their nutrition and well-being.

2.           Increase in children’s daily physical activity.

To achieve these objectives, the project will implement activities to:

a)          Improve opportunities for children to learn about nutrition - through nutrition and wellness sessions and school wide nutrition promotion involving caretakers

b)          Improve opportunities for physical activity – through Active Play sessions and School-wide physical activity promotion

c)           Strengthen school systems to promote nutrition and physical activity – through school policies, and healthy canteens and kitchens

For more details, please request for the project’s concept note and log-frame, formative study report, and baseline and midline study findings. 

Consultancy Description

Purpose of the consultancy

As the 50 Healthy Schools concludes its final year of activities in the second academic year (May 2020-Mar 2021), a Short-Term Consultant for the project is required for the project to support activities over a 2-month period to support the endline assessment of 26 sample schools in Saraburi and Nakornratchasima Porvinces. Approximately 500 case. 

Scope of the consultancy

a.           Endline Survey

The consultant will spot-check and clean the entered data, analyze and compare findings with the project baseline and midline, and prepare and finalize the endline survey analysis report. The consultant will prepare the graphic representation of the data analysis and provide short summary of each graph as well as drawing conclusion and recommendation.

Objectives and Deliverables      

The consultant will deliver on the following objectives:

Deliverables 1:                Endline Survey data management, analysis and report

Timeframe:                     22 February-19 March 2021

Deliverables 2:               Presentation of preliminary finding (PowerPoint format)

Timeframe:                     8 March 2021

Deliverables 3:               1st draft report

Timeframe:                     12 March 2021

Deliverables 4:               Final report

Timeframe:                     19 March 2021

Number of Days:            Approx. 20 working days

Report Language:           Suggested Table of content for reporting in English

Acknowledgements

Acronyms and Abbreviations

Executive Summary (Max 2 pages)

1. Introduction and background

2. Evaluation purpose, scope and methodology

2.1 Purpose

2.2 Scope

2.3 Methodology (sampling, indicator, tools, data collection, data management and analysis)

2.4 Limitations

3. Finding Module schools

3.1 Respondent profile

3.2 BMI analysis

3.3 Student KAP (comparison Baseline, Midline, Endline)

3.4 Principal, Teacher and Cook interview (comparison Baseline, Midline, Endline)

3.5 Environmental checklist (comparison Baseline, Midline, Endline)

3.6 Observational study result – comparison of observation data of diet diversity, proper proportioning, and handwashing behaviors with data reported by students. (subject to data availability)

4. Finding Cluster schools

4.1 Respondent profile

4.2 BMI analysis

4.3 Student KAP (comparison Baseline and Endline)

4.4 Principal, Teacher and Cook interview (comparison Baseline and Endline)

4.5 Environmental checklist (comparison Baseline and Endline)

4.6 Observational study result – comparison of observation data of diet diversity, proper proportioning, and handwashing behaviors with data reported by students. (subject to data availability)

5. Conclusions, recommendations and lessons learned

5.1 Conclusions

5.2 Recommendations   

* This date may shift slightly based on the availability of schools.

Management

The consultant will report to the “50 Healthy Schools” Project Coordinator and will work closely with the Child Health and Safety Programme Coordinator, MEAL Coordinator and the Technical Advisor. Save the Children will approve all plans and documents developed by the consultant.

The consultancy will be both, remote and in-person. Any costs due to travel and stay in Saraburi and Nakhon Ratchasima related to the consultancy will be covered by the project in addition to the consultancy fee.

Budget

The applicant is requested to submit the proposal, work plan, and detailed budget (including estimated cost per day) with their application. The financial competitiveness of application will be considered in the selection process. All costs associated with delivery must be included; SCI will not pay for non-work travel, per diem, translation, supplies, or any additional staff support time needed.

Qualifications

• Thai and Non Thai applicant
• English Language proficiencies is required. Thai language proficiency is an asset
• Experience in conducting consultation with children, communities and government
• Proven experience with quantitative and qualitative research methods, and statistical analysis using SPSS or STATA
• Knowledge on health and nutrition is an asset.
• Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines

Submission for the consultancy application

Submissions for the consultancy must address the TOR and include:

• Name and contact details of the applicant
• Resume of the lead consultant
• A cover letter outlining the relevant experience and expertise of the consultant as well as initial ideas on the approach to be taken to achieve the consultancy objectives
• A draft summary proposal (design, methods, approach) to meet the scope of the consultancy (max 5 pages)

Close date for submission: 8 January 2021

Submissions should be addressed to: THA_Procurement_BKK@savethechildren.org

Further enquiry: Ms. Yaowalak Jidkosolwanich, Supply Chain Assistant, Save the Children International at plar.jidkosolwanich@savethechildren.org