Background

SHARPE is a 3.5-year programme operating in Gambella, Dollo Ado and Jijiga to promote increased self-reliance and economic opportunities for refugees and host communities through the piloting and scaling of interventions across different sectors such as: crops, livestock, fish, labor, aid and access to finance. This approach is based upon understanding the economic barriers that refugee and host communities face, and working with key stakeholders – including businesses, government and service providers - to make markets work for SHARPE’s target communities. SHARPE conducts market analysis and offers support to market actors through technical assistance, capacity building or other financing instruments. In doing so, SHARPE aims to improve the quality of life and reduce vulnerability of refugees and host communities in the peripheral regions of Ethiopia.

Purpose of Assignment

SHARPE is seeking to hire a qualitative research firm (hereafter referred to as “the supplier”) to undertake a Poverty Probability Index (PPI) baseline survey in selected regions where SHARPE works. The PPI is a measurement tool used to understand characteristics and asset ownership of households. SHARPE will be using this baseline to assess the program impact on improving poverty indicators in the target areas where SHARPE works.

Research Methodology

The supplier will use the already developed PPI methodology and guidance from the SHARPE team on the research methodology, sample size and location to undertake the survey. The supplier will fine tune, with the SHARPE team, an interview guide. It is expected that the survey firm will conduct the survey, manage and analyze data and produce a clear report on the survey findings.

The sample size will be agreed with SHARPE upon award, but will be not more than 500 divided across the three refugee hosting regions of Gambella, Jijiga and Dollo Ado, and across different communities. It is expected that the survey firm will use a randomized sampling methodology to identify survey respondents in all three locations.

The preferred supplier should have a lead researcher with adequate resources in the field to conduct the PPI surveys from male and female respondents, host and refugee communities, across all three regions.

Timing

• Assignment to commence in February 2022
• Research expected to be carried out between February and March 2022 with final report delivered by April 30^th 2022.

Job Requirements

Experience of the supplier

• Technical expertise in carrying out household surveys
• Researchers fluent in languages in Somali and Gambella regions
• Access to data collection/ software applications and tools – ideally with the capacity to share real time data collection
• A team with proven experience in using participatory methods for qualitative data collection and analysis in program assessments, with examples provided where possible.
• Legally registered with a valid license to work and undertake surveys in Ethiopia. 

Expected deliverables and outputs

• The exact timeframe and schedule will be agreed with the selected research firm, post contract signing. Once contracted, the following is expected from the research firm:
• Attendance of all research team members to training and induction provided by SHARPE.
• Translation of survey tools and questionnaires into local languages of the respective regions, and comments/feedback on the interview questionnaire.
• Conduct interviews according to the interview guide
• Daily progress updates
• Produce raw, quality assured qualitative data from interviews
• Daily uploading of data collected
• Respond to queries raised by SHARPE team on submitted data as required
• Submit a final, approved copy of the raw data to SHARPE

Technical Documents for submission

• Firm Background and Organizational Capacity
• 3 references to describe your qualifications in conducting qualitative research similar to this assignment
• Proposed team structure, and experience of proposed team
• Proposed Methodology and Work Plan, including sampling plan
• CVs of team (no more than 3 pages)

Financial proposal

Your financial proposal should include:

• Anticipated research costs, including communication, per diems, transport
• Fee rate for each member of research team
• Any other expected costs

How to Apply

Interested firms should submit their proposal to: DAI Europe Ltd – SHARPE program: sharpeinfo@sharpethiopia.com