Deadline: 24 January 2017
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Action Contre La Faim (ACF) in partnership with The University of Zimbabwe (UZ) and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is conducting a research entitled “Postharvest management technologies for reducing aflatoxin contamination in maize grain and exposure to humans” in Makoni and Shamva districts of Zimbabwe. Maize is the staple food consumed in Zimbabwe and has been reported to be contaminated by mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are toxic metabolites produced by fungi, especially by saprophytic moulds growing on foodstuffs or animal feeds (Pritt, 2000). The research therefore seeks to investigate the efficacy of hermetic technologies to reduce aflatoxin contamination in maize grain. Project participants have been selected from the Shamva and Makoni districts. In each district, 6 administrative cluster areas were selected and the clusters were spread across 4 farming sectors (Communal areas, Old Resettlement areas, Small scale farming areas and New resettlement areas/A1 resettlement areas). Participating households have been randomly allocated into the following treatment groups (one group received metal silos, the second group received super grain bags and the third group is the control group). Eligible households were all picked from maize producing households and also fit in either of the following categories 1) Child bearing women, 2) Breastfeeding women 3) Pregnant women, or 4) Children under 24 months.
Specific Project Objectives of the Research
- To assess knowledge, attitudes and practices with regard to good pre- and post- harvest management practices that minimizes mycotoxin contamination in maize;
- To assess the reduction of aflatoxins in stored grain from use of different postharvest storage practices (metal silos, hermetic bags and storage practices);
- To assess the reduction of aflatoxins exposure to humans including infants;
- To assess the levels of aflatoxins in legumes (groundnuts, bambara, beans, and cowpeas) produced by the communities in Shamva and Makoni districts;
- To identify and assess different models for delivery of post-harvest management technologies to smallholder grain producers.
The IRC is leading in generating knowledge on objective specific objective :
- ‘To assess knowledge, attitudes and practices with regard to good pre- and post- harvest management practices that minimizes mycotoxin contamination in maize.’
- To date, the IRC has conducted two Knowledge, Attitude and Perception (KAP) surveys.
- The third one is set to be undertaken in January / February 2017. The output of that survey will be a raw dataset. In that regard, the IRC seeks the services of a data analyst to analyse data from the datasets and produce a report as well as to finalise the report from the second KAP survey.
Purpose of the Consultancy
The assignment seeks to analyse data and produce relevant reports according to IRC guidelines.
Task: Inception and preparation
– Desk review of relevant program documentation
– Development of analysis framework
– Development of a report submission calendar
Deliverable: An approved analysis framework and report submission calendar
Proposed time frame: 1 day
– Data analysis and Interpretation
– Preparation and submission of draft reports
– Draft KAP 2 report
– Draft KAP 3 report
Deliverable: Draft reports
Proposed time frame: 10 days
Task: Final Report Preparation and Submission
– Debriefing for IRC staff to i) Familiarize them with analysis findings, and ii) Validate the findings
Deliverable: Debriefing
Proposed time frame: 1 day
Task: Final Report Preparation and Submission
– Integration of feedback from IRC and submission of final report
Deliverable: Final report (with data sets attached)
Proposed time frame: 1 day
Management and Technical Guidance
The consultant will work under the overall supervision of the Monitoring and Evaluation Manager. The Monitoring and Evaluation Manager will be responsible of reviewing and approving the analysis framework and reports submitted. The Monitoring and Evaluation Manager will be the direct contact person for the consultant and responsible for day today supervision of the consultant and link to any organizational support necessary.
Responsibilities of IRC in facilitating the assignment are the following:
Provide access to all necessary project documents and share relevant contacts; Coordinate the review and approval of the (draft) KAP reports and other key deliverables
Reporting: The final reports should be submitted no later than 1300hours on 28 February, 2017.
Budget and payment
The available budget will be advised to the selected Consultant and the payment terms will be as proposed by the Consultant and agreed with the IRC. In the absence of copy of a Valid Tax Clearance Certificate there will be a deduction of 10% on the quoted price, which will be remitted to ZIMRA as per Zimbabwe Tax regulations. The Consultant is expected to meet their travel, accommodation and meal costs for the whole duration and for all activities under the assignment.
Job requirements
Individuals that meet the following required qualifications and skills are invited to apply for this consultancy:
- Postgraduate qualification (Masters or above) in Statistics, Mathematics, Operations Research or a discipline relevant to this assignment;
- At least 5 years’ experience of progressive responsibility in data manipulation and report generation;
- Evidence of publications in referred journals will be an added advantage.
Skills and abilities
- Ability to integrate gender in data analysis;
- Excellent quantitative data analysis skills using statistical software like SPSS and MS Excel;
- Proven ability to interpret and analyze complex qualitative and quantitative data, and to present findings and recommendations in a clear and concise way;
- Good interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team with diverse backgrounds;
- Excellent English writing skills
To apply
Interested candidates are expected to submit a detailed proposal with the following components: Full CV including references; 1 or 2 examples of similar assignments in which the candidate was involved; A max three page detailed Technical proposal including the proposed methodology; Financial Proposal detailing cost breakdown and currency; A one page covering letter explaining how you meet the qualifications and skills required; indicating your rate (in USD); and confirming your availability in January / February 2017
Additional references or resources
Applicants please email CVs, cover letter and additional references or resources to: Zimbabwe@Rescue.org
Please state the title of the consultancy in the subject line of your email