Consultancy Opportunity Mobile Phone Study: India Terms of Reference. Summary

Transcription

1 Consultancy Opportunity Mobile Phone Study: India Terms of Reference Contact Person: Alexandra Woods, Free the Slaves Application Due: December 8, 2015 Summary Purpose: Research study to determine the viability of mobile phones to disseminate rights education messages Audience: Free the Slaves (FTS), FTS grassroots partner organizations, and donors Commissioners: Free the Slaves Reports to: Alexandra Woods, Free the Slaves Timeframe: December 8, 2015 February 1, 2015 Budget: $10,000 USD About Free the Slaves Founded in 2000, Free the Slaves (FTS) is a pioneer and leader in the global effort to eradicate slavery. Our mission is to liberate those in slavery and to change the conditions that allow slavery to persist. Free the Slaves works at the grassroots to empower vulnerable individuals and communities to achieve freedom from slavery and develop resistance to slavery. We work with and through local partners to build national capacity to combat slavery and trafficking. We advocate for policies and laws that help in the fight against slavery. We are committed to rigorous assessment of our work and scrupulous integrity in the use of donor funds. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., with programs in Ghana, India, Nepal, Brazil, Haiti, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Free the Slaves has an annual operating budget of approximately $3 million, a diverse and expert staff of 27, including 11 in the field, and a highly engaged and supportive board of directors. For more information, see:

2 Program Background Educating individuals on their human rights, including their right to be free from any form of slavery and human trafficking, is fundamental to Free the Slaves' core approach. We have used different methods in different program areas to educate survivors and vulnerable people about their rights. The differences have not always been explicit or intentional; they have sometimes been the result of the level of available resources and the professional experiences of local partner staff. In India, we have relied mostly on informal in person communication by community mobilizers (i.e. staff of our partner CSOs) about human rights; once community groups are formed, community members continue the process of educating their neighbors in person about human rights. By contrast, in Ghana, Free the Slaves has developed a formal curriculum, including illustrated storybooks for low-literacy communities facing child labor slavery issues. The storybook is another means through which FTS partners disseminate rights education. Purpose of the Mobile Phone Viability Assessment The purpose of this assessment is to determine if mobile phones are a viable option for disseminating rights education. The program viability will be assessed both based on the knowledge gained by users receiving the voice messages and feedback on the functioning of the voice message technology. This will inform FTS should conduct a longer and more extensive voice message rights education pilot program in the future. Study Activities A small scale assessment of the viability of mobile phones as a vehicle for rights education will take place. The assessment will include: 1. Interviews with partners, facilitators and communities regarding phone usage, availability and costs. 2. Vendor selection and management for necessary software, hardware and telecommunication services. 3. Development of voice messages: field testing, translation and recording. 4. One month of pilot testing (weekly voice messages), which will include monitoring the delivery and receipt of messages. 5. A report on the evaluation of knowledge gained by users and feedback on the system.

3 Study Fundamentals Geographic Coverage o The program will be implemented with one community in Uttar Pradesh, Northern India Main Questions o How do community members use mobile phones? o Are mobile phones available to most community members? o How much does a mobile phone cost? o How much does mobile phone service cost (how much to top up )? o How much does it cost to receive a voice message? o What is the most effective software/hardware and telecommunication services for delivery of voice messages? o Were the voice messages delivered and received? Did the participants listen to them? o What did participants think of the voice message education system? o Did the pilot program result in increased knowledge of rights for participants? Evaluation Method o Data needed includes: community coverage number of calls made number of calls received o Method of measuring an increase in knowledge of rights to be mutually agreed upon by the consultant and Free the Slaves. Management Information Budget o The total budget for this study, including consultant salary, technology (software, hardware, etc.), implementation of voice calls or messages, report development, analysis, materials, and travel is US $10,000. Deliverables o Key, simple rights education messages for cell phone tests o Study report in English including feedback on the viability of mobile phone use and changes in knowledge of rights for the participants including: Executive summary of key findings and recommendations Table of contents Objectives, methodology and limitations of the evaluation

4 Findings, analysis, and conclusions with associated data presented Lessons Learned and Recommendations for future action Appendices, list of interviewees, etc. Timeframe o Appointment of evaluation consultant early December o Initial desk research and selection of a vendor mid December o Implementation of the pilot end of December end of January o Final report end of February Logistics and Other Support o FTS will provide: Prompt feedback to the consultant Assistance with developing a method for measuring change in knowledge in the community Assistance and support through introductions with key informants, partner staff and other stakeholders Background materials Logistical support and travel guidance Qualifications The evaluation consultant must demonstrate: Proficiency in English and Hindi (written and spoken) Relevant past research experience and ability to engage with isolated rural communities and socially-excluded populations Experience with mhealth or managing mobile phone based communication projects Experience conducting key informant interviews and conduct quick analysis; Understanding of and experience working in India Ability to develop short, effective messages to communicate important information Ability to propose an assessment that rigorous, systematic and appropriate Ability to structure an appropriate and modest budget, in keeping with and in proportion to the small scale, tight budget and geographic locations to be covered by this study

5 Application Process If you are interested in this contract, please submit an expression of interest that includes the following: Description of consulting organization if not submitted by an individual Curriculum vitae of primary consultant Short biography/ies of any additional members of the team A technical proposal proposing a plan for implementing the study A financial proposal for the completion of the aforementioned deliverables Applications must be submitted by before Dec. 8, 2015, to alex.woods@freetheslaves.net. Please use the subject title: Consultancy Mobile Phone Study. Candidates will be evaluated based on the following selection criteria: Technical proposal Financial proposal Experience and expertise of the consultant Fluency in English and Hindi To find out more and further discuss this opportunity, please contact: Alex Woods, Free the Slaves: alex.woods@freetheslaves.net Free the Slaves is an equal-opportunity organization. Qualified applicants are considered for consultancies without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or veteran status.