EU COVID Project

EU Thailand COVID-19 Response and Recovery-Three Southern Border Provinces is a programme sponsored by the European Union (EU). The overall objective of the proposed action that will be implemented in three provinces of the Deep South (Yala, Narathiwat, and Pattani) for 24 months is to increase the participation of Thai CSOs in preventing, addressing and mitigating risks and vulnerabilities in the fragile context of COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand.

The objective of the project is to strengthen capacity and engagement of CSOs to mitigate health, social and economic impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and building resilience for the most vulnerable target groups in the Deep South. The specific result and indicator to be assess under this TOR include:

Specific objective is presented under the outcome 3, “Establish role-model resilient communities to advocate establishment of province-based preparedness standard”.

Indicator: % of targeted communities including virus-outbreak scenario in the Emergency Preparedness Plans (EPP)

Output 3.2: Case studies of local COVID19 early response conducted and gaps identified (actionable research)

Indicator1.2: # of case studies developed based on local COVID19 response mechanisms

The project managed by Save the Children and two local-applicants: PSU’s Nursing Faculty and the Prince of Songkhla University Alumni Association of Volunteers (PSUAAV). All grants contributed to the overall objectives of this agreed framework, and technical oversight leads by Save the Children. Save the Children also works with 3 sub-grantees to strengthen their technical and organisational capacity to provide skills training and livelihood opportunities for vulnerable youth, migrant workers, and especially female returnees from Malaysia. Additionally, SC sub-grant the Looker and local youth groups specialized in producing media content to design and implement a Risk Communication and Community Engagement Social Behaviour Change Campaign and to produce content to document the impact of this action.

1. Scope of Study
   1. Purpose, Objectives and Scope

This case study production is being conducted in order to define key learning points for the localized response and the best practices demonstrated by the six targeted communities in responding to the outbreak of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Based on practical developments and actions taken by the formal and informal leadership of the communities, the case studies are intended to demonstrate positive approaches and learning opportunities for the six communities and other relevant communities in the area that experience similar context.

The findings demonstrated in the case study are to be summarized in one learning brief to highlight key contextual characteristics, as well as practical actions that have contributed to the increased community resilience, as well as gaps that have prevented the communities to advance the support to the residents during the Covid-19 crisis.

The main objectives are:

1. To prepare six case studies based on pre-existing data collected by the PSUAAV local partner
2. Identify key actors and responsibilities during the pandemic outbreak that have shaped the communal response to the pandemic (including internal and external capacities mobilized)
3. Identify key patterns and takeaways that can be utilized in preparation of the EPPs for the future in order to boost community resilience to the similar outbreaks in the future.

Scope of consultancy: The consultant will not be required to conduct primary data collection. Based on the data collected from the local partner, consultant will work with the PSUAAV and Save the Children team to structure the case studies based on the pre-defined template. Upon review, consultant will conduct qualitative data analysis and case study writing, including summary learning brief of no more than 5 pages. During this process, consultant will focus on six communities targeted by the project. Data gaps identified will be verified with SCT and local partner in order to maximize quality of output information.

1. 2. Intended Audience and Use of the Study

Primary intended audience of the assessment is leadership of six communities, including leadership of other communities in the wider Deep South area that operate in similar context. Furthermore, case studies will be shared to other relevant stakeholders, including government and non—government entities that are directly or indirectly contributing to the overall emergency preparedness in the area. The case studies and the learning brief will be circulated publicly in order to motivate residents of the area to raise their community leadership accountability standards. Moreover, the study will also be shared with project donor as evidence of project progress and achievement.

1. 3. Key Study Questions

The case study preparation for the six targeted communities should include and discuss around the following key study question below:

• What was the overall community exposure to COVID-19 (initial experience, first cases, total infections and deaths due to infection, timeline of the infections)
• What was community response and restrictive measures taken to ensure prevention of the COVID-19 spread (including relevant timelines)?
  • Measures taken
  • Most influential stakeholders (including official and unofficial authorities)
  • Risk area mapping and management
• Key events management (celebrations, funerals, community gaterings) What were community protective and support measures taken to support local population?
  • Availability, accessibility and affordability of health services
  • WASH and protective items support provided (handwashing stations, hand gels, masks and other items to be utilized for protection)
  • Socio-economic support provided in the community (what was provided, to whom and how it was administered)
• What was community decision making hierarchy during the crisis?
  • Who were the key decision makers
  • What was leading logic in the decision making for the community
• Were there specific groups and/or individuals that were discriminated or targeted by specific measures outside of the general ones (both restrictive and supportive ones)?
• Based on the previous four questions, what were
  • Best practices identified in the community that have provided good value for the population in terms of protection from the infection and support after the infection has spread?
  • What are the key gaps identified that could potentially undermine the results of the preventive and response actions taken by the community?
• What is the community summary of the response and key takeaways?

The summary learning brief should follow the same logic as the case study, while trying to identify common patterns and approaches taken by the local communities analyzed.

2. Study Methodology
   1. Case Study Design

The case study will follow pre-defined template for the prearation of all six community level case studies.

The learning brief will follow the same pattern but observe the data on cluster level compared to the individual communities.

1. 2. Data Sources and Data Collection Methods / Tools

Case studies will rely on pre-collected data from the PSUAAV and will flag any key gaps in information during the initial phase.

Task does not entail further primary data collection. In case of severe information gaps that could bot be filled with the desk research, consultant will work with SC and local partner to identify most suitable way to adress the gaps.

The study team is required to adhere to the Save the Children Child Safeguarding; Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse; Anti-Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying; and Data Protection and Privacy policies throughout all project activities.

3. Expected Deliverables

The task deliverables and tentative timeline (subject to the commencement date) are outlined below. The consultant team and Save the Children will agree on final milestones and deadlines at the inception phase.

Deliverables and Tentative Timeline

*Estimation of 15 working days though this consultancy.

4. Reporting and Governance

The consultant will report to the SC Livelihood Program Coordinator and MEAL Coordinator. Additional technical advice will be provided by technical advisors from Save the Children. Save the Children should approve all plans and documents developed by the consultant.

The consultant is to provide reporting against the plan. Regular email at least once a week to the Save the Children SC Livelihood Program Coordinator and MEAL Coordinator on documenting progress, any emerging issues to be resolved and planned activities for the following week.

The MEAL Coordinator and Technical Advisors will review and approve final deliverables.

5. Study Team and Selection Criteria

To be considered, the consultant must have demonstrated skills, expertise and experience in:

• Qualitative data analysis
• Report writing and clear and concise information presentation and sharing
• Thai nationality
• Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines
• Language proficiencies required Thai, English proficiencies is an asset.
• Bachelor in Social sciences, education, international relation or relevant area to the project is desirable

Applications for the consultancy should include:

• Expression of interest: stating candidate skill and experience suitable for the consultancy (max 1 page)
• Technical and financial proposal: Outline of assignment framework and methods, proposed timeframe, work plan and budget (max 2 pages).
• CV of proposed individual/s and examples of similar studies/tasks carried out previously

6. Schedule of Payment

The following payments will be made to the consultant using and agreed mode of payment.

• Upon submission of draft case studies: 50%
• Upon approval of final deliverables: 50%

7. HOW TO APPLY

If you are interested in this assessment, please submit your application (see section 8. STUDY TEAM AND SELECTION CRITERIA for detail of application) by 18 April 2022 to: nisfu.siribunlong@savethechildren.org.

Annexes

Annex 1: Selection Criteria

Essential criteria

Understanding of requirements and proposal

1. Demonstrate your understanding of the study requirements and provide your proposal for how you would approach the task. Your proposal will be assessed on whether the approach and methodology are robust, appropriate (actionable, sensitive, responsible) and indicates that it will achieve the task requirements.
2. Demonstrate your understanding of the deliverables and activities to be implemented, by:
   1. Describing your proposed approach to task management and track record of delivering on time and on budget.
   2. Providing a plan with indicative timeline.

Capability criteria

Demonstrated Experience

3. Demonstrate your experience and track record in conducting medium and small scale:
   1. Qualitative studies (quantitative will also be considered, but preference is on experience in qualitative data analysis)
   2. Report writing and information presenting experience (publications, articles, case studies and other pieces of relevance should be included as reference of your previous work)
4. Demonstrate your experience and track record in conducting research on communal level.
5. Demonstrate your experience and track record in conducting ethical, inclusive and participatory research and/or evaluations involving: a) children and b) marginalised, deprived and/or vulnerable groups

Financial criteria

This personnel profile, schedule of rates and cost elements will be used for the purposes of assessing cost effectiveness, as well as managing and negotiating the agreed cost of deliverables, or agreed scope variations if required.