Consultant - User-Centered Review of LHW Curriculum

WaterAid is seeking a consultant to conduct a comprehensive user-centered review of the Lady Health Workers (LHW) curriculum developed by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department. The primary objective of this assignment is to evaluate how well the current curriculum addresses climate resilience, nutrition integration, and gender-inclusive Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) topics. This review will identify gaps and recommend improvements that reflect the real-world challenges faced by LHWs in their daily work. The consultant will undertake desk reviews, field visits, stakeholder consultations, and user-centered research to ensure the curriculum is responsive to emerging public health and environmental issues. The contract is scheduled to begin on August 1, 2025, with an estimated commitment of 25 working days over a period of 1.5 months. Travel to Peshawar, Swabi, and potentially other districts will be required.

Key Responsibilities:

- Conduct a detailed review and analysis of the existing LHW curriculum, focusing on WASH, nutrition, climate resilience, and gender inclusivity.
- Design and implement user-centered research methods, including conducting at least 30 key informant interviews with LHWs to gather insights on curriculum application in the field.
- Compare curriculum content with field realities to identify gaps and areas for improvement.
- Engage with key stakeholders such as LHW trainers, supervisors, health department officials, and other relevant personnel to collect feedback on curriculum effectiveness.
- Perform a gap analysis and develop actionable recommendations for integrating climate-resilient, nutrition, and gender-inclusive WASH topics.
- Develop research tools and submit an inception report outlining the methodology and work plan.
- Prepare comprehensive reports including curriculum review, draft evaluation, and final consolidated reports incorporating stakeholder feedback.
- Present findings and recommendations to WaterAid and provincial stakeholders during dissemination sessions.
- Coordinate and lead the dissemination workshop in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ensuring effective stakeholder engagement.

Required Qualifications:

- A minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience in health program evaluations, particularly involving community or lady health worker programs.
- Proven expertise in curriculum development, assessment, and evaluation.
- Strong knowledge of WASH, climate resilience, nutrition, and gender sensitivity within public health frameworks.
- Demonstrated experience with user-centered research methodologies; submission of two recent relevant research reports or studies is required.
- Master’s degree in Public Health, Health Policy/Systems Management, or a related field (MPH preferred).
- Profiles of key proposed staff including a Research Expert Team Lead, Public Health, Climate and WASH Experts, and Data Analyst with demonstrable experience in curriculum evaluation and health system strengthening.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits:

- A well-defined and detailed methodology that clearly demonstrates understanding of the assignment’s objectives and deliverables.
- Ability to conduct comprehensive stakeholder consultations and synthesize findings into practical, actionable recommendations.
- Experience working in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa or similar contexts is highly advantageous.
- WaterAid will cover the costs of the dissemination workshop; however, the consultant will be responsible for leading coordination and engagement efforts.
- The consultant will work under the supervision of the IGNIT3 project coordinator with technical oversight from WaterAid Pakistan’s WASH and Health Specialist.

Applicants are required to submit separate sealed technical and financial proposals by July 15, 2025. The technical proposal will be evaluated based on relevance, experience, education, and methodology, with a minimum passing score of 70 out of 100. The financial proposal will account for 30 points. All deliverables must be completed within the assignment timeframe. WaterAid reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal without providing reasons. Intellectual property rights for all materials produced will remain with WaterAid Pakistan. Compliance with local laws and tax obligations is mandatory.