Request for Proposals: Baseline Study, Indonesia

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KEY INFORMATION
 
Job Title: Request for Proposals: Baseline Study, Indonesia
Sector: Monitoring & Evaluation, Research
Position Type: Part-Time
Duration/Level of Effort: Short-Term
Position Location: Central Sulawesi & Papua, Indonesia
 
SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT
 
The Strengthening Equitable Healthcare Access in Target regions (SEHAT) project in Indonesia is a seven-year project funded by Global Affairs Canada. SEHAT aims to improve health outcomes and rights, particularly Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), for marginalized and vulnerable women and girls (W&Gs) in the provinces of Central Sulawesi (CS) and Papua. The project will achieve its ultimate outcome by addressing the barriers faced by W&Gs both on the supply and demand side of health care. On the supply side, the Project will improve the delivery of quality, gender responsive and environmentally sustainable health care (1100) through a series of interventions aimed at improving the ability and capacity of healthcare providers, administrators, managers and policymakers at provincial and district levels. This pillar will strengthen four of the six core building blocks of the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework for Resilient Health Systems, namely: health workforce; leadership/governance; service delivery; and health infrastructure, equipment and supplies. On the demand side, the Project will work with women & girls and their communities to promote accessible, non-judgmental, and evidence-based health information; support women and girls' ability for decision-making on SRHR; and challenge harmful social norms and practices that affect women and girls' health and rights. Combined, interventions under this second pillar will lead to the increased use of quality, gender responsive, and environmentally sustainable health care by Women and Girls (1200).
 
SUMMARY OF THE POSITION
 
SEHAT is seeking a competent research firm or consortium of researchers to conduct a baseline study to inform its implementation.
 
The baseline study aims to establish rigorous evidence base prior to the commencement of SEHAT interventions, providing the project with reliable reference points for monitoring, evaluation, and adaptive management throughout its seven-year implementation. Specifically, the study seeks to:
 

1. Collect baseline data for SEHAT's PMF outcome indicators across supply- and demand-side components, disaggregated by sex, age, geography, disability, and other relevant factors (with attention to the distinct contexts of Central Sulawesi and Papua.)
2. Validate project assumptions and refine indicator operational definitions as needed to ensure their contextual relevance and measurability.
3. Support in gathering data to refine the targets.
4. Provide actionable recommendations on MEL system strengthening at provincial, district, and facility levels to support SEHAT's ongoing monitoring and learning agenda.

The detailed Terms of Reference, Scope of Work, Deliverables and submission requirements can be found here: https://www.cowater.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/SEHAT-TOR-Baseline-Study.pdf
 
SCOPE OF WORK
 
The consultant/team will:

1. Use SEHAT's PMF to review the operational definitions of the indicators and measurement approach to ensure full alignment between the baseline design and project measurement requirements, and inform the development of the methodology and data collection questions.
2. Conduct a desk review of existing secondary data sources and relevant literature including national and sub-national health statistics, prior to the assessments, to contextualize baseline findings and identify data gaps.
3. Develop a detailed inception report outlining the proposed baseline methodology, sampling strategy, data collection instruments, work plan, and budget — aligned with GAC requirements and subject to SEHAT's approval prior to field work commencement.
4. Ensure the methodology incorporates gender-transformative, intersectional, and safeguarding considerations, including do-no-harm principles, particularly for sensitive SRHR and GBV-related data collection.
5. Propose and develop appropriate data collection tools and methods, including household surveys, health facility assessments, and document reviews, with reference to the approved PMF indicators.
6. Develop questionnaires for each tool and identify which PMF indicators they align with.
7. Obtain ethical clearance from a recognized Indonesian ethics committee prior to data collection, and ensure adherence to informed consent procedures, data confidentiality, and participant protection throughout the study.
8. Collect primary and secondary data across all seven target districts in Central Sulawesi and Papua, ensuring adequate representation of all target populations disaggregated by sex, age, geography, disability, and other relevant equity dimensions.
9. Implement data quality assurance measures, including enumerator training, pilot testing of instruments, supervision protocols, and data cleaning procedures.
10. Analyze data to establish baseline values for each PMF indicator, with appropriate statistical analysis and qualitative synthesis.
11. Produce a comprehensive baseline report, including an executive summary, methodology, findings per indicator, data tables, cross-provincial comparisons, limitations, and recommendations for MEL system strengthening. Refer to the baseline report outline shared by the project.
12. Present and validate findings with SEHAT, relevant Ministry of Health representatives, Provincial and District Health Offices, and local stakeholders to ensure contextual accuracy and buy-in.

All raw data and analytical tools must be submitted to the SEHAT project team. The consultant/firm is expected to work closely with the Team Leader and MEL Manager of the project and approvals need to be taken for all steps outlined above.
 
JOB REQUIREMENTS
 
The baseline study is expected to be conducted by a qualified research firm, consultancy organization, or independent consultant(s) with no conflict of interest with the SEHAT Project or its implementing partners. Applicants should demonstrate the following qualifications:

1. Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in public health, epidemiology, social sciences, or a related field.
2. Minimum 7 years of experience leading large-scale baseline, midline, or endline studies for donor-funded health programs.
3. Demonstrated expertise in mixed-methods research design, including survey-based and participatory approaches.
4. Proven experience conducting research on sensitive topics, including SRHR and/or GBV, with adherence to do-no-harm principles.
5. Demonstrated capacity in gender-responsive and intersectional data collection and analysis.
6. Strong familiarity with the Indonesian primary healthcare system, particularly in Eastern Indonesia (Central Sulawesi and/or Papua).
7. Prior experience with GAC-funded programs or familiarity with GAC Results-Based Management (RBM) and Performance Measurement Frameworks (PMF) is a strong asset.
8. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both English and Bahasa Indonesia; proficiency in local languages is an advantage.
9. Familiarity with the Indonesian PHC system, particularly in Central Sulawesi and Papua.
10. Excellent data analysis, reporting, and communication skills in English and Bahasa Indonesia.

APPLICATION PROCESS
 
Candidates are encouraged to apply by 01 May 2026/as soon as possible.
 
Proposals should be submitted via email to: info@sehat-cowater.id with the title: Baseline Study

Interested research firms, consultancy organizations, or independent consultants are invited to submit a proposal comprising the following: 

1. Technical Proposal, that details:

• Brief profile of the firm or consultant, including relevant organizational or individual background
• Understanding of the assignment and proposed approach
• Proposed methodology and study design, including sampling strategy and data collection methods
• Proposed work plan and timeline
• CVs of key personnel who will be involved in the study

1. Financial Proposal, including:

• Detailed budget breakdown, including consultancy fees, field work costs, enumerator costs, travel, per diem, and any other relevant expenditures
• Financial proposal must be submitted separately from the technical proposal

1. Supporting Documents: at least two samples of previous baseline, evaluation, or research reports of similar scope and complexity

 
SEHAT is available to answer questions or provide more details on the scope of work until Friday April 24, 2026. Please email Indah Prameswari - indah.prameswari@sehat-cowater.id with "SEHAT Baseline Study - Enquiry" in the subject line.
 
Cowater International strives to maintain a fair, transparent, and human centered recruitment process. As part of our commitment to responsible hiring practices and compliance with evolving recruitment regulations, we may use AI assisted tools to support limited aspects of our talent acquisition workflow, such as reviewing or shortlisting applications. These tools are used only to enhance efficiency and consistency in our processes. All assessments, interviews, and final hiring decisions are made exclusively by our human recruiting managers. Candidates may request additional information about the use of these tools or reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process.
 
Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law.
 
We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.
 
ABOUT US
 
Founded in 1985, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies since 2017.
 
We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow.

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