INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANCY TO FACILITATE REGISTERED CHILDREN DEATHS STUDY

With 75 years of experience, our focus is on helping the most vulnerable children overcome poverty and experience fullness of life. We help children of all backgrounds, even in the most dangerous places, inspired by our Christian faith.

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Key Responsibilities:

Background

Across World Vision Kenya’s Area Programmes (APs), a total of 231 child deaths were recorded in FY25, showing a notable decline from 330 deaths in FY24, signalling gradual progress in community health outcomes. Within this, 26 were Registered Children (RCs) compared to 17 in FY24, reflecting a rise in RC mortality proportion even as overall child deaths declined. The leading causes of RC deaths in FY25 were pneumonia (7 cases), malaria (7 cases), and sudden or unknown causes (12 cases), collectively accounting for over three-quarters of all RC deaths. Mortality was concentrated mainly in Angurai (6 cases), Mathare Valley (5 cases), and Golbo (4 cases) APs—where Angurai recorded multiple malaria-related cases and Golbo reported deaths linked to diarrhoeal disease and underlying chronic conditions.

Further analysis across the APs shows no direct correlation between WVK’s length of presence and mortality outcomes, as older APs such as Angurai, Matete, Golbo, Kiambogoko, Mutomo, and Kalawa continue to record high child deaths. Between FY24 and FY25, 18 APs registered reductions in RC deaths, 9 remained constant, while 14 recorded increases. The underlying drivers point to poor health-seeking behaviour, delayed medical attention, limited health literacy, low utilisation of antenatal and skilled delivery services, and inadequate malaria prevention measures.

To enhance understanding and improve evidence-driven programmes, WVK has prioritized a Registered Children Deaths Study to systematically examine mortality patterns and their determinants across various AP contexts (rural, urban, and fragile). The study aims to determine the proportion of RC deaths relative to total child deaths within the same age groups, providing clearer insight into whether RCs face similar or higher mortality risks compared to their peers in the broader community. It will also investigate the causes, contextual risk factors, and the effectiveness of current interventions targeting preventable child deaths within the sponsorship model.

Findings from this study will guide the refinement of mortality audit protocols, health outreach priorities, sponsorship-linked health and protection interventions, and community monitoring systems, ensuring a more targeted and preventive approach to child survival. Ultimately, this will enhance WVK’s accountability to sponsors and strengthen the impact of child well-being programmes across all Area Programmes.

Objective of this consultancy

To facilitate a comprehensive RC Death Study across six selected Area Programmes—Angurai, Wajir, Kalapata, Lower Yatta, Galole, and Mathare to establish the causes, proportions, programmatic implications, and intervention gaps related to RC deaths.

Scope

The consultant will undertake the following key tasks:

1. Study Preparation and Design

• Review existing RC death records, Child Well-Being Outcome (CWBO) data, and related AP reports.
• Develop and validate study tools (FGD/IDI guides, secondary data abstraction forms, and KIIs).
• Orient sponsor officers and volunteers on mining data from health facilities, chiefs' records, KIIs, and FGDs.

2. Field Data Collection Facilitation

• Coordinate field visits to all 6 AP sites, ensuring diverse representation (rural, fragile, and urban contexts).
• Facilitate briefings with chiefs, volunteers, CHPs, and hospital facilities in charge.
• Support teams in gathering both quantitative data (secondary records) and qualitative data on:
  • Causes of RC deaths (medical, social, environmental).
  • Proportion of RC deaths versus deaths in the general child population of the same age group.
  • Impact on families, sponsorship, and community well-being.

3. Data Verification and Analysis

• Facilitate triangulation of data from sponsorship systems (Horizon), health records, and community reports.
• Compute RC death rates versus population-level mortality within similar age cohorts.
• Analyze qualitative insights on causes and impacts of RC deaths and suggest viable programmatic actions.

4. Assessment of Interventions and Response Depth

• Map and assess existing WVK and partner interventions addressing child mortality (health, nutrition, WASH, protection).
• Determine the depth and effectiveness of interventions geared toward reducing RC deaths.
• Identify systemic or operational gaps such as delayed referrals, limited health access, or weak follow-up mechanisms.

5. Review of Targeting and Inclusion

• Examine the scale of targeting RCs within AP interventions compared to non-RCs.
• Assess equity and inclusion in programme planning, budget allocation, and service coverage.
• Document best practices and missed opportunities for RC-specific vulnerability targeting.

6. Reporting, Learning, and Dissemination

• Synthesize findings into a comprehensive report and dashboard (quantitative + qualitative).
• Lead reflection sessions with AP teams and SMT on emerging trends and programmatic implications.
• Document lessons, good practices, and risk mitigation recommendations.
• Present findings to WVK Strategy and Technical Teams to inform FY26–30 planning and integrated child well-being approaches.

Deliverables

Study tools (FGD/IDI guides, abstraction forms, KII templates). Field facilitation and supervision report. Consolidated RC Death Study Report (quantitative + qualitative). Summary dashboard and presentation slides. Reflection and dissemination session report.

WVK Facilitation

• Provide introductory letters and coordination support to all APs.
• Facilitate access to RC data, sponsorship systems, and community entry.
• Provide logistical support (transport, accommodation coordination where needed).
• Ensure linkages with relevant AP and cluster DMEAL teams.

Expected Costs

Consultancy fee

KES 10,000 per day for 20 days.

Deliverable:

Comprehensive study report of work done.

Total Compensation

KES 200,000 (subject to statutory deductions).

 Timelines

The activities will be completed between November 24, 2025 to December 19, 2025

Key Qualifications and Application Requirements

The Individual Consultant should possess the following qualifications and experience:

Education

• A minimum of a Master’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Social Sciences, Project Management, Development Studies, or a related field.

Professional Experience

• At least 7 years of progressive experience in conducting health- or child-focused research and evaluations within development or humanitarian settings.
• Demonstrated ability to apply mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative) in field studies.
• Familiarity with Kenyan health information systems (DHIS2) and World Vision child well-being frameworks will be an added advantage.
• Understanding of WVK sponsorship programming and operation context is an added advantage

Skills and Competencies

• Strong analytical and report writing skills.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis (SPSS, Stata, or R) and qualitative analysis software (NVivo, ATLAS.ti).
• Excellent facilitation, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Capacity to deliver high-quality outputs within tight timelines.

Application Requirements

Interested applicants must submit the following:

Technical Proposal, outlining:

• Understanding of the assignment and proposed methodology.
• Proposed work plan and schedule of activities.

Curriculum Vitae (CV) of the lead consultant and team members (if applicable).

Availability Declaration indicating readiness to start by the proposed date.

Applicant Types Accepted:

Local Applicants Only