About Organisation:

Handicap International (Humanity & Inclusion) is an international non-profit organisation, implementing humanitarian and development actions in over sixty countries. In Uganda, we work to identify and support those with specific needs and ensure the meaningful inclusion of refugees and asylum seekers. We assist vulnerable populations from both host and refugee communities by providing physical rehabilitation, mental health, and psychosocial support, inclusive education, health, and livelihoods. We work in partnership with Disabled Peoples Organizations (DPOs), communities, local leaders, non-governmental organizations, the United Nations, and the Ugandan government.

Context

Uganda ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities that include Article 24 which promotes inclusive education and committed to the Sustainable Development Goals No. 4 (education). Preceding these commitments, Uganda also made a notable pledge to promote sign language in its constitution (1995 Constitution, XXIV (c)).

However, realization of these commitments is slow. In particular, inclusion of children with hearing impairments faces various challenges due to multiple reasons. Such reasons include absence of concrete system for early identification of the children’s hearing impairments, limited understanding about various types and degrees of hearing loss, lack of education system that is capable to apply diverse educational interventions that meet individual needs of a child with hearing impairments, inadequate support mechanism for parents of concerned children, among others. Furthermore, there is no reliable data that shows the number of children either with difficulty hearing (using WGQs) or with hearing loss (from medical perspective), which makes it hard to plan relevant interventions for children with hearing impairments.

Humanity & inclusion is implementing an educational project (ECW MYRP 2 project) that focuses on identification of children with hearing difficulty and provision of the appropriate  hearing aids as per its available budgets and targets. Being a non-health organization, HI works through contracted service providers through recommendations of the lead health partners to do the specialised assessments and diagnose the ear conditions and their appropriate interventions, including those that need  hearing aids. However, it is provident that the quality of the prescribed hearing aids is also checked by the device specialist.

It is on this background therefore that HI Humanity & Inclusion is seeking the services of qualified consultants to provide technical support by conducting a comprehensive review of the quality of audiometry test results and hearing aids to be provided to the identified children.

The EAR health consultant will;

• Technically review the audiograms (ear assessment results) and determine the children who qualify for the  hearing aids.
• verify the quality of the earing aids- may receive samples from the supplier or go to the supply point before the delivery of the  hearing aids.
• Technically offer guidance and supervision to supplier during programming and fitting of the hearing aids.
• Write a report to head of the technical unit at humanity and inclusion

Objectives

The main objective of this consultancy is to conduct a comprehensive review of the audiograms and determine children for the various support needs.

For example, benefit from hearing aids, cochlear implant or others

To enhance compliance to delivery of quality and safe health products and services

acceptable within the set policies and standards.

Scope of Work

The ear consultant will be expected to:

• Review all the audiograms for the screened children
• Access and examine the quality of the  hearing aids
• Supervise the programming and fitting of the  hearing aids on the children
• Write and submit a report to the head of technical unit at humanity & inclusion

Key Deliverables

For EAR Consultant

• Proposed budget: A simple but clear budget that covers all the three areas: Review of audiograms, verification of hearing aids and supervising programming and fitting of hearing aids.
• Review of audiograms- for all the children who went through the audiometry test
• Compilation and submission of the report indicating which child needs hearing aids, cochlear implant or other services
• Participation in update meetings (when necessary) with the technical team at humanity & inclusion

Consultant’s Profile

• Holds a Master’s degree in Audiology or related field with expertise in managing Auditory Disorders
• Possesses comprehensive knowledge of the auditory system and proficiency in evaluating and treating various hearing-related conditions, including hearing loss, tinnitus, auditory processing disorders, and balance disorders.
• Skilled in conducting a range of diagnostic assessments to evaluate auditory function, including pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, tympanometry, and otoacoustic emissions testing.
• Experienced in fitting, programming, and adjusting  hearing aids and assistive listening devices to address individuals’ hearing needs.
• Experience in conducting consultancy services
• Familiarity with the legal and policy landscape concerning children with disabilities in Uganda.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills.
• Previous experience working on similar assignments in Uganda or the East African region would be an advantage.

DURATION AND PLACE OF PERFORMANCE OF THE SERVICE

Start date: 15th July 2024

End date: 31st/July/2024

Place of performance:

West Nile- Terego, Yumbe

South West- Kyaka 2

Workplan

Based on the proposed schedule included in these Terms of Reference, the consultant should establish a workplan for the completion of the service

The workplan should give a clear description of how the consultant intends to approach the activities necessary to the service’s completion

The plan should indicate the rate of progress and/or level of completion of the service, including criteria and indicators for checking that it is proceeding as planned.

Contact Persons: During the performance of the service, the consultant will be required to work in liaison with Handicap International’s teams, and notably with Ms Molly Adokorach, Project manager for ECW MYRP 2 project, Umar Tumwine, Head of Programme,

Job Conditions

The consultant will accommodate and feed himself/herself in the field

HI will provide:

Movement transport within Uganda. (the Consultant is required to sign HI Discharge responsibility form)

APPLICATION (ADMISTTARTIVE & TECHNICAL DOCUMENT)

The Application should be submitted the following documents not later the 17:00 pm, 5th July/2024. List of items to be included in the submission;

• Consultant’s CV
• Technical proposal & Work Plan
• Financial proposal (daily rate, covering all costs specified section 5. above)
• Documents proving the consultant’s registration and any other documents certifying to the regularity of his/her activity i.e. work permit in Uganda
• Proof of personal health/hospital insurance
• Proposed start date
• Bank details
• Identification documents (Passport/ID)
• TIN Certificate

The Proposal should be submitted to the following email:

procurement.tenders@uganda.hi.org including the email subject” Consultancy services for provision of technical support in reviewing the quality of hearing services”