Value for Money (VfM) Consultant

 

1. Background

WISH 2 ESA is a component of the WISH Dividend programme, with a budget envelope of £75 million and operations across seven countries in the East and Southern Africa region covering Burundi, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Zambia. Through service delivery, systems strengthening, policy influence, demographic data use, and evidence and learning, the programme aims to generate substantial health, equity, and demographic impacts.

VfM in WISH Dividend is about maximizing impact in a cost-effective and equitable way. It ensures that programme resources are used efficiently to achieve the greatest possible benefits for women, adolescents, and marginalized groups, particularly in accessing high-quality SRHR services and addressing social norms-based barriers to SRHR. Additionally, it encompasses efforts to strengthen the enabling environment for SRHR and gender equality.

A central feature of WISH 2 is its Value for Money (VfM) approach, grounded in a Theory of Value. This Theory of Value articulates what must change for the programme investment to be considered worthwhile. It is structured around the five Output Areas and provides a shared understanding of value between implementing partners and FCDO.

Three-Pronged VfM Monitoring Approach

WISH Dividend uses a comprehensive VfM monitoring system consisting of:

1. VfM Indicator Tracking – quantitative tracking across Output Areas on efficiency, equity, outcomes, and resource use.
2. VfM Case Studies – qualitative deep-dives, particularly for Output Areas where outcomes are complex or intangible (e.g., Policy, SBC and Social Norms).
3. Deep-Dive Learning Questions – targeted exploration of the drivers of value, enabling adaptive learning and improvements.

Each Output Area has a specific Theory of Value and a set of associated VfM indicators. VfM case studies complement these indicators by providing contextualised insights into whether an investment was worthwhile, why, and how future value could be improved.

WISH 2 ESA Consortia led IPPF, and comprising IRC, Options, JHU-CCP and Ipas are required to produce three VfM case studies each year, beginning with the April 2025 annual reporting cycle. These case studies must follow the WISH Dividend VfM guidance, structured methodologies, and analytical framing.

To ensure coherence, consistency, and quality across multiple countries and thematic areas, WISH2 will engage a consultant to support the development, review, refinement, and synthesis   Value for Money Case Studies submitted by implementing partners to ensure that the case studies are fit to respond to program log frame and VfM requirements.

2. Purpose of the Consultancy

The purpose of this consultancy is grounded in the WISH Dividend VfM Framework and aims to provide expert technical advice and inputs on VfM throughout the life of the project. The consultant will support the monitoring and documentation of VfM related learning during the implementation phase. This includes generating high-quality reports and knowledge products that demonstrate the application of VfM principles within WISH2.

As WISH2 is a learning-driven and adaptive programme, this TOR outlines the immediate set of tasks and deliverables. Additional tasks will be further defined based on insights and lessons emerging from the initial deliverables.

Specific to first task – the consultant will collaborate with MAs and partners to develop, review, refine, and synthesize VfM case studies from WISH2 implementers focused on policy, SBC, and social norms, ensuring they accurately reflect the Theory of Value, VfM definitions, and the three-pronged learning and evidence approach, and are fully ready for inclusion in the April 2025 Annual Report.

3. Objectives

The consultant will:

1. Lead the development of three case studies (2 on SBC and social norms and 1 on policy) applying the Value for Money analytical dimensions - Equity, Investment, Outcomes, Resource Use, and Learning & Adaptation. Each case study should provide a robust and coherent assessment of whether the change achieved justifies the investment made.
2. Ensure that all case studies appropriately integrate and reflect key program themes, including disability inclusion, humanitarian response, youth and adolescent SRHR, policy engagement, systems strengthening, and the use of demographic data for decision-making.
3. Strengthen methodological clarity by integrating qualitative and quantitative evidence (e.g., outcome harvesting and KII/FGD insights), producing a thematic synthesis and presenting findings in a compelling, coherent, and policy-relevant manner.

4. Scope of Work / Key Tasks

Please refer to the attached Term of Reference (TOR)

 

5. Deliverables (specific to the first task)

1. Inception Note (3–5 pages).
2. Revised & annotated case study drafts with reviewer comments.
3. Final VfM Case Study - formatted as per IPPF branding guidelines.
4. Final presentation to WISH 2 Hub.

6. Timeline  

Overall- a frame consultancy agreement for the duration of the project with the duration/number of days for specific tasks to be defined as needed.

The estimated duration for the first task is 15 days February–April 2025.

7. Consultant Profile

Essential

• 7–10 years’ experience in VfM analysis, MEL, or evaluation for FCDO-funded programs.
• Deep understanding of SRHR, SBC, policy advocacy, or systems strengthening.
• Demonstrated ability to synthesise multi-country qualitative and quantitative evidence.
• Proven experience using qualitative research techniques (interviews, outcome harvesting, and thematic coding).
• Exceptional writing and analytical skills.
• Ability to interpret VfM indicators, cost data, FP impact modelling, and outputs.

Desirable

• Experience producing VfM syntheses for complex, multi-component programs.
• Skills in visualising VfM and learning insights.
• Language – fluency to speak and write in English and French

8. Management & Reporting

• The consultant will be managed by the IPPF WISH hub MERL Unit.
• Coordination with:
  • Country MERL/VfM focal points
  • IPPF WISH 2 hub Policy & Systems TA unit
  • IPPF WISH 2 hub Programmes unit

9. Application Process

Please send your CV, IPPF application form and cover letter detailing your experience and why you are best suited to the consultancy to [email protected] with the subject heading “Value-for-Money (VfM) Case Studies Consultant”

• Deadline for application is 1st March 2026

Evaluation Criteria

Please refer to the attached Term of Reference (TOR)

Your Ethos:

• Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to safeguarding in a local and international context.

• Demonstrates ability and willingness to work in a diverse, multicultural, multilingual and

intergenerational environment that is anti-racist and respectful of others.

• An intersectional (pro) feminist passionate about sexual reproductive health care rights + justice,

including safe abortion.

• Supportive of people’s rights regardless of sexuality or gender identity/expression and supportive of workers’ rights and access to health care in sex work.
 

 IPPF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees, volunteers, contractors and partners to share this commitment. Anyone employed with IPPF agrees to sign and adhere to IPPF’s Code of Conduct and Safeguarding (Children and Vulnerable Adults) Policy.