Request for Applications for Trust Building and Civic Engagement Study in Moldova
Introduction and Background
International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX) is implementing a local governance strengthening program, Comunitatea Mea (CM), in Moldova. IREX will conduct a cross-sectional study to examine the potential associations between CM program activities and levels of trust in local government and civic engagement in Moldova. This research aims to explore how CM activities may relate to trust-building and civic participation in partner communities.
The study will address the following research questions:
To what extent do community members and local government officials perceive that local governments in CM communities demonstrate competence, show good intent, and promote belonging?
What are the current levels of trust in local government among community members in CM communities, and how do these levels relate to perceptions of local governments' competence, good intent, and belonging-promotion?
What specific practices or strategies do local governments use to demonstrate competence, show good intent, and promote belonging, and how effective are these practices perceived to be by community members and local officials?
Duration of Assignment and Indicative Time Frame of Various Tasks
The consultant is expected to complete the assignment within 11-13 weeks, divided into the following phases:
Phase I: Preparation and Training (2 weeks)
Phase II: Data Collection (6-8 weeks)
Quantitative survey: 4-6 weeks
Qualitative data collection: 3-4 weeks (overlapping)
Phase III: Data Entry, Cleaning, and Initial Analysis (3 weeks)
Budget range for this activity: 50,000 - 55,000 USD
Proposed Methodology:
The study will employ a mixed-methods approach:
Quantitative Component: Three sampling options are proposed:
a. Minimum Approach: 10-15 communities, 500-1,125 residents, 100-150 officials
b. Intermediate Approach: 20-25 communities, 1,200-2,000 residents, 200-250 officials
c. Ideal Approach: 30-40 communities, 1,500-2,400 residents, 300-400 officials
Sampling method: Multi-stage stratified random sampling, considering region, urban/rural classification, length of CM involvement, and level of Community Development Project implementation.
Qualitative Component: Three options corresponding to the quantitative approaches:
a. Minimum: 20-25 in-depth interviews, 4-5 focus groups
b. Intermediate: 30-40 in-depth interviews, 6-8 focus groups
c. Ideal: 40-50 in-depth interviews, 8-10 focus groups
Qualification, Skills, and Experience:
Proven experience in conducting mixed-methods research in Moldova.
Capability to manage large-scale surveys and qualitative data collection.
Strong analytical and presentation skills and familiarity with online training or meeting platforms.
Excellent English communication and writing skills. Fluency in Romanian, Russian, and English preferred.
Familiarity with trust, local governance and civic engagement topics.
Strong data management and quality control procedures.
Experience in data security and ethical research practices.
Responsibilities
IREX will be responsible for:
Overall research design
Development of survey instruments and interview guides
Data analysis
Reporting
Ensuring alignment with IREX's trust-building framework and CM program goals
The consultant/ research company will:
Conduct all data collection activities, including quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews/focus groups
Recruit participants based on criteria provided by IREX
Manage logistics for all field activities
Implement quality control measures for data collection
Perform data entry and cleaning
Provide raw data, transcripts, and field notes to IREX
Prepare descriptive statistics and data summary for the quantitative data
Conduct basic analysis of qualitative data, including key themes and illustrative quotes
Adhere to data security and ethical guidelines
Provide translation services from Romanian/Russian to English
Conduct pilot testing of research instruments
Coordinate regularly with IREX team
Consultant/research company deliverables:
Data collection plan
Weekly progress reports during data collection
Clean, labeled dataset from quantitative survey
Transcripts and notes from all qualitative interviews and focus groups
Descriptive statistics report for quantitative data
Summary report of qualitative data
Field report summarizing data collection process, challenges, and initial observations
All raw data files (e.g., audio recordings, original notes)
Translated versions of all data and reports in English
Proposal Evaluation Criteria:
The following criteria will be used to evaluate proposals:
Technical approach and understanding of the research objectives (25%)
Qualifications and experience of the proposed consultant/team (20%)
Feasibility of the proposed timeline and methodology (15%)
Quality of previous work examples and sample descriptive statistics report (15%)
Strength of data security measures and ethical considerations (10%)
Quality assurance procedures and approach to translation (10%)
Overall cost-effectiveness of the proposal (5%)
Renewal
IREX reserves the right, based on funding availability and consultant/firm performance, to enter into subsequent contractual agreements with the winning consultant/firm for up to three years without issuing a new RFP.
How to apply:
To Apply
Interested consultants are invited to submit the following by October 10, 2024, to Isabella Petros-Weber ([email protected]):
A technical proposal outlining the methodology and strategy for implementing the research, qualifications/skills, and experience matching the consultancy's requirements as well as a budget break breakdown.
List of 3 references
Examples of comparable work conducted in Moldova or a similar country.
Outline of data security measures and ethical guidelines
Approach to translation and ensuring accuracy
For individual consultants: An updated Curriculum Vitae. For research firms: Team composition and qualifications of key personnel
EOE – Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
All proposals must be valid for at least sixty (60) calendar days from the submission deadline.