REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FORTHE INDEPENDENT MONITORING, EVALUATION, AND LEARNING PARTNER

RFP Number: 001/TCPA/DJYH/2025

Date: June 19, 2025

Title: Independent Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Partner

Location: Kigali, Rwanda

Reports to: Deputy Program Director

Organization: The Commons Project Foundation, Africa (TCP-Africa)

Program: Digital Jobs for Youth in Health (DJYH)

Engagement Type: Contract

 About TCP-Africa

The Commons Project Foundation, Africa (TCP-Africa) is driving a person-centered health revolution across the continent. As part of the Commons Project Foundation (TCP), TCP Africa was established to build and operate digital platforms that enhance healthcare accessibility and empower individuals with secure, verifiable access to their health data. Founded in 2022, TCP Africa is developing and promoting interoperable digital health tools and open standards that enable individuals to access, manage, and share their records seamlessly. In partnership with governments, foundations and other stakeholders, TCP Africa is working to digitize healthcare, build a skilled digital health workforce, and strengthen personal ownership of health data. Headquartered in Kigali, Rwanda, TCP Africa is in its early stages and growing rapidly. Committed to diversity and inclusion, TCP Africa welcomes qualified applicants from all backgrounds and ensures equal opportunities for all.

Background

The Digital Jobs for Youth in Health (DJYH) program is a flagship initiative designed to create digital jobs in health for youth, especially young women, while strengthening Rwanda’s digital health infrastructure. DJYH is implemented by TCP Africa in partnership with the Rwanda ICT Chamber and the Society for Family Health (SFH) and is a demonstration model intended to inform scale-up and systems change across similar contexts.

The project aims to create 14,640 digital jobs in health for youth through a multi-pillar approach that includes digital skills training, marketplace enablement, career progression, ecosystem engagement, and robust monitoring and evaluation. As a demonstration project, DJYH Rwanda places a premium on generating high-quality evidence and translating it into learning to improve implementation, influence policy, and inform future programming. The program incorporates several innovative mechanisms, including the establishment of Digital Community Champions (DCCs), the utilization of a digital marketplace, the implementation of a Revolving Sustainability Fund (RSF), and specialized digital health and entrepreneurship training.

To meet this ambition, the program will engage an independent local Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Partner to lead the development and operationalization of a comprehensive MEL strategy and to drive research and continuous learning. This MEL partner will operate independently and deploy staff to embed within the program team for day-to-day MEL support, ensuring continuous alignment with project realities.

Objectives

The primary objective of engaging an independent MEL partner is to establish and operationalize a comprehensive MEL framework for the DJYH Rwanda demonstration program. This framework will go beyond mere tracking to enable rigorous evidence generation that informs the replicability and scalability of the DJYH model, drive adaptive management for optimal program performance, and facilitate strategic learning to influence policy and foster systemic transformation in Rwanda's digital health and youth employment sectors. This objective is further elaborated by the following aims:

• Developing a comprehensive MEL strategy that aligns with the project’s theory of change and work streams to effectively track, analyze, and inform program performance with a specific focus on optimizing supply chain dynamics and their impact on job creation and health service delivery for enhanced decision-making and accountability. The MEL framework must rigorously capture indicators and learning questions that delve into the quality, accessibility, affordability, and utilization of health services delivered through the DCC model, including assessing the ultimate impact on community health outcomes and the cost-effectiveness of this novel delivery mechanism.
• Leading and coordinating all MEL activities (monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning) during the project’s implementation to ensure high-quality data collection, analysis, and use of evidence. The MEL partner's role is framed as an active facilitator of program adaptation, moving beyond a traditional retrospective reporting model to enable continuous, iterative feedback for program refinement.
• Generating actionable insights and learning products that inform project implementation, stakeholder decision-making, and potential scaling or policy influence.
• Ensuring participatory and utilization-focused MEL approaches so that stakeholders (including project staff, participants, and partners) are actively engaged in MEL processes and findings are owned and used for continuous improvement.

Scope of Work

The MEL partner will work independently and yet collaboratively with the project team to fulfill the following key tasks:

Task 1: Comprehensive MEL framework development

Lead the development of a comprehensive MEL plan/strategy covering the entire program scope. This includes refining the program’s theory of change, results framework, and performance indicators (output, process, outcome, impact), and mapping out all monitoring and evaluation activities (baseline, midline, endline as needed). The MEL plan should not just list indicators, but also clearly define comprehensive indicator reference sheets including key evaluation questions, data collection methods, frequency, analysis plans, roles/responsibilities, learning feedback loops. The MEL partner must develop highly specific, disaggregated indicators for each distinct job category within the DJYH program, including DCCs, Supervisors, individuals in advanced diagnostics, Data Protection Officers (DPOs), and those linked to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). For DPOs, for instance, indicators should track not just "DPOs trained" but "DPOs certified and placed in compliance roles," "retention rates in DPO roles," and the "impact of DPO roles on organizational compliance". This approach ensures the MEL system accurately captures the nuances of job quality, progression, and impact for each type of employment opportunity created.

Task 2: Establishment of Integrated MEL Systems and Tools

Set up the necessary systems and tools for data collection, management, and reporting. This involves developing data collection instruments (survey questionnaires, interview guides, reporting templates, etc.), establishing data management protocols, standard operating procedures and user guides to ensure data quality, storage, and privacy, and configuring a digital dashboard for tracking project key performance indicators in real time. This will require close collaboration with the program’s marketplace workstream lead for harmonization, interoperability, and alignment with the marketplace and supply chain platform. The MEL partner will ensure that monitoring processes are integrated into each work stream, so that relevant data is continuously captured across all project activities and partners. The MEL partner's proposal for this task should include a detailed plan for data flow mapping from all relevant operational systems, such as the marketplace, SFH's distribution and warehousing systems, and various training platforms, into the central MEL system. This detailed mapping is essential for ensuring that the MEL system can effectively leverage and integrate diverse data sources, thereby guaranteeing data quality and enabling comprehensive analysis across all operational components, particularly for optimizing supply chain dynamics.

Task 3: Targeted Evidence Generation and Learning Agenda Execution

Given the demonstration nature of the DJYH Rwanda program, the MEL partner will integrate all research, evaluation, and learning activities under a unified workstream to strengthen coherence and impact. This includes:

1. Co-creation and execution of the project’s learning agenda, identifying and prioritizing learning questions and the mixed methods approaches to address them. This will specifically include testing key assumptions identified in the project design, such as the sufficiency of commission-based revenue for sustainability, the speed of technology adaptation, user adoption rates of the marketplace, and the effectiveness of the revolving fund model in supporting new cohorts. The learning agenda should also explicitly investigate pathways for broad policy influence and the integration of the DCC cadre into the national health system. The MEL partner must propose a prioritized learning agenda that clearly outlines the specific research methodologies such as quasi-experimental designs for impact assessment, cost-effectiveness analysis for sustainability mechanisms (like the Revolving Sustainability Fund), and qualitative inquiry for understanding policy influence pathways for each key question or assumption.
2. Design and implementation of baseline, midline, and endline assessments using robust mixed methods approaches that ensure rigor, inclusivity, and ethical compliance. These evaluations must generate compelling evidence of the program's effectiveness in creating dignified jobs, improving health outcomes, and fostering entrepreneurial growth, explicitly demonstrating the model's viability for national and regional replication. To truly understand the qualitative aspect of "dignified and fulfilling work”, evaluations must incorporate robust qualitative research methods, including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participatory assessments to capture the lived experiences of DCCs, their perceptions of work dignity, fulfillment, work-life balance, and career progression.
3. Execution of implementation research and operations research studies will explore program feasibility, effectiveness, equity, and scalability, with a particular focus on identifying critical success factors, contextual adaptations, and cost-effectiveness for future scale-up. The MEL partner's scope must explicitly include tracking policy advocacy efforts, mapping the policy change processes, and assessing the degree of formal integration of the DCC cadre into national health and employment systems.
4. Knowledge translation and communication will be proactive and strategic, including the production of diverse learning products, compelling case studies, infographics, evidence-based policy briefs, and peer-reviewed publications when applicable. All communication will be tailored to resonate with intended audiences (including internal program teams, local and national policymakers, development partners, and potential scaling partners) to ensure findings are utilized for program refinement, policy adoption, and catalyzing broader investment in the digital health jobs sector.

Task 4: Supply Chain Optimization and Sustainability Monitoring

This task will focus on the comprehensive monitoring and strategic optimization of the DJYH program's supply chain to ensure efficient product flow, availability, and quality, directly supporting the creation of dignified jobs for DCCs and the program's long-term sustainability. The MEL partner will integrate a robust supply chain monitoring component to track key metrics such as product flow, stockouts, and delivery times, ensuring timely access to health goods for DCCs and communities. This includes conducting ongoing market research to identify community needs and demand for health products and services. The partner will also monitor the sourcing and negotiation processes with suppliers to ensure commission levels are sufficient to support DCC earnings and program sustainability. Furthermore, the MEL partner will support the testing of product volumes on the marketplace platform, incorporating feedback mechanisms with DCCs on expected demand to ensure a balanced supply. A critical aspect will be monitoring the setup and delivery of new products and services, continuously assessing the supply and demand balance to ensure the sustainability and long-term potential of each service/product is accretive to the platform and meets margin requirements. The MEL partner will also contribute to the development of a supply chain sustainability model that links to savings and other financial services feasibility models for DCCs, reinforcing their dignified employment.

Task 5: Actionable Data Analysis and Strategic Use

Ensure that all quantitative and qualitative data collected is systematically analyzed and translated into actionable insights. The MEL partner will develop mechanisms to feed data and learning back into program decision-making and planning for continuous improvement. Beyond internal adaptation, findings and insights will be strategically packaged and disseminated to inform relevant government ministries (e.g., Ministry of Health, Ministry of ICT), regulatory bodies (e.g., NCSA, Rwanda Food and Drug Authority), donor, and other ecosystem stakeholders to advocate for policy adjustments and foster an enabling environment for digital health and youth employment. The MEL partner's role extends to proactive engagement and dialogue with these specific government and regulatory stakeholders. The assignment requires the MEL partner to propose a targeted dissemination strategy that includes direct policy briefings, workshops, and participation in relevant policy forums. These communication efforts must be well tailored to the specific information needs and policy cycles of each entity, actively driving policy uptake and ensuring that evidence directly informs and catalyzes policy adjustments and broader ecosystem development.

Task 6: Collaboration and Embedding

While the MEL partner will operate as an independent entity, they will maintain a close working relationship with the program team. The partner is expected to embed dedicated MEL staff within the project team to support day-to-day MEL tasks and ongoing capacity building. The embedded MEL personnel will work on-site (or virtually, as needed) alongside project staff to assist with real-time data collection, mentoring of staff in MEL practices, and troubleshooting of any MEL-related issues. The partner’s team will regularly coordinate with project management and technical leads of each work stream to ensure MEL activities are aligned with ongoing interventions. Regular check-ins (e.g. weekly or bi-weekly meetings) will be scheduled to review MEL progress and integrate findings into the project’s workflow. Their presence will also facilitate real-time problem solving and adaptation based on evidence. The MEL partner's capacity building role should be more structured and comprehensive than informal mentoring. This includes proposing formal training modules, joint analytical exercises, and co-creation of MEL tools and protocols with project consortia. The ultimate goal is to build sustainable, in-house MEL capacity within the program team, aligning with the project's long-term sustainability vision and ensuring that the MEL function can eventually be internalized or sustained by local partners.

Deliverables

Duration of the Assignment

The MEL partner is expected to be engaged for an initial period of one (1) year, with the contract renewable annually for up to the full 4-year project duration. This allows the project to assess performance and adapt the MEL support as needed each year. The indicative timeline for Year 1 deliverables is summarized above. Should the partnership be renewed, a revised work plan and set of deliverables will be agreed for each subsequent year, including major evaluations in later years (mid-term, end line). Consistency of MEL approach across years is important, so the partner should ideally be prepared to commit to a multi-year collaboration, subject to annual performance reviews. Throughout the engagement, the MEL partner’s team must allocate sufficient level of effort to meet the deliverable deadlines and quality standards. It is expected that the team will include both senior experts for design/analysis and field personnel for data collection and on-site support. The embedded MEL staff provided by the partner will likely work on a near full-time basis with the project team, whereas other expert inputs (e.g. a principal MEL advisor, data analyst, etc.) may be part-time or as needed for specific tasks (like evaluations). The proposal from the MEL partner should delineate the team structure and time allocations clearly.

Institutional Arrangement and Working Modality

The selected MEL partner will operate independently from the implementing agency’s hierarchy to maintain objectivity in evaluation but will work in close collaboration with the program team for all MEL activities. Specifically:

• The MEL partner will report functionally to the Deputy Program Director for oversight and strategic direction.
• Regular coordination meetings (e.g. weekly/monthly management check-ins) will be held to review progress, address issues, and align on upcoming tasks. 
• On a daily basis, embedded MEL staff (as provided by the partner) will integrate with the project implementation team. These staff members will attend internal project meetings, participate in field visits as needed, and be the go-to persons for project staff on MEL matters. While they remain employees of the MEL partner organization, in practice they will function as part of the project team to ensure seamless execution of MEL work.
• The MEL partner is expected to maintain open lines of communication and knowledge sharing. They should work alongside each technical workstream lead to ensure MEL is tailored to each component. This embedded yet independent model ensures impartial evaluation and rigor (coming from an external perspective) while also providing hands-on support and capacity building to the project team.
• The partner will operate under a collaborative approach – treating the MEL function as a service to the project. This includes flexibility to respond to ad-hoc MEL requests from the program (for example, assisting with an unexpected donor query or data need), and working constructively with other partners or consultants (e.g. any specialized evaluators or subject-matter researchers that might be contracted separately).
• All data collected by the MEL partner will be owned by the program/client, and the partner must adhere to any data protection, privacy, or ethics protocols established by the program, donor or government. Prior to any publication or external dissemination of findings, appropriate clearances will be obtained. All MEL activities must be conducted ethically and respectfully. Informed consent, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity are non-negotiable. Given the participatory approach, the partner should be vigilant about “Do No Harm” principles – ensuring that data collection or discussions do not inadvertently create risks or discomfort for participants. This is especially important if sensitive topics are being explored in research.

Required Company Profile

• At least 5 years of proven experience in designing and implementing Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) systems for large-scale multi-year development programs, particularly in health, youth employment, or digital transformation sectors.
• Demonstrated expertise in supply chain monitoring and integration of supply chain indicators into MEL frameworks.
• Previous engagements in sub-Saharan Africa, preferably with direct experience in Rwanda or similar country contexts. Explicit experience with Rwanda's digital health ecosystem, including familiarity with national health information systems (such as DHIS2, if relevant for national data integration) and demonstrated expertise in compliance with data protection regulations, particularly Rwanda's Personal Information Law, is highly desirable.
• Experience working with multistakeholder consortia, including government agencies, NGOs, private sector partners, and donor organizations.

Technical Capacity

• Expertise in digital MEL systems, data analytics, and visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, DHIS2).
• Familiarity with open-source platforms and ability to customize digital tools to integrate with existing health or e-commerce systems.
• Capacity to develop data collection tools (paper-based and digital), field test instruments, and manage data quality assurance protocols.

Team Composition

A multidisciplinary team including:

• MEL Advisor (Team Lead) with at least 10 years of relevant experience Data scientist with proven experience in analyzing complex datasets
• Digital Systems Analyst/Developer experienced in MEL platform integration
• Supply Chain Specialist with experience in logistics and health commodity tracking
• Capacity Building Expert with experience in training and knowledge transfer and a structured approach to building sustainable, in-house MEL capacity within program teams.
• Policy and Advocacy Specialist with proven experience in translating evidence into policy recommendations and engaging government stakeholders. This role requires demonstrated experience in influencing health policy and integrating new cadres into national systems within Rwanda or similar East African contexts, involving proactive engagement and strategic communication with relevant government bodies beyond mere report writing.
• Gender and Social Inclusion Specialist / Qualitative Research Expert: With demonstrable experience in youth empowerment, livelihoods, and robust qualitative research methods for social impact assessment, to effectively measure the nuanced impact of "dignified and fulfilling work" and address the program's strong gender focus.

Legal and Administrative Standing

• Legally registered consultancy firm with authorization to operate in Rwanda
• Up-to-date tax compliance certification and a verifiable portfolio of previous assignments.
• Demonstrated ability to mobilize rapidly and commit adequate resources for timely delivery.

Evaluation Criteria

The selection process will consider the following criteria:

• Technical Competence: the firm's expertise in digital MEL systems, data analytics, visualization tools, open-source platforms, and data collection/quality assurance.
• Understanding of the Assignment: comprehension of the DJYH program's objectives, unique mechanisms, and specific MEL needs.
• Proposed Methodology: soundness and practicality of the firm's approach to MEL framework development, integrated systems, evidence generation, data analysis, collaboration, and supply chain monitoring.
• Relevant Experience: proven track record in designing and implementing MEL systems for similar large-scale development programs, particularly in health, youth employment, digital transformation, and in Sub-Saharan Africa/Rwanda.
• Cost-Effectiveness: reasonableness, competitiveness, and value for money in relation to the technical proposal and scope of work.
• Legal and Administrative Standing: Confirms the firm's legal registration, tax compliance, verifiable portfolio, and ability to mobilize resources in Rwanda.

Submission of Proposal

Interested firms are invited to submit electronically via email to josepha@thecommonsproject.org no later thanJune 26, 2025, a technical and financial proposal including relevant experience, proposed methodology, and CVs of key staff. The selection will be based on technical competence, understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology, relevant experience, and cost-effectiveness.