RFP - Terms of Reference (ToR) for Conducting Data Quality Assurance (DQA)

Terms of Reference (ToR) for Conducting Data Quality Assurance (DQA): ChildFund International Terms of Reference (ToR) Title: Conducting Data Quality Assurance (DQA) Period of assignment: April 2025-June 2025 1-Background ChildFund International in India is a leading child-focused development organization that has been working since 1951 to support deprived, excluded, and vulnerable children, families, and communities in some of the most underserved and hard-to-reach areas of the country. Guided by the vision of building "an India where children lead a dignified life and achieve their full potential," ChildFund has a strong presence in rural regions and is now expanding its focus to urban areas, where child protection issues and violence against children are prevalent. The organization provides comprehensive, age-appropriate support to children from conception until they reach 24 years of age, integrating interventions across health, nutrition, sanitation, gender equality, disability inclusion, education, skill training, livelihoods, child protection, and humanitarian relief. Through its long- and short-term programs, ChildFund India reaches millions of children, youth, and their families every year. With a longstanding community presence, deep-rooted partnerships with grassroots NGOs, and strong collaboration with relevant stakeholders, ChildFund ensures that its holistic interventions create an enabling environment for children to thrive and achieve their full potential. Currently, ChildFund India supports 40 projects across 78 districts in 12 states and 1 Union Territory, working towards sustainable, transformative change at the community level. 2. Purpose of the Assignment The main purpose of the third party DQA is to assess the quality of data collected and reported, identify gaps or weaknesses, and provide recommendations for improving data collection, management, and reporting processes. The specific objectives of the DQA are: I-Conduct third party exercise to set the baseline of the data quality for all the 40 Project sites II-Develop the Technology based Application to support DQA Processes 3. Scope of Work The consultant/organization will be required to: 3.1-Conduct third party exercises to set the baseline of the data quality for all the 40 Project sites of 13 states in India. 3.1.1-Verifying the accuracy and completeness of reported data: Ensuring high-quality data is fundamental to measuring program success and driving evidence-based decision-making. Conduct systematic field-level assessments to verify the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, and reliability of reported data. Compare primary source documents (registers, digital records, and survey responses) against reported figures. Identify data inconsistencies, errors, and gaps in existing records, if any Implement data standardization protocols to ensure uniform definitions, formats, and classifications across all locations. Assessing the consistency and reliability of data collection tools and methodologies. 3.1.2-Strengthen Data Collection & Management Evaluate the efficiency and integrity of data collection tools and methodologies. Assess how well data is documented, stored, and reported by field teams. Identify common data entry errors, duplication issues, and missing fields. Train teams on effective documentation, record-keeping, and digital reporting tools. Ensure geo-tagging and timestamp verification to improve field-level data credibility. 3.1.3-Ensure Compliance & Best Practices Verify adherence to ChildFund' reporting guidelines, national data policies, and standards. Strengthen standardized templates for reporting programmatic data. 3.1.4-Provide Actionable Recommendations Deliver customized, location-specific improvement plans for each project site to address the gaps. Develop capacity-building strategies for field staff on data accuracy and management. 3.2-Develop the DQA software Application/tool to support DQA. This application should have the features of: Data Collection modules for streamlined input from field teams. Data Analysis features to assess data quality and identify gaps. Automated Reporting capabilities for consistent and timely feedback. Dashboard Visualisation A Data Repository to store validated data and facilitate longitudinal data tracking for trend analysis. 4. Deliverables The consultant/organization will deliver the following: 1. Develop a clear Data Quality Assurance Plan in consultation with ChildFund ME/KML and Program team. 2. Design and develop technology based online DQA tool Automating Data Recording and Analysis: Reducing manual errors and increasing efficiency. Providing Real-Time Dashboards: Allowing stakeholders to track data quality in real time, addressing gaps and informed decision-making Enabling Longitudinal Data Processing: Enables trend analysis, predictive analytics, and impact forecasting to improve program functions. Institutional Capacity Building – Strengthens data culture by training teams on digital tools and best practices 3. Inception Report: Detailing the methodology, tools, and work plan for the DQA. 4. Data collection 5. Draft DQA Report: Outlining initial findings, including data quality gaps and recommendations. 6. Final DQA Report: Incorporating feedback and including actionable recommendations. 5-Project Locations The DQA exercise will be conducted across 40 Project locations in 13 states and will ensure the establishment of a consistent and accurate baseline. This is crucial for tracking progress, identifying regional discrepancies, and setting data quality standards across the 13 states.

ChildFund International in India is a leading child-focused development organization that has been working since 1951 to support deprived, excluded, and vulnerable children, families, and communities in some of the most underserved and hard-to-reach areas of the country. Guided by the vision of building "an India where children lead a dignified life and achieve their full potential," ChildFund has a strong presence in rural regions and is now expanding its focus to urban areas, where child protection issues and violence against children are prevalent.