Conducting a feasibility study for “The reduction of teenage pregnancy and prevention of HIV among AGYW in Oyam district” project

1. Introduction

DSW is a global development organisation that focuses on the needs and potential of the largest youth generation in history. We are committed to creating demand for and access to health information, services, supplies, and economic empowerment for youth. We achieve this by engaging in advocacy, capacity development, and reproductive health initiatives, empowering young people to lead healthy and self-determined lives. Besides our headquarters in Hannover, Germany, DSW operates two liaison offices in Berlin and Brussels, as well as maintaining a strong presence in Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania.

2. Project Background

Oyam District, located in Uganda’s Lango sub-region, recorded the highest teenage pregnancy rate in the area at 27.3% in 2024, according to DHIS2 data. This reflects a broader national crisis, with Uganda reporting around 1,000 teenage pregnancies daily—28% of which occur in Lango. The issue is driven by limited access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) information and services, harmful social norms like early marriage, and lingering effects of the post-war context, including poverty and stigma—especially affecting Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW), particularly those living with HIV/AIDS in rural sub-counties of Oyam. Teenage pregnancy is a leading cause of school dropout, affecting the prospects of many girls and often pushing them into severe forms of vulnerability.

DSW Germany, in collaboration/ partnership with the local NGO Action for Health Uganda (A4HU) plans to implement this project. The initiative seeks to reduce the high and persistent rates of teenage pregnancy as well as the HIV rates among AGYW in Oyam District, particularly in remote sub-counties and trading centers. It aims to address the root causes—including harmful social norms, poverty, limited access to SRHR services, and weak child protection systems—by providing socio-economic support and strengthening community-led protection mechanisms

The proposed intervention will adopt a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach alongside peer-centered strategies to ensure solutions reflect the realities of those most affected. PAR engages AGYW, boys, mentors, and community leaders in identifying root causes, prioritizing issues, and co-developing socially and culturally relevant responses ensuring that solutions reflect the lived realities of AGYW, boys, mentors, and community leaders. Ultimately, this approach aims to generate actionable insights while directly improving the well-being of AGYW. Through participatory and peer-driven engagement, the project seeks to transform community attitudes,

enhance referral pathways, and deliver sustainable social and health outcomes. Findings of the project will contribute to a broader evidence base on effective approaches to teenage pregnancy and HIV prevention

The project directly supports the Government of Uganda’s strategic goal to eliminate child marriage and teenage pregnancy. It aligns with the National Policy Guidelines and Service Standards for SRHR, the National Development Plan III, and Vision 2040. Additionally, it contributes to the achievement of key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to good health and well-being, quality education, and gender equality. The project will seek funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)

3. Purpose and Scope of the assignment

As part of the proposal development process, a feasibility study is required to provide an independent assessment of the project’s prerequisites, challenges, opportunities, priorities, assumptions and risks. The study will:

• Assess the project concept using the OECD DAC criteria of relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability (A set of questions will be provided to the selected consultant in inception meeting)

• Analyse the local context – Examine the current situation of teenage pregnancy and HIV among AGYW in Oyam District, including social, cultural, economic, and institutional factors influencing risks and vulnerabilities.

• Assess the project’s alignment with local needs, existing initiatives, and relevant standards.

• Assess the feasibility of implementing the project within the proposed timeline and budget, considering the regional and technical contexts.

• Identify any potential risks and propose strategies to mitigate them.

• Validate assumptions – Review and test the assumptions made in the logical framework regarding community needs, stakeholder capacities, and feasibility of the proposed intervention model.

• Recommend adjustments to the project concept, including its approaches, partnerships, impact matrix and specific measures and any further actions (including modifications) to ensure its success.

Geographical scope: The feasibility study will be conducted in selected sub counties in Oyam district and at national level (Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development, Ministry of Health (particularly the National Adolescent Focal Person), Ministry of Education and Sports).

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4. Methodology

• The study should include both qualitative and quantitative methods for a comprehensive analysis

• Using a participatory approach is preferred (for reflecting the needs of the target group as well as ensuring stakeholder involvement).

• Innovative approaches are considered an asset.

• Flexibility for Additional Methods: the consultant may propose additional tools or approaches to strengthen evidence-based recommendations and ensure alignment with donor requirements (e.g., BMZ).

• Ethical considerations must be addressed, especially when working with vulnerable populations.

5. Tasks and Deliverables
   5.1 Tasks

Stakeholder and Partner Analysis

• Identify and engage with key stakeholders, including adolescents, young mothers, boys, parents, teachers, health workers, and local leaders including political, cultural and religious, non-governmental organisations and community based organisations.

• Assess the stakeholders, including their roles, resources, and competencies role in project implementation.

• Identify and analyse any gaps in collaboration and coordination.

Project Concept Evaluation

• Analyse the proposed project design against the OECD DAC criteria: relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability.

• Program Design Inputs: Review and refine the proposed intervention model (PAR and peer-centered strategies), including approaches for mentorship, referral systems, and community-led dialogues.

• Assess the project’s alignment with local needs, existing initiatives, and relevant standards.

• Evaluate the potential of the project to address gender inequalities, SRHR challenges, and educational gaps.

Recommendations, Modifications and Reporting

• Provide actionable recommendations to strengthen the full proposal, including suggested implementation strategies, partnership arrangements, improvements to the impact matrix and project measures, monitoring and evaluation considerations, and risk mitigation measures.

• Suggest modifications based on the evaluation of the project design and stakeholder feedback.

• Propose strategies for enhancing the project’s effectiveness, sustainability, and coherence.

• Reporting: Produce a comprehensive feasibility study report, including an executive summary, methodology, key findings, analysis, and recommendations.

5.2 Deliverables

6. Supporting Documents

DSW and the partner organization A4HU will provide relevant documents needed by the consultant. Further detailed information about the project, including concept note and logframe and additional background materials, will be provided upon the signing of the contract.

7. Skills and Experience

The consultant is expected to have the following:

Expertise

• Proven experience of conducting feasibility and other evaluation studies

• Knowledge on the current situation of youth in Uganda especially, AGYW and for those with multiple, compounded vulnerabilities.

• Experience in conducting studies in school environments, especially in Uganda.

• Experience in working with/interviewing young people.

• Knowledge of education, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), youth empowerment, gender sensitive programming and related sectors, notably in Uganda.

Skills

• Theoretical and practical knowledge of qualitative and quantitative data collection methods

• Experience of developing logical frameworks and defining SMART/RACER indicators

• Ability to build up a good relationship in short period of time.

• Very good written and verbal communication skills in English

• Ability to fluently speak Lango and any other local language will be an added advantage.

• Previous work with BMZ funded projects will be considered an asset.

8. Work plan and submission

• The assignment will start in the first week of October 2025.

• A draft report is due by the end of October 2025.

• Preliminary findings will be presented at the Proposal Development Workshop in Kampala in November 2025.

• The final report, incorporating feedback, is due by mid-November 2025. This report ought to follow the structure provided by us. This will be shared after the selection of the candidate.

Application Requirements:

The application should include the following:

• Detailed and updated CV, highlighting the work that the Consultant has undertaken, which is relevant to this assignment

• Minimum of two (2) samples of reports developed by the Consultant addressing similar issues;

• Motivation & qualifications for the assignment

• A detailed work plan and timeframe

• Budget (daily fee/other costs) with clear budget lines. The proposed budget must be realistic, comprehensive, and competitive. Proposals that omit essential cost categories, underestimate, or overestimate realistic expenses will be considered non-compliant.

• A brief outline of the methodology the Consultant will use to guide the process; explaining in detail the methodology and tools to be used in carrying out the assignment.

Interested applicants are requested to submit their application with the reference “Feasibility study TPH_PR-Oyam” clearly indicated in the email subject line to: evaluation@dsw.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(57, 100, 254); transition: box-shadow 0.2s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1); border-width: 2px 3px; border-style: solid; border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-left: -3px; margin-right: -3px; text-decoration: none; position: relative;">evaluation@dsw.org

Deadline for application:
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The final deadline for submission is September 16, 2025. All applications received by this date will be considered equally.

Interviews will take place between September 19th and 22nd 2025