Consultancy for the Final Evaluation on the BMZ Project 86 views1 applications

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR CONSULTANCY TO CONDUCT A FINAL EVALUATION OF A PROJECT IN PUNTLAND AND JUBALAND STATES OF SOMALIA

Title of the Action: Strengthening Livelihoods and Resilience of Crises-Affected Communities Project, in Puntland and Jubaland States, Somalia.

Area of intervention: Puntland State Nugaal Region (Garowe and Burtinle districts) and Jubaland State Lower Juba Region, Kismayo district.

Project Reference Number: PN: 2021.1818.0

Length of Project (Months): 36 months

Start date of the Action: June 2021

End date of the Action: May 31, 2024.

1 Introduction:

1.1 About Consortium partners – VSF-Germany (VSF G) and SIF.

VSF Germany is an International Non-Governmental Organization, providing humanitarian aid and development assistance to pastoralists and vulnerable communities in areas where livestock is of importance. VSF Germany supports in animal health, livestock related agriculture, marketing, food safety, drought responses and mitigation, capacity development of communities and governmental institutions, peace and conflict resolution with the ultimate aim of food security and strengthened livelihoods of pastoralist communities. In the region VSF Germany implements activities in the Republic of South Sudan, Kenya, Sudan, Somalia, Uganda and Ethiopia. VSF Germany has been implementing projects in Somalia since 2005. These projects were implemented with the aim of improving food security and livelihoods through resilience building of vulnerable communities affected by shocks, improving household dietary diversity and coping strategies, improving infrastructure and handling facilities in the meat and milk value chains, strengthening service delivery capacity of public and private institutions and enhancing adaptive and transformative capacity of pastoral and agro-pastoral households. Furthermore, Donkey welfare concerns were addressed.

Founded in 1991, Secours Islamique France (SIF) is an international non-governmental organization of international solidarity with humanitarian, development, and social missions. With global Headquarters in Massy, France, SIF operates in more than 17 countries globally delivering principled humanitarian emergency response, rehabilitation, and development programs without any discrimination nor proselytizm. SIF started operations in Kenya in 2012, and 2014 in Somalia. The Kenya and Somalia Mission provides integrated lifesaving and resilience building interventions for internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and poor host communities in Kismayo (Lower Juba Region of Jubaland State) and Mogadishu in four key thematic areas: Food Security & Livelihoods (FSL); Water, Hygiene and Sanitation (WASH); Shelter and non-food items (NFIs) and Education / Child Wellbeing.

The consortium is implementing a three-year project entitled “Strengthening Livelihoods and Resilience of Crises-Affected Communities in Puntland and Jubaland States, Somalia project (SIMLIRE)” which is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). This project covers Garowe and Burtinle districts in Puntland state, and Kismayo district in Jubaland state. The project objective is to enhance livelihood and resilience of vulnerable crises-affected communities and institutions through layered humanitarian and development interventions. The project is targeting the vulnerable host community households, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and returnee groups with support to local institutions and mechanisms for delivery of animal health and public health services, Humanitarian and disaster management, while mainstreaming conflict sensitivity, protection and Do No Harm approaches. An independent baseline evaluation was performed during the project inception to establish the project’s entry-level situation of the key result areas (a) livelihoods, food and nutrition security, (b) productive capacities of livestock and crop producers, (c) disaster risk reduction and (d) inter- and intra-community conflicts and power relations, (e) minority groups and social exclusion**,** (f) social/cultural practices, policies, local governance issues.

The consortium is intending to evaluate the performance of the project and is seeking the services of qualified and experienced experts to carry out the task as a firm and/or as individual consultants (partnerships).

2. Purpose of the evaluation.

The purpose for this end-line evaluation is to assess the performance of the project, contribution to achievement of its overall objective, learnings and best practices to inform future programming in similar contexts. The evaluation will also examine accountability towards the donor (BMZ) as per grant guidelines, the stakeholders and the direct beneficiaries and learnings from the project.

The specific objectives of the evaluation are:

1. Assess whether or not design and implementation strategies, of the Action, were consistent with the overall goal of BMZ programme for Transition Development Assistance (TDA).
2. Assess the extent to which the various interventions have contributed to priorities the set national government priorities, policies and the targeted project beneficiaries.
3. Examine to what extent targeted communities and the Government have participated in the activities undertaken under the project and how this has contributed to (a) livelihoods, food and nutrition security, (b)capacities of livestock and crop producers, (c) disaster risk reduction and (d) inter- and intra-community conflicts and power relations, (e) minority groups and social exclusion, (f) social/cultural practices, policies, local governance issues for resilience to shocks in project districts.

Examine the extent to which key result areas (Results 1: Food and nutrition security of crises-affected communities is improved through increased availability, access to and utilization of food, and rebuilt sustainable and resilient livelihoods. Result 2:Productive capacities of small-holder livestock producers is increased through improved governance of animal healthcare services delivery, enhanced animal husbandry techniques and livestock value chain development; Result 3: Affected communities have improved resilience to common hazards and shocks, access to basic services through functional WASH and health infrastructures, and as well as DRR (incl. NRM, DRM) preparedness and response mechanisms; Result 4: Inter- and intra-community conflict incidences are prevented through establishing and strengthening inclusive and sustainable community-based peacebuilding and conflict mitigation mechanisms. Result 5: At risk and vulnerable households rendered destitute due to Covid-19 pandemic are protected and have opportunities for economic recovery through business grants and financial services linkages to diversify their incomes.

1. Assess the impact of the project on the targeted and final beneficiaries including, pastoralists; agro-pastoralists, National Livestock Professional Associations, Community groups,Government and local authorities, Private sector involved in the project and draw key lessons learnt and opportunities for future programming in a similar context.

   3.Scope of work

The evaluation is expected to examine and quantify, where possible; (i) the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact and sustainability of the overall and specific objectives and contributions of the Action towards improving food security and communities’ livelihoods through enhanced resilience to common shocks.

The performance of the project should be measured through analysis of the project indicators –comparing the baseline and outcome information/data, how the project was adapted to the evolving social and economic situation in target areas, approaches adopted and donor visibility.

The consultant(s) shall review relevant documents on the project and interact with a wide range of informants including pastoralists, agro-pastoralists, local authorities, relevant Government Ministries staff, IGA groups, Community Disaster Risk Management Committees(CMDRRC), Fisher folk groups, District Peace Committee (DPC), CBOs, women traders who directly benefitted from the project.

3.1: Review project documents

The consultant is expected to review available documents on the project to get back ground information and deep understanding of the project.

3.2. Methodology of carrying out the task.

The consultant will be required to develop clear methodology and tools that will be used to carry out the task. Such methodologies should clearly show how various stakeholders will be involved as well as the tools to be used in generating the evidence of change sought by the study.

3.3. Collection data and assessment of impact

The consultant(s) will examine all the 5 thematic components of the project in collaboration with VSFG and SIF staff, government authorities and community groups through:

• Field visits to project locations and assessment of achievement for each of the activities under each thematic area.
• Document output and outcome attributed to the project activities.
• Present the first draft report of the findings to VSF Germany, SIF and Government Authorities in Puntland and Jubaland States.

3 .4. Validation meeting with project partners and stakeholders

The consultant will make a presentation of the findings on the project output and outcome to project VSFG and stakeholders at a joint meeting. The purpose will be to enable the stakeholders have opportunity to validate the findings and make any necessary input before finalization. The work meeting will be organized by VSFG and partners at Garowe and by SIF at Kismayo level, Puntland and Jubaland respectively.

3.5. Finalization of the report

The consultant will incorporate the input from the stakeholders to finalize the report and present the final product to SIF and VSF Germany for sharing with relevant government ministries and the donor.

4. Evaluation Methodology and Process

In designing the evaluation process, reference is to be made to the BMZ guidance and DAC. The consultant shall prepare comprehensive participatory tools for undertaking this evaluation. The methodology must include but not limited to, literature reviews; meeting and interviewing project staff, officials in the respective Ministries of Livestock in Puntland and Jubaland States, project beneficiaries, local leaders, etc.), and stakeholder consultations. The consultant is expected to develop and use tools for data collection of quantitative and qualitative variables as appropriate for the task. The field visits and contact sessions with communities and groups must strive to reach/meet valid sample size of the direct beneficiaries including government officials. SIF and VSFG will take responsibility for logistics, mobilization and facilitations in the field.

5. Indicative Plan/Time frame

The duration of the assignment is 27 calendar days and actual implementation plan could be discussed and agreed by both parties. It is expected that the whole task should be finished within four weeks from the starting date.

Task Duration

Assessment and awarding of contract: 1 day

Meeting with SIF and VSFG staff at Country level: 1 day

Review of documents and develop data collection tools: 2 days

Inception Report on the planned work: 2 days

Travel to field (Garowe and Kismayo t) for field work: 2

Field work (details to be developed with field teams): 10 days

Travel back to Nairobi: 2 days

Report writing and consultations: 4 days

Presentation of findings(draft report) on power point: 1 day

Submission of final report: 2 days

TOTAL:27

6. Consultant’s Profile:

The Consultant is expected to have the following qualifications:

• A Degree or higher qualification preferably in Development studies, Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine, Social Sciences, or any other relevant degree from recognized institutions.
• At least 5 years’ experience of work or undertaking similar assignments under humanitarian and development frameworks in the ASAL of the Greater Horn of Africa.
• Sufficient knowledge and experience covering the key result areas of the project.
• Extensive knowledge of the context and the displacements trends in Somalia
• Demonstrated understanding of evaluating pastoral livelihoods, food security and resilience through improving capacity of small-holder livestock farmers, governance of animal healthcare services and livestock value chain, prevention of inter-and intra-community conflicts and protection of and provision of opportunities to at risk community members. For economic recovery.
• Proven understanding and use of participatory methodologies in data collection.
• Strong analytical and writing skills to clearly present findings, practical conclusions and recommendations.
• Previous work experience on BMZ funded projects and knowledge of context of project area is a plus.
• Ability to deliver tasks within tight deadlines.
• Mastery of written and spoken English
• Evaluation teams are encouraged to comprise of a mix of gender.

7. Expected Deliverables/reporting

The Consultant will be required to achieve the below deliverables during the consultancy:

i) Inception report outlining the understanding of the task and possible areas of adjustment in the work approach/schedule where necessary;

ii)A draft report of key findings on output and results of the project (both positive and/or negative), and innovative approaches of the project within 18 days of work; (1 soft copy only);

iii) A presentation of the key findings to key stakeholders at a meeting at field level (Garowe and Kismayo) and Nairobi level;

iv) A report incorporating input from the workshop held at country level with stakeholders not later 15th day of the assignment;

v)Final report of the task with main body not more than 35 pages not later than 27 days of the assignment in 3 hard and 1 soft copies;

vi) A folder of photos and beneficiary stories captured during the field work in electronic form.

NOTE: Further works or revisions of the report may be required and if the final report does not meet the requirements of the TOR, it may not be accepted and the client will be at liberty to reject it with service provider bearing the liability.

8.Expression of Interest

Any person/firm interested in undertaking this task should send an expression of interest/application comprising:

1. Technical proposal; The technical proposal should briefly and clearly describe the following aspects; Understanding of the task, Technical aspect of the proposal, Methodology (Evaluation strategy, Sampling design, Data collection tools, Data Processing & Analysis, Data quality control measures, operational plan, names and curriculum vitae (CV as an annex) of persons to do the work and with contact details of bidder.
2. Financial proposal: The financial proposal of the task should be broken down in details as follows: Consultancy fees, Data processing & analysis and Communication.

NB: The costs of long meetings such as focus group discussions will be borne by the client.

9. Key issues of the project to study:

The consultant should assess evidence of relevance and quality of design, efficiency of implementation, effectiveness, impact and analysis of potential sustainability of the achievements. The issues to be studied are:

9.1 Relevance:

Relevance is the extent to which the objectives and design of the action being evaluated fit with current global/ regional policies, challenges and concerns; the needs, policies and priorities of intended beneficiary; BMZ guidance and the good practices principles developed by relevant ministries and others, the specific objectives, roles and comparative advantages of the implementing agency. It is critical that evaluation looks especially at the adoption of the good practices and principles.

9.2 Effectiveness: Is the extent to which the action has achieved its outputs and outcomes.

9.3 Efficiency: – is the extent to which an action has converted its resources and inputs (such as funds, expertise and time) economically into results to achieve the maximum possible outputs, outcomes, and impacts with the optimum possible inputs.

9.4 Impact; The word impact can be used in different ways. In this task the e OECD‐DAC definition: “Impacts are positive and negative, primary and secondary long‐term effects produced by an action, directly or indirectly, intended or unintended” will be used. Impacts can be at the macro (sector) or micro (household or individual) level.

The consultant is expected to use a very practical approach and expect that he/she will systematically refer to the impact/ outcome indicators for the specific results to strengthen the evidence of the findings and recommendations. The evaluators will also check what actions taken outside this project in the three districts complemented achievements of planned outcome (e.g., by the private sector, changes in policy, etc) as well as document (and where relevant/possible, quantify) spin off effects and risks of similar projects.

9.5 Sustainability: – is the continuation of benefits from an action after work has been completed, or the probability of continued long‐term benefits. Questions on sustainability will vary considerably with the objectives of action being evaluated as appropriate.

10 Key contacts and report:

SIF’s Programmes Coordinator, Somalia will be the focal point at the Country level (Nairobi).

11. Mode of payment:

The payment will be done according to the following plan /arrangement:

• First instalment: the Consultant will be paid 20% of the agreed amount after submission of the inception report.
• Second instalment: the Consultant will be paid 30% of the agreed amount after submission of the draft report.
• Final instalment: 50% of the agreed amount in the contract shall be paid upon completion of task, acceptance and approval of the final report and any other documents pertaining to this assignment.
• Consultant shall be required to provide original invoices to facilitate processing of payment.
• The payments will be made in A/C payee in form of cheques/or direct bank transfer in the name of the consultant/company named in the contract. VSF Germany will deduct with-holding tax at source as per the rules of taxation governing VSFG operations and amount will be deposited directly to custodian of such tax.
• No other benefits shall be admissible beyond what is stipulated in the contract, nor does it guarantee a regular position in VSF Germany.

12.0 Management of the evaluation process.

• The consultancy will be guided, managed and technically advised by the Programme Coordinator of SIF;
• The consultancy is administratively and technically fully accountable to SIF on behalf of the consortium.
• Specific areas/sites for the study will be selected in consultation with SIF’s and VSF Germany’s field staff in their operation locations.
• Logistical requirements (to and from field and during field work including accommodation provided by SIF and VSFG in their respective operation areas.
• Immediate supervision at field level will be carried out by VSF Germany & SIF in their respective areas of operation.
• All documents prepared during the assignment will be property of the consortium (SIF will receive and submit to VSF Germany for storage).
• Assignment will not be sub-contracted to a third party by the Consultant.
• If, additional time is required to complete the assignment, over and above that previously agreed to, without changing the scope of work, then it shall have to be agreed with SIF in writing.
• Confidentiality of all the assignment will be assured at all times

13. Validation of the Proposal

All cost should be quoted in USD and will remain valid up to thirty days (30) from the day of proposal submission.

14. Confidentiality: All the outputs –Reports, data base, etc produced by this assignment will not be disseminated in part or whole without written authority from VSF-Germany.

15. SIF Code of Conduct

SIF applies a zero-tolerance principle to fraud, bribery, attempted fraud or acceptance of a bribe, corruption, money laundering, funding of terrorism, moral harassment, sexual harassment or abuse or violence of any kind whatsoever. This principle applies to all SIF stakeholders including consultants. This consultancy is subject to respect and commitment to SIF code conduct, Anti-Fraud/Anti-Corruption Policy, and Conflict of Interest Policy. The Consultant shall be required to declare any conflict of Interest prior to the start of the consultancy. Failure to disclose active or passive conflict of Interest may result to a review of the contract up to including penalties and fines.

16. Child Safeguarding Statement

SIF commits to respect the “Do no harm” humanitarian principle and ensure child safety is paramount in all its activities. SIF implements a Child Safeguarding Policy (CSP) at head office and for every mission. Therefore, we implement all necessary measures to ensure that only those who are suitable to work with vulnerable people, with children, engage with our organization. This consultancy is subject to respect and commitment to SIF Child Safeguarding Policy throughout the implementation period. We have zero tolerance for harmful practices and will take any allegation or report of child abuse very seriously.” As part of Child Safeguarding measures, prior to the start of the consultancy, the Consultant and representatives shall be required to provide upon request police clearance certificate taken in the last 3 months.