NGO JOBS

Organization: Mercy Corps
Country: Ethiopia
Closing date: 29 Oct 2013

Revitalizing Agricultural/Pastoral Incomes and New Markets for Enhanced Resilience and Recovery (RAIN+) project

Final Evaluation Scope of Work

August 29, 2013

1. 1. The Project or Program to be Evaluated

Mercy Corps Ethiopia

Revitalizing Agricultural/Pastoral Incomes and New Markets for Enhanced Resilience and Recovery (RAIN+) project

Funded by the United States Agency for International Development Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA)

1. 2. Purpose of the Evaluation

This will be the end of program evaluation of the entire RAIN+ project, which incorporates RAIN and RAIN+.

Main objectives of the evaluation:

• To measure impact of the program, emphasizing quantitatively and qualitatively, using baseline data and indicators established for the program.
• To assess quantitatively and qualitatively whether the objectives of the program have been achieved through the implementation of the various interventions,
• Determine which activities were the most effective in terms of impact and cost-effectiveness
• To serve as an opportunity for learning, growth and reflection for Mercy Corps, USAID and stakeholders.

1. 3. Background

The Revitalizing Agricultural/Pastoral Incomes and New Markets for Enhanced Resilience and Recovery (RAIN+) project is a five year, US$20.7 million initiative that uses humanitarian financing as a bridge for relief-to-development activities in the Somali and Oromia regions of Ethiopia. The project’s goal is to increase resiliency of households, communities and market systems to prepare for, cope with and recover from external shocks. The relief-to-development program design aims to comprehensively promote early recovery and increase resilience to external shocks in selected areas of the Somali and Oromia regions. It addresses the immediate needs of drought affected populations while also providing communities with skills and opportunities to reduce the impact of future droughts, violent conflict, and other external shocks. The project therefore aims to prevent food insecurity and livelihoods collapse via improved preparedness; protect existing productive asset base to strengthen and diversify livelihoods; and promote market-based business models, local economic development, and economic integration and trade with neighbors.

The program was initially conceived as a three year intervention. In 2012, the program received a 9 month, $3.8 million modification, entitled the ‘RAIN+’ program. RAIN+ in turn received a no-cost extension to facilitate bridging activities to the USAID-funded PRIME program operating in the same regions. RAIN+ will formally close on February 28th, 2014. The program activities have essentially remained the same, with an added emphasis on the WASH activities.

1. 4. Existing Project/Program Information Sources

• Grant agreements (RAIN and RAIN+)
• Quarterly reports
• Baseline Study Report (IFPRI)
• Midterm Evaluation Report (I IFPRI)
• Lessons for Effective Resilience Programs: A Case Study of the RAIN Program in Ethiopia
• Making the Input Supply Market Work for the Poor: A Case Study from the Somali Region of Ethiopia
• Seed Fairs Lessons Learned
• Others studies currently underway which may be completed in time for review

1. 5. Key Evaluation Questions

1. Did the project achieve the expected results? Comparison of actual accomplishments with the established goals and objectives, and expected results. Explanation of discrepancies between expected and actual results. Any recommendations for improving the project design.
2. Analysis of overall cost effectiveness, with particular attention paid to cost savings and/or cost overruns, and other significant impacts such as major exchange rate fluctuations or other types of inflation. When appropriate, quantitative data should be related to cost data for computation of unit costs.
3. How unforeseen circumstances affected overall performance compared to original assumptions; and how activities were accordingly adjusted or re-targeted.
4. Key program questions here to be presented in final SOW in consulting agreement

1. 6. Data Collection Methods, including Sampling Techniques and Data Management/Analysis

• Qualitative

• Site visits and observations
• Semi-structured key stakeholder interviews
• Staff interviews
• Quantitative
  • Structured surveys
  • Statistical analysis
  • More details regarding sample size and geographical coverage is included in the full scope of work available from Mercy Corps with inquiry

1. 7. Team Composition and Participation

International consultant will be responsible for hiring up to two local consultants, subject to approval from Mercy Corps, to help lead the evaluation. Local enumerators will be hired to by Mercy Corps according to need

1. 8. Procedures: Schedule and Logistics

Sept 20, 2013	Contract for evaluation signed by MC and selected consultant
Sept 23 - 27	Workplan and survey questionnaire finalization with Mercy Corps review
Oct 1 – 18	Data collection
Oct 18 – Nov 08	Data entry , data processing , data analysis and draft report writing
Nov 08	Draft report sent to Mercy Corps
Nov 19	Comments due from Mercy Corps on draft report
Dec 6	Final report sent to Mercy Corps

1. 9. Reporting and Dissemination Requirements

The final evaluation report shall be constructed as follows:

• Cover Page, List of Acronyms
• Table of Contents
• Executive Summary
• Methodology
• Results
• Synthesis, Recommendations and Lessons Learned
• Annexes

1. 10. Budget

To be proposed by the potential consultant

How to apply:

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