Afghanistan: Final Evaluation Consultant, UMCOR Afghanistan
Country: Afghanistan
Closing date: 15 Oct 2013
REPORTS TO: HQ Director of Programs through Head of MissionLOCATION: Kabul, AfghanistanDURATION: 20 Days
PURPOSEThe purpose of this evaluation is to assess and learn from the process, achievements and challenges of the BPRM projects and advise on refugee resettlement process and mechanisms in future projects.
Evaluation Design and Methodology:The overall evaluation will be conducted by an external, independent consultant, serving as the team leader; with national consultants/assistants preferably in country. The consultant will be selected through an open tendering process and managed by UMCOR Headquarters and supported by UMCOR Field Office.Technical proposals will include the key evaluation questions, budget and proposed clear schedule for the evaluation process.The consultant team will develop a design and methods of the evaluation (including which methods will be used with each stakeholder group). The design should include: • Desk review of the relevant documents;• Interviews and questionnaires;• Focus group discussions;• Field observation; and• Techniques, tools and instruments used for data collection.
Responsibilities:The consultant is expected to produce a consolidated, quality report, which documents the good practices and lessons learned; differentiating findings, conclusions and recommendations. In addition to the report the consultancy shall submit data on methodology used, interview outlines, list of people interviewed /met etc. UMCOR and the implementing partners (Govt) will conduct the dissemination of the findings and lessons learnt, which means the consultancy shall have no exclusive copyright of the report or the information that is used to compile the document.The lead consultant will be contracted by and report to the Head of Mission. The Head of Mission, Project Manager, country office staff and engineers will act as the advisory group for the evaluation process. They will provide the necessary documents in addition to providing technical assistance (e.g. make in-country travel arrangements, assist in making appointments, assist in finalizing the program, avail any other documents and information needed etc.). The lead consultant will be responsible for managing the whole consultancy. The consultancy will present the preliminary findings to UMCOR who will present the final report to partners, relevant government stakeholders, community leaders etc. in the national feedback forums. The project implementers are responsible for ensuring feedback to all stakeholders, who were involved in the evaluation.
Deliverables:The evaluation person/team shall document the results and impact of the projects and share learning and challenges among project implementers, partners and stakeholders. The five criteria set out by the project will be followed: effectiveness, impact, sustainability, efficiency and relevance. Other • Assess the monitoring and advocacy strategies of the project: what kinds of systems/methods were used, if any.• Assess to what extent the changes that have taken place can be attributed to the specific project in question and the synergies with other projects in the same geographic or thematic area.• Identify lessons learned on the success/failure cases, innovation approaches, potential for replication and major challenges that can advise UMCOR in development of projects and particularly integration of sectoral projects.
Tentative Timeline:
ACTIVITY DATE/TIME OUTPUT REMARKSSigning the contract; acceptance of final ToR October 25th Contract
Review of the background material October 25th Understanding of the projects. Documents availed by project coordinatorsFieldwork; visiting the community groups including government visits Beginning October 25th
Presentation of findings / feedback forum November 10th Discussion on preliminary findings and conclusions – one forum in each country. Validation of findings by key stakeholdersDraft report November 15 Written report
Editing and incorporating final comments
Final report Nov 30, 2013 Written report
Qualifications:• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field;• Proven experience in conducting quality evaluations and assessing capacity development projects;• Knowledge on refugee resettlement and programming;• Knowledge on infrastructure, construction and trainings.• Strong understanding of South Asia context, policy and advocacy work.• Good community participation skills;• Excellent English; knowledge of local languages a plus;• Work experience in Afghanistan; and• Experience/understanding of UMCOR structures and strategy.
How to apply:
If you meet the minimum requirements, submit your cover letter, resume and the following items through the link provided below.• Brief outline of the proposed evaluation process including methodology, management arrangements and more exact timeline;• Key evaluation questions;• Budget major costs including daily rate; and• CVs of all involved consultants (maximum 3 pages per CV – with references) http://ch.tbe.taleo.net/CH07/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=GBGM&cws=1&.... Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with hiring at the earliest possible date. The application deadline is October 15, 2013. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please. We appreciate your interest in the United Methodist Committee on Relief.
