Bangladesh: Consultancy: Evaluation of a Conservation Project
Country: Bangladesh
Closing date: 31 Aug 2013
World Vision is seeking to hire a consultant/s to conduct the mid-term evaluation of an EU funded project in Bangladesh, titled ‘Our Forest, Our Life’: A Community – Based Action towards the Sustainability of the Sundarbands Reserve Project (CBAS-RSF). The overall objective of the project (February 1, 2012-January 31, 2015) is ‘to reduce the human pressure on the Sundarbans Forest by increasing the sustainability and productivity of Sundarbans Forest Resources through community action’. It is an integrated livelihoods, value chains, disaster risk reduction and environment conservation project implemented in 15 unions of Morrelganj, Bhandaria, Mongla and Sarankhola Upazilas (sub-districts) and Mongla Municipality in the Sundarbans Impact Zone, Southwest Coastal Region of Bangladesh.
Objectives of the Evaluation:
? To measure the progress of the project towards the three Specific Objective statements and indicators mentioned in its Logical Framework;
? To assess the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and impact of the project to date;
? To compare the mid-term evaluation findings with those of the baseline, as well as with national and district level data, where available;
? To identify lessons learned and good practices for each specific objective of the project;
? To provide clear and actionable recommendations that will support the project in the delivery of sustainable benefits to the target communities.
Methodology:
The mid-term evaluation will be conducted in the 15 unions and 1 municipality of 4 Upazilas (sub-districts) under Bagerhat and Pirojpur districts of Khulna and Barisal divisions where the project is working. It will combine quantitative and qualitative approaches, and primary and secondary information collection sources. The consultant will ensure consistency between the methodology and the sampling of the baseline assessment and the mid-term evaluation. The evaluation should use a gender sensitive and participatory approach, involving World Vision staff, and the key project stakeholders. These will form an evaluation committee who will plan, design, conduct and analyse the information to be collected.
Indicative timeline: September 5 – November 15, 2013
Duration of the consultancy assignment: approx. 30 days (excluding international flights), including around 14 days in Bangladesh
Indicative budget: the budget for the mid-term evaluation, including expenses, should not exceed 10.000 Euros. The consultant is responsible for transport, accommodation, food, stationary, insurance and other costs associated with the evaluation tools development, data collection, analysis and reporting.
Qualification and experience:
? Proven knowledge in the project sectors, i.e. livelihoods, value chains, disaster risk reduction and environment conservation;
? Extensive experience in designing and conducting/facilitating participatory evaluations of development projects;
? Relevant degree / equivalent experience related to the evaluation to be undertaken;
? Excellent conceptual, analytical and communications skills;
? Ability to write clear and useful reports in English;
? Understanding of donor requirements;
? Ability to manage the available time and resources and to work to tight deadlines;
? Independence from the parties involved.
? Good understanding of the Sundarbans Impact Zone, and previous experience in conducting evaluation/research/studies in the Sundarbans area of Bangladesh will be an added value.
How to apply:
Please, send your application (in English) to elisa.malnis@worldvision.org.uk by 31 August, 2013, indicating ‘Application for CBAS project mid-term evaluation’ in the subject line. It should contain the following elements:
? Curriculum Vitae for each member of the team (maximum 3 pages each), clearly spelling out qualifications and experience;
? Detailed, proposed evaluation approach, including: quantitative and qualitative data collection methods; sampling size and design; evaluation tools with description and use (ex. type and number of FGDs, KIIs, case studies etc.). This part should be based of the information provided in the TOR;
? Evidence of how the consultant(s) meets the TOR requirements, and setting out the conceptual framework of how the work will be undertaken;
? Work plan and detailed timeframe for data collection, analysis and reporting;
? Detailed cost estimate, including human resource mobilization, travel, expenses for data collection, supplies, salary and remuneration, costs for relevant tools, administrative costs, and other costs in separate line items;
? An indication of availability [see section 1.1. of the evaluation TOR for desired start date]
? Contact details for two independent referees with in-depth and proven knowledge of the applicant’s expertise and relevant work experience;
? One sample of previous work;
? For consulting firm/agency/organization copy of VAT registration certificate is needed.
Full details of the Terms of Reference are attached.
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
