South Sudan: Consultancy Advertisement - Terms of Reference for Mid Term Evaluation for USAID/BHA Project

May 16, 2021 | VSF Germany
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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 supporting pastoral livelihoods in South Sudan since 1998 working with communities in Upper Nile, Jonglei, Warrap, Eastern Equatoria, Western Bar el Ghazal and Lakes States through times of emergency and recovery to sustain, protect and restore livelihoods by direct provision; and capacity building for improved production and productivity, diversified production as well as local peace mechanisms and governance.

VSF-Germany partnering with VSF Suisse with funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Office of the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID/BHA) is implementing a two-year program entitled “Conflict and Climatic Emergency Livestock Response Program (CCLERP) in Greater Upper Nile States”. This program covers 10 Counties in Jonglei, 2 counties in Upper Nile, and 9 Counties in Unity states plus the Jonglei migrating cattle from Equatoria to Jonglei. The program objective is to improve or sustain access to animal source food and related income for crisis-affected individuals at risk of malnutrition particularly children and women. The program is targeting people in Greater Upper Nile, comprised of internally displaced persons (IDPs), host and returnee groups with support to local institutions and mechanisms for delivery of animal health and public health services while mainstreaming conflict sensitivity, protection, and Do No Harm approaches.

VSF Germany and its partners intend to evaluate the performance of the Conflict and Climatic Livestock Emergency Response Program (CCLERP) at midterm and are seeking the services of qualified and experienced project evaluators.

Purpose

The purpose of this midterm evaluation is to examine the program performance against the planned indicators and results, and specifically:

• To determine the appropriateness, relevance, efficiency and effectiveness of the veterinary program;
• To assess the quality and comprehensiveness of the program design and implementation;
• To inform the implementation of the second phase (second year) of the program
• To document lessons learned, success stories, case studies, and perceived and real as well as unmet needs;
• Generate baseline data and information for subsequent interventions.

Scope

Provisionally, the evaluation will cover 8 payams (2 per county) in four randomly selected counties (one from each state and one additional from any one of the states depending on the existing situation) where feasible. It will be conducted in the project areas and will include both beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries. Key evaluation questions will be formulated using the project objectives and indicators, and project quality parameters.

Methodology

The midterm evaluation design will include participatory evaluation methods and employ a mixed approach with both qualitative and quantitative methods. The consultants will be required to submit a detailed draft evaluation design and methodology which will be reviewed and finalized with the effort of the program personnel.

Outputs

• A detailed study design, including methodology, work plan and timeframe;
• Inception report;
• A draft report incorporating feedback from the debriefing sessions;
• A final report incorporating feedback on the draft report (one bound hard copy & electronic copy).

Timeframe

This midterm evaluation is expected to be completed in 25 working days including inception report, desk review, field assessment and report writing. The first draft report will be expected within 10 days after the field exercise is completed. A final version should be submitted within five days of receiving feedback on the first draft.

Management

•  The consultancy will be guided, managed, and technically advised by the Country Program Manager of VSF Germany;
• The consultancy is technically and administratively fully accountable to VSF Germany;
• Specific areas for the study will be selected in consultation with VSF’s field staff;
• Field travel arrangements and immediate supervision will be carried out by VSF Germany & VSF Suisse in their respective areas of operation.

Qualification

The two-person evaluation team will consist of a team leader who will be a veterinarian and a supporting researcher who will preferably be an anthropologist or social scientist. Prospective evaluation teams are encouraged to include a mix of gender.

The team should collectively demonstrate the following set of qualities:

• Experience in carrying out two or more major humanitarian evaluations for a major donor, international NGO, or international organization.
• General familiarity with the political and humanitarian context in South Sudan, particularly over the past 3 years
• Experience in developing or applying protection measures;
• Extensive practical experience in implementing activities aimed at pastoral livelihood;
• National consultants are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their profile and or curriculum vitae, a technical and a financial proposal. The financial proposal should comprise comprehensive professional fees; travel and accommodation will be covered by VSF Germany.

Applications should be sent to the following Email addresses: recruitment@vsfg.org and copy juba@vsfg.org strictly indicating on the subject line “CCLERP MIDTERM EVAL 2021”. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews. The deadline for submission of applications is 23^rd May 2021.

Note: Due to the urgency of the assignment, the proposals will be reviewed on a rolling basis as received and the advert shall close automatically as soon as a suitable candidate is found.