Consultant Final evaluation CAR Joint Response 2019-2021 At Cordaid

For the Cordaid Country office in Central African Republic Cordaid is looking for a consultant to conduct the final evaluation of the CAR Joint Response 2019-2021, to be done in November / December 2021

Introduction

The Central African Republic (CAR) is emerging from the most violent conflict in its history, following the turmoil and chaos that supersede the government overthrow in March 2013. The crisis, initially politico-military, was transformed into an unprecedented inter-communal conflict. Despite the peace agreement signed in February 2019, which was signed between the government and 14 non-state armed groups, the number of people in need has not reduced, and at the beginning of 2021 was still at 2.8 million PIN. Violence increased again around the elections that were held in December 2020, continuing in 2021.

The Central African Joint Response (CARJR) has been part of the DRA Protracted Crises Mechanism from 2015-2021. The last contractual period runs from 2019 – 2021, with a budget of € 14,826,244. The consortium consist of 5 Dutch NGO members and their (local) implementing partners.

In 2019, the CARJR targeted the prefectures of Ouham Pendé and Ouham, which was extended with the prefectures Nana-Grebizi (Kaga-Bandoro) and Mbomou in 2020/21. The sectors/result areas include FSL, WASH, Protection, MPC, Shelter and Health. The overall objective is: Human suffering is alleviated through the effective and efficient implementation of humanitarian response activities by CARJR5 partners / Save lives, respect basic rights and preserve human dignity.

Position and responsibility

This year is the final year of the CAR Joint Response multi-annual contract, which will end on the 31st of December 2021; in line with the contractual donor obligations, an evaluation will be conducted over the contract period (2019-2021). Therefore, Cordaid is seeking a consultant to perform the final evaluation, which includes a desk study as well as field work, to evaluate the work of the Joint Response. The purpose for this evaluation is twofold. On the one hand, the evaluation will assess the performance of the CARJR and ensure accountability towards the Dutch Government and public. On the other hand, it offers a learning aspect for all stakeholders. The lessons and recommendations for programme implementation and design should be part of the evaluation report and will be used to improve humanitarian programmes. The evaluation should assess the performance of the CARJR using the evaluation criteria Effectiveness, Efficiency, Relevance/ appropriateness, Sustainability, Quality (and include all the questions included in the full ToR), and additionally the value of collaboration should also be evaluated, based on learning, complementarity, visibility, participation, localisation, cross-cutting themes and joint activities (including the questions in the full ToR)

General objective of the posting

The consultant is expected to lead, accomplish and submit the following deliverables within the agreed timeframe and budget:

• An inception report, which will serve as an agreement between parties on how the evaluation will be conducted.
• A max 30 page draft and final report (in MS Office and PDF for final version), excluding annexes, in English and (a summary) in French (details to be discussed), in the format indicated in the full ToR at a minimum, to be submitted to Cordaid. Preferably as little text as possible, use of graphs, visuals, tables and a dashboard with results.
• (Online) Learning event for CARJR Partners in Bangui

The evaluator(s) will present preliminary findings during a one day evaluation workshop in Bangui (in French, physically or as online event, depending on local circumstances), after finalizing the evaluation in CAR. The structure and activities of the learning event will be agreed prior to/during the evaluation with the Lead (and RTF), including dissemination to NL partners.

Qualifications

• Academic degree in International Development Studies, Humanitarian Action or a related field;
• Demonstrated experience in humanitarian response and knowledge of humanitarian standards (CHS, Sphere, Code of Conduct);
• Demonstrated experience in leading evaluations of humanitarian response programs, and evaluating consortia/joint responses;
• Working experience in the Central African Republic / proven knowledge of the local context;
• Demonstrated experience with quantitative and qualitative research, data base management and statistical data analysis;
• Ability to assess and further develop a conceptual evaluation tool;
• Relevant subject matter knowledge and experience regarding the thematic areas of the CARJR;
• Proven record of communicating with affected population;
• Advanced English, French and Sango communication skills;
• Strong understanding of humanitarian and evaluation ethics and a commitment to ethical working practices;
• Ability to write concise, yet comprehensive and attractive reports;
• Ability to deal with hardship and remote area field work in insecure environment;
• Deep understanding of UN Humanitarian Response Plan;
• Experience in/ understanding of measuring the added value of partnerships/ cooperation;
• Experience of working in insecure environments and managing security risks;
• Action-oriented and evidence based approach and strong drive for results;
• Highly developed self-management, and communication skills.
• Followed Security training (max 2 years ago).

Contract information

Cordaid will provide a consultancy contract to the lead consultant; the consultant shall adhere to the Cordaid Code of Conduct. A maximum budget of Eur 45,000 (Incl. VAT) is available for this evaluation and learning event. The consultant will submit a cost proposal with the Expression of Interest; this should include all costs related to this evaluation, like salaries, meal cost of the consultant/consulting company personnel, stationary, printing, transportation, and any other direct or indirect costs related to the performance of this assignment. The consultant is also responsible for providing and covering the costs of any medical, insurance and evacuation needs of their personnel. Cordaid will not be responsible for covering any expenses that may be incurred as a result of any type of accident or any type of security incident nor will Cordaid be liable in any way for any injury or death due to any cause incurred by any of the consultant’s personnel. Expression of Interest will be evaluated based upon cost effectiveness, as well as technical quality. 100% payment will be made when the agreed activities have been successfully completed and comprehensive, qualitative and satisfactory reports are submitted to Cordaid. The payment methodology will be further agreed by the selected consultant and Cordaid.