Mid-level Evaluation Expert – Mid-Term Evaluation of the IDLO Program in SAHEL on Criminal Justice System At International Development Law Organization

THE ASSIGNMENT

The purpose of the mid-term evaluation is to assess the progress of the program “Integrated Support to the Criminal Justice Systems in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger” against the stated objectives as of May 2022, as well as identify critical areas and provide recommendations for remaining program duration. It will identify constraints and challenges affecting effective and efficient implementation of outputs and their contribution to program’s outcomes. The mid-term evaluation will be undertaken at the midpoint of program and will pave the way for improved program implementation for the remaining program duration. The evaluation will propose amendments (if any) required to the program design and implementation arrangements, to contribute to the achievement of expected result towards the completion of the program, planned for 2024. In particular, the mid-term assessment will:

1. Provide an independent assessment of the program to measure the extent to which the expected results have been achieved so far in quantity and quality as well as usefulness and timeliness. The evaluation will be conducted at both activity and output levels providing insights towards outcomes and impact prospects, where possible.
2. Make recommendations, if relevant, to adjust/improve program implementation in itinere towards the achievement of expected objectives and the contribution to program outcomes, potential impact and sustainability.

The incumbent will report to the Evaluation Unit and Director, The Hague Office, and under a day-to-day supervision of the Evaluation Specialist. The incumbent will be expected to support the Evaluation Team Leader and carry out the following key duties in line with the detailed evaluation Terms of Reference (Link):

• Assist in conducting an in-depth desk review of relevant documents and reports.
• Support the data collection, especially during the field phase. Where required, the incumbent will participate in focus group discussions and interviews and will collaborate to ensure data are collected in line with the agreed methodology.
• Provide support and inputs for the preparation of the Inception Note;
• Contribute to the analysis of findings, and compilation of the Evaluation Report.
• Translate the final version of the evaluation report in French.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Education

• Advanced university degree in Evaluation, Social Sciences, Political Science, International Development, Law or related field.

Work experience

• At least five years’ experience in conducting/supporting results-oriented evaluations of programs or initiatives in the field of development assistance with focus on institutional development and continuing legal education.
• Professional experience with project cycle management, OECD DAC evaluation framework, Outcome Mapping, and ToC/logical framework approaches
• Previous experience in the SAHEL region is highly desirable as well as experience in gender mainstreaming.

Languages

• Fluency in written and spoken English and French is required.

Technical competencies

• Basic knowledge of evaluation methodology for development assistance projects and programs with specific experience in evaluation methods and tools.
• Experience with developing qualitative and quantitative (proxy) indicators.
• Experience with survey techniques, focus groups and other participatory methods.
• Experience with quantitative and qualitative data collection methods.
• Sound analytical, writing and editing skills.
• An understanding of the criminal justice system in Mali/Burkina Faso/Niger would be an added advantage.

TERMS and CONDITIONS

The consultancy is expected to start in August 2022. The inception note is expected by end of September 2022, and the draft evaluation report is expected tentatively by December 2022. This is a results-based assignment where payments are made upon satisfactory production of evaluation deliverables. The estimated amount of workdays for the Mid-level Evaluation Expert for this assignment is 25. This includes 15 working days for the field phase in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The decision on the final approach towards the Field Phase data collection will be taken by IDLO Evaluation Unit after consulting the Evaluation Reference Group (ERG), taking into the account the COVID-19 crisis and the Risk Matrix.