Consultancy – Strengthening livelihoods in South Central Somalia

 , Background

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a humanitarian, non-governmental, non-profit organisation founded in 1956 that works in more than 30 countries throughout the world. DRC fulfils its mandate by providing direct assistance to conflict-affected populations – refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities in the conflict areas of the world; and by advocating on behalf of conflict-affected populations on the basis of humanitarian principles and the Human Rights. In Somalia, DRC is providing relief and development services using a human rights protection of framework, aiming at supporting IDPs and host communities affected by conflict and natural disasters. Currently, the main thematic programme areas include; Food Security and Livelihoods; WASH and Infrastructure; Protection and Advocacy; Community-Driven Development; as well as Emergency Response on a case-by-case basis.

Project Overview

Loss of household income compounded by increased reliance on the market, high food costs, greater debts and waves of insecurity have made it progressively more difficult for households to cover their immediate basic needs or plan for the future. These problems are not, however, limited to the prevailing crisis or particular seasonal effects on production but are the result of compounding shocks and difficulties.

DRC has been implementing a 32 - month food security and livelihood project ending in December 2012 in Hiraan Region, funded by the European Commission (EC). The project aimed at improving food security and promoting a higher degree of self-reliance amongst populations living in selected villages of the Hiraan Region. The target for the project were 5,250 food insecure households living in the Riverine and urban areas of Beletweyne and Bulo Burte Districts to support community efforts to become more self-sufficient by improving, intensifying and diversifying agricultural production at household level; and promoting and supporting diversified income-generating activities through community-prioritized vocational skills training and capacity building. These longer-term investment activities were to be complemented by a cash relief component to mitigate the risk of loss of productive assets during acute quick- onset emergencies.

The overall objective of this action was to contribute towards the protection and improved resilience of rural and urban livelihoods for conflict affected people in Hiraan Region. This was defined to address food security related problems using a holistic approach, which included both farming (food production and diversification) as well as building the capacities of households to improve their coping mechanisms through imparting knowledge skills and start up tool kits that aimed at assisting them to earn an increasingly profitable livelihood. Additionally, unconditional cash transfers were provided to destitute households during times of quick on-set emergencies. This action was to work within a developmental approach and to complement on-going recovery and emergency interventions implemented by DRC in the same geographical area.

More than one year into implementation, the project was amended to only intervene in cash for work (CfW), cash relief and livestock restocking activities; with majority of the activities being implemented in Guriel district in Galgadud. The activities targeted 1000 households (HH) with CfW activities for six months; 500 HH with cash relief for three months; and 45 HH with livestock restocking activities.

Purpose & Objective of Consultancy

The purpose of the evaluation is to conduct an in-depth appraisal of the project to enable DRC and other stakeholders learn from evidence-based information about the project and ensure accountability. The key findings will also inform the senior management in decision making with regards to the design and improvement of future, similar projects.

OBJECTIVES: The main objective of the Evaluation is to conduct an end term evaluation of the outcomes based on the expected results with due consideration of the support received to date from EC and DRC, through the project. Specifically, the evaluation seeks to assess the performance of the project including;

A. Assess progress made towards the achievement of results, extent to which they were achieved and the contributing factors affecting the achievement of the intended results

B. Determine if the results contribute to the project's overall objective of protecting and supporting primary livelihood mechanisms in Somalia

C. The extent to which the DRC interventions have contributed to the Somalia emergency assistance programme objectives

D. Establish the relevance, efficiency and effectiveness of the project in delivery of the services

E. Identify and document the lessons learnt from the project and provide recommendations for guiding design of livelihood programmes

Scope of Consultancy

The scope of the evaluation includes a detailed analysis of the project within its implementation context and establishing the extent to which the project has contributed to the DRC Programme in Somalia. The evaluation will be conducted in all the areas where the project activities were implemented; and will target project beneficiaries, staff and other stakeholders. Currently, Hiraan region and neighbouring districts are inaccessible by non-Somalis and requires that the applicant state clearly how s/he will deal with access to be able to deliver in the assignment.

Evaluation Criteria

The evaluation should effectively answer the following questions under each criteria:

EFFECTIVENESS: To what extent were the project objectives achieved at the results level? Did the benefits reach the target group as intended? Were benefits distributed fairly between gender and age groups and across social and cultural barriers?

EFFICIENCY: To what extent are the costs of project intervention justified by its results, taking alternatives into account?

RELEVANCE: To what extent did the project intervention conform to the needs and priorities of target groups, and the policies of DRC and the European Commission?

APPROPRIATENESS: How well did the humanitarian activities respond to the changing demands of the situation; considering the requirements of adaptation, ownership, accountability, and cost-effectiveness? How and to what extent did the activities take into account longer-term needs and the interconnectedness of the existing humanitarian problems?

COORDINATION AND COHERENCE: Were policies mutually consistent? Did all actors pull in the same direction? Were human rights consistently respected? What mechanisms were put in place for coordination with the local authorities, donors, and other actors; and how effective were they?

Key Tasks

For the objectives of the consultancy to be achieved, as a minimum, the key tasks to be performed by the consultant(s)/firm will be to:

Develop an Inception Report detailing among other things; the process and methodologies to be employed to achieve the objective of this consultancy as stated above. It should include evaluation tools, and important time schedules for this exercise, and be presented to DRC for review and further inputs.

Undertake desk review of the relevant project documents that include the Proposals, Implementation Plans, Project Implementation Reports, DRC programme management guidelines, DRC strategy documents and any other relevant documents and should take into consideration EC evaluation guidelines and standards.

Design the evaluation methodology as appropriate.

Design, develop, critique (with DRC team) and refine data collection tools including translation to the local Somali language, where appropriate.

Conduct a comprehensive field based project evaluation [using both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods] as a means of providing insights on support received to date from DRC and collect data on targets – based on indicators as documented in the project proposal and monitoring and evaluation framework.

Carry out data collection, entry and analysis and write up the Evaluation Report. The format of the report shall include the following:

A. Executive Summary, including summary table of key issues and recommendations

B. Preliminary pages

C. Main text, to include:

1. Background Information: Brief on the Project and context; Evaluation – purpose and objectives; evaluation limitations
2. Methodology
3. Findings: Analysis and interpretation based on evaluation objectives and criteria
4. Lessons learnt, Best practices and opportunities for long term solutions

D. Conclusions and Recommendations

E. Appendices: Evaluation tools, evaluation ToR, sample framework, bibliography, etc.

N/B: The report will be reviewed and approved by DRC before final payment is released.

Key Deliverables

The Expectations from the Consultant:

A. Debriefing at the end of field work is mandatory with relevant DRC staff

B. Inception report

C. Four (4) bound hard copies of the report.

D. Soft copy of the Report in two (2) CDs.

E. A summary of the Final Evaluation report in MS PowerPoint format

F. The consultant will also be required to submit to DRC all assessment materials including:

G. Soft copies of all data sets both quantitative and qualitative

H. All filled quantitative data collection tools and qualitative data recording materials. Any other non- consumable documents/items that will be used in the course of the planned consultancy

DRC’s Responsibilities

The Consultant will be responsible to the Livelihoods Coordinator, with technical oversight by the M&E Coordinator. DRC staff in the evaluation areas will provide necessary support to the Evaluation team, as may be needed.

DRC will provide the following:

A. Transport to and from the field.

B. All necessary project documents as requested by the Consultant

C. Travel Insurance for the consultant

D. Accommodation for consultant in the field

E. Pay consultancy fees at a mutually agreed rate

The terms and conditions of service will follow DRC terms of consultancies. Payment will be done according to the finance procedures of DRC.

Professional requirements

A. Demonstrable experience in leading evaluations of humanitarian programs responding to major disasters, with specific emphasis on cash programming and food security;

B. Knowledge of strategic and operational management of humanitarian operations and proven ability to provide strategic recommendations to key stakeholders;

C. Strong analytical skills and ability to clearly synthesize and present findings, draw practical conclusions, make recommendations and to prepare well-written reports in a timely manner;

D. Experience in qualitative data collection and data analysis techniques, especially in emergency operations;

1. Experience, knowledge and clear understanding of Somalia’s humanitarian context;
2. Good interpersonal skills and understanding cultural sensitivities;
3. Readiness to travel to Somalia and conduct direct standard monitoring and evaluation activities; and
4. Have an advanced degree and experience in food security programming and evaluation, development evaluation or social sciences

Evaluation and award of consultancy

DRC will evaluate the proposals and award the assignment based on technical and financial feasibility. DRC reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal received without giving reasons and is not bound to accept the lowest or the highest bidder. Only those shortlisted will be contacted.

For general information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult www.drc.dk.

Commitments

DRC has a Humanitarian Accountability Framework, outlining its global accountability commitments. All staff are required to contribute to the achievement of this framework.

Application process

Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience are invited to submit their Expression of interest (Eol) to: drcjobs@drchoa.org. The EoI should include:

A. CV (s) with details of qualifications, experience, telephone number and names of three referees,

B. Technical proposal that summarizes your understanding of the TOR, the proposed methodology.

C. financial proposal providing cost estimates of daily consultancy fees in US Dollars ($) and

D. The foreseen work plan for the days. Daily consulting rate is negotiable, although will be commensurate to DRC consultancy terms and standards.

Please forward the expression of interest, in English and marked ‘Consultancy for Evaluation of Strengthening Livelihood Project in Hiraan region’ no later than 18th November 2012.

PLEASE NOTE, THAT YOU CANNOT APPLY FOR THIS POSITION ONLINE BY CLICKING “APPLY” BELOW, BUT THAT YOU HAVE TO SEND YOUR APPLICATION BY E-MAIL TO: drcjobs@drchoa.org.

How to apply:

Application process

Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience are invited to submit their Expression of interest (Eol) to: drcjobs@drchoa.org. The EoI should include:

A. CV (s) with details of qualifications, experience, telephone number and names of three referees,

B. Technical proposal that summarizes your understanding of the TOR, the proposed methodology.

C. financial proposal providing cost estimates of daily consultancy fees in US Dollars ($) and

D. The foreseen work plan for the days. Daily consulting rate is negotiable, although will be commensurate to DRC consultancy terms and standards.

Please forward the expression of interest, in English and marked ‘Consultancy for Evaluation of Strengthening Livelihood Project in Hiraan region’ no later than 18th November 2012.

PLEASE NOTE, THAT YOU CANNOT APPLY FOR THIS POSITION ONLINE BY CLICKING “APPLY” BELOW, BUT THAT YOU HAVE TO SEND YOUR APPLICATION BY E-MAIL TO: drcjobs@drchoa.org.