Individual consultancy: Mid-term evaluation of the project: "The Right to Have Rights”: Accelerated Birth and Civil Registration in Nampula (2014-2018), Mozambique

The main immediate purpose of this mid-term evaluation is to assess implementation of the project so far as per the project plan, assess the process and results in view of the likelihood of achieving the desired impact at the end of the project, extract lessons learned and propose necessary changes to the project’s design, as well as recommendations for the second half of the project.

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE

The main immediate purpose of this mid-term evaluation is to assess implementation of the project so far as per the project plan, assess the process and results in view of the likelihood of achieving the desired impact at the end of the project, extract lessons learned and propose necessary changes to the project’s design, as well as recommendations for the second half of the project.

Additionally, it is expected that, at the beginning, the evaluation team will conduct an evaluability assessment of the project and propose changes to the project design and results framework in order to improve the prospects of measuring impact at the end line evaluation stage. 

METHODOLOGY

The evaluation methodology will be guided by the Norms and Standards of the United Nation Evaluation Group (UNEG):

(http://www.uneval.org/normsandstandards/indexs.isp?doc_cat_source_id=4)

Evaluability assessment: Evaluability assessment (EA) of the overall intervention will be the first task under this consultancy. It is expected that the EA will provide crucial information on whether an evaluation is possible given the project design and availability of data and recommendations on how to improve its evaluability.   In that sense, one of the key outputs will be a (re)constructed Theory of Change of the intervention, as well as recommendations on how to improve the LogFrame and respective indicators to allow for the assessment of impact at the end of the Project.

Approach: The overall evaluation approach to be applied shall rely on the newly developed Project Theory of Change and shall have an equity focus.  It shall combine qualitative and quantitative data and apply data collection strategy that relies on primary and secondary data collection and non-experimental design. 

Ethical Considerations. Special measures will be put in place to ensure that the evaluation process is ethical and that participants in the evaluation process can openly express their opinion. Also, if proved necessary, it will be ensured that relevant experienced professionals be present and provide support during the interviews/focus groups ... The sources of information will be protected, and known just to the evaluator/s. The Evaluation Team will ensure that the evaluation process is in line with UNEG Ethical Guidelines. The consultant has to ensure that it is clear to all subjects that their participation in the evaluation is voluntary. All participants should be informed or advised of the context and purpose of the evaluation, as well as the privacy and confidentiality of discussions.

ACTIVITIES AND TASKS AND DELIVERABLES

The main activities and tasks under this consultancy, to be performed over a period of 54 working days from the start date of the consultancy and up to 30 October 2017, can be grouped as follows:

A. Review of programme documentation.

B. Analysis of the information system defined in the programme (or related to the programme) and determination the information needs.

C. Development of a (re)constructed Theory of Change and recommendations for the improvement of Project’s LogFrame.

D. Drafting of the Inception Report

E. Data collection through field visits (as appropriate, realize interviews/focus groups with selected stakeholders, partners and beneficiaries);

F. Present initial findings through a de-briefing meeting with UNICEF and implementing partners;

G. Prepare the draft report with key findings, recommendations and lessons learned based on all sources of information used

H. Submit the Final Report with all key findings, recommendations and lessons learned following the UNICEF Evaluation Report Standards

The expected deliverables are:

1. Evaluability Assessment and a (re)constructed Theory of Change of the Project

2. Evaluation Inception Report

3. Draft Evaluation Report

4. Final Evaluation Report including executive summary and annexes

MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISION

The consultant with be supervised by Chief of Social Policy, Research and Evaluation and Chief of Child Protection. Technical and logistical support will be provided by UNICEF Mozambique in cooperation with partners. Representatives of Implementing Partners will be involved in designing the evaluation and will participate in the definition of recommendations through active contribution during debriefing meetings and providing feed-back to the draft report.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE

Academic Qualifications. Advanced degree in education or related social science disciplines.

Work experience: At least five years of experience in conducting project and programme evaluations. Previous experience in working with UNICEF an asset.

Skills and Competencies. Technical expertise in issues related to birth and civil registration systems. Knowledge of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and relevant international standards in the area of education. Communication skills. Consultant with expertise in the area of development evaluations, with a focus on evaluation system reforms in developing countries. Documented extensive evaluation expertise and experience. Excellent report writing skills. Good communication and presentation skills. Ability to keep with strict deadlines. Knowledgeable of UN Evaluation policy. Experience in working with UN / UNICEF (required).

Language proficiency:  Fluent in English and, strongly preferred, Portuguese with excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Other: The consultant should be sensitive to beliefs and act with integrity and respect to all stakeholders.  In the report the consultant may not refer to individual children.  The consultant may not share findings with media in Mozambique or abroad concerning individual children or individual institutions. 

APPLICATIONS AND EVALUATION CRITERIA

The selection of the consultant will be based on a “best value for money” principle.  As such consultants, in addition to submitting their CV and cover letter, should also indicate their all-inclusive fees (including travel, subsistence costs, etc.) for the services to be provided.  The office shall select the individual who quoted the lowest fee from the list of individuals who are deemed technically suitable for achieving all tasks in time.  Applications submitted without financial information will not be considered.

OTHER

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organisation.