Consultancy :End of Project Evaluation For Civic Engagement in Reconciliation and State Formation in Southern Somalia

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), returnees and host communities – in the conflict and disaster affected areas of the world; and by advocating on behalf of conflict and disaster- affected populations on the basis of humanitarian and human rights principles. Danish Demining Group (DDG) is a special unit of DRC has operated in Somaliland since 1999 and in South Central Somalia since 2007 clearing mines and implementing interventions in alternative violence reduction. DDG’s approach has since evolved to support community and district-level planning committees that addresses an array of public safety concerns whether related to firearms, explosive remnants of war, and local conflict. DDG seeks the services of the external consultant to carry out the end of project evaluation, for the “Civic Engagement in Reconciliation and State Formation (CERF)” project which is implemented in Southern Somalia. 

DDG has been implementing an EU-funded Civic Engagement in Reconciliation and State Formation in Southern Somalia, in Baidoa, Jowhar, Kismayo and Mogadishu. The project is a 24 month, which started on 1st of January 2016 and ending on 31st December 2017. The objective of the CERF project is to support effective civil society engagement towards the achievement of the strategic objectives of Peacebuilding and State-building with a specific Objective to; 

The project is targeting a few representative members from each segment of the community for specific identified tasks, such as consultation with government. At the community, the project is targeting representative members of the community who are actively involved in developing the criteria for selecting of the individuals. The projects works closely with key clan elders from each community who have enormous community influence. 

 

It’s main approach is to revive Xeer , expanding and capacitating Guurti structures allowing the elders to participate and preside over traditional dispute resolution in a fair, transparent and inclusive manner hence increasing the impact of the project. In addition, the project is working with religious leaders, business, youth and women, and facilitates dialogue between Guurti, social groups and with government administrations in project target locations. The involvement of women’s participation is key for inclusivity but also in view of their cross-clan status once married, and in light of problems of economic marginalization and negative cultural practices towards them in many communities.  The action will ensure effective targeting of the women through allocating them a conditional quota during project activities and creating space to discuss their concerns. Where necessary, elders will be persuaded to support their participation. The same will be true of youth, minority clans and marginalised groups. Finally, influential business people will be brought into support activities. 

 

Purpose and Objective of Consultancy 

DDG seeks a Consultant to conduct an end of project evaluation study to measure project results, mainly focusing on successes and failures of the project, and make recommendations for improvements in future implementation of similar projects. The study is intended to provide evidence-based information focusing on project design, implementation strategy and indicators as noted within the project framework. Furthermore, the study seeks to document key lessons and best practices emanating from project implementation. 

 

The following are the objectives of the end of project evaluation: 

 

R1: Communities are supported to recognize or re-establish a shared and common identity based on common visions and values 

R2: Clan leaders, backed by other civic actors (women, youth, business and religious leaders) are better able to manage societal relations by both reinvigorating and building upon their traditional management structures (Xeer) with special emphasis given to the social cohesion among the conflicting clan members 

R3: Conflict resolution through the use of Xeer combined with modern conflict resolution methods further reduces armed conflict and social discord 

R4: Communities and local government representatives are capacitated to engage with counterparts and various stakeholders plan and dialogue on governance, conflict and service delivery questions. Communities and government representatives from state to region and then to district level are also able collaborate better, supporting establishment of more responsive and accountable administrations 

 

 

It is recommended that the evaluator uses the mixed method of data collection, and where possible cluster/stratify intervention areas mainly to affirm representativeness. The mixed method approach must assess how different levels of project indicators were achieved. The quantitative method is going to provide evidence on project achievements at result/outcome level, where qualitative methodology be used to cross-checks some indicators and to ascertain if project deliverables were done in accordance to plan. The evaluator should also review project documentation, which is generated through the organisation internal systems. In order to capture diverse impact of the project, the evaluator will use qualitative method to capture perception related by the targeted communities on the changes attributed by the project. The consultant can also employ non-participatory methodologies (observation, photo-taking etc.), which provides much evidence on changes realised from the impact of the project. 

 

 

3. KEY IMPACT EVALUATION QUESTIONS  

The following are the key impact questions in the end line evaluation within which the evaluator can make additional suggestions 

1. What results did EU CERSF project in targeted areas deliver and were the activities relevant to the purpose of the project? 

2. What did EU CERSF project in targeted areas achieve as outcomes (change in attitudes, perception, trust among the community groups and social cohesion)? 

3. Are the positive project results sustainable? Can data support the findings and how reliable is it? How can this be improved? 

4. Did EU CERSF project in targeted areas achieve its Theory of Change and how valid was the underlying assumptions made in terms of DDG’s collaboration with the taskforces and community structures?  

 

 

In line with DRC Evaluation guidelines, the OECD criteria for evaluation will be adopted. The key indicative questions to be answered by the evaluation are highlighted under each criterion: Further discussions and fine-tuning of the questions may be undertaken during the inception phase. 

 

• How relevant were the project activities to the community needs prioritised during the participatory planning approach? 

• Has the project realised its Theory of Change including its assumptions and expected progress and causal relationships to reach the overall objective? 

• Has community-state reconciliation approach of the project in targeted areas improved community-state relations and trust? 

• How did the project contribute to effective cooperation among communities and state administrations? 

• To what extent was the community planning process successful in achieving the planned outcomes? 

• What advantages, if any, are there with the taskforces planning and facilitation of DDG? What are some of the challenges? 

• How efficient the project resources were used to deliver the project results?  

• How the involvement of the community has contributed towards efficient resource management of the project? 

• How significant was the community contribution to achieve value for money for project outputs?  

• Has community-state relationships improved with the dialogue provided by the project in targeted areas? 

• To what extend has Guurti structure used the Xeer for resolving conflicts? 

• What unintended benefits have resulted from the EU CERSF project activities in all targeted areas? 

• What unintended consequences have resulted from the EU CERSF project activities in all targeted areas? 

Sustainability 

• Has Guurti structures in all targeted areas been capacitated to be able to prevent, analyse and resolve conflicts from escalation using Xeer and other contemporary approaches? 

• What are the factors that would enhance the community to sustain the results achieved through EU CERSF project in the long run? What factors would lead to have improved relations between communities, taskforce, and local authorities? 

• What has the project put in place to enhance social reconciliation, relationships between community and state administrations and building trust amongst themselves in the near future? 

 

 

The proposed duration of the end of project evaluation is 30 days, covering formation of community taskforce and conflict resolution mechanisms to reconcile social disputes towards peaceful coexistence and building trust among community and state administration for mutual cooperation. The study should be done in all geographical areas of the project namely Baidoa, Beletweyne/Jowhar, Kismayo and Mogadishu.  

 

The consultant is required to develop a feasible work plan/activity schedule covering the suggested number of workdays and submit as integral part of the proposal for this consultancy. 

 

The consultant can request an extension of the duration, if the assignment is delayed due to any of the following circumstances: 

• Changes in the assignment at the request of DDG. 

• Logistical challenges and external factors (security) that would stop consultant and data collection teams from accessing project sites. 

Bids that do not meet the necessary requirements of the timeline, finance and methodology will not be considered, as the impact evaluation would then not be considered possible. 

 

1. Inception Report 

2. Draft Report 

3. Final Report 

4. Review meeting with DDG to discuss key findings and dissemination strategy 

 

 

The DDG country teams in collaboration with the regional management team will review and use the findings of the impact assessment to make relevant adjustments to future programs. The Report is owned by DDG, and thus not to be distributed by the author without the written permission of DDG Country Director.DDG participates and also provides leadership in relevant multi- agency/stakeholder fora and initiatives that seek to influence policy and programmatic changes in humanitarian programming regionally and globally. Through such participation and sharing, DDG country operations are able to advocate for changes that may be deemed appropriate for improving the quality and impact of humanitarian interventions based on evidence from program implementation, research, and evaluations. 

 

Dissemination and Sharing of evaluation findings with key stakeholders with an emphasis on lessons learned and best practices that have been documented in the form of final written report. 

 

 

The consultant should be made aware of and have access to the following documentation: 

• Project proposal, logical framework and/or theory of change, monthly and quarterly reports and annual report and relevant monitoring reports and data. 

• Country Strategic Programme Document (SPD). 

• DRC/DDG Global and Country Accountability Framework 

• DRC/DDG Operational Principles 

• DRC/DDG Programme Handbook chapter 2.3 (Mandate) and 5 (Assistance Framework) 

 

 

i. With support from project team, establish working contacts with all relevant stakeholders in the targeted study areas 

ii. Review relevant program documents (i.e. project proposal, LFA, monthly and quarterly reports a, annual report, baselines, DDG process data, third party monitoring reports etc.). 

iii. Prepare and submit the consultancy proposal with clear illustration of the understanding of methodology to be used, including work plan and schedule for both quantitative and qualitative aspects of the assignment for review and feedback by DDG Somalia  

iv. Design, develop, critique (with DDG project team) and refine data collection tools including translation into local Somali language, where appropriate. 

v. Hire and pay all needed staff in field (enumerators, researchers etc.)  

vi. Develop and/or train the field enumerators on the review design. 

vii. Interview selected respondents during the review. 

viii. Prepare and submit all evaluation deliverables as required in #7 

 

 

i. Provide the consultant with all necessary documents and reports 

ii. Pay the required consultancy fee as indicated in the signed contract. 

iii. Where necessary, facilitate the making of appointments with all relevant stakeholders (government, partners, communities etc.) and provide contacts for relevant stakeholders 

iv. Provide necessary support in recruitment and enumerators 

v. Provide logistical support and security for the consultant to access field sites to collect date  

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

 

 

For day-to-day operations, the consultant will report to M&E expert or DDG Programme Manager and team staff in the study areas will provide necessary support to the consultant, as needed. The AM, AVR Manager, and M&E Coordinator will extend the required logistics and administrative support to the consultant in carrying out the task when s/he is in the area/field. The consultant may provide updates on progress when requested by DDG’s Country Programme Manager or their designee. The M&E expert will be providing support to the consultant in different project sites during data collection 

 

 

• The consultant firm must have strong technical background in end line evaluation and participatory approach. 

• There must be good mix of professionals consisting of   male and female with diverse of disciplines and technical expertise. 

• The team members must have   the relevant qualifications specially an advanced degree in development studies, social sciences, conflict management, peace building or other relevant field. 

• Significant experience in leading reviews of humanitarian programmes in AVR – Armed Violence Reduction, local governance, and safety and security. A certain level of gender experience in programming is also a requirement. 

• Knowledge of strategic and operational management of humanitarian programmes, and proven ability to provide strategic recommendations to key stakeholders. 

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

• Demonstrated experience in both quantitative and qualitative data collection and data analysis techniques 

• Experience, knowledge and clear understanding of the Somali context; 

• Good interpersonal skills and understanding of cultural sensitivities. 

• Readiness to travel to Baidoa, Beletweyne/Jowhar, Kismayo and Mogadishu to conduct direct standard assessment activities. 

• Documented experience in participatory project assessments /review. 

• Team members to have  local context knowledge  and   culture of the target communities     

 

  

Proposals will be examined and evaluated according to the criteria set forth below.  

• An outline of the approach proposed to implement the assignment. A list of proposed activities considered to be necessary to achieve the objectives of the assignment.  

• Further, the timing, sequence and duration of each of the proposed activities should be defined. The expected number of working days for this assignment should not exceed 30 days. 

 

• The Consultant should cite its past performance in implementing similar assignments. It should provide a capacity statement and discuss its ability to project and control costs, assure quality of work product, manage large activity with significant field research as well as complete assignment on schedule. 

 

iv. Financial Proposal: Score--25% points 

• The Consultant should provide a detailed cost budget setting forth all associated costs to the assignment.  

 

 

The consultant should be willing to work in the target areas of Somalia, Southwest state, when security allows. If the consultant has his/her own team to work with and then they will entirely be under the jurisdiction of the consultant including the provision of accommodation, food, security, travel and medical insurance. 

 

  

Commitments: DRC/DDG has a Humanitarian Accountability Framework, outlining its global accountability committments. All staff are required to contribute to the achievement of this framework (http://www.DRC/DDG.dk/HAF.4265.0.html) 

 

 

Interested applicants who meet the required profile are invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EoI)) via our online portal www.drc.dk under vacancies. The EoI should include 

  

• A suitability statement including CV of participating consultants with details of qualifications and experience. 

• Technical proposal that summarizes understanding of the TOR, methodology, and tools to be used. 

• 1 Page Work-plan clearly indicating the activity schedule. 

• 1 Page Financial proposal providing cost estimates and consultancy fees. 

• Contacts of three organizations that have recently contracted you to carry out similar assignment 

• Contacts of three organizations that have recently contracted you to carry out similar assignment.  

 

Please upload your the expression of interest, in English no later than 11th December 2017