Evaluation Team Leader of FAO programme “Meeting the Undernutrition Challenge (MUCH)” – Food Security and Nutrition Specialist

Organizational Setting

Background

FAO is looking for an international consultant to lead the evaluation of the “Meeting the Undernutrition Challenge (MUCH)” programme.

The programme was designed by FAO and the Bangladeshi Ministry of Food (MoFood) with the objective of strengthening the enabling environment for the eradication of food insecurity and malnutrition in Bangladesh. The programme, which builds upon the previous National Food Policy Capacity Strengthening Programme (NFPCSP) implemented during 2005–2014, has been funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the European Union (EU).

It has five main outputs, which are:

• Improved capacities of the Government and stakeholders for developing national FSN frameworks, cross‑sectoral policy frameworks, cross‑sectoral and sectoral investment plans, as well as programmes for FSN.
• Improved capacities of the Government for human resources and organizational development in the FSN domain.
• Increased capacities of the Government to ensure the adequacy of resource allocation and use for FSN.
• Improved capacities of the Government, civil society and private sector to effectively engage in dialogue on FSN policies and programmes.
• Improved capacities of the FPMU and FSN‑related ministries to monitor and map trends and analyse the contribution of sectors and stakeholders to FSN.

Activities implemented by the programme can be grouped under four main areas: i) contribution to developing and monitoring policies in the area of Food Security and Nutrition; ii) capacity development; iii) awareness raising and advocacy on Food Security and Nutrition; and iv) monitoring of Food Security Nutrition trends and resources invested in this area.

Objectives of the evaluation

The objective of the Evaluation is to inform the Government of Bangladesh (and in particular the MoFood which is the main counterpart), the European Commission, USAID, the Programme Management Team, the Country Office and FAO more largely about the programme’s contribution towards attaining the expected outputs and overall objective.

Methodology

The evaluation team will gather information from a number of sources, including interviews with FAO staff, EU and USAID delegation in Bangladesh, Government counterparts, development partners as well as relevant programme documentation. Interviews will be conducted remotely (on-line or by telephone) or face to face but only if the conditions will allow it.

Timetable

The evaluation will take place between October 2020 and February 2021. The indicative calendar is the following:

• October - November 2020 – document review and data collection
• December 2020 – presentation of the preliminary findings and drafting of the report
• January-February 2021 – Finalisation of the report

Reporting Lines

The consultant will work under the overall responsibility of the Director, OED, and the close technical and methodological guidance of the OED Evaluation Manager.

Technical Focus

The technical focus of the evaluation will be:

• Policy development, implementation and monitoring;
• Food security and nutrition;
• Capacity Development;
• Institutional support.

Tasks and responsibilities

The team leader is responsible for coordinating the contribution of the team members to the evaluation. He/she will organize the division of labour within the team according to the respective areas of expertise. He will lead the evaluation process and prepare the evaluation report. His/her mandate is derived from and must fully comply with the overall Terms of Reference for the Evaluation. He/she will ensure that the methodology foreseen in the ToR is fully implemented.

• Coordinate the participation and contribution of team members in all phases of the evaluation;
• Review relevant background documentation made available by OED and FAO Bangladesh;
• Prepare the methodological note including the evaluation matrix and the evaluation tools (questionnaires, check-lists and interview protocols as appropriate…);
• Lead interviews and meetings (on-line or by telephone) with FAO staff and relevant stakeholders (including the Government, implementing partners, resource partners, the ultimate beneficiaries …);
• Lead the analysis of evidences collected for the definition of findings, conclusions and recommendations;
• Prepare the evaluation draft report according to specifications provided by OED;
• Integrate comments received;
• Present the findings of the evaluation to key stakeholders during all planned debriefing sessions as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in relevant disciplines (Nutrition, Food Security, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Economics and others);
• At least 10 years of relevant working or evaluation experience at international level in areas related to the project intervention (Policy support, Food Security and Nutrition, Capacity Development, Institutional support, FSN information …);
• Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of one of the other FAO languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian) for Consultants. Working knowledge of English is sufficient for PSA.SBS.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills:

• Previous experience in conducting/taking part in independent evaluations;
• Relevant country or regional experience;
• Excellent analysis, writing and verbal communication skills;
• Experience in designing, implementing monitoring and evaluating policies;
• Expertise in Food Security and Nutrition information will be an advantage;
• Knowledge of FAO’s mandate and work in the region will be a plus.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.