Under the
direct supervision of the Programme Officer, and in accordance with UNOPS
policies, procedures and practices, the Consultant shall conduct the final
evaluation of the STANDUP project.
The purpose
of the final evaluation for the first phase of the project is to assess
achievement of outputs and outcomes on the basis of the project theory of
change, measurement framework, Evaluation and Learning questions and also the
LIFT Upland Programme MEAL components, with special attention to gender, social equity
issues and conflict sensitivity.
The
specific objectives of the final evaluation include:
1. Address the LIFT-level evaluation
questions (as presented in annex) concerning the following criteria, in
relation to the project’s overall approach and its individual components where
appropriate:
a. Relevance: The extent to which the project
and its components are suited to: (1) the priorities and needs of the target
beneficiaries; (2) LIFT’s policies and objectives; and (3) the Myanmar policy
and development context.
b. Effectiveness: A measure of the extent to
which the project is attaining its expected results and targets, based on the
project’s theory of change, measurement framework and/or logical framework. The review will be looking as well to what
developmental changes have occurred (beneficial or detrimental), to what extent
they can be attributed to the project; analyse the main challenges and
solutions in implementation, including assessment of design and/or
implementation changes made, why they were made, and the effectiveness of those
changes.
c. Efficiency: A measure of the extent to which
the project has delivered value for money, in terms of costs and major benefits
achieved, or to be realized later, from the investments and activities.
d. Sustainability: An assessment of the economic
and, where appropriate, social and environmental sustainability, of a project
and the local institutions established by the project. Particular focus in on
whether the benefits of the project are likely to continue after donor funding
has been withdrawn.
e. Gender equality: The extent to which project
design and implementation has considered gender-related differences in the
roles, responsibilities and needs of the target beneficiaries and stakeholders,
and enabled greater gender equality and women’s empowerment.
2. Address specific technical questions
for the above key criteria and topics that are further detailed in annex 1.
Early on in the consultancy, the consultant(s) will work closely with LIFT and
the IP to further refine these questions, from which the consultant(s) will
then develop the appropriate data collection instruments.
3. Distil lessons and good practices,
as well as identify barriers to effective implementation, in order to provide
meaningful and feasible recommendations for improving the projects in their
remaining time, as well as in a possible extension period.
Approach and Methodology
Although to be
determined and refined by the consultant, suggested approach, data sources and
collection methods are:
- An
observational and mixed-method (i.e. using both quantitative and qualitative
information) design is suggested , with reviews of documents that contain both
numeric and narrative information, interviews with key individuals, and
discussions with key groups of stakeholders.
- Review
of existing LIFT and TBC project documentation (project proposal, the annual
and semi-annual reports, research reports and studies, and FMO’s field visit
reports, and other relevant project documents.
- Conduct
consultations with relevant project staff of the organizations (Yangon Head
Office and Field Offices), LIFT focal staff and data collection through
interview, group’s discussion, with local authorities, Community Based
Organizations, sub-committee or working committee and beneficiaries.
- In
addition, the Consultant will facilitate a workshop with the project team to
analyse current results, challenges, identify learnings and consider approaches
for improving project design and define priority actions for the remaining
timeframe.
LIFT will provide
facilitators to support the Consultant (in the logistics and arrangements for
research and consultations, and respond to the consultant’ questions on the
interpretation of interviewees’ responses and on written and spoken
information). To demonstrate objectivity and the credibility of the review, the
consultant will clearly demarcate between sources of information, comment,
opinion and interpretation.
Deliverables
The
following documents / events will be required:
1. Inception report, including refined evaluation
objectives, major questions, survey methodologies (i.e., FGD and KII topic
guides), and a detailed work plan. (Due before field work).
2. A workshop with the project team
facilitated by the Consultant
3. Debriefing with TBC and LIFT to discuss
the findings, lessons, and proposed recommendations at the end of the visit in
the country.
4. Draft Final Evaluation Report as per an
agreed table of content referring to the purposes of this evaluation (due up to
seven days after the debriefing presentation, maximum length 20 pages excluding
annexes)
5. Final Report (due up to 7 days after
receiving written feedback from LIFT, maximum length 20 pages excluding
annexes)
Work Plan and Estimated Timeframe
The Consultant will work for an estimated 23 days, partially homebased (10 days) with research work in Myanmar (13 days) according to the tentative work plan below. A detailed work plan and meeting schedule will be developed prior to the Consultant arrival in-country in coordination with TBC.
In-country visits are planned for the months of January 2018. Consultations in Yangon and Mon,
Kayin, Tanintharyi will be followed by a debriefing to the FMO and the project
teams in Yangon
Suggested Tasks / Location
|
Estimated number of days
|
Desk review of key documents (home-based)
|
3
|
Task review and initial briefing with LIFT and TBC
|
1
|
Meeting with the local CSO heads in each respective
area (Mon, Kayin and Tanintharyi)
|
1
|
Field visit in Mon, Kayin and Tanintharyi region
|
9
|
Preparation
of presentation and Debriefing session with LIFT, TBC and its partners (May
be in Hpa An, Kayin State)
|
2
|
First draft report (home-based)
|
5
|
Final report (home-based)
|
2
|
Total
|
23
|