2 National Consultants – Sixth Country Programme Evaluation- Sierra Leone

1. Purpose of consultancy:

The purpose of this independent evaluation is to assess the achievements of the sixth country programme (2015-2019), and draw lessons learned from its design through implementation to inform development of the next country programme (2020-2024).

2. Scope of work: (Description of services, activities, or outputs):

UNFPA Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the Government and implementing partners, is in the fourth year of implementing its Sixth Country Programme (2015–2019).  The overall goal of the programme is to contribute to “universal access to rights-based, gender-sensitive sexual and reproductive health information and services, including for adolescents and young people” as defined in the UNFPA Strategic Plan (2014-2017).  Overall, the programme contributes to Government’s development efforts and capacities, especially in the areas of Population and Development; Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights; Reproductive Health Commodity Security; Gender Equity, Equality and Empowerment of Women, as well as promoting community advocacy and multi-sectoral partnerships for strengthening implementation of the ICPD Agenda in Sierra Leone, and the new Post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals. There are three programme components with four programme outcomes: Component 1: Women’s Reproductive Health-WRH (One outcome): Component 2: Adolescents, Youth and Gender –AYG (Two outcomes) - Component 3: Population & Development- P&D- (One outcome).

The five-year programme cycle will end in December 2019, and UNFPA seeks to conduct an independent evaluation aimed at assessing progress made towards the achievements of the programme outputs; identify factors which may have facilitated or constrained the achievements of intended results, and to draw lessons learned from design through implementation to inform development of the seventh country programme (2020-2024). 

3. Duties and responsibilities

Organized in phases, the consultants will undertake the following:

• Review all relevant documents on the country programme; develop evaluation questions based on evaluation purpose and criteria;
• Develop data collection tools and concrete work plan for the field work.
• Prepare and submit the Design Report.
• Conduct field data collection and prepare debriefing Report.
• Undertake data analysis and reporting;
• Produce draft report and conduct stakeholder workshop to validate report;
• Produce Final Report of the evaluation.

4. Duration and working schedule

The national consultant in-charge of the SRH component has more days of work (65) against (55) for his/her P&D counterpart because of also being in charge of the AYG aspects. The work is expected to commence in July and continues through October 2018.

5. Place where services are to be delivered.

During the working days, the consultants will provide services in Sierra Leone in both urban and rural areas.

6. Delivery dates and how work will be delivered (e.g. electronic, hard copy etc.)

Under the leadership of an International Consultant, the National Consultants key deliverables and dates are as follows:

• Prepare evaluation design report – second week July 2018.
• Undertake field data collection and prepare debriefing report- preliminary findings with tentative recommendations- 3rd week July – 4^th week August 2018.
• Undertake data analysis and prepare first draft final report-   2^nd week September 2018
• Prepare second draft final report for stakeholders’ validation- -   3^rd week September 2018
• Submit final Report- 2^nd week October 2018.

All work will be delivered electronically.

7. Monitoring and progress control, including reporting requirements, periodicity format and deadline

• Weekly meetings and update on progress;
• Debriefing of programme teams on key deliverables;
• Specific reports will be due as per the deliverables schedule outlined above.

8. Supervisory arrangements

Under the leadership of the International Consultant, the evaluation will be conducted under the overall guidance of the UNFPA Sierra Leone Representative and direct supervision of the Assistant Representative as Evaluation Manager.

9. Expected travel

The Consultants will travel as may be required to visit selected programme sites.

10. Required expertise, qualifications and competencies, including language requirements

Under the overall leadership of the International Consultant, the two (2) National Consultants will provide services separately under two thematic areas- Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH); and Population and Development (P&D).  The qualifications and experience include:

• Minimum of Master’s Degree in public health, social sciences, development studies or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in conducting/managing programme evaluations, including in humanitarian and fragile contexts.
• Each should be an expert in either of the thematic areas of Sexual and Reproductive Health or Population and Development.
• Excellent analytical, writing and communication skills in English Language.
• Ability to work with a multi-disciplinary team of experts.
• Familiarity with the UNFPA work will be an added advantage.

11. Inputs/services to be provided by UNFPA or implementing partner (e.g. support services, office space, equipment), if applicable

• UNFPA country office will provide office space, administrative support and facilitate in-country travel.

12. Other relevant information or special conditions, if any:

• Cost per day: Fees at daily rate for National Consultants based on qualification and experience.
• Total cost: Includes cost per day and DSA at specified rate for locations outside Freetown.

The national consultants will work on a daily basis, as and when their services are required. The total amount to be paid will be calculated based on the number of days spent on each deliverable.  Payment will be made as follows: 

• Approval of the design report-  20%
• Approval of the second draft report- 50%
• Approval of the final report- 30%

13. Method of Application

All applications should be addressed to The International Operations Manager and sent by email to: registry-sl@unfpa.org; or by post to: United Nations Population Fund, 12-16 New Signal Hill Road, Off Congo Cross, Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Applications to be submitted on or before the closing date of Monday, 28 May 2018 and should include letter of intent, at least one sample of an evaluation or consultancy report where you are the primary or sole author.  Please indicate clearly the thematic area for which you are applying e.g. Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) or Population and Development.

NB: This consultancy is open to only qualified and experienced Sierra Leoneans.  Only short listed candidates will be contacted. Find attached the ToR of the Evaluation of UNFPA Sierra Leone Sixth Country Programme 2015-2019 for the assignment.