Project: Study on increased focus on children and youth in Vi Agroforestry
Study Area: Vi Agroforestry and implementing partners geographical coverage in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania.
Start Date: 7th May 2018
Expected workload: 39 working days
Subject Line: Study on increased focus on children and youth in Vi Agroforestry
Study on increased focus on children and youth in Vi Agroforestry:
Vi Agroforestry has over the years developed methods and approaches for greater impact. Technical manuals on various areas such as Sustainable Agricultural Land Management, Value chain development, Gender, among others have been produced to better support implementing partner organisations as well as staff. Vi Agroforestry recognizes that diverse groups of people require specialized methods of engagement. We are now carrying out a study on how to engage children and youth. The objective of the study is to consider ways of ensuring and enhancing increased focus of children and youth in Vi Agroforestry and implementing partners in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda.
View details of the terms of reference and how to apply
Deadline for application is 22nd of April 2018 not later than 6 pm.
If you meet the set criteria, please send your Technical and Financial offers.
Vi Agroforestry is an equal opportunity employer and canvassing will lead to disqualification.
Job Field: Sector in Consultancy
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Consultant
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Consultant Trainers
Introduction
We are looking for a trainer cum consultant to ensure the smooth and effective functioning of our Remote Sensing and Earth Observation (GIS) Institute.
ResponsibilitiesDesign and develop training programs (outsourced or in-house)
Facilitation, conducting research and providing guidance to participants.
Participating in training curriculum development and training programs
Adapt and apply appropriate pedagogic strategies and techniques, and principles of instructional design to create blended learning experiences for adult learners.
Coordinating local and international training workshops
Advise the department on the appropriate uses of GIS and Remote Sensing applications in blended learning contexts.
Preparing training reports.
Choose appropriate training methods per case (simulations, mentoring, on the job training, professional development classes etc.)
Use accepted education principles and track new training methods and techniques
Design and prepare educational aids and materials
Determine additional training strategies based on data or observation
Perform any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.
Collecting, analyzing and storing geographical data.
Use GIS mapping, data sourcing, management and analysis to produce digestible maps, figures and metric reports for clients.
Implement software systems, update and maintain data, organize GIS data into a user-friendly format and serve as the primary contact for GIS-related problems.
Use of digital maps and models to manage GIS projects, ensuring a solution adequately meets a client’s needs.
Supporting desktop and web-based GIS solutions on projects that are delivered to clients through researching and analysing information and data.
Create charts and presentations.
Maintain an up to date geographical information database.
You may be required to build models using GIS software to help demonstrate how a workflow is to be built.Qualifications
Consultant trainers must have a Masters Degree or higher qualification in a GIS and Remote Sensing related area. Experience in Instructional Design will be an added advantage.
In addition they must have excellent technology skills in Free and Open Source GIS and Remote Sensing software such as QGIS, ILWIS, PcRaster, Map Window and GRASS amongst others.
Knowledge of basic web programming, Google Maps API Family, GeoServer or MapServer, graphic manipulation, is essential for those applying for the Open Web GIS Training.
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of three years of relevant experience.Skills & Competencies
Ability to keep up with new technology
Team player with excellent interpersonal skills;
Self motivated;
Attention to detail;
Adaptability and reliability -
Functional Consultant
Job description
Sage has an exciting opportunity for a driven individual to perform the duties of a Functional Consultant for the Enterprise suite of modules in the areas of finance, manufacturing, and distribution business processes and practices.
Key Responsibilities:To provide an elevated level of consulting and implementation services at client sites. Responsible for the optimal set up and training in the products for each client and maximize consulting revenue whilst maintaining an elevated level of customer satisfaction
To deliver project based consulting activities, through the entire project lifecycle, on ad-hoc and medium to long-term engagements
To be responsible for problem identification, software specification and/or design, implementation, documentation, testing, client training and solution deployment adhering to Sage’s Methodology
To interact with company and client managers on cost/schedule monitoring
To comply with financial responsibilities which include project cost estimating, proposal generation and invoicing
To participate in sales and proposal presentations if required
To be responsible for achieving defined utilization and revenue goals
To identify additional product/services opportunities in customer organization
After the initial ‘introduction period’ the position provides the individual with the opportunity to work actively in implementation projects from start to finish
You will be expected to work independently at clients, but sometimes within a team environment
Ability to travel to customer sites with overnight stays is mandatory
Travel outside the region may also be required for certain cases (30-35% travel)Qualifications & experience required:
3-5 years working experience as a Software Implementation Consultant with involvement in at least 3 full implementation cycles
A self-driven and ambitious individual that can demonstrate the ability to perform tasks with quality and in a timely manner with a minimum of supervision
Develop confidence through the interaction with clients and colleagues
Earns respect of our clients through demonstration of adaptability, tact, commitment, resourcefulness, and proactive communications
Acts with integrity and has a track record of excellent problem-solving skills
Degree level education
Certification in ERP systems is an advantage. -
Expert Services Consultant
Job descriptionJob Purpose:
Responsible initially for representing business and technical requirements into the architecture and design that determine the blueprint for the solution. Providing architectural governance for the implementation (supported by LBA and LTA), to help ensure a delivered solution consistent with the blueprint.
The consultant focuses on the overall solution, aimed at satisfying the business requirements, ensuring smooth project execution and a successful implementation, achieving high-business user satisfaction.
The consultant is responsible for the design of the complex interactions between business processes and the technologies that enable those processes to function. He/she focuses on establishing the best technology solution to meet a specific business need.
The consultant has to understand the general integration and functional challenges and play a key role in helping to bridge the gaps in understanding between the client and consultants and motivate them to implement the best solution.
Works with prospects and implementing clients with transformational projects which may be complex, large or include multiple Product Families:
Articulating the end to end “transaction journey”Ensuring clients get maximum benefit from our solutionsPreparing for, and supporting the client through, business change & developing client roadmapsRepresenting Temenos in Design Authority and Architectural Governance forumsProviding the architectural part of the Partner Led Project Governance service for partner primed projectsBecoming a trusted advisor to the client
Scope includes Business Solution Integration, Design Authority participation and supporting the client through Business Change.
Provides expertise to identify and translate system requirements into software design documentation.
Responsibilities and Accountabilities:
Presales engagement in bid teams to construct and articulate multi-product solutions and assist in formulating delivery strategy and estimatesExpert consultancy as a Temenos architect, helping live clients and prospective clients develop and optimise their Temenos solutions in the context of their overall enterprise architecture and helping Temenos to upsell products and servicesLeadership roles in Temenos implementation projects including engagement with the client’s architecture team and representing Temenos in Design Authority or equivalent client forumsProviding architectural governance to partner-led implementations of Temenos solutions.Mentoring others on the Architectural Career pathInteraction with Product to continually improve product families and their “true” integrationBecoming a trusted advisor to the client through the adoption lifecycle and ensuring continuityPerform such other duties, functions and services, consistent with status or vocational ability, as may from time to time be required.
Research on technologies and approaches critical to the architecture, including review of patterns that might be useful to the architecture. (Patterns are previously described and validated approaches that can be used to create portions of the solution. Patterns are released through research and can come from places such as Microsoft’s software development libraries).
Skills and Qualifications:
Banking knowledge and Experience:Willingness to accept accountability for delivery with a proven track record of delivery on commitmentsExperience or domain knowledge in a specific area in the banking sectorExperience in a multi-product environment (either Temenos or another vendor such as Oracle)Proven ability to manage customer expectations, identify project risks and define mitigation and containment strategies for the risksProven ability to decompose a large, complex problems, identify the critical path, and deliver the overall solutionProven ability to define and communicate and deliver solution architectures and high level designs that incorporate both Temenos and non-Temenos technologies to technical and non-technical audiencesCommand a broad understanding of information technology including: operating systems, network and internet technologies, web services and SOA, open standards, database systems, information security, development and management tools.Extensive experience as Design Authority, Solution Architect in large / complex projectsArchitecture & Product Skills:
Proficient at defining feasible solution architectures to address customer business needs
Good level of knowledge across the key Product Families within the Solution Suites
Proficient with the delivery of solutions based on Temenos technology
Sufficient understanding of the Temenos product landscape and roadmaps to position its components and complementary products both to customers and within a defined solution architecture
Applying enterprise architecture models in a practical manner (e.g. Zachman, TOGAF)
All aspects of full life-cycle product implementation projects
Temenos architectural frameworks, blueprints, patterns and prescriptive architectures and applying these to enterprise class architectures
Requirements capture & definition, architecture, detailed system design
Complimenting Temenos Methodology (TIM) in customer engagements
Good knowledge of Temenos product roadmaps underpinned with strong personal network in Product team
Demonstrated enthusiasm for exploring the capabilities of new, acquired and complementary partner products and building them in to customer solutions
Very capable in problem solving.
Communication & Consulting Skills
Effective listener and astute observer
Effectively exert influence without authority
Professional level presentation/white boarding/speaking skills – across a broad audience
Proven ability to act as a trusted advisor to senior management within a client
Proven ability to develop strong working relationships with colleagues in Sales and, in particular, Product
Comfortable in a sales situation and able effectively to support Temenos sales and commercial objectives
Willing and able to travel extensively
A background in Wealth or BI would be a considerable advantage -
Business Consultants Claims Analyst
Jobs Locations: Nyeri, Karatina, Othaya, Kerugoya, Nanyuki
Reporting to the Agency Manager, the job holder’s role will be primarily to ensure growth of sales through aggressive marketing and meeting defined sales targets.
Key Responsibility Areas:To Prospect, recruit, and ensure retention of new clients and facilitate day to day servicing of client needs both new and existing.
Identifying and pursuing profitable markets through interactive sales presentations and maintaining up to date client based leads.
Under the supervision of the Agency Manager, Plan and implement sales and Marketing strategies in order to reach individual and team targeted sales.
To actively obtain and negotiate new markets for the company products
Preparing timely reports relating to customer needs and Market variables
To work as part of our overall team to build our Brand, and conduct yourself at all times in a professional manner in your Relationship with Prospects and Clients
To be paid on competitive commissions and Incentives.Required Qualifications, Knowledge, Skill and Ability
Diploma in a business related field
COP certificate will be an added advantage
Good time management skills
Ability to work responsibly with or without direct supervision.
Good interpersonal and people skills
Aged 23yrs and abovego to method of application »
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Provisions of Short Term Consultancy Services of Risk Assessment, Safety and Health Fire Audit
Background
Oxfam works with others to overcome poverty and suffering. We are committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of anyone who could be directly affected by our work activities. We have continuously adopted the process of risk assessment to identify work related hazards and the precautions required to minimize the chance of anyone being harmed because of Oxfam’s activities and to ensure appropriate measures are taken. We are therefore looking for a qualified and experienced health and safety practitioner to partner with us to fulfill this mandate.
Scope of Work
To carry out Risk Assessment, Safety Health and Fire Audits at Oxfam’s offices (Nairobi, Wajir and Lodwar) in compliance /accordance with the Factories and other Places of Work (Fire Risk Reduction Rules 2007 and Occupational Safety and Health Act 2007.
Job Specifications/TasksTo carry out Risk Assessment, Safety Health and Fire Audits for Oxfam offices in compliance /accordance with the Factories and other Places of Work (Fire Risk Reduction Rules 2007 and Occupational Safety and Health Act 2007
The report shall give recommendations necessary steps to undertake in each area of non-compliance to enable Oxfam to implement to be compliant with the Factories and other Places of Work (Fire Risk Reduction Rules 2007 and Occupational Safety and Health Act 2007 and any other relevant legislation/international standards.
The report to indicate the required bench marks at various points for Oxfam’s continuous improvement.
The audits to cover the entire Oxfam’s office as well as its interrelationship with its neighbouring communities, contractors, visitors etc
To determine the level of Risk, Safety, and Health and Fire Safety awareness amongst staff and give recommendations
Review Oxfam’s Health & Safety Policy vis a vi the regulatory requirements
Submission of the report to the Oxfam’s Health and Safety Committee and business heads
Ensure that a certificate of compliance arising from the audit is granted by the OSH Director.
Interested firms/individual’s requirements/ qualifications
Must be currently registered with the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Services – Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services and MUST have a valid certificate
Must possess communication and written presentation skills and auditing skills.
Must have at least five (5) proven practical experience in the fieldProposal
The proposal submitted must contain:Expression of Interest letter
Curriculum vitae (CV) including valid references
Description of the methodology and work plan for performing the assignment
Any proposed staff to assist in the assignment and their qualifications
Consultancy services activities time schedule.
Proposed consultation fees in Kenya Shillings -
Consultancy: Public Finance, Social Policy & Research, ESARO Consultancy: Economist, Social Policy & Research, ESARO
Title of Assignment Public Finance Consultant
Section Social Policy & Research
Duration 10 months
Start date
From: March 1, 2018
To: December 31, 2018
Context
The 21 countries that constitute the Eastern and Southern Africa Region (ESAR) are characterized by alarming levels of child poverty. Recent estimates indicate that two out of every three children living in this region are multi-dimensionally poor, which means that they do not have access to basic things like primary healthcare services, adequate nutrition, clean drinking water or safe housing conditions.[1] High fertility rates also mean that there are more income poor children today than at the start of the MDGs in 1990 in absolute terms.[2]
At the same time, the region is remarkably young and experiencing unprecedented population growth. Today, approximately 50 percent of the population of ESAR is under the age of 18, with some 16 million new lives expected in 2017 alone.[3] Between 2017 and 2050, an estimated 670 million babies will be born, which will catapult the total population from around 500 million to more than 1 billion.[4] This means that ESAR is in the midst of the structural transformation known as the demographic transition, whereby high fertility rates alongside longer life expectancy are creating a massive increase in the working age population.
Whether the rapidly changing population results in a demographic “dividend” or “nightmare” fully depends on the investment decisions of governments, starting today. If resources do not adequately support future labor forces, current poverty levels will worsen, resulting in an unvirtuous circle of poverty and inequality, crime, violence, social and political unrest, emigration and so on. However, if social sector investments strategically target children and young persons, the ongoing population boom can catapult economic growth and initiate long-term peace and prosperity for the ESAR region and beyond.
Regrettably, children are not viewed as investment priorities. A rapid review of government spending compared against education and health financial benchmarks is telling. When looking at the latest comparable estimates, seven of the 21 countries in ESAR met the Education for All spending target of 20 percent of the national budget for education and only three of 21 met the Abuja Declaration target of 15 percent of the national budget for health.[5]
Moreover, even where governments have increased investments in sectors that matter for children, the impact is muted. When it comes to actual spending, public finance diagnostic tools all too commonly reveal severe efficiency, effectiveness and equity issues. Among other things, available resources are often not spent, and where they are utilized, they seldom support cost-effective approaches or the neediest children and families.[6] In short, reaping the demographic dividend in ESAR countries requires a rethinking of how national budgets are put together and implemented.
UNICEF’s response
In response to the above challenges, UNICEF is increasingly working with governments to make public resources work better for children in ESAR. Under the programme stream known as public finance for children (PF4C), UNICEF’s engagement can be broadly organized into three areas: (i) measuring and monitoring government spending; (ii) maximizing the use of available resources; and (iii) increasing spending. Some highlights of this work are summarized below.
Measuring and monitoring government spending
Budget briefs: 19 country offices (COs) developed budget briefs in 2017 (up from just two COs in 2015), which synthesize budget information in sectors that matter for children (education, health, social protection, WASH, etc.) and put forth key policy and financing asks.
Thematic budget analyses: Nine COs are assessing spending trends on cross-cutting issues, which range from school feeding and child protection to citizen’s budgets and WASH.
Budget transparency: In addition to supporting the expansion of the Open Budget Survey in seven countries in 2017, the majority of COs in ESAR are working with finance ministries to publish more and better budget information.
Maximizing the use of available resources
Public financial management (PFM) diagnostics: UNICEF is applying a variety of PFM tools to understand how well government resources are being used and identify efficiency and effectiveness bottlenecks; this includes supporting 11 Public Expenditure Reviews (PERs) in 2017, which range from social protection and nutrition (a global first) to education, health and WASH, as well as three Public Expenditure Tracking Surveys (PETS).
Increasing spending
Costing: ESAR COs are supporting a variety of costing exercises (e.g. of child protection services, social protection interventions, child-focused SDGs) which identify resource needs along with the financial gap.
Fiscal space analysis: 17 COs are assessing options for governments to increase spending on priority sectors for children.
Investment cases: 11 COs are supporting cost-benefit and cost of inaction analyses to raise attention to critical areas that require greater investments.
Scope of Work and Objectives
Under the guidance and close oversight of the Social Policy Specialist (Public Finance), the main objectives of this assignment are to:
Generate evidence on PF4C issues and identify regional trends to raise awareness of opportunities at the country level for engaging on PF4C
Develop guidance on PF4C to inform country strategies and the effective implementation of PF4C activities
Support the organization of regional events to influence policy agendas and promote greater and better investments in child-focused sectors
The main deliverables are summarized below.
Key deliverables
Deadline
(tentative)
Payment schedule
Draft guideline for developing a budget brief on child protection issues in ESAR, including a mapping tool
March 31
10%
Final guideline and mapping tool
April 30
10%
Implementation of a workshop for Ministries of Finance in ESAR to develop action plans for improving budget transparency
May 31
10%
Development of training modules, including on education financing, to support a PF4C learning event for UNICEF staff in ESAR
June 30
10%
Literature review and annotated outline for a study that assess the impact that energy subsidies, military spending and illicit financial flows have on public investments in children
July 31
10%
Final report on “Children are not investment priorities in ESAR: How energy subsidies, military spending and illicit financial flows crowd out government spending on children”
August 31
10%
Literature review and implementation of a survey to select COs on contingency budgets in ESAR
September 30
10%
Final report on “Contingency budgets: Where are they and do they work?”
October 31
10%
Stocktake of UNICEF’s collaboration with the IMF on PF4C issues in ESAR, including through interviews with select COs
November 30
10%
Guidance note on engaging the IMF on PF4C issues in ESAR
December 31
10%
Total
100%
Payment Schedule
The Consultant will be paid upon receipt of satisfactory deliverables as outlined above:
Deliverables that meet UNICEF’s quality standard.
Desired competencies, technical background and experience
Advanced university degree in economics, public financial management, international affairs or related area;
Minimum 8 years of working on public finance and social policy issues;
Excellent research and writing skills, including publication track record;
Knowledge of UNICEF programme areas;
Must be reliable, creative and able to work with little supervision;
Must be able to work efficiently under tight deadlines;
Excellent spoken and written English.
The Consultant will work on-site in the ESARO office in Nairobi, Kenya and will be issued a UNICEF laptop to support the deliverables. Note that there will be flexibility for off-site working arrangements on an occasional basis based on discussion and agreement with the supervisor.
Conditions
The contract will be established for 10 months. She/he will be supervised by the Social Policy Specialist (Public Finance) in ESARO.
As per UNICEF DFAM policy, payment is made against approved deliverables. No advance payment is allowed unless in exceptional circumstances against bank guarantee, subject to a maximum of 30 per cent of the total contract value in cases where advance purchases, for example for supplies or travel, may be necessary.
The candidate selected will be governed by and subject to UNICEF’s General Terms and Conditions for individual contracts.
All applications must include an all-inclusive financial proposal to carry out the functions listed above. This should include travel, living expenses, ect. Applications without a financial proposal will not be considered.go to method of application »
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Consultant for the Evaluation of the Ninth Session of the World Urban Forum
Issued on: 26 January 2018
ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION: UN-HABITAT
DUTY STATION: NAIROBI
FUNCTIONAL TITLE:Consultant for the Evaluation of the Ninth Session of the World Urban Forum
DURATION: 3 months over 11 months (February 2018-December 2018)
BACKGROUND
The main purpose of this evaluation is to assess the outcomes and impact of WUF9. The evaluation will fulfill requirements of UN-Habitat GC resolution 26/6, strengthening knowledge sharing and learning, and planning and delivery of the WUF programme. The key users of the evaluation are UN-Habitat management and staff; the governing bodies (CPR and GC), donors, partners, experts in the field of urban development, policy makers and other key stakeholders. The assessment will be based on evaluation criteria of relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability and impact. The evaluation will also identify achievements, lessons, challenges and opportunities for the World Urban Forum.
The evaluation shall be independent and carried out in line with the evaluation norms and standards of the United Nations system. A variety of methodologies will be applied to pre-forum, on-site and post forum assessment. Methods to be used include review of documents, face-to-face interviews, onsite observations and participants’ survey, post-WUF9 surveys, interviews with key individuals as well as analysis of secondary data and outcome mapping of the WUF9 programme.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The evaluation will be conducted by one consultant. It will be managed by the Evaluation Unit and supported by the WUF Secretariat. An Evaluation Reference Group will oversee the evaluation process. The evaluator is responsible for meeting professional and ethical standards in planning and conducting the evaluation, and producing the expected evaluation deliverables. The consultant has overall responsibility for producing the deliverables according to the quality standards of UN-Habitat for evaluation reports. Main deliverables expected from the consultant are:Inception Report with detailed evaluation methodology, evaluation questions and scheduled evaluation Work plan;
A progress report will be presented the Evaluation Reference Group in June 2018;
Evaluation Reports Drafts;
Final Evaluation Report not exceeding 50 pages (excluding executive summary and annexes)Compliance with United Nations Evaluation Group standards and UN-Habitat evaluation report format is expected.
COMPETENCIESProfessionalism: Academic qualified and experienced evaluator, who shows pride in work and achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Good research, analytical and problem-solving skills. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timelines for delivery of products or services to client. **QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Advanced academic degree in economics, sociology statistics, urban planning, project management, or other related study areas.
Work Experience
Minimum of 10 years of proven evaluation experience. Knowledge and understanding of UN and UN-Habitat’s role in promoting sustainable urbanization and human settlements issues in general. Experience in delivery of advocacy and global outreach through programmes and experience in results-based management.
Language
Fluency as well as excellent writing skills in English is required; working knowledge of other United Nations official languages is an advantage.
REMUNERATION
Payments will be based on deliverables over the consultancy period. There are set remuneration rates for consultancies. The rate is determined by functions performed and experience of the consultant. The fees will be paid as per agreement. -
Consultancy Call: Final External Evaluation
Project Location: Garowe (Puntland), Hargeisa (Somaliland) and Nairobi (Kenya)
Background to the Organisation
The project is a collaboration between the Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS) at the University of Hargeisa (UoH), the Centre for Postgraduate Studies, Research and Capacity Development (CPSRCD) at Puntland State University and the Rift Valley Institute (RVI). The overall aim of the collaboration is “to deliver high quality research by Somalis that will generate useful knowledge of the Somali regions and its communities and that will inform Somali and International development policy”.
PSU, founded in 1998 and registered as a university in 2004, offers two master’s degree programs in business administration and in development studies and a course in research methods as a cross cutting module. CPSRCD has participated in several social research and survey projects with external partners including UNDP, ILO, SIDA, the University of Sussex and development organizations.
Since it was founded in 2008 IPCS through diploma and master’s programs has been educating leaders including, but not limited to, customary authorities, members of parliament and members of civil society. IPCS regularly hosts talks by Somali and non-Somali academic researchers at the institute and regularly invites them to lecture on post-graduate courses.
RVI founded in 2001 conducts long-term research in Eastern and Central Africa. This has included an investigation of local Sudanese peace processes and political settlements, a study on armed groups in the Eastern DRC, land disputes in Mogadishu and the impact of war on Somali men. Capacity building of researchers is integrated into RVI research projects. Furthermore, for over 10 years RVI has run annual educational courses on the Sudans, the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes Region and organizes bespoke courses on individual countries in the region.
Introduction to the projectProject objectives: The overall goal of the project is to deliver high quality research by Somalis and Somali institutions that will generate useful knowledge of the Somali regions and its communities and that will inform Somali and international development policy. The specific objectives of the project are;
To develop individual capacities for research through training in research methodologies, the provision of scholarships, and work placements in research projects
To develop competence in two Somali higher education institutes for training and research through investments in human resources, research resources and in equipment and facilities
To support the socio-economic development of Somali communities by enhancing local capacities for evidence based research to generate knowledge that will inform governance and development policies.
Project strategyTo achieve the objectives identified above the project has implemented the following set of activities;
Supported the development of existing, locally founded and managed Somali universities to deliver high quality training courses in social science research.Supported the development of specialist research and training centres specializing in peace and conflict studies and development studies.
Developed capacities for evidence based research that will inform Somali development policies and bring local knowledge to bear on international development policies.Project outcomes and targets (summary with details are annexed in the log frame)
The project has three key outputsOutput 1: Somali university teachers, students, development practitioners and policy makers receive quality training in research methodology and are able to undertake and manage research
Output 2: Individual researchers have increased access to training and support for their research and career development
Output 3: Development of two specialist research centres in conflict and peace studies and development studies with the ability to produce high quality research on Somalis that can be accessed by a wide range of development actors.Purpose of the evaluation
The purpose of the evaluation is to establish whether the project achieved its targets and goals and whether this has contributed or will contribute to long-term capacity improvement in research and training at the targeted institutions.
Scope of workPeriod covered by the evaluation
The evaluation will cover the full period of project implementation from August 2015 and December 2017. The evaluation will assess all the activities of the project, including training in research, curriculum development, evidence-based research and institutional development.
Evaluation questions
Effectiveness: Effectiveness refers to the extent to which a development intervention has achieved its objectives, taking their relative importance into account:
To what extent has or will the investment likely achieve planned results? What difference will this make to the beneficiaries? Have any identified risks been addressed?
Were the institutional partnerships selected the most appropriate for attaining the investment objectives? Were all the required partners adequately engaged?
If gender and inclusion targets were set at the investment inception, what is the likelihood of the investment achieving these targets? If not, were there any significant achievements with regards to addressing gender and inclusion issues?
Were other crosscutting aspects such as Environment, Poverty and Climate Change taken into consideration during in design and implementation?
How well was the project managed with regards to project implementation, time management and quality assurance? Were there any successful approaches used to manage the project across all locations?Relevance: Relevance is the extent to which a development intervention conforms to the needs and priorities of the target groups, the policies of recipient countries and donors and SSF strategy:
Has the investment been aligned with the needs and priorities of the government, other constituents, the target institutions and the focal beneficiaries?
Are the investments consistent with SSF Theory of Change? Are the investments consistent and complementary with activities supported by other donors?
Sustainability: Sustainability is the continuation or longevity of benefits (the continued impact) of the investment beyond the support from donors (SSF).
Is there any evidence that there will be sustainability of the investment outcomes and impact as well as institutional capacity beyond the project period?Additionally:
A value for money analysis should be undertaken to the extent possible, as part of answering the cost- effective and efficiency related questions in the evaluation criteria. The evaluation should assess the extent to which the consortium put adequate measures in place to ensure cost-effectiveness and efficiency in the delivery of the investment.
Is there any significant evidence to demonstrate that if the investment had not taken place, the results achieved or likely to be achieved would not have been attained?
Were there any examples of efforts to ensure value for money and cost-effectiveness?
What are the key lessons learned and recommendations that can be made for future investments within this area?
Methodology
The evaluation will use a mixed-method methodology combining both quantitative and qualitative methods and analysis to strengthen the reliability of data and the validity of the findings.
Data collection and analysis tools will include literature review of key project documents and reports, focus group discussions and semi structured interviews with beneficiaries, key informant interviews with project managers, consortium partners, trainers, and researchers. The evaluation will also collect case studies to illustrate challenges, achievements of the project.
Evaluation tasks and deliverables
The evaluators are expected to provide RVI with the following deliverables:A detailed inception report with a work plan and proposed data collection tools to be delivered within fifteen (15) days after signing the contract. The inception report should describe the technical approach (and data collection tools) that will be used in the evaluation, including draft questions, and a detailed work plan.
A draft evaluation report of the evaluation to RVI and partners to review and comment on;
A revised and final evaluation report for the RVI and partners responding to comments from the project partners;.
The evaluation report shall be written in English, be of no more than 40 pages including an executive summary, but excluding annexes.
Annexes will include detailed information collected during field visits, such as focus discussion reports, summaries of interview sheets, summaries of responses to questionnaires and any case studies documented;
During the interviews and field visits, the evaluators will take photos at project sites and audio- record some of the interviews of the stakeholders that will be submitted along with the reports.Proposed Evaluation Timeline
Activity
Inception report, programme document review, work plan and data collection tools developed (3 days)Early February 2018
Travel to the region to conduct data collection (12 days)Mid February 2018
First draft report to be shared with the partners for evaluation and input (7 days)28 February 2018
On-going communication with partners to finalise the external evaluation report (2 days)15 March 2018
Composition and Qualifications of the evaluation team
To ensure the independence of the evaluation, and the credibility of the findings, the evaluation will be conducted by external consultant identified through transparent selection processes. The team will have an appropriate balance of expertise in evaluation methodologies, relevant technical expertise and practical experience in conflict and fragile affected states. The team should ideally include an experienced Somali national. The evaluation team leader is expected to be an evaluation professional with at least 5 years’ experience leading and managing complex evaluation assignments, particularly relating to evaluation of training and research projects. The team should include members with skills in data collection, validation and analysis. Fluency in written English is essential.