Consultant for Endline survey
Work Arrangement:
Job Description
Introduction
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC works with people forced to flee from war, conflict and disaster and the host communities which support them, as well as those who remain within their homes and communities. At work today in over 40 countries and 25 U.S. cities, we improve outcomes in the areas of health, safety, economic well-being, education, and power.
Project Background
PlayMatters is a five-year education initiative funded by the LEGO Foundation. The program reimagines childhood for 350,000+ refugee and host-community children in Uganda whose education and social development has been affected by displacement and trauma. Building on children’s amazing resilience and a growing evidence base supporting Learning through Play methodologies, PlayMatters cultivates holistic learning for children ages 3-12+.
In Uganda, Playmatters is a consortium project implemented by the International Rescue Committee (IRC), War Child Holand (WCH), Plan International and Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) where the International Rescue Committee is the consortium led. The three implementing organizations (IRC, WCH and Plan) share leadership across different outcome areas, with WCH leading research and wellbeing. Plan leads in community engagement, gender and inclusion. IRC leads teacher professional development, Policy and Advocacy, communication and multimedia and overall coordination. IPA supports the generation of evidence briefs to inform policy and it collaborates with WCH on the implementation of research activities.
IRC is implementing the project in Kyaka, Imvepi, Rhinpo camp and Palabek refugee settlements and the surrounding host communities in Kyegegwa, Terego, MadiOkollo and Lamwo district respectively. Plan is implementing the project in the Pagirinya and Bidibidi refugee settlements, as well as the surrounding host communities in Adjumani and Yumbe districts respectively. WCH is implementing the project in the Palolinya settlement in Obongi district, Nakivale and Oruchinga settlements in Isingiro district, Kyangwali in Kikuube district, and Bidibidi in Yumbe district.
The project is targeting a reach of 350,000 learners with the learning through Play approach in Uganda, 5594 educators, 367 schools, 7052 community leaders and 310 system actors across all the implementing districts.
Broader objective of the project
Improved holistic learning outcomes (creative, physical, emotional, cognitive and social skills) and psychosocial well-being of children ages 3-12+
Specific objectives of the project
1. Integrate Learning through Play into Teaching and Learning 2. Increase Community Engagement in Learning through Play 3. Strengthen Learning through Play in Policy and Systems
Rationale of the assignment
PlayMatters delivers a comprehensive Learning through Play (LtP) package of interventions to children aged 3-12+ in the Kyaka, Imvepi, Rhino camp, Palabek, Parolinya, Bidibidi, Isingiro, Kyangwali, and Obongi refugee settlements, as well as the surrounding host communities. The project is implemented in cohorts, with each cohort receiving a comprehensive LtP package within one school calendar year. Therefore, the purpose of this evaluation is to assess the performance of the project and capture project achievements against intended outcomes and document best practices and challenges to inform future similar programming. The evaluation will also ensure accountability towards LEGO foundation as a donor and the project stakeholders.
Objectives of the Endline Evaluation
- Evaluate to what extent the project delivered effective, efficient, relevancy, Impact and sustainability. - Assess the impact of integrating Learning through Play (LtP) methodologies in teaching and learning. - To assess the effectiveness of the Client and Feedback Response mechanism in addressing the needs and concerns of the target group. - To measure the extent to which specific project indicators are achieved against the baseline values. - Identify and document key lessons learned, challenges and draw recommendations for future programming.
Scope of Work
The End Line Evaluation is to be carried out in Isingiro, Kyegegwa, Kikuube, Yumbe, Obongi, Adjumani and Lamwo district because these are the districts where cohort 1 schools are located.
Methodology
Study Design
The End-line evaluation will use a mixed-method embedded design in both data collection and analysis methods. This will include specification of the techniques for data collection and analysis, structured field visits, and interactions with beneficiaries and the evaluation team. Evaluation tools, methodology, and findings are to be reviewed, validated, and approved by the project team members, consortium MEAL and technical team.
Target population
The evaluation will target project partners, stakeholders, Educators, School Management Committee (SMC)/Centre Management Committee (CMC) members and Children. Educators include Headteacher, teachers and ECD caregivers while the project implementing partners are War Child Holland, Plan International and International Rescue Committee.
Sampling Techniques and sample size.
The Consultant will propose a sample size and sampling technique based on the sampling framework provided by the international Rescue committee. The sample should target all the different categories (Partners, Educators, SMC/CMC, System actors and Children).
Data collection; Methods and tools
The Consultant will collaborate with the PlayMatters project team to review the existing tools and develop any other tool that may be required for data collection. The consultant will propose data collection methods that should be in line with the evaluation objectives. The PlayMatters consortium will review and approve the methods and tools before they are deployed by the Consultant, where relevant, the consultant will adapt existing tools from the baseline evaluation.
Data Processing and analysis:
For quantitative data processing and storage, the Consultant will be required to use the PlayMatters Information Management system (Commcare) for processing. For Qualitative data, the consultant will be expected to design a suitable data collection tool in collection with the PlayMatters consortium staff.
The consultant will propose a data analysis plan for both quantitative and qualitative data in alignment to the PlayMatters overall goal, outcome areas and Evaluation objectives.
Quality monitoring:
The Consultant must set in place measures to ensure that the quality of information being collected meets the PlayMatters data quality dimension.
Expected Outputs and deliverables.
The endline assessment will involve reviewing of PlayMatters relevant documents which includes the project proposal, MEAL Plan, existing literature, developing qualitative and quantitative data collection instruments, conduct training for enumerators on data collection tools and methodologies and provide technical oversite during the data collection process. Analyzing qualitative and quantitative data and summarizing findings.
Specifically, the consultant’s scope of work and deliverables include, but not limited to, the following:
1. Deliver inception report. 2. Review and develop data collection tools. 3. Development of training manual, selection and training of enumerators. 4. Conduct data management (collection, cleaning, coding, entry, and analysis) throughout the entire process. 5. Conduct a validation meeting with the PlayMatters staff and key stakeholders. 6. Provide a draft report. 7. Share a presentation of key findings from the endline assessment. 8. The consultant should submit all the endline data including hard copy data collection tools (Consent forms, questionnaires, Pictures and audios) to PlayMatters.
Ethical considerations
The Evaluation approach will consider the safety of participants and especially children at all stages of the evaluation including orientation, data collection, data analysis, and report writing.
All names of individuals and districts will be anonymized to protect the confidentiality of answers. Analyses and reports will be written carefully and checked closely to ensure this is maintained.
Participation in the evaluation will be voluntary and no compensation will be provided for participation except for participants in the FGDs who will be provided a soft drink.
All research assistants will be trained on Sexual exploitation and abuse and will sign a copy of IRCs SEA policy.
Institutional Arrangements
The Lead consultant will be supervised by the IRC Uganda PlayMatters Senior Project coordinator in collaboration with counterparts in each partner organization. The IRC Uganda Senior RMEAL Manager with counterparts MEAL in each partner organization will provide technical and day to day coordination support
The lead consultant will have overall responsibility for the work and operation of the evaluation team, including the coordination of inputs from team members and he/she is responsible and accountable for production of the agreed deliverables.
Logistics arrangements
The Uganda IRC will cover the consultancy fees for the lead consultant(s), while each partner will be responsible for the enumerators' allowances, including their transportation expenses during data collection in the field.
Proposed Timeline
The tasks in this bid must be accomplished by 30th September 2024. A maximum of 30 working days are allocated to the study. This includes feedback time as well as resubmission of amended report. The actual date data collection in the field is to be, confirmed between the consultant and PlayMatters consortium, but ideally would start in second week of September 2024, with the final report deadline to PlayMatters consortium by the last week of month of September 2024, latest 4th October 2024.
Table 1****:Indicative timeframe for activities
Activity
No. of Days
Inception report
3 Days
Review of data collection tools
3 days
Enumerator training
2 Days
Travel to district for field work
1 Day
Data collection
5 Days
Analysis and Report Writing
6 Days
Review of report and sharing of feedback by client
5 days
Incorporation of feedback received and production of final report
5 Days
Total number of Days
30Days
Qualifications
Qualifications of the Successful Lead Consultant
Required
- At least master’s degree in, Monitoring and Evaluation, statistics or any other related field. - Demonstrate expertise in Evaluating education projects. - At least 7 years’ experience Evaluating humanitarian programs. - Demonstrated experience with quantitative and qualitative research, data base management and statistical data analysis - Ability to deal with hardship and remote area field work Preferred. - Strong understanding of humanitarian and evaluation ethics and a commitment to ethical working practices - Highly developed self-management and communication skills. - Demonstrate ability to work with diverse teams, good communication and leadership skills. - Ability to deliver the assignment withing the stipulated timelines.
Schedule of Payments
The International Rescue Committee standard method of payment is the output-based and all-inclusive lump-sum scheme. The payment will be made in 2 installments upon satisfactory completion of the following deliverables:
- 60% upon the submission of inception report. - 40% upon the submission of approved final report
Proposal Evaluation
Proposal will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
a) Technical proposal (70%)
* Appreciation of the TOR and understanding of the assignment
* Company profile which clearly shows experience in similar studies
* Proposed methodology and work plan
* Qualification and technical competency
b) Financial proposal (30%)
*Level of effort of staff and cost breakdown
*The points secured in the technical proposal and financial offers will be added together to determine the least evaluated bidder. The most responsive consultant will be invited for negotiation of contract terms.
Data protection policy.
The consultants should adhere to the PlayMatters data protection policy and confidentiality.
Gender Equality & Equal Opportunity
We are committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer generous benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances. We welcome and strongly encourage qualified female professionals to apply.
IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value diversity in our organization. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request reasonable accommodation.
Professional Standards
IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability and Equality. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.
Application Procedure
All qualified and interested consultants should send in their technical and financial proposals via the IRC Careers Website by 23rd August 2024.
A consultant CV outlining previous similar experience with names and contact details of references and short summary of study/research undertaken.
Note that: A technical proposal including financial proposal should be 8 pages.
Added 21 hours ago
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Updated 2 hours ago
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Source:
rescue.org
