Quantcast
Channel: ReliefWeb - Jobs
Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 638

Maldives: International Consultant to Assess and Strengthen the Evaluability of the UNICEF & Government of Maldives Country Programme 2016 – 2020.

$
0
0
Organization: UN Children's Fund
Country: Maldives
Closing date: 12 Sep 2019

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

Individual consultancy- International Consultant to Assess and Strengthen the Evaluability of the UNICEF & Government of Maldives Country Programme 2016 - 2020.

TOR Reference Number: TOR/2019/25

ADVERTISEMENT

Purpose of assignment: Background

The overall goal of the UNICEF and Government of Maldives country programme is to support the Government of Maldives to reduce inequities and disparities and achieve the progressive realization of the rights of all children, especially the most vulnerable. In line with the national development priorities of the country, UNICEF contributes to the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) 2016-2020, particularly Outcome 1: Children and youth access and use equitable, inclusive and quality social services, and have increased opportunities for skills development. In line with the UNICEF Strategic Plan, the program aimed at leveraging the organization's convening role to build partnerships with key social sectors and partners at all levels. The programme design adopts an evidence-based, policy advocacy and institutional strengthening approach in addressing the barriers that affect the most disadvantaged children living in the Maldives.

The UNICEF-Government country programme 2016-2020 was approved in June 2015 by the executive board with a total budget of US $ 9.2 million comprising of programmes on Health, Nutrition, Education, Child Protection and Social Inclusion.

Justification for the Assessment

Evaluability and taking stock of how the Country Office is doing in terms of being able to adequately monitor, report and evaluate the country programme is critical to ensure that results are effectively recorded and analyzed on a regular basis, and particularly with a view to the final country programme evaluation.

Considering the many changes in UNICEF's approach to the Country Programme planning, monitoring, reporting and evaluation frameworks, guidelines, and processes in recent years, the Country Office management has deemed it necessary to assess to what extent the Maldives Country Office has the adequate systems and processes in place to effectively capture the required data and information to demonstrate achievement of planned results and targets. As part of this assessment, it will also be key to better understand to what extent the available resources in the Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (PM&E) team (technical, financial, human and other) are sufficient to provide the required monitoring and reporting support to the Country Office at large. The findings and recommendations of this evaluation will enable the CO to embark the new country programme development process with a better understanding of required enhancements in its PM&E systems and processes.

Objectives and Scope of Work

Purpose and objectives

The purpose of this evaluability assessment of the Maldives Country Programme is to assess and strengthen the evaluability of the UNICEF and Government of Maldives programme of cooperation. The consultancy is expected to determine whether the current Maldives Country Office (MCO) monitoring system and databases are adequate for monitoring and reporting progress towards the achievement of the set CPD targets and results.

The objectives of the evaluability assessment are:

Objective 1: Assess the adequacy and validity of the results, activities and indicators in the CPD results framework to measure progress against set targets.

Objective 2: Assess the current Country Office planning, monitoring and evaluation systems and tools, particularly data collection and analysis systems, and whether the processes and systems in place are sufficient to enable the CO to adequately monitor and report on attained results.

Objective 3: Assess the extent to which the staffing structure/profile matches the skills demanded by the programme and the adequacy of financial resources aligned to meet the expected results.

Objective 4: Provide key recommendations on changes and amendments to the Country Office systems to the monitoring and reporting of the country programme progress with a view to measure results for children.

Scope and Process

The assessment will involve three phases: Inception, Data Analysis and Validation/Reporting.

  • The inception phase will involve a briefing from UNICEF Country Office in the Maldives (either in-person or via video conference). This phase will also involve an initial desk review to review relevant background documents, and the further refining of the initial list of evaluability questions. During this phase the consultants will produce an inception report (of around 15 pages) that presents the initial outline and plan of the assessment. A detailed work plan that outlines the expected work outputs and planned timing for each element should be presented to the Country Office at the end of the inception phase.
  • The second phase of the evaluability assessment will involve an extensive desk review, interviews with key staff members (key informants) at various levels (country - regional, and HQ). For the country office consultations, the consultant will review the design, technical and management aspects of the program, the M&E and reporting systems in place at the country level and assess the constraints, opportunities, contextual and substantive issues in operationalizing the program and the monitoring and evaluation work.
  • During this phase the consultant will produce a draft assessment report that includes a detailed analysis of the documentation and processes reviewed, as well as conclusions and recommendations for an informed management response. The report should be between 20-30 pages maximum (excl. Annexes).

  • A final validation meeting will be held with UNICEF country office staff (either in-person or via video conference) to validate the findings and key recommendations of the draft evaluability assessment report. The meeting will discuss and comment on the assessment itself, checking for factual errors or errors of interpretation, and feedback on the recommendations. The exercise will culminate with the completion of the evaluability assessment report that includes detailed findings and clear recommendations on how to further improve the Country Office's Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation systems and processes by considering the four key objectives of this assessment as mentioned above. The report should not exceed 30 pages including the executive summary but excluding annexes.
  • A list evaluability assessment questions (to be finalized during the inception phase).

    Objective 1:Assess the adequacy and validity of the results, activities and indicators in the CPD results framework to measure progress against set targets.

  • Is the Theory of Change (ToC) for programme components adequately described and is there clarity of logic across the results levels?
  • To what extent are results, indicators and activities measurable and are they leading to the desired changes?
  • Are the results, activities, and indicators the critical ones that need to be acted on/evidenced according to the TOC and in line with the management needs?
  • To what extend are cross-cutting priorities (namely: Gender, Disability and DRR and equity) measurable against clear targets?
  • Are SMART indicators in place that enable adequate monitoring and reporting? Have the indicators been defined (e.g. numerators and denominators) with clearly understood standards? Has a target value for the indicator been provided at Outcome and Output levels, including for any necessary stratification?
  • Objective 2:Assess the current Country Office planning, monitoring and evaluation systems and tools, particularly data collection and analysis systems, and whether the processes and systems in place are sufficient to enable the CO to adequately monitor and report on attained results.

  • Are the current Country Office planning, monitoring and evaluation systems and tools, particularly data collection and analysis systems, adequately structured to enable the CO and stakeholders to monitor and report against planned results?
  • Are the processes and systems in place sufficient and reliable for decision making and for programme improvements?
  • Is there a database in place to collate all available programme and evaluation data and information?
  • Are there adequate work flows in place to ensure information and monitoring data from programme teams is shared with the M&E team in order to inform continued reviews of the design, technical and management aspects of the programme?
  • Are there adequate means of verification systems in place to generate information at reasonable intervals to help monitor change and progress over time?
  • Objective 3: Assess the extent to which the staffing structure/profile matches the skills demanded by the programme and the adequacy of financial resources aligned to meet the expected results.

  • Is the P, M&E team adequately staffed to enable effective monitoring and reporting systems across the various programme areas within the Country Office?
  • Does the current Job Description of the P, M&E team fit the purpose and expected outcomes to support the CO in monitoring and reporting on results attained?
  • Are the data and systems in place to allow UNICEF to assess the adequacy of resources to achieve intended results?
  • Are there adequate financial resources to carry out monitoring and evaluation activities (human, technical, and financial resources)?
  • Objective 4:Provide key recommendations on changes and amendments to the Country Office systems to the monitoring and reporting of the country programme progress with a view to measure results for children.

  • What changes to the current planning, monitoring, evaluation and reporting systems are required to enable the Country Office to adequately monitor and report on progress against the country programme targets?
  • What possible changes in the Theory of Changes (TOCs), and in the alignment of the programme activities and objectives and indicators would be required to enhance the evaluability of the Country Programme?
  • What resources (human, technical, and financial resources) are required to enable the recommended changes and enhancements?
  • Duty station: Home-based and Male', Maldives (for initial briefings and key informant discussions)

    Outputs and Deliverables:

  • Outputs/Deliverables
  • The list below outlines the breakdown of the expected deliverables of the evaluability assessment:

    Phase -1 Inception Phase: A draft and final Inception report (approx. 5-10 pages)

  • Scope and methods
  • Finalized list of questions
  • work plan/timeline/schedule to conduct interviews/discussions
  • chapter plan/report template for the final evaluability assessment report
  • Phase 2- Preliminary Analysis of findings (approx. 15 - 20 pages)

  • Presentation of the preliminary findings and recommendations (approx. 15-20 pages)
  • 1 power point presentation with key summary of initial findings
  • Phase 3 - Validation Meeting and Final Report

  • A draft evaluability assessment report (max 30 pages including the executive summary and excluding annexes) to be discussed and validated by the Country Office team
  • A final evaluability assessment report based on comments and feedback received on the draft report during the validation phase.
  • A PowerPoint Presentation (10 to 15 slides): A summary of key findings and conclusions prepared towards the end of the evaluability assessment and submitted before the final validation meeting with the Country Office.
  • Management and evaluation approach:

    Work relationships: this evaluability assessment will be managed by the UNICEF's Country Office P, M&E section guided by the Deputy Representative, reporting to the Representative with key technical inputs from the Regional Evaluation Advisor. It will be conducted in close collaboration with UNICEF country office programme staff.

    Proposed Timeline:

    Tasks

    Duration

    Timeline/Deadline

    Schedule of Payment

    Phase 1 - Inception Phase

  • Initial desk review
  • Draft Inception Report
  • Final Inception Report
  • 10 working days

    17 - 30 Sep 2019

    20%

    Phase 2 - Data Collection & Analysis

  • Analysis and presentation of the preliminary findings and recommendations
  • 10 working days

    1 - 14 Oct 2019

    40%

    Validation and Reporting

  • Draft evaluability assessment report
  • PowerPoint Presentation (10 to 15 slides): A summary of key findings and conclusions
  • Final evaluability assessment report (max. 30 pages).
  • 10 working days

    16 - 30 October

    40%

    All payments are made upon satisfactory completion of deliverables duly authorized by the Supervisor of contract.

    All editable versions (word document soft copy) should be provided to UNICEF.

    Estimated duration of contract: 30 working days between September - October 2019

    Supervisor: Deputy Representative will be the main supervisor the consultant, with strategic guidance from the MCO Representative and Regional Evaluation Advisor.

    Official travel involved: The consultant will make one trip to the country.

    Qualifications or specialized knowledge and/or experience required/profile of the evaluation consultant:

    The assessment will be carried out by an International Consultant at the P4 level.

    The consultant must have an extensive experience in leading evaluability assessments and/or evaluations of a similar scope and type, complexity and character, as well as technical expertise in areas required.

    His/her is responsible to carry out all the tasks described in the TOR. All deliverables to be produced as per the accepted quality standards as per UNICEF global guidelines.

    Minimum qualifications required

  • Education: Master's degree or equivalent in Development Studies, Economics, Social Studies, International Relations or other related fields;
  • Specialist skills/Training: Experience working with the United Nations, particularly UNICEF and sector specific technical expertise include gender and equity responsive programming. Preference will be given to candidate who have a strong understanding of UNICEF's country programming cycle;
  • Years of experience: At least 8 years of experience in programme planning, monitoring, and evaluations processes. Preference will be given to candidates with experience conducting evaluability assessments or evaluations at the strategic and policy levels.
  • Competencies: Proven skills in research analysis, including quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis techniques. Excellent report writing skills, analytical skills, and computer skills
  • Languages required: Excellent command in written and spoken English language.
  • For every Child, you demonstrate…

    UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

    View our competency framework at

    http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

    UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

    UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

    Deadline for Application: 12th September 2019, 06:00 pm (Maldives Time)

    Application Link:

    https://secure.dc7.pageuppeople.com/apply/671/gateway/Default.aspx?c=app...

    Remarks:

    Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

    Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.


    How to apply:

    UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization. To apply, click on the following link http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/?job=526014


    Viewing all articles
    Browse latest Browse all 638

    Trending Articles



    <script src="https://jsc.adskeeper.com/r/s/rssing.com.1596347.js" async> </script>