Project Evaluation Consultant At Sexual Offences Awareness & Response (SOAR) Initiative

URGENT RECRUITMENT OF EVALUATION CONSULTANT FOR END-OF PROJECT DOCUMENTATION OF RESULTS, LESSONS LEARNT AND BEST PRACTICES ON 3-YEAR UN TRUST FUND PROJECT

The Incorporated Trustees of Sexual Offences Awareness & Response Initiative [hereinafter referred to as “Sexual Offences Awareness and Response  Initiative (SOAR Initiative)], a local non-profit, non-governmental organization (NGO) focused on addressing sexual violence against children, is seeking applications from qualified candidates to fill in the positions of Monitoring and Evaluation Consultant. The successful applicant will have the responsibility of measuring progress and review results on activities being implemented in project IDP camps and host communities in Benue State.

This position is being recruited strictly on merit as we are sincerely looking for the best candidate that can add value to the organization.
 
Position: Project Evaluation Consultant 
Project Location: Benue State:

• Naka IDP camp, Gwer-East LGA,
• Gbajimba IDP main camp 1 and
• Gbajimba IDP extension camp 2 in Guma LGA

Issue Date: 13^th January, 2024
Submission deadline: 31^st January, 2024
Duration:  19^th February to 5^th April 2024 (30days) 

Purpose of Assignment:

To carry out an evaluation of the UN Trust Fund project conducted in 3 IDP camps in Benue State in order to determine:

1. Results and achievements
2. Gaps and challenges
3. Lessons Learnt
4. Best Practices

The study will focus on the below:

1. collecting required data from target groups and stakeholders on the project through quantitative and qualitative survey techniques.in order to determine the above stated
   1. analyse the data so collected
   2. develop an Analytic report   

Key Duties and Responsibilities (Scope of work):

This assignment will be conducted in all project locations in Benue State where the project interventions were implemented. It will cover the following:

1. Review and analyse records, reports and means of verification tools collected during implementation of activities to determine results vis-à-vis project targets.
2. Determine and review documented quantitative project results analysed against targets
3. Conduct FGD with State and camp-based structures strengthened/established on the project
4. Conduct FGD with displaced adolescent girl primary target groups and other secondary target groups involved in the project in the project camp and community
5. Conduct in-depth Key informant interviews with primary and secondary target groups in project camp and communities
6. Review data collected to determine project results, gaps & challenges, lessons learnt and best practices
7. Collect any other data as required by the log-frame
8. Develop Analytical Report from analysis of evaluation findings with recommendations for scale-up
9. Presentation of summary of Analytical Report at learning and dissemination meetings with project stakeholders and partners in Benue State and/or Abuja as will be determined.

Deliverables and Timeline

1. Hold meeting with Project Management to review TOR, deliverables and Assignment timeline before approval and signing of Contract document
2. Submit Inception report to Project Management on findings from reviewed records, reports and MOV tools including final Work Plan no later than 7days after commencement of Consultancy.
3. Present Inception report to Project Management at Inception meeting, no later than 7days after commencement of Consultancy.
4. Conduct field work, analysis and development of Analytical Report
5.  This assignment will be required to be completed by 5th April 2024, with an allowable ceiling of claims no more than 30working days from commencement of Consultancy.

Institutional Arrangement

1. The assignment will be implemented under overall guidance of the Executive Directo of SOAR Initiative
2. The Consultant is expected to regularly liaise with the ED throughout the process, starting with the identification and presentation of project results at Inception meeting.
3. These will need to be approved by the ED throughout the process.  
4. SOAR Initiative will, among other things, facilitate the Consultant’s contacts with key target groups and access to relevant documents to the project. 
5. SOAR shall provide the workspace, office equipment, supplies, etc. for the consultant’s use where and when necessary. Expected expenses required on this activity should be part of the submitted quotation/estimates. 
6. This consultancy contract may not commence unless the contract is signed by both SOAR Initiative and the Consultant.

Qualifications and Experience

• At least 10 years’ experience in data collection and analysis  
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in conducting project evaluation and surveys
• Strong qualitative and quantitative research and analysis background 
• Previous institutional experience undertaking similar assignments.
• Excellent communication and report writing skills – Consultant must provide evidence of previous report written and references that can attest to such report writing skills
• Good inter-personal communication/ facilitation skills and experience in participatory processes for engaging stakeholders
• Strong analytical skills
• Strong experience and working knowledge about ethical considerations required for gathering SGBV data in conflict specific locations
• Working knowledge and experience in gender equality work in Nigeria are an added advantage.  

Selection Criteria

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the methodology outlined below. Only candidates obtaining a minimum score of 70% of the criteria laid out in Sections A – D below will be shortlisted for the next stage of the engagement process and consideration for the Financial Evaluation in Part E.

Assessment (Section) Heading	Proposal Assessment Criteria	Average Total Score
A) General Understanding of TORs	The proposal clearly demonstrates the way in which the consultant understands the context, purpose, objectives and expectations expressed in the terms of reference and does not simply “cut and paste” or paraphrase from the TORs, demonstrating an understanding of the proposed study – 10%  The proposal provides a sound analysis of available information and a view to stating and answering research questions/assumptions. The reasoning is explicit and well-founded – 10%	20%
B) Technical Feasibility of Proposed Indicative Methodological Design	Clearly describes the data collection and analysis methods to be applied in the process – 10% Clearly defined research questions that show an understanding of expectations expressed in the TOR  – 10%The proposed methodology presents a clear detailed work plan and realistic time schedule for completing the assignment – 10%Proposal shows understanding of ethical consideration required in gathering SGBV data in conflict settings – 10%	40%
D) Consultant Competencies	The consultant and/or proposed team show required level of experience (as described in the TORs) to carry out the evaluation – 5%Identifiable and confirmed referee endorsing project evaluation competencies from quality of similar work done – 10%Submitted quality evaluation/analytical reports of similar projects on SGBV/Child protection/Gender equality – 10%Understanding/Experience working in conflict situations – 5%	30%
D) Financial Proposal	The consultant presents a clear, broken down and adequate cost and financing plan (budget) in Nigerian Naira (NGN) ONLY for the entire process broken down in their specifics.The budget clearly aligns with the detailed work plan	10%

Assessment Area Average Total Score A) General Understanding of TORs  The proposal demonstrates clearly the way in which the consultant understands the expectations expressed in the terms of reference.   The proposal provides sound analysis of available information with a view to answering research questions/assumptions. The reasoning is explicit and well-founded.          20% B) Technical Feasibility of Proposed Indicative Methodological Design  The proposal describes the data collection and analysis methods to be applied in the process. The methods should be feasible within the study context.   The proposed methodology presents a clear detailed work plan and realistic time schedule for completing the assignment          40% D) Consultant Competencies  The consultant and or proposed team have the necessary competencies (as described in the TORs) to carry out the midline survey. .         30% E) Financial Proposal The consultant presents a clear and adequate cost and financing plan (budget) in Nigerian Naira (NGN) ONLY for the entire process broken down in their specifics.  The budget clearly aligns with the detailed work plan 10%.

Method of Application

1. Interested and qualified applicants should submit a detailed proposal to the Google link https://bit.ly/4aMb1xs   on or before 31^st January, 2024
2. The proposal should include but not limited to the following:
   1. Details on understanding of the ToR, scope of work and draft methodology to be used.
   2. Work plan with timeline, specifying dates for each activity, from commencement of the evaluation to final submission of all deliverables
   3. Detailed budget breakdown with work plan showing expected daily rates and all likely expenses with clear distinction on cost of delivery at all levels. Note that while a maximum of 30 working days is allowable on this Consultancy, whatever number of days quoted for an activity must be justifiable bearing in mind that this is a competitive process.
   4. Necessary documents pertaining to licenses e.g. a Tax Identification Number (TIN) or Value added Tax (VAT) certificate is mandatory. 
   5. CV of the lead researcher and other contributing individuals (if planning to work in a team) with functional emails and/or phone numbers 
   6. Cover letter of Expression of Interest
   7. Names, Organizations, and Contact details of three Referees(with functional contact information) whom we may contact in determining short listings for this engagement process
3. Failure to supply any of the above may lead to disqualification of submitted applications
4. Kindly Note: Applications will be reviewed on a first-come-first-served basis. SOAR Initiative reserves the right to conclude this recruitment process when a suitable candidate is selected. While SOAR Initiative thanks all applicants for their interest, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
     
   SOAR Initiative’s organizational culture promotes the principles of safeguarding and high moral values. SOAR’s Safeguarding Policy 2022 promotes an environment where no staff, associates, volunteers, case workers, consultants, board members, and partners engage in a sexual relationship, harass, or exploit anyone under the age of 18 or vulnerable adult, especially our beneficiaries”.
    
   SOAR Initiative’s organizational culture has zero tolerance for corrupt practices. We advise that applicants do not offer or accept any request for money, favors, or gifts from anyone before, during or after a recruitment process to facilitate or appreciate any staff for an employment opportunity with SOAR Initiative. Applicants found engaging in such practices will jeopardize their chances of being selected. If anyone contacts, you with such an offer please report this immediately to SOAR Initiative’s management on this line 08179080655”.