MECB Consulting Limited is Currently Recruiting:

SHORT-TERM CONSULTANCY: END OF PROJECT EVALUATION

Request for Quotations (RFQ) No. MECB – 003

Release Date:    10/09/2018

For: “Strengthening the Capacity and Policy Influence of Water and Sanitation Apex CSOs to improve and preserve the quality of groundwater in peri-urban areas of Lusaka district”.

Contractor: MECB Consulting Limited

Funded by: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland/Civil Society Environment Fund (CSEF) 2

Nature of Review: End of Project evaluation

Assignment Period: September to December, 2018

INTRODUCTION:

MECB Consulting Limited was awarded a two-year grant by The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland/Civil Society Environment Fund (CSEF) 2 to implement the “Strengthening the Capacity and Policy Influence of Water and Sanitation Apex CSOs to improve and preserve the quality of groundwater in peri-urban areas of Lusaka district”.

The primary aim of the project is to enhance the capacity of CSO’s to test, monitor and interpret water quality test results, engage in evidence-based policy advocacy and dialogue on groundwater quality and promote sustainable management approaches in Lusaka peri-urban district. By the end of 2018, MECB Consulting Limited will contribute to and enhance the role of civil society in sound environmental management in support of sustainable and equitable development in Zambia.

MECB Consulting Limited is seeking a local qualified Individual Consultant or Firm to conduct an end of project evaluation for the project.

This ToR defines the modalities and deliverables of the end of project evaluation that is to be carried out for the purposes of the project titled the “Strengthening the Capacity and Policy Influence of Water and Sanitation Apex CSOs to improve and preserve the quality of groundwater in 3 peri-urban areas of Lusaka district”.

This evaluation is the systematic assessment of the design, implementation and the results of this project in order to consider its relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability.

PURPOSE OF THE EVALUATION:

The first year of project implementation focused on capacity building of apex CSOs and community partners in organizational effectiveness, advocacy and social accountability, groundwater quality analysis, monitoring and reporting, while the second year focused more on groundwater quality testing, dialogues and advocacy work.

This mid-term evaluation provides an important opportunity for the project to reflect on the outcomes and to develop the learning for the improvement of upcoming activities. The evaluation should build upon the baseline, mid-term and monitoring data, providing an opportunity for more in-depth analysis and understanding on why certain intended or unintended outcomes are/are not occurring. Moreover, the evaluation will provide the opportunity for accountability towards the project stakeholders, as well as important learning for the project teams, partners and WASH sector stakeholders.

The end of project evaluation results will give the possibility to use the findings for: – Assessing the contribution towards the outcomes achieved by the project; – Learning on best practices for improving the influencing / advocacy strategy of the project,  Providing recommendations on focal areas such as the state of groundwater in Lusaka district, third sector engagement, relevance, sustainability of the outcomes, – Accountability towards stakeholders at large (government, donor, water-end users, civil society and the private sector, to identify key lessons in order to improve future strategies and programmes); – Assessing the sustainability of partnerships and developing the strategies for transition;

CONSULTANT ROLE OVERVIEW

The consultant will undertake the end of project evaluation in Lusaka district covering three targeted peri-urban communities. The evaluation is intended to give the project implementers, partners, funders and future funders information on the performance of the project in the 2 years of implementation. The evaluation is intended to be forward-looking which will capture effectively lessons learnt and provide information on the nature, extent and the effect of the project to the primary and secondary beneficiaries. The evaluation will address the results achieved, the partnerships established, as well as issues of capacity building and the approach.

QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED BY THE EVALUATION

Based on the above-mentioned objectives, the specific key questions that the evaluation should answer include(but not be limited) to the following key issues::

Relevance – Assess the design and focus of the project
Effectiveness- Describe the management processes and their appropriateness in supporting the delivery
Efficiency – of Project Implementation
Sustainability

SCOPE OF THE EVALUATION AND APPROACH ON METHODOLOGY

The process of end of project evaluation will be carried out in a transparent and participatory manner, including consultation with a broad range of stakeholders in the assessment. The methodology for the evaluation envisages both desk and field researches. The desk research will be the first step for the evaluation team for: – Understanding the Project and its specifics; – Assessing the process through project documentation; The sources for the desk research include: – Quarterly Reports (8 in total) and the annual report of Year 1 & 2; – Project log-frame, indicators; – Other relevant documentation.

The field research will include face to face interviews with the project teams, partners, and stakeholders through semi-structured questionnaires in order to guarantee the availability of both quantitative and qualitative evidence whenever appropriate.

The sources of information for the field research for the evaluation include: – MECB Consulting Limited staff and partners; – Policy makers from relevant government agencies; – Other stakeholders, such as the donor, etc. The exact list of respondents shall be elaborated with close consultations with MECB Consulting Limited project team.

EVALUATION TEAM:

Skills, qualifications and experience

• Degree in Social Science, Public Health, International Development or related field
• At least 10 years of relevant experience, including substantial experience conducting results based evaluations of international development projects.
• Experience leading evaluations of capacity building projects for WASH projects in Zambia.
• Experience with participatory evaluation methodologies and excellent communication skills are essential.
• Experience of working with local WASH civil society and private organisations
• Deep understanding that issues that face people living in rural communities
• Relevant country experience
• MECB Consulting Limited reserves the right to close this job early if we receive a sufficient number of applications.

EXPECTED OUTPUTS

1. A draft Evaluation report
2. The report must incorporate the following:

Well referenced literature about water and sanitation issues in the respective communities

Well analyzed and presented data.

Present status, gaps and recommendations for future interventions, including implementation methodology, appropriate structures for the project success, and possible sustainability strategy.

Present clear performance indicators to track the expected benefits in the monitoring and evaluation system

The data collection tools used, raw data and analyzed data

A final report containing the main findings of the Evaluation and recommendations.

APPLICATION CRITERIA

Interested consultancy firms and/or individuals  should submit detailed technical and financial proposals covering:

• Capacity statement and CVs of principle consultants,
• Demonstrated understanding of the terms of reference
• Proposed methodology and a detailed work plan
• A detailed financial proposal
• Two reference letters from recent clients with contact details of the referees.

TIMELINE

• Application Deadline:  Applications must be received no later than 16:00 PM on Friday, September 14, 2018 by email to [email protected] or [email protected] or by hand to the MECB Consulting Limited Office at Plot No. 13, Sianjalika Road, Woodlands, Lusaka.  Please reference the RFQ No. (MECB RFQ-003) in any response to this RFQ.
• Negotiations:  Best-offer quotations are requested.  It is anticipated that awards will be made solely on the basis of these original quotations.  However, MECB Consulting Limited reserves the right to conduct negotiations and/or request clarifications prior to awarding a contract.
• Evaluation and Award:  The award will be made to a responsible offeror whose offer follows the RFQ instructions judged to be the lowest-priced, technically acceptable offer.
• Terms and Conditions:  This is a Request for Quotations only.  Issuance of this RFQ does not in any way obligate MECB Consulting Limited to award a purchase order, nor does it commit MECB Consulting Limited to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of a proposal. This solicitation is subject to MECB Consulting Limited’s standard terms and conditions.  Any resultant award or purchase order will be governed by these terms and conditions.  Please note that MECB Consulting Limited standard payment terms are net 30 days after receipt and acceptance of any deliverables.