Call for Consultancies: Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Services

Call for Consultant Roster: Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning Consultant UNIT: AGILE REPORTS TO: Unit Sr. Director, Analytics, Gender, Inclusion, Learning and Evaluation (AGILE) POSITION SUMMARY Winrock is building an updated roster of Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Research (MERL) Consultants, available for intermittent short-term engagements of approximately 5-7 days at a time. The MERL Consultant will lead the development of monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) sections for proposals, including proposal narratives and indicator tables. The consultant will ensure that state-of-the-art standards are met for MEL in new business proposals. The MERL Consultant interfaces with Winrock staff in Home Offices, working with the AGILE team, and proposal teams to collaboratively develop realistic and technically sound MEL content for proposals. RESPONSIBILITIES Develop proposal MEL sections in accordance with donor guidance and Winrock MEL policy. Develop MEL sections for proposals, being sure to cite the evidence base for the approach. Coordinate with proposal teams to ensure that key staff responsible for the technical design are involved in developing the theory of change (TOC)/Logic model and review draft TOCs/logic models during technical proposal reviews (take the lead or joint lead on TOC/ Logic Model design). Lead proposal teams in indicator & target setting for proposals. Develop proposal narratives and associated AMELP/ AMEP/ M&E / MIS/ GESI sections to be included in the proposal. Provide budget inputs, such as costs related to studies, data collection, and MEL workshops. QUALIFICATIONS Required Graduate level degree in statistics, economics, international development or social sciences or related field Experience in M&E new business design, including writing MEL sections in proposals Excellent written communication skills Excellent organizational skills, including ability to meet deadlines, and work as a team player Experience with major donors' requirements including USAID, DOS, DOL, USDA, FCDO Familiarity with Winrock's technical sectors (economic development, agriculture, environment, energy, climate change, human rights, trafficking in persons, child labor, education, and gender equality) Fluency in English required Experience supporting international development projects. Call for Consultancies: Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Services Organization: Winrock International Winrock is a recognized leader in U.S. and international development with a focus on social and environmental issues. As a mission driven, field-based organization, we believe that sustainable development is inclusive and that complex challenges require integrated solutions. We pride ourselves as a learning organization that embraces continuous improvement in program results and processes and a culture of accountability. Introduction: Winrock International is in the process of identifying pre-qualified vendors with strong background in MEL to provide Evaluation and Learning services for its international development projects in sectors including Agriculture, Trafficking-in-Person, Resilience, Climate Change, Natural Resource Management, Education, Water Sanitation and Hygiene, etc. Required services include conducting baseline, midline, endline (final) evaluation studies, and/or learning studies. Winrock invites qualified and experienced firms and individuals to submit applications to provide any or all of these services. Winrock will contact shortlisted candidates for additional information before they are added to the list of preferred vendors. Upon inclusion in the pre-qualified preferred vendor list, Winrock will contact the vendor for any upcoming need. Contract determination will be based on availability and price of the vendor for the task. In instances where RFP/RFQs are required, vendors on the preferred list will be given priority. As a partner, the selected vendor will play a crucial role in ensuring the effective implementation and impact of our projects, ensuring that we achieve our goals and objectives, and help enhance our project management and decision-making processes. Select partners may also be solicited to provide input in future proposals and will be included as a sub-awardee on the awards. Scope of Work: The consultancy services may involve comprehensive monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities to assess the progress, outcomes, and impact of the programs. The consultants will be responsible for developing and/or implementing one or more of the following key activities: Baseline Assessment: Conduct baseline assessment to establish a reference point for project indicators and outcomes, as well as to identify relevance and effectiveness of planned interventions. Midterm Assessment: Conduct mid-term assessment to establish progress of the project and identify gaps, efficiencies, and effectiveness in implementation for program improvements. Final (Endline) Assessment: Conduct final (endline) assessment to measure effectiveness, impact, and sustainability of the program. Learning studies: Conduct research that aligns with agency learning agenda and project objectives, using robust methods. These activities may include the following tasks: Develop M&E Framework Design M&E framework that aligns with project objectives and indicators. Design study Select appropriate methods (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods) based on project sector, project size (district level studies to national and multiple national studies), etc. Design and draw samples (if not conducting census) for quantitative and qualitative data collection. Collect and Analyze data: Implement robust data collection methods – typically mixed methods including surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions, with due ethical consideration for study participants. Analyze quantitative and qualitative data to assess progress, outputs, outcomes, relevance, effectiveness, efficiencies, impact, and sustainability. Report and disseminate: Regularly report on project progress, challenges, and achievements. Provide timely and accurate information for donor reporting and organizational decision-making. Capacity Building: Build the capacity of project staff and local partners in M&E practices. Conduct training sessions on data collection, analysis, and reporting. Qualifications and Requirements: Prospective consultants and firms should possess the following qualifications and experience: Demonstrated expertise in monitoring and evaluation, preferably in Agriculture, Trafficking-in-Person, Education, Resilience, Climate Change, Natural Resource Management, and/or Water Sanitation and Hygiene projects funded by United States Government. Proven experience in developing and implementing M&E frameworks for projects of similar scale and nature. Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex data sets. Excellent communication and reporting skills. Familiarity with relevant M&E data collection and analysis tools such as Kobo/ODK for data collection, and SPSS, Stata, SAS, R, NVivo, AtlasTI for data analysis. Application Submission: Interested consultants and firms are invited to submit their applications by 3/31/2024. The application package should include: Detailed profile of the consulting firm and key staff, or individuals. Descriptions of relevant experience with baseline, midline, endline and/or learning studies, including sample size, budget and methodology used. Regions/countries of experience Sectors of experience Samples of previous reports. Submission Deadline: 3/31/2024 Submit proposals below Evaluation Criteria: Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria: Relevant experience and expertise. Clarity and feasibility of methodologies proposed. Note: Winrock reserves the right to reject any or all proposals. We look forward to receiving your proposals and partnering with qualified consultants and firms to enhance the impact of Winrock International’s projects. Winrock is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all people and value diversity and inclusiveness. Winrock recruits, employs, trains, promotes and compensates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, or any other basis protected by law. At Winrock we have a clear mission: Empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity and sustain natural resources through unwavering dedication to accountability, equity, innovation, integrity and transformation. Winrock knows that its success comes from the hard work and steadfast dedication of its diverse workforce. Winrock remains committed to maintaining diversity, inclusion and equity across the entire organization