The Luxembourg NGO SOS Villages d'Enfants Monde a.s.b.l. (SOS VEM) is launching a call for consultancy services to carry out a mid-term evaluation of a development programme implemented in Uzbekistan.
On 2 February 2022, the NGO signed a Development Framework Agreement (FA IV) with the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Cooperation and International Trade (MAEE-DCCI) for the period 2022-2026. This Framework Agreement operates in 5 countries, Niger, Guinea, Benin, Senegal and Uzbekistan, and focuses on mobilizing children, families, communities, civil society and state actors to work together to promote the rights and protection of children and adolescents. The aim is also to support young girls and boys from beneficiary families finding employment through vocational training and socio-economic integration. In Uzbekistan, the legislative framework for social protection and alternative care is evolving rapidly, and will be an important factor to consider.
Halfway through FA IV, these programmes are subject to external evaluation. This request for services concerns Uzbekistan only.
The main objectives of evaluation are the following:
- To analyse programmeโs design, performance and the extent to which programme objectives and results have been achieved at the mid-point of programme implementation (results to date), using participative approach;
- To identify key lessons learned and best practices from programme design, implementation and management, as well as draw recommendations for the remaining programme implementation time.
The 3 components of the program will be evaluated: alternative care, family strengthening and youth care, according to both criteria put forward by SOS Luxembourg (according to the donorโs interest) and those recommended by the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
The evaluation methodology is intended to be participative, iterative, descriptive and analytical and should be based on various methods such as analysis of key documents (desk research), participatory methods including focus groups and interviews with participants and indirect beneficiaries, programme and national staff, key stakeholders. It will essentially comprise 3 main stages: a preparatory stage, evaluation itself, a submission of report.
Expected deliverables:
- inception report
- Draft report presentation
- Final report
- Final report presentation
Selection criteria:
- Method: The proposed method for evaluating the project is suitable
- Timetable/work plan: The timetable/work plan is realistic and meets the needs of the project
- Cost: The cost of the proposal is reasonable and feasible, given the other aspects of the proposal
- Experience: The training and experience of the consultants in evaluations and recommendations from organisations for which the consultant(s) has previously worked
The evaluator / team of evaluators must have:
- post-graduate qualifications in social sciences or related area
- proven competency (record of previous experiences) in project evaluations
- experience in working with children and vulnerable groups of population
- a good understanding of development work in Uzbekistan
- a good understanding of child rights and issues affecting vulnerable children and their families
- good facilitation, organizational and interpersonal skills
- proven experience in participatory processes and data collection methods (including age appropriate data collection methods)
- strong analytical and conceptual skills
- excellent written communication skills
- excellent command of written and oral English, Russian and Uzbek language