Monitoring and Evaluation Consultancy

Scope of Work
Monitoring and Evaluation Consultancy
World Vision – Health and Livelihoods Initiative in Ghor (HEALING)

1. BACKGROUND
The purpose of this Scope of Work is to provide monitoring and evaluation for World Vision (WV) Afghanistan’s Multi-Year Assistance Program (MYAP), funded by USAID’s Office of Food for Peace (FFP).The program is the Health and Livelihood Initiative in Ghor, (HEALING).

The M&E Consultant will use both quantitative and qualitative methods to track the implementation of the planned activities and ascertain the effectiveness of the program and challenges encountered during implementation.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
Goal: Reduced food insecurity in target populations

Strategic Objective 1: Livelihood Capacities Protected and Enhanced
IR 1.1: Increased household income.
IR 1.2: Increased resilience of farming systems.

Strategic Objective 2: Human Capabilities Enhanced and Protected
IR 2.1: Malnutrition in Children Under Five Reduced (particularly for children 0-24 months).
IR 2.2: Nutrition and Health Practices of Pregnant and Lactating Women Improved.

2. OBJECTIVES OF THE CONSULTANCY
The purpose of the consultancy is to examine and apply ways to strengthen the independence of M&E in the field and enhance data quality. The consultant(s) will: 1) assess existing monitoring data gathering and processing systems via interviews with staff, focus group discussions, partners, government and other relevant stakeholders, and 2) present findings and develop recommendations to strengthen monitoring and data quality to track what the program has achieved versus program targets.
While all recommendations with respect to potential improvements in M&E systems are of interest, an important focus of the consultancy is to explore the scope for implementing monitoring data collection. The work will be field-based and recommendations should consider sustainable methods of addressing the identified constraints to ensure accountability to all stakeholders as the program phases down.

Responsibilities and specific tasks:
Responsibility 1. Assess existing M&E system and the capacity to monitor the results of MYAP activities (including unintended results); to analyze existing gaps, challenges and specific needs.
a. Review background documents, reports and other relevant documents.
c. Meet with key staff, partners and other key stakeholders supporting implementing partners to assess roles in M&E process.
h. Review mainstreaming of gender in data collection and monitoring
i. Review compliance with humanitarian and “do no harm” principles
j. Review mechanisms in place to ensure equity/impartiality of aid delivery, and identify any opportunities to strengthen those mechanisms.
k. Identify key constraints to the delivery of systematic M&E measures.

Responsibilty 2. Assess monitoring of the program and whether systems can be sustained.
a. Review the existing M&E mechanisms and control measures from partners and communities and analyze for effectiveness.
b. Assess whether current mechanisms accurately and appropriately represent outputs and outcomes.
c. Assess potential for further study from WV on impact of aid on the operating environment and social/political context.
d. If current model is not optimal, develop actionable recommendations for improvement.

Responsibilty 3. Based on assessment findings of points 1 and 2, determine whether improvements are feasible and recommended.
c. Develop recommendations to strengthen M&E programmatic monitoring.
d. Draft, refine and finalize assessment report.

3. DELIVERABLES
b) Work plan based on this TOR, specifying the data collection methods to be used, the resources (human, financial, logistical) required, draft data collection instruments and assessment tools, how ethical data collection will be assured and the anticipated timeframe.
c) Briefing on preliminary findings.
d) M&E systems assessment report, focused on recommendations and next steps. At the end of the mission, the consultant(s) will prepare a report reviewing activities undertaken, main findings and recommendations to improve monitoring, and to strengthen remote M&E in project areas, to ensure verifiable, high-quality information. The report should be submitted to WVUS no later than three weeks after completion of the mission.

4. QUALIFICATIONS
• Postgraduate degree in economics, community development, public health, social science, or other related field;
• At least seven years of proven experience in monitoring and evaluating humanitarian / development projects;
• Proven experience in monitoring, preferably in the context of health, education and/or food security programming;
• Experience in developing and implementing M&E frameworks, tools and systems, including familiarity with results-based management concepts and the logical framework approach;
• Strong background in monitoring and evaluation research in relevant area, including some of the following: indicators selection, needs assessment, quantitative and qualitative data collection methods and tools, statistical analysis in social science;
• Sound knowledge of information management tools and procedures;
• Prior experience in working with culturally diverse communities and conflict-affected areas.
Skills and language:
• Excellent computer skills, including Windows, MS Office programs. Knowledge of statistical analysis software will be a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and able to write quality reports.
• Exceptional English comprehension and able to write clearly and professionally.
5. TIMEFRAME
This work will take place during a six-week period between July 17 -August 28, 2011.

6. PROPOSAL CONTENTS SUBMISSION
Interested parties should submit the required document by 5:00 p.m. EST June 24, 2011 to the contact email address listed below.
Please address questions and proposals to:
Frederick McCray, Jr.
Program Management Officer
fmccray@worldvision.org

7. COST and BUDGET
Consultants are to submit a budget with compensation based on salary history, travel and in-country expenses. Consultants may book their own travel or use WVUS travel services for economy class airfare to and from Afghanistan. All in-country logistics, such as hotel accommodation, transportation, food and translation services, will be provided by WVA. Consultants are expected to bring their own laptop computers.