Sustainable Livelihoods Development (SLD) Program Evaluation Consultant

Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka Reports to: Head of Mission Duration: Thirty Days

Purpose: The overall purpose for the evaluation of the SLD Program is to measure its impact and success in reaching the goal, objectives, and indicators delineated in the project proposal and related documents. The evaluation will include both qualitative and quantitative data that measure the various components of the project including: the methodology, relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability of the SLD Program. The evaluation aims to provide feedback about the program to the implementing agency and to the donor agency, in order to inform lessons learned and recommendations for future projects undertaken by both agencies into the future.

This evaluation will use quantitative and qualitative research techniques to assess the design and implementation of the SLD program. Tools and methods should be employed to investigate the project’s methodology, relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability.

UMCOR staff members and partner organization staff will form an integral part of the evaluation. Their role will be defined during initial discussions with key SLD staff and consultations with partners. Any beneficiary aspect of the evaluation would involve men, women, boys and girls in order to ensure that the views of all beneficiaries is taken into consideration.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: The evaluation will include:

1. The review of relevant program documents, including needs assessments, project proposal and (approved No Cost Extensions), periodic program reports, monitoring reports, program database, partner project proposals and reports, translated “Nambikkai” quarterly publications, and the mid-term evaluation.
2. Field work with the relevant communities, program and partner staff. This will include focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews, observations, questionnaires, and possible visits to beneficiary and non-beneficairy households to elicit their views on SLD projects and their impact.
3. Key informant interviews with UMCOR and partner staff, as well as relevant government officials and coordinating agencies.
4. Case studies documenting success stories as well as the lessons that can be learnt from interventions.

Key Informants The following persons/groups have been identified as potential contributors to the evaluation process: a) Community members and leaders, both direct and indirect beneficiaries as well as non-beneficiaries b) Community-Based Organizations (e.g. WRDS, RDS, FCS, FMS) c) Relevant Government Authorities (GAs, Divisional Secretariats, Grama Nilidari division officers, relevant line ministry representatives) d) Local NGO partners e) Relevant UMCOR team members f) Coordinating Agencies (UN and non-partner I/NGOs) g) Private companies (both partner companies and non-partner companies)

In consultation with UMCOR team members, a combination of purposive and random sampling will be used to identify the partners who will engage in interviews and questionnaires.

Key Evaluation Questions The key evaluation questions are rooted in, but will not be limited to, the Terms of Reference developed for the evaluation.

Relevance and Appropriateness • Were the SLD Program Goal, Objectives, Indicators, and Activities aligned with local needs and priorities? • Were the interventions aligned with government plans/strategies, when appropriate? • Does the implementation methodology addressed the felt needs of the vulnerable communities targeted by the project?
• Were the interventions aligned with cluster standards and international best practices (including SPHERE standards, when relevant)? • Were the interventions culturally appropriate? • Did the program and partner activities contribute toward achieving the objectives and results? • Did the program and partner activities reach the targeted population?

Efficiency • Were program objectives realistic and achievable within the timeframe? • Was the implementation of program/partner activities on schedule and delivery of services on target? • Were program resources used to maximize service/support provision to the beneficiaries? • Was the program flexible and able to rapidly adapt its methodology or approach to meet the changing environment, working context, or beneficiary needs?

Effectiveness • Did the program achieve the goal, objectives, and indicators delineated in the project proposal? • What were the gaps between expected and actual achievements and what are the reasons for any such gaps? • How effective was the financial management system? • How well did the management structure support/facilitate project implementation? • What systems or processes merit significant review and/or change?

Impact • According to a random sampling of beneficiaries, what is the average increase in household income following the project completion? • According to a random sampling of beneficiaries, what is the increase in employment at GN-level, following the project completion? • What is the percentage of beneficiaries that are satisfied with the project? • What wider impacts did the project have on the beneficiaries, working environment and stakeholders, intended or unintended, positive or negative (e.g. social capital, transparency, environmental impact, gender, etc.)? • Were lessons learned successfully applied from the start of the project to interventions completed at the end of the project?

Sustainability • Are the businesses supported through the project continually engaged in highlighted business activities? • Are the systems and structures which were established through the project maintained and useful to the benefit of the targeted communities (e.g. productive infrastructure projects are being used, VLG meetings are being held, community volunteerism continues)?

QUALIFICATIONS:
• A relevant masters’ degree in business development, social sciences, or related field with demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of business planning & development in a middle-income, but post-conflict setting.

EXPERIENCE: • Five years of field-based experience in conducting program evaluations. • Strong skills in quantitative and qualitative analyses. • Experience in working with people from a set of complex and diverse culture & ethnicity. • Knowledge of Sri Lankan context and I/NGO policy regulations. • Field experience in post-disaster and post-conflict humanitarian and early recovery sector. • Verifiable evidence of previous successful strategic plans drafted for other organizations. • Understanding for sustainable development practices in a post-conflict setting. • Sensitivity to the work of non-profit, ecumenical organizations.

SKILLS: Candidates must demonstrate • Solid understanding of SWOT analysis and other planning tools. • Technical capacity in report writing and aptitude for conducting evaluationsessions. • Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills. • Excellent writing skills for audiences including donors, the public and other stakeholders. • Proven analytical skills, coordination and facilitation skills. • Computer literate and advanced presentation skills. • Ability to work in an unstable and sometimes insecure environment. • Fluency in English; Tamil and Sinhala language a plus.

How to apply:

Please apply by uploading your resume (CV), letter of interest and proposal though our website at http://jobs-mcor.icims.com/umcor_jobs/jobs/candidate/login.jsp?jobid=1345 . Deadline for applications is December 15, 2011. No telephone inquiries please. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. We appreciate your interest in the United Methodist Committee on Relief. The United Methodist Committee on Relief, NGO is an Equal Opportunity Employer