Header

INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION PROJECT EVALUATOR


DESCRIPTION
African Views Organization seeks qualified individuals to join its team of International and independent evaluators bring put together to evaluate the Recovery for Acholi Youth (RAY) project in Northern Uganda. The purpose of the evaluation is to provide an independent assessment of the robustness of the design and implementation of the RAY project in order to gauge whether it is performing to standard as well as replicable within and/or beyond Uganda.

Quick Summary
·         Type of Evaluation: Summative
·         Program to be evaluated: Education Programs
·         Location: Uganda – (Areas of Northern Uganda):
·         Application Deadline: 1-April-13
·         Job Type: Contractual Obligation
·         Post Level:  International Consultant
·         Languages Required: English    
·         Duration: April/beginning of May through the end of August 2013.

QUALIFICATION AND REQUIREMENTS
Candidate must have the following qualifications and meeting requirements:
·         Has at least a minimum of 5 years of experience in education program management and proven experience with conducting evaluations.
·         Has knowledge of education systems and challenges in African context, added advantage comes with specific experience with aftermath or post disaster/emergency situation (Recovery and reconstruction)
·         Has previous experience in  evaluating multi-years education programs in developing countries; such as:
O    Teacher training.
O   Constructions of classrooms and other educational infrastructures
O   Support to youths and orphans through school fees and vocational skills programs.
O   Supplies of scholastics materials.
·         Has knowledge of both qualitative and quantitative research; (these are both required at different stages including designing, data collection and analysis)
·         Has knowledge and experience with development work for the rural poor (particular in African/developing countries)
·         Is willing to travel to Uganda for few months


RESPONSIBILITIES
·         Develop elaborate plan based on provided schedules and determine the appropriate logistics required for the exercise.
·         Develop of concept note for the evaluation (expression of interest to the NRC)
·         Monitor and review of the evaluation progress at close time intervals
·         Prepare evaluation tools (e.g. Questionnaires and interview guides)
·         Carry out pre-test of tools and effects adjustments where necessary
·         Control  for quality (including setting up benchmarks)
·         Provide technical support, including orientation for the National Team on evaluation tools (data assistants etc)
·         Take lead in preparation and presentation of reports to National representatives at all stages
·         Inform and negotiate for any required adjustments in events that the evaluation process is faced with challenges or there is need for a change of any kind
·         Develop data analysis and synthesis into full evaluation report.

METHODOLOGY:
·         Desk study and document review: The evaluation team shall review project data,  proposals, reports, and other documents relevant for the program
·         Field visits / Observation: The evaluation will review activities in the Acholi Sub-region, the evaluation team will travel to Gulu and Kitgum, and other project sites
·         Beneficiary Focus Group Discussions:  The evaluation team will meet with beneficiaries and community representatives of the target population, and conduct focus group discussions and interviews
·         Interviews with stakeholders: The evaluation team will conduct interviews with staff, Education Authorities, Local Authorities, Implementing Partners, and other key stakeholders.

PROJECT BACKGROUND INFORMATION
For the past 23 years, northern Uganda suffered the effects of a devastating internal conflict. More than 90% of the population has been displaced and a huge numbers of the communities have already returned to their original homeland trying to rebuild themselves. Recovery for Acholi Youth [RAY] project was intended to ensure access to basic quality and relevant education and skills training for out of school children and youth for future self-reliance, economic recovery, sustainable peace and stability in Acholi sub-region of Northern Uganda. Specifically, the project was intended to “enable out of school children and youth in return areas to access and complete the basic primary education and skills training cycle”. This is to be achieved through 3 strategies, namely:

1.       Accelerated Learning Program (ALP): Enabling out of school children in return areas to access basic education 
2.       Youth Education Pack (YEP):  Enabling out of school youth in return areas to access basic literacy & numeracy, life-skills and occupational skills training
3.       School Construction (SC):  Improving availability of basic school infrastructure in return areas

The RAY project has been implemented in all the 7 districts of Acholi sub-region targeting youth between 15 and 24 years for YEP and children between 9 and 14 years for ALP. As a core element of the RAY exit strategy, the project was designed to be integrated with government priorities to guarantee sustainability of impact. The School construction component phased out at the end 2011; The YEP component phased out at the end 2012; while the (ALP) program component will close with the rest of the country office at the end 2013.

PURPOSE OF THE EVALUATION
To obtain an independent opinion of the robustness RAY project in terms of design and implementation in Uganda in order to gauge the project’s replicability within and beyond Uganda. The evaluation should also assess the performance of the project against the agreed key deliverables. The findings of this study will be shared with key project stakeholders.
The following research questions are to be evaluated in relationship to the DAC criteria with emphasis on relevance, effectiveness and sustainability. The lines of enquiry will be finalized and further elaborated by the evaluation team in their inception report
1.                   To what extent has RAY (particularly the ALP and YEP components) responded to the education needs and limitations out-of-school children and youth in the post-conflict Acholi sub region, the government strategic priorities as well as NRC’s operational framework (proposals, policy and implementation guidelines)? 

a.                   What was the outcome of the YEP program for year 1 and year 2 beneficiaries? (Refer to previous tracer study with Year 1 beneficiaries, and consider conducting a tracer survey with year 2 beneficiaries.)

b.                  How has ALP learners progressed through the primary school cycle (either within ALP itself, or though transitioning into formal education)?

c.                   How has the school construction output (classrooms, buildings, latrines, etc?)  Added value (access and quality) to ALP and formal primary education?  What are the school’s and communities’ current plans for the future use of these outputs?

2.                   What alternative approach or design could have been used to achieve greater relevance and impact of the RAY project.

a.                   Given the amount of resources available compared to the needs of the target population, would an alternative approach better reached the key objectives? 

3.                   To what extent has the RAY project contributed to sustainable outcomes for the children, youth, teachers, and communities in the Acholi Sub-region? And how is the closure of RAY taking this into account?

a.                   How sustainable is the hand-over strategy for the YEP center? What process should be considered for phase out in regards to the YEP center?

b.                  How will ALP teachers be integrated into the formal school system following the exit?

c.                   How does NRC’s exit plan address the needs of current ALP students that will be affected by the project closure  – integration into formal school, other? Assess the relevance and benefits/challenges of these plans. 

HOW TO APPLY
Please send your curriculum vitae and cover letter to the following people making sure that  listed emails are copied on each correspondence.  Call the closest telephone number in your region if you have any questions.  Thank you.

CONTACT DETAILS
America
Name: Mr. Wale Ajibade:
Title: Executive Director
Email:  av@africanviews.org 
Phone: 646-226-0262

Europe
Name: Mrs. Brenda Grace Okott
Title: Director of Women Affairs, Europe
Email:  Brenda.Okott@africanviews.org
Phone: +4741482304

Africa
Name: Ms Angwech Pamela Judith
Title: Executive Director
Gulu Women's Economic Development and Globalization - (GWED-G).

The content of this job listing is in accordance with all applicable employment laws.