Consultancy for Final Project Evaluation and Documentation of Best Practices-Guatemalan Repatriates Project (GRP)

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) office in Guatemala is seeking to appoint a Consultant to undertake a final project evaluation and to document best practices of a three-year project entitled ‘Guatemalan Repatriates Project’ (GRP).

1. Background Guatemala’s recent history has been characterised by large-scale emigration; a response to a complex array of internal problems experienced within the country. This trend was established during the 36-year civil war when many thousands sought protection in Mexico, the United States and Canada. Today, Guatemala faces a complex mix of political, socioeconomic and environmental problems, including rising social violence and a series of natural disasters which has continued to perpetuate this pattern.

IOM estimates the number of Guatemalans living in the United States to have surpassed 1.5 million in 2010. Many have been granted status to live and work in the country, but others still enter the country irregularly. Repatriations of Guatemalan nationals from the United States have significantly increased over the past ten years and continue to do so under the current administration, with a total of 40,000 individuals repatriated in 2012.

Guatemalan repatriates face a myriad of challenges upon their arrival in the country. They are repatriated to families and communities who were once dependent on their remittances and may face considerable debts. Repatriates face a significantly underdeveloped job market where salaries, benefits and job stability are poor – even for those who gained extensive work experience and skills during their time in the United States. Returnees also face psychological challenges and struggle to deal with the frustration of a potentially ‘failed’ migration experience. Others deal with family separation having left partners and children in the United States.

Guatemala is also an origin, transit and destination country for men, women and children affected by trafficking for sexual exploitation and labour exploitation. Human trafficking occurs internally, and across borders in neighbouring Mexico and in the United States (among other countries). The precarious travel route through Mexico to the United States also makes Guatemalan migrants highly susceptible to human trafficking. The government of Guatemala’s capacity to respond to this phenomenon is improving but it continues to face many challenges as it seeks to prosecute those responsible in a country struggling with law enforcement and high rates of impunity.

1. Project Description Within this context, IOM launched the Guatemala Repatriates Project in September 2010 to provide assistance to repatriated Guatemalan citizens. By providing technical assistance, material support and services, the GRP aims to prevent human rights abuses against Guatemalan repatriates and support their social and economic reintegration into society. Particular focus is placed on vulnerable groups such as unaccompanied minors, those with physical impairments or medical needs and those who may have been victims of human trafficking or other abuses.

A second phase of the project, launched in March 2012, incorporated additional trafficking in persons activities to focus on improving the government of Guatemala’s ability to respond and combat this issue across the country.

The five expected results of the GRP are: • Expand the provision of basic services to repatriated Guatemalan citizens • Expand the provision of training and job placement services to repatriates Guatemalan Citizens (including the development of public-private alliances) • Develop and strengthen the Guatemalan government’s migration policies • Map and disseminate best practices and methodologies for successful reintegration • Improve the ability of the Guatemalan government to prevent, provide better attention to and prosecute cases of human trafficking.

1. Evaluation Objectives The main purposes of the external evaluation are to: a) determine the effectiveness of the project in achieving its expected results and b) document the new knowledge generated, the experiences, best practices, lessons learnt and recommendations of the project

The project is in its final months of current funding (ending 30th September 2013) and therefore, in line with the project cycle a full external evaluation will be carried out before the project ends. The evaluation will allow for better decision-making, foster an environment of learning and promote accountability for performance. Specific focus will be placed on reviewing the effectiveness of the methodologies used to support the reintegration of repatriates to identify best practices and lessons learnt and to inform the design of future projects of a similar nature.

1. Specific Objectives The specific objectives of the evaluation will include:

• Assess and determine the extent to which the project objectives and results have been achieved and whether there were any unexpected outcomes
• Determine the relevance and strengths and weaknesses of the project planning, design, implementation, methodology, monitoring and evaluation
• Determine the project contribution to the reintegration of Guatemalan repatriates in their communities, and the effectiveness of the methodologies used. What has worked and what has not? What lessons have been learned? Who have they been shared with? Who should they be shared with?
• Determine the project contribution to building the capacity of the government of Guatemala to prevent, provide attention to and prosecute cases of human trafficking. What has worked what has not? What lessons have been learned?
• Determine the project contribution to building the capacity of other local actors to respond to the needs of victims of trafficking.
• Assess the extent to which the project has contributed to national migration policy and to changes in the practice and attitudes of policy makers that directly benefits Guatemalan repatriates.
• Determine the extent to which the broader context (political, security, environmental, social and financial) has impacted upon the project and if those situations could have been addressed by the project.
• Provide specific and practical recommendations on how IOM and implementing partners can use the learning to improve future work
• Assess how durable/sustainable the project achievements will be over time. What achievements has the project brought about in the lives of the target beneficiaries? Is there still a need for the project activities? Has the government, or other stakeholders, expressed interest or demonstrated an ability to continue the project activities beyond the life of the project?
• Lead the planning and implementation of a lessons sharing/dissemination workshop with stakeholders.

1. Methodology The external evaluator is expected to conduct a participatory evaluation that shall involve engaging with key stakeholders including project staff (Guatemala City and San Marcos offices), implementing partner staff, beneficiaries, and government agencies.

The evaluator is expected to initially conduct a document review of all possible sources of information including: the full project proposal, the cooperative agreement, donor reports, weekly reports, project publications, activity reports, the monitoring and evaluation plan, and other sources of information.

The evaluator will also be responsible for: - Designing the evaluation tools, - Conducting interviews with staff members, beneficiaries and stakeholders, - Observing project activities, - Conducting focus group discussions, - Analysing and drafting findings. - Presenting findings and feedback to stakeholders

1. Reporting The expected outputs for this consultancy are:
   • Inception Report, including proposed methodology and Evaluation Work plan
   • Draft report(s) for review
   • Final Evaluation Report (including: executive summary, evaluation methodology, findings, conclusions, recommendations, lessons learned and case studies). The report should not exceed 30 pages and should be written in English.
   • A separate report on best practices (including: executive summary, background information, research methodology, findings and recommendations in terms of best and replicable practices in the delivery of similar projects). The report should not exceed 30 pages and should be submitted in both English and Spanish.
2. Evaluator Profile This assignment can be undertaken either by an individual consultant or a consultancy firm that provides consultants with relevant expertise.

Applicants should possess the following qualifications and expertise: - Relevant academic background (Master Degree preferred) - At least 5 years’ experience in evaluation of development/humanitarian projects and in researching and documenting best practices - Good research and monitoring and evaluation skills including applied methodologies - Excellent analytical, interpersonal and communication skills - Fluency in English and Spanish - Knowledge of migration and human trafficking issues in Central America - Knowledge of socio-political issues affecting Guatemala

1. Resources, Timing, Conditions Payment Schedule: the consultant will be paid by IOM Guatemala as follows:
   • 30% after submission and approval of inception report
   • 70% successful completion of activity, delivery and approval of expected outputs

Budget: IOM Guatemala has an approximate budget for the evaluation of USD 10,000 (including flights to Guatemala and expenses).

Timing: The target date for commencement of the consultancy is Monday 15th July 2013. The date for completion is Friday 16th August 2013 with an estimated 24 effective working days during the period

Supervision: the consultant will be supervised jointly by the Project Officer and the Reintegration Coordinator based in Guatemala City. Regular monitoring and review meetings will be conducted to examine progress and address any challenges.

Conditions: the consultant will use his/her own office materials and computer in the execution of the assignment. IOM Guatemala will provide local transportation to field sites and office space in the Guatemala City Office. The consultant will be responsible for his/her own travel to the country, accommodation, subsistence and all other costs.

The outputs of this consultancy will be the property of IOM Guatemala and advanced permission will need to be sought for outputs to be reproduced in any other manner.

How to apply:

1. Application Procedure Interested candidates are requested to submit the following:
   • A copy of their CV
   • A one-page outline of how their skills, experience and knowledge meet the requirements, as outlined above
   • A draft work plan for the evaluation
   • Example of previous relevant evaluations or similar (preferably through a web-link)
   • Two written professional references

The email address for submissions is: iomguatemalahrm@iom.int

The closing date for submission of applications is Monday 17th June. Interviews (telephone or in-person) will take place on Thursday 20th June 2013. The successful applicant would be required to begin their consultancy on Monday 15th July 2013.