CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI)

CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI)

Terms of Reference

For

CONDUCTING AN END LINE SURVEY AND PROJECT EVALUATION OF ACCESS TO IMPROVED WATER SERVICES IN UPPER TRISHULI RIVER BASIN, NEPAL

Project Activity: Conduct an End Line Survey and Project Evaluation 

Duration: Up to a maximum of 45 working days

1. INTRODUCTION

Action Against Hunger | Action Contre la Faim (ACF) is an international humanitarian organization committed to ending child hunger and is recognized as a leader in the fight against malnutrition. Our history in Nepal dates back to 2005 with need-based nutrition and health interventions focused on conflict-stricken populations. Since our inception, we have been collaborating with government and non-government organizations to deliver Nutrition and Health, Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL), Disaster Risk Management, Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), Advocacy, and Research related activities in several districts. A non-governmental, non-profit, we are committed to principled humanitarian action as outlined in our International Charter of Principles: independence, neutrality, non-discrimination, free and direct access to affected populations, professionalism, and transparency.

ACF Nepal, in partnership with Sahara Nepal, has been implementing the project in Kispang Rural Municipality (RM) of Nuwakot district and Aamachhodingmo RM of Rasuwa district of Nepal. The main objective of the project is to contribute to rational water management and the environmental and aquatic improvement of the upper Trishuli River Basin. The project has targeted to reach 1,084 Households (HHs) and a population of 6,473 with access to safe drinking water and hygiene. 

2. OBJECTIVE OF THE SURVEY

The overall purpose of the study is to evaluate the project achievements and conduct an end-line survey of the project “Access to Improved Water Services in Upper Trishuli River Basin” in Kispang RM of Nuwakot district and Aamachhodingmo RM of Rasuwa district of Nepal. The evaluator will also briefly highlight the key achievements and challenges during project implementation to inform future fundraising efforts and better project implementation.

The specific objectives of the final evaluation are: 

• Assess project completion and efficiency of the resources utilized. 
• Assess the effectiveness of the implementation of the project. 
• Evaluate the relevancy of the project. 
• Seek evidence of impact: whether the project has made or is likely to make a lasting difference in the lives of the beneficiaries. 
• Evaluate the sustainability of the outcomes of the project: whether the impact of the project is likely to long last or not. 
• Identify lessons learned and challenges of the project. 
• The evaluation findings and results will inform knowledge management base and will ensure best practices are adopted and applied within all the sectors. Feedback from the evaluation will be used to improve quality of the programs, modification and revision of design based on the lessons learnt.

3. METHODOLOGY

The end-line survey and final evaluation will be carried out transparently, ensuring that all relevant stakeholders participate. End-line approaches should be designed to get end-line data and information on all agreed indicators in the project's logical framework. Data will be collected directly in the targeted areas and from secondary sources. The evaluation team should design an appropriate methodology demonstrating all key evaluation components based on OECD/DAC criteria i.e., relevancy, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability.

The final evaluation is expected to adopt a mixed-method research methodology, i.e., the use of quantitative and qualitative research tools. The methodology shall include a household survey and observation. The checklist and questionnaire shall be developed and finalized in consultation with the ACF-WASH department and implementing partner. Following points should be considered:

• Evaluation Briefing: Prior to the evaluation-taking place, the evaluator is expected to attend a briefing at Head office of Nepal mission, and at field level with the relevant technical focal point. 
• Desk review: The evaluator will undertake a desk review of programme materials, including the project documents, assessment reports, progress reports and relevant materials from secondary sources.
• Quantitative study: Use of a questionnaire to collect primary data from sampled HHs out of 1084 project intervened HHs. 
• Key Informant Interview (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGD) with stakeholders, local government representatives, women representatives, farmer groups, women networks, project participants etc.

4. EVALUATION CRITERIA AND QUESTIONS

Following evaluation criteria and questions will be addressed:

5. DELIVERABLES

• Inception report: a detailed methodology based on this ToR, including a rationale for choosing methods and how they will highlight different program elements. Evaluation matrix (checklists/questions, sub-questions, data sources, method/tools). 
• Initial findings are based on a review of the program documentation, existing data, and secondary data. 
• Suggested areas for investigation not covered by this ToR and any suggested additions/alterations.
• Powerpoint presentation containing findings and recommendations
• The quantitative and qualitative data collected, including the analyzed version in SPSS or any other statistical software, are available in raw and clean versions. 
• Powerpoint presentation containing findings and recommendations.
• Final Evaluation Report (electronic and hard copy) after incorporating the feedback and comments.
• 2-4 per learning document each for 4-5 major project approaches as suggested/recommended by ACF Nepal.

6. COMPETANCY REQUIREMENT

Following criteria should be met for application: 

• The team leader should have Master Degree in relevant background and previous experiences of conducting end line survey and project evaluation of similar projects in similar context.
• Have advanced skills and knowledge in monitoring, evaluation and learning methods/ approaches, conducting community-based evaluations.
• Considerable technical knowledge and experience in evaluating thematic areas such as, WASH, Climate change and Disaster, gender equality and social inclusion.
• Follow and agree to abide by ACF’s rules and policies, including safeguarding/child protection policy, child protection code of conduct, anti-corruption and fraud policy. 
• Familiarity with theory of change approach and methodology.
• Extensive experience; 3-5 years with at least 2 samples of evaluating similar projects 
• Ability to produce high quality, accessible reports/outputs. 
• Fluency in written and spoken English and Nepali. 
• Strong coordination and facilitation skills, including ability to work in different culture and context. 
• Capable of working and travelling within Nepal. 
• Commitment to accomplish work with given deadlines.

7. EVALUATION CRITERIA

The procurement committee will evaluate the proposals submitted to ACF Nepal, based on a pre-determined criterion using weighted scoring method. Technical and Financial Criteria will be provided with the following weightage.

I. Technical Criteria: 70% 

II. Financial Criteria: 30%

8. TIMELINE FOR THE SURVEY

It is expected to complete the task within 45 days of the commencement of the assignment. 

9. APPLICATION PROCEDURE

ACF Nepal will select applications from consultancy firms or teams. Given the scope of the evaluation, ACF Nepal won’t consider applications from individual consultants. Applications must include: 

• Curricula Vitaes (CV) for all proposed team members inclusive technical and social.
• Organizational document (registration, VAT/PAN, profile, audited Financial Statement and Report)
• Cover letter outlining how the consultant/s meet the person specification, confirmation of availability in the timeframe indicated, and contact details for three professional referees 
• Technical and financial proposal; Technical proposal – outlining methodologies and plan for evaluation with timeframe and an outline of the roles and responsibilities of each member of the consultancy team, financial proposal – including daily rate and all costs in relation to travel, accommodation and other expenses related to evaluation 
• A sample of a similar piece of work previously conducted in the relevant field 

Interested applicants are requested to apply for the call. The Financial, Technical proposal and with organizational documents should be submitted to  procurement@np-actionagainsthunger.org by  23 July 2024 by 5 pm Nepal time. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further process. Action Against Hunger Reserves the right to reject any or all applications. Telephonic inquiries will not be entertained. 

Action Against Hunger | Action Contre la Faim is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women, people with disabilities and members from disadvantaged /under represented ethnic groups