Consultant - Cost-Benefit Analysis: Leave No One Behind

Terms of Reference

Cost-Benefit Analysis: Leave No One Behind

Background:

UK Aid provided £5 million over 24 months between June 2018 & December 2020 to support some of the most vulnerable people affected by the 2015 earthquakes in Nepal. Targeting vulnerable people at risk of being left behind in relation to the Government of Nepal’s housing cash grant support to rebuild their houses, the programme aimed to support 6,000 earthquake-affected households (approximately 30,000 individuals) with material and technical support, cash assistance and social mobilization support through partner agencies in Nepal. Two consortia of partners were led by People in Need and Practical Action, working across 4 districts of Nepal: Makawanpur, Chitwan, Dhading & Lamjung. 

Scope of the Study

The consultant will be expected to conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis of the shelter works completed within the UK Aid funded leave No One Behind (LNOB) projects implemented by two consortia of partners, one led by People in Need &the other by Practical Action.  

1.   Principal Objective 

To conduct a thorough cost-benefit (CBE) analysis of the different shelter models used by Practical Action and People in Need within the LNOB project. This will come to a conclusion about cost effectiveness of the different approaches, or aspects of the approaches.

2.   Scope of work

• The Consultant will explore both People in Need & Practical Action’s shelter models:
  • Appropriate purchasing of quality materials at the right price (economy);
  • Overall efficiency of converting inputs into outputs (efficiency); 
  • Effectiveness of the outputs of the intervention, and whether they are achieving their intended effects (effectiveness); 
  • Fair distribution of benefits, and the extent they have reached marginalized groups (equity);
  • Overall cost effectiveness of the intervention and its impact on poverty reduction (cost-effectiveness). Holistic conclusion based on quantitative and qualitative assessments. Sustainability is a crucial success criteria.
• Conduct quantitative analysis;
• Conduct qualitative analyses for unquantifiable impacts where possible and proportionate, such as social and environmental impacts;
• Effectively coordinate with representatives from People in Need and Practical Action in Nepal to visit beneficiaries, local authorities and project working areas, as required;
• Summarize findings of the cost-benefit analysis into a written report, presenting accurate and evidence-based recommendations to inform future programming.  

3.   Methodology 

• Conduct a quantitative and qualitative CBE analysis for both People in Need and Practical Action’s LNOB projects;
• The consultant will be made available with existing resources/documentation/data to draw on i.e. Theory of Change, Log frames, reporting and other key documents;
• Conduct KII’s with project managers, project beneficiaries, government officials and relevant stakeholders to capture unquantifiable impacts such as social and environmental impacts;
• Produce a detailed report comparing the findings from the CBE analysis and recommendations for future programming;
• Conduct a workshop with relevant technical and project partners to present findings and recommendations. 

4.   Roles and Responsibilities 

To ensure smooth implementation of the proposed Terms of Reference outlined above, the consultant will be in regular contact and communication with the Head of Programmes and Programme Manager.  PIN and Practical Action programme staff will provide remote assistance to the consultant in accessing communities and respondents supported through the Leave No One Behind projects when required. 

The consultant must sign the PIN Nepal Code of Conduct and Safeguarding Policy and be willing to adhere to its core principles and practices. Should a breach of policy take place, the consultancy will be terminated immediately without any financial burden on PIN Nepal. 

5.   Timeframe and deliverables

5.1   Deliverables

• Research methodology, tool development and detail workplan;
• Final draft report of the analysis;
• Final report including executive summary, in-depth comparison of PIN and Practical Action project models and major findings;
• Slide pack (4/5 slides) for sharing purposes consisting of summary/key findings;
• One-day workshop with technical and project partners and NRAand present major findings.

5.2   Timeframe

6.   Requirements

• A minimum of bachelor degree in Economics or in relevant field;
• Strong track-record and expertise in conducting cost benefit analysis is preferred. Previous experience of conducting CBE in shelter projects will be a major advantage;
• Experience working on research assignments for INGOs and/or UN agencies;
• Strong analytical writing skills and ability to produce high-quality academic research in English;
• Excellent communication and written English.

Interested individuals or research institutions are requested to submit the following documents:

• Updated CV and Cover Letter;
• Copies of two original research samples demonstrating expertise in the field;
• Technical proposal clearly outlining methodology, timeline, and understanding of ToR;
• Financial proposal indicating consultancy fee and a breakdown of expenses;
• Copy of company registration and PAN/VAT registration (for companies) or PAN (for individuals).

Interested candidates should submit aforementioned documents to eoi.nepal@peopleinneed.cz by 3rd February 2021, 5:00 PM.