Terms of Reference for Project Evaluation

                                                                                   Terms of Reference (ToR)

Independent Evaluation of the Project:
Development of Paediatric Oncology Shared Care Networks in Nepal

1. Background

World Child Cancer is implementing a three-year project (March 2024 – March 2027) aimed at improving overall outcomes for children with cancer in Nepal through the development of a Shared Care Network (SCN) model for paediatric oncology in Nepal, funded by the Foundation S. The project focuses on improving the continuum of care, decreasing treatment abandonment, improving quality of life, and reducing indirect expenses, by developing and strengthening coordinated and structured Shared Care Networks (SCN) in Nepal.

Progress will be measured against three Outcome Indicators:

·   Improved coverage of needs across Nepal through the expansion of the Shared Care Network (SCN) at the national level.

·  Enhanced accessibility to treatment by providing care closer to home, supported by family feedback.

· Strengthened national-level coordination and Improved service alignment and multi-stakeholder collaboration among shared care centres, primary treatment centres, the MoHP, WHO and other key stakeholders.

2. Purpose of the Evaluation

The independent evaluation will assess the project’s relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and impact. It will provide evidence of progress against the stated outcome indicators, highlight lessons learned, and make recommendations to inform future programming and scale-up.

3. Objectives of the Evaluation

The evaluation will:

• Assess the extent to which the project has achieved its intended outcome indicators

• Review the effectiveness of strategies used to improve diagnosis and strengthen health systems

• Identify challenges, successes, and lessons learned

• Provide actionable recommendations for World Child Cancer, partners, and stakeholders ( including  partner hospitals, MoHP and WHO)

4. Scope of the Evaluation

The evaluation will cover:

• The period covering September 2024 – December 2025

• The main geographic areas where the project has been implemented in Nepal.

• Key stakeholders include healthcare professionals, caregivers, and families, government representatives, and partner organisations.

• Project activities related to diagnosis and oncology service delivery

• The sustainability of interventions and outcomes delivered through the project.

5. Key Evaluation Questions

• Relevance: To what extent does the project align with national priorities (e.g., Nepal Cancer Control Strategy) and the needs of families?

• Effectiveness: How functional is the Shared Care Network? Has it reduced geographical, financial, and social barriers while improving access to care closer to home?

• Efficiency: Have project resources and partnerships been used optimally to deliver training, SCN development, and family support?

• Impact: Are there evidence of increased service access (diagnosis, treatment, and psychosocial support) and reduced treatment abandonment?

• Sustainability: Are interventions becoming institutionalized within government structures, and will capacity gains last beyond the project?

• Cross-cutting: How effectively have caregivers been engaged, and has data collection improved for decision-making?

A detailed list of evaluation questions will be provided. The evaluator is expected to refine these questions during the inception phase.

6. Methodology

This study will employ a mixed-methods design that combines quantitative impact analysis and qualitative process evaluation. The quantitative analysis will involve a pre-post design to assess the changes in outcomes between baseline and endline. Data will be drawn from hospital and SCC records, training registers, and family support fund records. For the qualitative study, semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions will be conducted with health workers, families, project partners, and programme managers to understand processes and contextual factors.

7. Deliverables

• Proposal: Detailing methodology, tools, and work plan

• Draft Evaluation Report: Including preliminary findings and recommendations

• Final Evaluation Report: Comprehensive document with executive summary, findings, conclusions, and recommendations

• Presentation of Findings: To World Child Cancer and key stakeholders in Nepal

8. Timeline

• Evaluation start: Upon signing of the contract

• Proposal: Within 2 weeks of contract signing

• Fieldwork: April to May 2026

• Draft Evaluation Report: To be submitted by 15^th May 2026

• Final Evaluation Report submission: 25^th May 2026

9. Management and Oversight

The evaluation will be commissioned by World Child Cancer. The evaluator will report to the Programme Coordinator.

10. Budget and Payment

• The evaluator should propose a detailed budget in their application.

• Payment will be made in instalments linked to deliverables.

To Apply: Interested individuals or registered companies will be required to submit a CV and cover letter, a detailed Plan of Action, a detailed budget, and official government-authorised documents to po.wccnepal2025@gmail.com. Kindly submit before Wednesday, 1st of April 2026.