Consultant Cash Assistance Evaluation

ACTED seeks an experienced individual or firm to conduct an external evaluation of an ECHO-funded project entitled “Emergency Support to Households at Risk of Displacement in the West Bank (incl. East Jerusalem)”
Location:West Bank including East Jerusalem
Starting date: Immediately
Application deadline: 31 October 2014
Contract Duration: 8 weeks
 
Background
 
ACTED (Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development) is an international NGO registered in France. ACTED’s vocation is to support vulnerable populations affected by wars, natural disasters and/or economic and social crises, and to accompany them in building a better future. ACTED started its activities in the occupied Palestinian territory in May 2007, through food security interventions in the West Bank and then in Gaza. ACTED is currently implementing projects funded by the Humanitarian Response Fund and the French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs Crisis Centre that aim to protect vulnerable households in the West Bank.
 
ACTED will supervise an evaluation of the impact of the Cash Assistance with the focus on understanding the role cash plays in helping families in the immediate aftermath of a demolition and its ability to assist beneficiaries in resisting displacement.
 
Objectives of the external evaluator
 
The external evaluator is required to evaluate whether/ how the emergency cash assistance provided to victims of home demolitions has helped prevent displacement in the immediate, medium and long term. The evaluation report will highlight key findings, conclusions, challenges and opportunities .The evaluation will be carefully considered in designing ACTED/UNRWA future development interventions and possible actions.
 
Roles and responsibilities:
The Consultant/Firm is required to provide a small team of experienced field researchers and data collectors who will work with the external consultant to collect data through surveys, interviews and focus groups in line with the agreed research plan.
The Consultant/Firm must provide a consistent team who will work throughout the project.
The Consultant/Firm will conduct all field research, data collection and cleaning.
The Consultant/Firm will provide all translation of raw data including interview transcripts and summaries. The Consultant/Firm will provide translation services during interviews, focus groups and data collection as needed.
The Consultant/Firm is expected to design the methodology, create the data collection tools (surveys, question lines etc), train the data collectors, oversee the data collection and cleaning, undertake the qualitative and quantitative analysis and produce the draft and final reports.
The Firm/Consultant will produce an Evaluation Work plan and data collection tools (questionnaires, interview guides, plan for analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data) to share with ACTED/UNRWA for feedback.
The Consultant/Firm will integrate ACTED/UNRWA feedback in design of tool, methodology and all end products including final report
The evaluation will be supervised by ACTED’s Senior Development Officer in ACTED
ACTED/UNRWA will assist with locating and providing introductions to beneficiary families.
ACTED/UNRWA will make available all relevant background documents including project proposals and reports.
ACTED/UNRWA project staff will be available for key informant interviews and background briefings.
    
Expected Outputs/Deliverables:
The expected outputs from the External Evaluator are:
-Translated data collection tools from English to Arabic
-Undertake quantitative and qualitative data collection in line with the research plan developed by the external consultant
-Transcripts of all interviews/focus groups/raw data in Arabic
-Translated transcripts of all interview/focus group/raw data from Arabic to English
-Provide feedback on the initial analysis prepared by the external consultant
-A detailed Evaluation Work plan including timeline based on ACTED/UNRWA recommendation
-Final data collection tools taking account of ACTED/UNRWA feedback
-Analysis plan and draft outline of final report including details of case studies to be documented.
-Presentation of initial findings to ACTED/UNRWA. This will allow initial feedback, clarifications and recommendations to the Consultant for further analysis to be undertaken.
-Complete report draft for formal feedback.
-Final Report (English) of approximately 25 pages
-One page summary of key findings for use with external audiences
-Final presentation of findings: presentation (not more than 12 slides) outlining the evaluation and key findings suitable for an external audience
    
Qualifications of applicant:
For Firms
Legally registered in the country of origin
An established entity in the area of monitoring, evaluation and research
Several years of experiences in conducting evaluation of emergency programs in the occupied Palestinian territory.
Proven experience with qualitative and quantitative data collection
Knowledge of the key protection concerns in the West Bank, including demolitions and evictions.
Excellent written and spoken Arabic and English (professional level).
    
For Individual Evaluators
A master’s degree in business administration, economics
At least 5 years of experience in evaluation, monitoring, data Collection and statistical analysis of humanitarian projects
Proven experience in monitoring and evaluating humanitarian programmes
Demonstrated analytical, reporting and computer skills
Proficiency in English and Arabic language (reading, writing, speaking)
Proven experience with qualitative and quantitative data collection
Knowledge of the key protection concerns in the West Bank, including demolitions and evictions.
Understanding of the political, social and cultural context of the occupied Palestinian territories.
    
Conditions of Service
    
The Consultant/Firm is expected to be based in the oPt and able to travel and work in the West Bank and Jerusalem. The Consultant/A focal member of the Firm’s team will be required to attend regular meetings in Jerusalem and Ramallah.    
The contract will be processed and negotiated in accordance with ACTED’s standard procedures for Consultancy Contracts. ACTED will be responsible for all costs incurred as a result of the evaluation and for paying the contracted Firm/consultant.
    
Application Process
    
Applicants should include the following documents in their application:.
-Cover letter outlining relevant past experience;
-CV of the lead Firm member for applications from firms (who will be the main liaison between ACTED and the Firm);
-CVs of any individuals included in the tender;
-Anticipated fees, per diems and other financial information and length of time that the anticipated fees are valid;
-Provisional availability to fulfill the consultancy as per the timeframes indicated in the Terms of Reference;
-Sample of evaluation conducted in similar field
-Evidence of relevant previous experience and / or names and contact details of references with good knowledge of your previous work.
    
Interested candidates are invited to send all application documents (in English) no later than 31 October 2012 no later than 12:00 PM to: [email protected],
Indicating “External Evaluation” in the subject line. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

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