Scope of consultancy

The Consultant will design an appropriate evaluation methodology based on their understanding of the expectations of the scope of work. The consultant must physically travel to Sudan to undertake the primary data collection exercise in-person; remote work is not possible. The consultant should note that project locations are in remote areas with poor road conditions and no mobile phone network. Internet is available when at the base. The use of mobile technology (e.g., tablets for data collection) is limited by a lack of reliable electricity to charge devices for data collection. The consultant should therefore plan for flexibility in timelines and data collection methods.

The Consultant is expected to propose a methodology for the evaluation that should include but not limited to: 

• Drafting data collection tools, with a plan for feedback on tools to be used in implementation contexts.
• Developing the data collection methodology, including sampling.
• Developing the quantitative and qualitative data analysis plan.
• Plan for validation of findings with key stakeholders.
• Production of the evaluation report using USAID evaluation format.

The consultant should propose a mixed methodology that combines qualitative and quantitative evaluation. Expected deliverables include a desk review, inception report with sampling framework, developing data collection tools, developing the quantitative and qualitative data analysis plan and finally producing a quality evaluation report.

All data collected must be disaggregated according to BHA requirements that include but are not limited to sex, age, disability and location. The consultant should submit a detailed inception report  that includes data collection instruments, clear roles and responsibilities, timeframe, data analysis process, and report writing.

Evaluation Roles and Responsibilities

IRC and its partner will:

• Provide accommodation and travel Including flights and ground transport
• Provide a vehicle to access remote sites as feasibly as possible
• Connect the consultant to a network of local field monitors for data collection and facilitate payment based on a rate and schedule pre-approved by IRC.
• Provide access to power sources for charging and recharging for electronic devices and internet connectivity for offline mobile data collection and online data submission when the team are back to the office.
• Provide a pre-departure briefing and ongoing security advice and support.
• Facilitate engagement with the beneficiaries and other key stakeholders.
• Provide all necessary program documents and contacts of relevant stakeholders.
• Review the Consultant's proposal, tools and evaluation report.

The consultant will:

• Be responsible for all aspects of the entire evaluation process, including evaluation preparation, data collection, analysis, and report writing.
• Be responsible for paying any tax or other fees related to this assignment.
• Provide all required working tools such as computer and data analysis software.

Reporting Arrangements

The Consultant will report to the IRC MEAL Coordinator and work in close collaboration with the partner management team, technical coordinators, and IRC leadership.

Duration of Assignment

The consultancy should not last more than 20 working days, excluding weekends.

Limitations and Mitigation Measures

• Remote and low resource location: primary data collection will be conducted in a remote location; IRC will facilitate access to local enumerators who are already trained and experienced in data collection.  
• Unreliable internet connectivity: there is no mobile phone network, and internet is only available in offices.  This may impact quantitative data collection and audio recording of qualitative data collection. Technology which enables offline collection and uploading at a later time should be used.  

DELIVERABLES

 Inception Report

The consultant is expected to develop an inception report upon commencement of the assignment. The inception report will detail the agreed methodologies to be employed during the evaluation. The report should also include the finalized activity plan and a structural outline of the final evaluation report and should be shared and approved by IRC before the data collection and analysis commencement.

The inception report should also contain:

• A detailed methodology including sampling for the evaluation implementation.
• A detailed schedule for the program review.
• The indicators that fall within the scope of the program review.
• Draft data collection tools (qualitative and quantitative). A work plan that sets out the preparatory activities, specific deliverables, and timeline related to the program review and budget for the data collection activities.

Facilitated Validation Session

• The Consultant will facilitate a validation workshop preceding the delivery of a final report where the evaluation’s preliminary findings, conclusions, and recommendations will be presented to the IRC project team. The consultant will incorporate comments and feedback from the validation workshop into the final draft of the evaluation report

Evaluation Report

The report should address the above consultancy objectives and contain an executive summary, acknowledgments, introduction including program summary and purpose of the evaluation, a detailed methodology (including limitations), key findings (covering both document review and primary evaluation), lessons learned, evidence-based recommendations, conclusion and annexes.  Annexes should include, at a minimum, field sites assessed and a list of key informants. A soft copy of the report should be shared with the MEAL Coordinator, and the report should not be more than 30 pages, excluding the cover page and annexes.

Summarized Four-Page Evaluation Report

• Report that summarizes the evaluation purpose and background, evaluation questions, findings, lessons learned, conclusion and recommendations.

PowerPoint Presentation

• Presentation of the evaluation process, key findings, lessons learned, and key recommendations.
• The deliverables above will be complemented by regular communication and feedback from the IRC team and a validation workshop where the evaluation’s preliminary results will be presented to IRC leadership. After incorporating comments from the validation workshop, the report should be shared with the MEAL Coordinator, Grants Coordinator, and IRC senior management team.

Minimum Qualifications:

REQUIREMENTS

Please note that this consultancy is only open to individual consultants and not companies or other evaluation firms.

• A qualification in Monitoring and Evaluation, Research, Statistics, Social Sciences, or any other related field is required.
• Knowledge and experience in conducting evaluations in low resource environments is required.  
• Experience conducting evaluations in Sudan or in South Sudan or strongly preferred.
• Excellent skills in quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis.
• Excellent skills in data analysis software such as SPSS or STATA (for quantitative data analysis) and ATLAS.ti, NVivo for qualitative data analysis.
• Experience in using mobile data collection systems such as Kobo Collect or Commcare will be an added advantage.
• Excellent organizing, facilitating, presentation, and communication skills, including report writing in English.
• Knowledge of Arabic is preferred.