Consultant - Final Evaluation of the Joint Response for Nigeria Phase 2 Under the Dutch Relief Alliance (DRA) at Save The Children

Purpose of the Evaluation

• The NJR2 has a contractual obligation towards the donor, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to ensure the realization of an evaluation. The purpose for this evaluation is twofold. On the one hand, the evaluation report will assess the performance of the NJR2 and ensures accountability towards the Dutch Government and public. On the other, it offers a learning aspect for all stakeholders. The evaluation should identify key lessons learned from NJR2, substantial anecdotal evidence of the value of collaboration for the delivery of humanitarian aid though NJR2 and recommendations for NJR phase 3. We hope to be able to use the preliminary findings as input for phase 3, which starts on 16th of May 2017.

Objective 1:

• Evaluate to what extent NJR2 has delivered effective, efficient, relevant and timely humanitarian aid to beneficiaries as set in the log frame.

Objective 2:

• Evaluate how collaboration between NJR2 partners contributed/can contribute to the delivery of effective, efficient, relevant and timely aid for beneficiaries and assess whether the collaboration between NJR2 members had added value towards the beneficiaries and other stakeholders (local partners, local NGO sector, local Government, Dutch NGOs, Dutch NGO sector, MoFA, Dutch public)? What gives added value and what does not?

Objective 3:

• Assess the key lessons learned and establish recommendations for NJR3. The added value of collaboration towards the beneficiaries as well as the other stakeholders (especially the local partners) are important to assess.

Deliverables
The consultant is expected to lead, accomplish and submit the following deliverables within the agreed time frame and budget:

• An inception report, which will serve as an agreement between parties on how the evaluation will be conducted. Items to address:
  • Understanding of the issues and questions raised in the ToR.
  • Data sources; how to assess the questions in the ToR.
  • Research methodology, including suggested methods, sample and size.
  • Team composition, preferably persons with experience in the North East of Nigeria especially its humanitarian context.
  • Schedule of activities and traveling (timeline).
  • Proposal for a learning event in Abuja, Nigeria.
  • Detailed budget.
  • Appropriate draft data collection tools for validation (e.g. methodological guidelines, group interview questions).
  • A short justification for each decision made should be included.

• A max 50-page draft and final report (in MS Office and PDF for approved final), excluding annexes and in English, in the following format at a minimum, to be submitted to the NJR Coordination through its lead agency, Save the Children Netherlands and Nigeria. It is preferable to illustrate the results by appropriate graphs, visuals, tables and/or a dashboard with an accompanied explanatory text. The report should consist of:
  • Executive Summary (max. 2 pages) including bullets of main findings, as well as methods, lessons learnt and recommendations.
  • Introduction.
  • Methodology, including sampling and limitations.
  • Analysis and findings of the evaluation. Findings should be explained clearly and concisely. The analysis should consist of three parts:
  • Address concerns and comments from NJR2 partners.
  • At least 8 (but as many as you find) cases of substantial anecdotal evidence (short descriptions of a few sentences are sufficient) of added value from respondents.
  • Several stories of change and quotes from respondents.
  • Conclusions for each of the two parts and for all of the evaluation questions.

• PowerPoint presentation of preliminary findings and recommendations relevant for phase 3 to NJR3 partners in Abuja
• Learning event for NJR2 partners in Abuja. The evaluators will be required to present preliminary findings before the publication of the final report to NJR partners and lead a half day workshop once a final draft has been agreed in Abuja. The structure and activities of the learning and evaluation meeting will be agreed with Save the Children. We expect attendance of 15-20 people in Abuja.
• Presentation of final findings and learning session via skype to NJR2s partners in The Hague.

Qualifications and Experience
Required:

• Academic Degree in International Development, Humanitarian Assistance or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in humanitarian response and knowledge of humanitarian standards (CHS, Sphere, Code of Conduct).
• Demonstrated experience of leading evaluations of humanitarian response program
• Demonstrated experience with quantitative and qualitative research, data base management and statistical data analysis
• Experience of working in Nigeria/West Africa
• Experience of evaluating consortia/joined responses.
• Proven record of communicating with beneficiaries, also with children using child friendly methods.
• Demonstrated ability to assess and further develop conceptual mixed methods evaluation tools.
• Relevant subject matter knowledge and experience regarding the thematic areas of this NJR.
• Ability to deal with hardship and remote area field work.
• Strong understanding of humanitarian and evaluation ethics and a commitment to ethical working practices.
• Advanced English writing skills.
• Deep understanding of Common Humanitarian Fund and UN Strategic Response Plan.

Preferred:

• Experience in/understanding of measuring the added value of partnerships/ cooperation.
• Experience of working in insecure environments in Nigeria and managing security risks.
• Action-oriented and evidence based approach and strong drive for results.
• Highly developed self-management, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience with institutional humanitarian funding; knowledge of Dutch development and funding streams.