Evaluator - Canadian Foodgrain Bank Project at ZOA International

Description

• We are seeking the services of an experienced evaluator to conduct a comprehensive, mixed-methods (qualitative and quantitative, learning-focused survey) evaluation to complement the quantitative household surveys (baseline, PDMs, midline, etc.) conducted.
• On behalf of ZOA Nigeria, the consultant is expected to gather and analyze the qualitative data which will:
  • Complement the quantitative data that was completed through the household surveys (baseline, PDM, midline, etc.), which was designed to align with the project outcomes described in the Performance Measurement Framework (PMF).
  • Answer the learning questions set out in the project learning framework.

The role of the evaluator is outlined below:

• Develop focus group discussions (FGD), key informant interviews (KII) template/guide from the evaluation learning questions matrix. The evaluation learning questions would be provided by ZOA Nigeria.
• Develop a participatory gender analysis template to be used for FGD and KII.
• Conduct FGD/KII with project participants and other stakeholders.
• Conduct participatory gender analysis with project participants and other stakeholders.
• Document most significant change stories (with photo and voice) from project participants and other stakeholders on the outcomes of the project. The template for most significant change stories will be provided by ZOA Nigeria.
• Analyse the qualitative data gathered through the FGDs, KIIs, participatory gender analysis and most significant change stories from project participants.
• Write a comprehensive report on the findings from the qualitative data (and align with findings from the quantitative survey).
• This end-line evaluation aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the project's overall impact and the extent to which its objectives have been achieved during the three-year implementation period.

Qualifications
ZOA Nigeria will consider a single evaluator or an evaluation team with the following qualifications:

• Minimum of a Master’s Degree in International Rural Development, Agricultural Sciences, Social Sciences, or a related field
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in leading project/program evaluations, specifically in humanitarian food assistance and/or food security and rural livelihoods projects.
• Demonstrated knowledge and practical experience in humanitarian and early recovery contexts in Borno State.
• Strong background in humanitarian food assistance, food security, agriculture, livelihoods, and gender equality.
• Proven capacity to apply and integrate measurements of gender equality and progress towards gender transformation and women’s empowerment.
• Excellent analytical and report writing skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience in qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Language requirements: Fluent spoken and written English is required. Knowledge of Hausa and/or Bura languages is a strong asset for effective data collection in the project location. If the evaluation team does not have knowledge of these languages, the proposal must describe how high-quality data collection will be ensured in these languages.
• Willingness to work in project locations within Biu LGA and be based in Biu during the survey period.
• Preference will be given to evaluator(s)/evaluation teams based in Borno State.

The evaluation is expected to adhere to the following principles:

• Utility – surveys must be useful for the main users of the evaluation.
• Participation – to be useful, the intended users of the survey need to be identified at the outset and involved in making decisions about the survey.
• Quality – Quality is derived through the accurate and appropriate use of survey criteria, the presentation of evidence and high-quality analysis, the coherence of conclusions with survey findings, and the drawing of realistic recommendations, directly supported by findings and conclusions. Good quality surveys present findings, conclusions, and recommendations in an understandable way so that they are accessible to readers of the reports.
• Credibility – the extent to which survey findings and conclusions are believable and trustworthy.
• Integrity – to have integrity, a survey must adhere to high ethical standards.
• Transparency – the openness with which the survey process is conducted and the willingness to share findings.
• Independence – the survey is free from influences that would bias the conduct, findings, conclusions, or recommendations of the survey/evaluation.
• Utilize gender-segregated focus groups to assess the different needs and priorities of men and women.
• Ensure that all community members have an equal voice regardless of age, class, gender, disability, ethnicity, religion, or organizational affiliation.
• Ensure the evaluation provides an opportunity for critical reflection and learning on structures that ensure the rights of all individuals are realized.

In addition to these general survey/evaluation principles, the evaluator must ensure familiarity and compliance with ZOA Nigeria’s professional behaviour standards as set out in policies, specifically in the following policies:

• Anti-fraud and Corruption Policy
• Harassment Policy
• Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
• Code of conduct.