Consultancy Temporary

Short term consultancy

Introduction

Solidar Suisse, hereafter called Solidar, has an operational presence in Mozambique since 1984. Its development and humanitarian aid interventions are focussing on central Mozambique.

In response to Cyclone Idai and related floods, Solidar is currently implementing a comprehensive multi-donor project contributing to the assistance and recovery of cyclone affected populations in highly affected Sussundenga District (Manica Province) and Buzi District (Sofala Province) in central Mozambique. The project is composed of a WASH and a Food Security component. One additional outcome has been identified to integrate Covid-19 prevention and mitigation measures in 2020.

The project spans over a period of 27 months and has defined three main outcomes strands:

• People affected by cyclone Idai and related floods have protected and reliable access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene facilities and a safe and healthy environment, contributing to reduce the risk of transmission for WASH related diseases.
• People affected by cyclone Idai regain food security through seed distribution and asset replacements, technical advice, and counselling.
• People affected by cyclone Idai reduce exposure to COVID-19 through improved access to WASH in public spaces, increased access to protection material, improved knowledge on Covid-19, and improved access to basic needs for most vulnerable

The Solidar Suisse Program for Mozambique and Southern Africa 2021-2024 outlines three domains (I) Economy and Work: (II) Democracy and Civil Society and (III) Disasters and Crises. It is setting a particular focus on the nexus between humanitarian aid and development cooperation.

On this basis, a humanitarian intervention 2021-24 plan has been developed and a follow up phase- to the Idai Response Project has been designed.

Purpose and Objctives

The overall purpose of this review is about accountability and institutional learning mainly on the Nexus between Humanitarian Aid and Development Cooperation. The evaluation findings are meant to assess Solidar Suisse readiness to implement planned humanitarian interventions 2021-24.

Guiding evaluation questions are:

1. Relevance: Was the Solidar project intervention with its focus on WASH and Food security relevant and needs-oriented in the Idai emergency response situation?

• Was the assistance provided relevant and according identified priorities in coordination with other actors (INGD, INGO, UN, RC/RC, local authorities)?
• Was Solidar’s participation in coordination platforms and mechanisms (UN cluster, Prov. and local authorities etc.) pertinent and adequate?

2. Effectiveness: To which extent did the projects achieve its objectives and delivered on the planned results?

• Were the outcome goals achieved and to what extent?
• How is the participation, relevance and quality of the assistance perceived by the beneficiaries and local stakeholders (mainly local authorities and other organizations)?
• Were the feedbacks from beneficiaries taken into account in the project implementation?
• Was the intervention inclusive? What could be done to be more inclusive for People with Special Needs?
• What challenges can be identified for sustainability and what kind of activities in future would improve this sustainability?

3. Sustainability: To which extend the sustainability of infrastructure projects (ex. WASH- infrastructure, rehabilitation of schools) and capacity building intervention can be assessed?

• Are the WASH infrastructures (boreholes, pumps, small water supply systems, latrines) maintained and the used conform to the usual standards?
• Did Solidar built “back better” of public infrastructure using specific construction standards, being more resilient to future disasters (mainly cyclones and related floods).
• Are the newly established water committees functioning and do they have the resources for maintaining the infrastructure.
• Are famers and farmers group better prepared in case of future disasters?

4. Nexus: How far have synergies been achieved between the existing and ongoing development programme (mainly the projects 3426 PPGLR, 3432 Utsanana and 3431 Youth Employability) and the emergency assistance?
   • How far Solidar could rely on existing partners and networks responding the Idai disaster?
   • How far did Solidar achieve the linkage between the emergency and recovery activities (Idai related activities) and the ongoing long-term projects in the region?
   • How should these linkages be strengthened?

5. Institutional preparedness: Is Solidar today better prepared for a similar type of large-scale humanitarian response?
   • Are there effective team communication and coordination mechanisms in place and perceived as helpful?
   • How far has the response capacity been strengthened in the last 2.5 years?
   • Which gaps in the current set up (HR structure, management procedures such as logistics, procurement coordination, partner cooperation and communication) still exist?

The primary target audience of the evaluation is the Management of Solidar Suisse Country Team in Mozambique and Solidar Suisse Headquarters. The evaluation report will be shared with the donors, in particular with Swiss Solidarity.

Scope

The proposed evaluation will focus on the comprehensive multi-donor project of Solidar in Central Mozambique implemented in the sectors of WASH and Food Security / Livelihoods.

The intervention was designed as a response and early recovery project and modified twice: in January 2020 with a project modification and budget extension; and in August 2020 to integrate the Covid-19 response and extend until June 2021.

The geographical focus will be the Provinces Sofala and Manica, more specifically Dombe, Buzi Districts. The target group will be internally displaced/resettled household and communities affected by the cyclone as well as other stakeholders involved in the project mentioned below.

The following projects are part of the evaluation

The scope of the evaluation encompasses the following components:

1. Action 1: WASH: Provision of emergency water distributions in emergency camps. Rehabilitation and construction of 90 wells, 10 small water supply systems, and hygiene education and behavior change activities, targeting 30’0000 people. Repair works in 3 schools and construction of 18 blocks of latrines.
2. Action 2: Food Security: Seeds distribution and asset replacements for 6’000 HH, seeds fairs to stimulate the local market and delivery of farmer trainings to fight calamities. Set-up of demonstration fields and initiation of livelihood activities (introduction of agroecological techniques and community gardens).
3. Action 3: Covid Response: Set up of info points and handwashing stations in public spaces and health centers, awareness campaigns, local production and distribution of protection material, and cash-transfers to cover basic needs for 750 most vulnerable HH.

Methodology and Time-Frame

The consultant in cooperation with the Country Office in Mozambique will develop the final methodology for the evaluation which will be included in the inception report. The methodology will have to combine both quantitative and qualitative tools and be used where possible in a participatory way. Suggested tools are:

• Literature review
• Review and analysis of project monitoring data, and Solidar’s internal After-Action Review
• Review of project documentation and procedures
• Observations
• Key informant interviews
• Focus Group Discussions with beneficiaries and other stakeholders
• Discussions and interviews with the project teams

The work will be concluded in a period of 20 days, indicatively broken down as follow:

The start of the evaluation is latest beginning of August 2021, and the final report must be submitted by the 17^th of September 2021.

Responsability and Reporting Lines

• The Country Representative in Mozambique will be the main focal point for the assignment and direction of the evaluation and will directly receive the evaluation report.
• The Humanitarian Aid Coordinator in Mozambique will be the focal point for guiding and facilitating the consultant in Mozambique.
• The MEAL Officer of Solidar Suisse will assist in organising the meetings and visits. She will be the link between the consultant and Solidar for al organisational matters.

Deliverables/ Outputs

1. The Inception report (02 August) will contain the following elements (max 5 pages) :

• Evaluation matrix lining out the subsidiary evaluation questions
• Methodology
• Sampling plan
• Draft data collection tools (survey forms, topic guides for focus groups etc.)
• Draft work plan

1. The consultant will organize a debriefing workshop to validate and discuss the provisional findings with Solidar’s team in Mozambique.
2. The evaluation report will be submitted in English. It shall contain no more than 20 pages (excluding annexes). The report shall contain a general summary and sections covering methodology, analysis, and findings. Recommendations must be concrete and applicable within Solidar’s resources, capacity and mandate and have clear responsibilities attached. The report must answer the final evaluation questions that are stated in, but not limited to, this TOR / the Inception report.
3. The draft report must be submitted within 14 days after field work (03 September). The final report must be submitted within 7 days after receipt of management comments on the draft report.
4. Table of content of the evaluation report:

1. Cover page
2. Acknowledgement page
3. Content, map of area and list of acronyms
4. Executive summary with the main findings
5. Methodology
6. General report, including analysis and findings
7. Recommendations
8. List of resources/bibliography
9. Time-table of consultant with references to stakeholders spoken to.

Profile of the Consultant

• Demonstrated experience in evaluating humanitarian projects
• Proven knowledge of the context in Mozambique
• Knowledge of the Humanitarian System and respective coordination structures
• Thematic knowledge in WASH and Food Security/Livelihoods is necessary
• Up-to-date knowledge of current (participatory) evaluation tools and methods and proven experience in the use of these tools
• Fluency in English language and good communication skills in Portuguese.
• Strong analytical skills
• Ability to work effectively in intercultural settings
• Excellent writing skills in English and the ability to write concise, yet comprehensive reports
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Based in Mozambique

How to Apply

Bids must include the following:

• Technical proposal including outline of evaluation framework and methods, comments on the TOR, proposed time frame and expected work plan
• Financial proposal including daily consultancy fee, a breakdown of costs of travel, accommodation, per Diems.
• CV(s) with qualifications, experience, contact details and evidence of past evaluations for the evaluator
• 2 References of previous clients for evaluations, including the contact details and relationship to the consultant

Submit complete bids by email to: beat.vondaeniken@solidar.ch

or by paper to: Solidar Suisse, Rua Zambia 524 Bairro 2 Chimoio, Provincia de Manica, Moçambique

Application deadline: Sunday 27.06.2021 (23:59 h)

Note that due to the urgency of the exercise applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis.