Somalia: Evaluation of Child Protection Programme in Somalia

Terms of Reference

Evaluation of Child Protection Programme in Somalia

Background

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a private independent, non-profit organization (NGO), founded on the basis of humanitarian principles, and human rights in general, to securing the protection of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), and to promoting long term solutions to the problems of forced displacement. DRC has been providing relief and development services in Somalia since 1997. Using a protection of human rights framework, DRC has mainly focused on Somalis who are displaced by conflict. Currently, DRC program focus on supporting IDP populations and host communities affected by conflict and natural disasters in South-Central, Puntland and Somaliland regions. The main programmes include; Food Security and Livelihoods; WASH and Infrastructure; Protection and Advocacy; Community Development; as well as Emergency Response. The humanitarian assistance in Somalia focuses on assisting the affected populations get immediate and essential life needs.

DRC Protection Programme in Somalia

Protection remains a major issue for those affected by emergencies and protracted displacement settings in formal or informal settlements. The Protection Program seeks to enhance the protective environment and empower them to become more self-sufficient and resilient. To achieve this, the program activities have focused on capacity building of duty bearers and rights holders to uphold human rights; increasing access to services by survivors of violations and increasing information access by the general populace on prevention and response of protection violations.

Further, a major focus of child protection activities has been establishing and running a Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism according to UN Security Council resolutions 1612, 1882, 1998 and 2002. The mechanism has been key in enhancing the knowledge-base on children in situations of armed conflict and programming. In addition to reporting, different services such as medical and psychosocial support have been provided to individual cases of child survivors of violence as far as possible in south central Somalia and some parts of Somaliland and Puntland.

DRC seeks to continuously develop innovative ways to enhance protection mechanisms for children in conflict-affected areas within Somalia and strengthen prevention and response to violations that children are exposed to and increase understanding of human rights, protection, equality and gender by all the stakeholders.

Purpose and Objectives of the Consultancy

The purpose of this assignment will be to conduct an in-depth appraisal of the current child protection project to ensure accountability and systematically generate knowledge about the extent and determinants of project performance from evidence-based information. In addition, the consultant will be expected to draft recommendations for a proposal, based on the findings.

Objectives: The main objective of the consultancy is to conduct an evaluation of the current child protection project based on the expected results with due consideration of the support received to date from UNICEF and DRC, through the project; and document lessons learnt, recommendations and opportunities for design and development of new child protections interventions in Somalia. Specifically, the consultancy seeks to

• Assess the extent to which the results of the project were achieved and identify the contributing factors affecting achievement of the intended results

• Establish the relevance, efficiency and effectiveness of the project

• Document lessons learnt, recommendations and opportunities that would benefit design of integrated Child protection interventions in Somalia

Scope of the Consultancy

The scope of the consultancy includes:

• A detailed analysis of the project within its implementation context and establishing the extent to which the project has contributed evidence-based child protection interventions in Somalia through effective monitoring, reporting and response to grave violations committed against children in situations of armed conflict.

• Specific consultation with stakeholders which includes child protection agencies and the MRM Country Task force members on their roles in promoting protection of children in armed conflict.

• Assessing the capacity of project monitors and participation of communities as gatekeepers in terms of monitoring and reporting violence against children. Understand how community leaders add value/compliment to monitoring, reporting and response to grave violations committed against children in situations of armed conflict.

• Carrying out a rapid assessment and documentation of specific child protection interventions that DRC can engage to expand the Child Protection programs within Somalia.

The assignment will be conducted mainly in the South-Central Zone of Somalia (and parts of Somaliland and Puntland); and will target project beneficiaries, implementing partners, staff and other stakeholders. Currently, the South Central zone is restricted for access by non-Somalis while some of the areas can be accessed, depending on the security situation at the time of the visit and this must be organized prior. Individuals or consultancy firms applying should state how they plan to access these areas.

Methodology

It is anticipated that this consultancy will be undertaken through a combination of qualitative and quantitative techniques to gather data and information from main stakeholders, mainly target groups and other actors engaged in similar programs, including staff. The data and information gathered will be systematically analyzed and presented following the above stated objectives. DRC however expects the consultant to develop a comprehensive methodology to conduct this evaluation, based on the objectives.

Key Tasks

The key tasks for this consultancy to ensure that the consultant(s)/firm achieve the above will be to;

• Develop an Inception Report detailing among other things; the process and methodologies to be employed to achieve the objective of this consultancy as stated above. It should include the interview schedules, and important time schedules for this exercise, and presented to DRC for review and further inputs before proceeding to the field for data collection.

• Undertake desk review of the relevant project documents that include the Proposal, Project Implementation Reports, DRC programme management guidelines, DRC strategy documents and any other relevant documents and should take into consideration UNICEF evaluation guidelines and standards.

• Design data collection methodology as appropriate, guided by the international evaluation standards and relevant framework(s).

• Design, develop, critique (with DRC team) and refine data collection tools including translation to the local Somali language, where appropriate.

• Conduct a comprehensive field based project evaluation [using both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods] as a means of providing insights on support received to date from DRC and collect data on targets – based on indicators as documented in the project proposal and monitoring and evaluation framework

• Carry out data collection, entry and analysis and write up the Evaluation Report (max 30 pages, excluding annexes and preliminary pages).

• Present the draft report to DRC team, two weeks after data collection, for review before producing a second draft

• Present a Draft Evaluation Report (2nd draft report) to DRC and UNICEF in workshop to facilitate sharing of evaluation results with a view to incorporate inputs from project stakeholders in the final draft.

• Submit a Final Evaluation and Assessment Report to DRC as stated in the Consultancy Contract.

Key Deliverables

The Expectations from the Consultant:

• Inception Report, four days after signing the contract

• Debriefing at the field office before and at the end of field work is mandatory with relevant DRC staff

• Four (4) hard-cover-bound copies of the report. Spiral-bound copies will be rejected

• Soft copy of the Report in two (2) CD- ROMs in pdf version; with the cover inscribed (printed) on the CDs.

• The consultant will also be required to submit to DRC all study materials including:

• Soft copies of all data sets both quantitative and qualitative

• All filled quantitative data collection tools and qualitative data recording materials. Any other non-consumable documents/items that will be used in the course of the planned consultancy

• Workshop with donors and other stakeholders: PowerPoint presentation of the draft evaluation report.

Report Format

The format of the report shall include the following:

• Executive Summary including summary table of key issues and recommendations

• Main text, to include:

• Background Information

• Study Methodology

• Findings: Analysis and interpretation based on study objectives

• Conclusion, Lessons Learnt and Recommendations

• Appendices

DRC’s Responsibilities

The Consultant will be responsible to the Child Protection Coordinator, with technical oversight by the M&E Coordinator. DRC programme staff in the evaluation areas will provide necessary support to the evaluation team, as may be needed.

DRC will provide the following:

• Transport of the consultant to and from the field.

• All necessary project documents as requested by the Consultant

• Travel Insurance for the consultant

• Accommodation, including meals, for consultant in the field

• Pay consultancy fees at a mutually agreed rate

The terms and conditions of service will follow DRC terms of consultancies. Payment will be done according to the finance procedures of DRC.

Duration of the Consultancy

It is anticipated that the evaluation will take 20 days from signing of Contract, beginning end of September. The Consultant/Consultancy Firm should develop a feasible costed-work plan/activity schedule covering a maximum of 20 days and submit as integral part of the proposal for this consultancy.

Expected Profile of the Consultant

• Have an advanced degree and experience in Social Sciences, Law, Conflict Management and Peace-building, protection programming and evaluation, or development evaluation

• Demonstrable experience in leading evaluations of humanitarian programs responding to major disasters, with specific emphasis on child protection;

• Knowledge of strategic and operational management of humanitarian operations and proven ability to provide strategic recommendations to key stakeholders;

• Strong analytical skills and ability to clearly synthesize and present findings, draw practical conclusions, make recommendations and to prepare well-written reports in a timely manner;

• Experience in qualitative data collection and analysis techniques, especially in emergency operations;

• Excellent working knowledge of Somalia and the Horn of Africa.

• Proven ability to conduct field studies and to write clear and concise research reports in English. List of publications may be requested.

• Good interpersonal skills and understanding cultural sensitivities;

• Readiness to travel to Somalia and conduct direct standard monitoring and evaluation activities;

Evaluation and Award of consultancy

DRC will evaluate the proposals and award the assignment based on technical and financial feasibility. DRC reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal received without giving reasons and is not bound to accept the lowest or the highest bidder. Only those shortlisted will be contacted.

For general information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult www.drc.dk.

Commitments

DRC has a Humanitarian Accountability Framework, outlining its global accountability commitments. All staff are required to contribute to the achievement of this framework.

Application process

Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience are invited to submit their Expression of Interest (Eol) to drcjobs@drchoa.org. The EoI should include:

• CV (s) with details of qualifications, experience, telephone number and names of three referees (preferably those having worked for in similar assignments);

• Technical proposal that summarizes your understanding of the TOR and proposed methodology;

• Financial proposal providing cost estimates of daily consultancy fees in US$. Daily consulting rate is negotiable, although should be commensurate to DRC consultancy terms and standards; and

• The foreseen work plan for the days.

Please forward the expression of interest, in English and marked ‘Child Protection Consultancy in Somalia’ no later than 23rd September, 2013.