Final Evaluation of Turning The Tide Project - Somaliland

BACKGROUND

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a humanitarian, non-governmental, non-profit organisation founded in 1956 that works in more than 30 countries throughout the world. DRC fulfils its mandate by providing direct assistance to conflict-affected populations – refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities in the conflict areas of the world; and by advocating on behalf of conflict-affected populations on the basis of humanitarian principles and the Human Rights. In Somalia, DRC is providing relief and development services using a human rights protection framework, supporting IDPs and host communities affected by conflict and natural disasters. Currently, the main thematic programme areas include; Food Security and Livelihoods; WASH and Infrastructure; Protection and Advocacy; Community-Driven Development; as well as Emergency Response on a case-by-case basis.

BACKGROUND OF TURNING THE TIDE (TTT) PILLAR

Turning the Tide (TtT) is one of the DRC Horn of Africa and Yemen region’s strategic pillars aimed at strengthening conflict management and critical livelihood capacities for vulnerable urban youth to discourage migration and attraction to extremist activities. The expected results in this pillar are that Vulnerable youth in urban, conflict prone and displacement/migration affected areas have increased access to livelihood opportunities; and Youth in urban conflict prone and displacement/migration affected areas have increased awareness of conflict mitigation strategies.

The pillar is designed to raise awareness regarding the risks of migration and extremist activities; provide opportunities for improved livelihoods; and create space for dialogue, solidarity and new opportunities. It was developed with understanding that deteriorating socio economic conditions and eroding livelihood opportunities are continuous cause for displacement in the region, including from urban centres; and that a significant proportion of the Somali population are young people who lack basic livelihood opportunities and can easily become involved in activities such as political extremism, piracy, smuggling and other risky ventures. It seeks to enhance livelihoods and promote economic empowerment of individuals in urban areas, particularly among marginalized youth. By strengthening the livelihoods in communities, especially in combination with strengthened governance, it is anticipated that communities are able to provide better protection and prevent repeated displacement due to conflict over scarce resources. In addition, livelihood support can also be provided to support durable return in targeted areas when feasible.

The TtT pillar targets young individuals living in urban communities which are prone to conflict and displacement, and/or affected by displacement or hosting large displacement around them. These are the urban youth, between the ages 14-30 years old, who are either contemplating migration for livelihood reasons or might be tempted to migrate in order to take part in inter and intra clan conflicts or radical ideologies.

The components of the pillar include; strengthening the participation of and advocacy with civil society and communities to deter migration and awareness raising; information sharing on migration and conflict using relevant media; livelihood support by enabling access to income opportunities (e.g. business skills including literacy and numeracy, mentoring, job placement, vocational training, self-revolving loan funds, grants for income generation); conflict mitigation and resolution training to discourage violence and participation in radicalism (e.g. sports, culture and panel discussions on migration); comprehensive conflict management, leadership and decision making workshops.

SOMALILAND TTT PROJECT OVERVIEW

DRC has been implementing a 20 months Turning the Tide project in Somaliland since May 2011, implementing activities in Hargeisa and Caynabo. The project was designed to tap into and utilize the youth’s resources to empower them to access their potential to make informed decisions and generate income.

DRC adopted a participatory approach to work with local youth groups to identify the direct beneficiaries for the project, whereby 100 youth (male / female, IDP / regular youth) were to be selected for income generation intervention through a non-discriminatory business proposal writing competition. The youth were then to be trained on business management and entrepreneurial skills training and linked to participate in their nearest youth center’s conflict management workshops to discourage emigration or participation in extremist organizations or clan related conflicts.

The second intervention in this project was a rights-based approach to sports and culture anticipating direct and indirect impact among at least 10,000 youth. Up to 1,000 direct beneficiaries were to be divided into four integrated groups of 200-250 beneficiaries who will participate in sports, culture and conflict management education workshops for a duration of approximately four months. Additionally, the youth were to participate in conflict management workshops.

PURPOSE & OBJECTIVE OF CONSULTANCY

THE PURPOSE

of the final project evaluation is to conduct an in-depth appraisal of the project, based on the design, implementation and pillar statement to enable DRC and other stakeholders learn from evidence-based information about the project and ensure accountability. In addition, the findings will be used to inform further development and institutionalization of the TtT pillar in Somalia programme through capturing best practices and lessons learnt.

OBJECTIVES

The main objective of the Evaluation is to conduct an end term evaluation of the outcomes based on the expected results with due consideration of the support received to date from DRC and implementing partners, throughout the project implementation period. Specifically, the evaluation seeks to assess the performance of the project including;

• The progress made towards the achievement of results, extent to which they were achieved and the contributing factors affecting the achievement of the intended results

• Identification and documentation of lessons learnt and best practices employed by the project during implementation; identifying sustainable aspects of the project

• Assess critically the DRC TtT pillar and establish the appropriateness and effectiveness in delivery of the intended results and make recommendations

• Conducting a mapping of existing external youth interventions, the organizations or institutions offering them and opportunities for youth development needs in Somaliland

• Assess the extent to which sustainability of the interventions is assured and the measures that need to be done to strengthen this

SCOPE OF CONSULTANCY

The scope of the evaluation includes a detailed analysis of the project within its context and period of implementation. The evaluation will be conducted in Hargeisa where the majority of project activities were implemented; and will target project beneficiaries, DRC and partner organizations staff, line ministries and other relevant stakeholders.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

The evaluation should effectively answer the following questions under each criterion:

EFFECTIVENESS: To what extent were the project objectives achieved at the results level? Did the benefits reach the target group as intended? Were benefits distributed fairly between gender and across social and cultural barriers?

EFFICIENCY: To what extent are the costs of project intervention justified by its results, taking alternatives into account? Analyse the quality of day-to-day management (adequacy of project budget, management of personnel, project properties, communication, relation management with elders, community leaders, other development partners, etc).

RELEVANCE: To what extent did the project intervention conform to the needs and priorities of target groups, and the policies of DRC?

APPROPRIATENESS: How well did the activities respond to the changing demands of the situation; considering the requirements for adaptation, ownership, accountability, and cost-effectiveness?

SUSTAINABILITY: How and to what extent did the activities take into account longer-term needs and the interconnectedness of the existing humanitarian problems? To what extent were the stakeholders consulted and involved in selection processes for activities and beneficiaries, and implementation? Assess the degree of commitment of stakeholders and the extent to which the capacity of youth groups and partners were built and strengthened? Suggest improvements for the future interventions.

KEY TASKS

For the objectives of the consultancy to be achieved, as a minimum, the following key tasks are to be performed by the consultant(s)/firm:

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

• Undertake desk review of the relevant project documents that include the Proposals, Implementation Plans, Project Implementation Reports, DRC strategy documents and any other relevant documents, including the UNDP Somalia Human Development Report (Desk review documents to be prepared by DRC)

• 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 partners and collect data on targets and objectives on the evaluation

• Carry out data collection, entry and analysis and write up the final evaluation report based on DRC inputs into the draft version. The format of the report shall include the following:

1. Executive Summary, including summary table of key issues and recommendations
2. Preliminary pages
3. Main text, to include:

a) Background Information

b) Methodology

c) Findings: Analysis and interpretation based on evaluation objectives and criteria

d) Lessons learnt, Best practices and opportunities for long term solutions

e) Conclusions and Recommendations

• Appendices: Evaluation tools, evaluation ToR, sample framework, bibliography, etc.

N/B: The report will be reviewed and approved by DRC before final payment is released.

KEY DELIVERABLES

The Expectations from the Consultant:

• Debriefing workshop at the end of field work is mandatory with relevant DRC and partners staff in the field

• Inception report

• Four (4) bound hard copies of the report.

• Soft copy of the Report on two (2) CDs.

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

1. Soft copies of all data sets both quantitative and qualitative
2. 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

• A summary of the Final Evaluation report in MS PowerPoint format

DRC’S RESPONSIBILITIES

The Consultant will be responsible to the Area Manager - Somaliland, with technical oversight by the M&E Coordinator and Youth Coordinator. DRC staff in the evaluation areas will provide necessary support to the Evaluation team, as may be needed.

DRC will provide the following:

• Transport to and from the field

• All necessary desktop review documents as requested by the Consultant

• Travel Insurance for the consultant

• Accommodation and 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

DRC envisages that the consultancy will take 20 days, from the time the contract is signed. 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.

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrated experience in leading evaluations of youth engagement programmes, with specific focus on local good governance and community development projects;

• Strong background in peace and community development practices

• 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 and quantitative data collection and data analysis techniques, especially in a post-conflict context;

• Experience, knowledge and clear understanding of Somalia’s humanitarian context;

• Good interpersonal skills and understanding cultural sensitivities;

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

• Have an advanced degree and experience in community development, and evaluation, development evaluation or social sciences

FURTHER INFORMATION

You are welcome to contact DRC Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator, Mr. Moses Lusih onme.coord@drcsomalia.org for further information or questions on the intended evaluation. Please note that applications are not to be sent to Mr. Lusih; and those sent to him will not be considered.

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,

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

• Financial proposal providing cost estimates of daily consultancy fees in US Dollars ($) and

• The foreseen work plan for the days. Daily consulting rate is negotiable, although will be commensurate to DRC consultancy terms and standards.

Please forward the expression of interest, in English and marked ‘Consultancy for Evaluation of Turning the Tide Project in Somaliland’ no later than 6. December, 2012.

How to apply:

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,

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

• Financial proposal providing cost estimates of daily consultancy fees in US Dollars ($) and

• The foreseen work plan for the days. Daily consulting rate is negotiable, although will be commensurate to DRC consultancy terms and standards.

Please forward the expression of interest, in English and marked ‘Consultancy for Evaluation of Turning the Tide Project in Somaliland’ no later than 6. December, 2012.