TERMS OF REFERENCE Short-Term Consultancy

Job Description

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Short-Term Consultancy:

Title: Evaluation of Bread for the World (BftW) funded project at Tonkolili, Koinadugu Districts and Western Area Peninsula – Big water. 

                        18th November 2024–14th January 2024

1. INTRODUCTION

The Conservation Society of Sierra Leone (CSSL) is a national non-governmental, non-profit environmental organization with the mission of conserving and promoting the wise use of Sierra Leone’s natural resources The Society provides policy advice to government agencies and institutions, undertakes environmental education, facilitates learning and advocacy on good conservation practices, implements conservation and sustainable livelihood projects in communities and facilitates biodiversity research. The society works in collaboration with national and international partners to deliver its programs and get its messages out.

2. Cause and objective of the evaluation

With this background therefore, CSSL is looking for an experienced consulting firm/institution to conduct an Evaluation of our Bread for the World (BftW) funded project at Tonkolili, Koinadugu Districts and Western Area Peninsula – Big water. The project aimed at improving the environmental sustainability and socio-economic wellbeing of the target communities, particularly through the rehabilitation of the eco-system in the project regions and generation of income from alternative economic activities that are not harmful to the environment by the target groups. An end of project evaluation is planned to be completed by December 2024. The result of the evaluation will present an important opportunity for CSSL to further develop a new programmatic approach and strategy for a possible additional project that will consolidate and increase the gains we have made in these communities over the years.

3. The specific task of the evaluator/consultant is to respond particularly to the following in the evaluation questions:

• Relevance: the extent to which the project was aligned with the needs of the beneficiaries and the strategies of CSSL

• Effectiveness: the effectiveness of the project activities and their appropriateness in terms of the objectives of the project and the financing agreement

• Efficiency: Adequacy of the resource utilisation to the achieved result and effect of the project
• Impact: Estimate to what extent the project contributed to the attainment of the intended primary and long term objectives. And to Identify specific areas and activities that may require further intervention by the beneficiaries, actors and partners.
• Sustainability: To what extent the positive effect of the project will continue beyond the end of the project period.
• Additionally, the project’s M&E system will need to be assessed during an evaluation

4. Evaluation methods

The project methodology should be coherently articulated and carried out by the consultant based on technical experience and qualification. The methodology should include at least four steps:

1. Gathering and reviewing key project documents (Project agreement, progress reports, work plans, reports of project activities and field visits) 
2. Interviews (with or without pre-established questionnaires) with: beneficiaries, local authorities, project partners (the National Protected Area Authority and Rural Development NGOs and other projects Implemented in the area), and CSSL. 
3. Visits to the main project communities 
4. Debriefing meeting of the initial findings to relevant individuals.

There should be room for mixed method approach that is, blending qualitative and quantitative research methods. This is not only to collect adequate data but to ensure triangulation for better conclusions and recommendations.

5. Scope of the evaluation, products and time frame

This evaluation is expected to be completed within six weeks with the final evaluation report submitted in English not later than the 27th of December 2024.  

6. The expected product of the evaluation will include the following:

• Inception meeting for clarifications of issues and concerns
• Inception report (Note later that the 15th November) 2024
• Interim report (Not later that 20th December 2024)
• The final report should be submitted not later than 27th December 2024
• Final report1 (e.g. maximum number of pages, language)

7. Key skills and qualifications of the evaluators

1. 1. Demonstrable expertise in assessing conservation outcomes
   2. Track record in developing and conducting  various types of evaluation including qualitative and quantitative data collection with Strong quantitative data entry and analysis skills

• Experience in managing and coordinating evaluation/research exercises, delivering agreed outputs on time and on budget

1. Experience in data collection and analysis using participatory methodologies
2. Previous experience working with local communities using participatory approaches
3. Excellent and demonstrated understanding of conservation and environmental issues in research
4. Ability of the team to work with communities in relevant local languages
5. Ability to write high quality, clear, concise reports in English
6. Previous experience using Statistical package / software (Epidata is desirable)

8. Budget: 

The expenses of the final evaluation will be paid by the project from the budget line management by CSSL. The consultant is expected to submit a projected budget that will be subject to review by the project management team. The cost estimate should cover but not limited to professional cost, data collection, transportation, training, data analysis with administrative support cost not more than 7% of the total budget. The consultant should also bear in mind that 5.5% deduction will be made as in fulfilment of withholding tax deduction for services which will be paid to the government of Sierra Leone consolidated account.   

Desired experiences 

• Master’s degree in Social Science or equivalent degree, or a similar field from recognized and reputable institutions. 

• A minimum of 5 years of relevant working experience and expertise in the sectors of focus for this assignment.
• Executed at least two project Evaluation assessments within the last 10 years.
• Experience working with government institutions, as well as, civil society/private organizations, and local communities.
• Experience with project development and results-based management methodologies is highly desired.
• Excellent analytical, writing, advocacy, presentation, and communication skills are required. 

Reporting and work arrangement 

• The consultant will work closely with the Project Manager of the project 

• The consultant will work closely with the Head of Programs of CSSL, who will provide technical guidance for the project.

Application process: To apply for this consultancy, please submit a statement of interest including, a CV (4 pages max), and expected budget to the Human Resource Officer at CSSL  info@cs-sl.org and a copy to the Head of Programs at emfordsay@gmail.com specifically mentioning the subject “Short-term Consultancy -BFTW. In your application, please clearly demonstrate how you meet the criteria outlined above. Application deadline: November 8, 2024 Start date: 18th November 2024.