Call for Expression of Interest (EOI)- External Project Evaluator



The PROJECT, initiated on 1 April 2022 and set to conclude on 31 January 2026, is focused on an overall objective of establishing Climate Smart Villages that integrate water-smart, carbon-smart, and biodiversity-smart practices to improve livelihoods and ensure long-term sustainability. The project targets 435 households with a population of 2,277 in Wards 1, 2, 3, and 4 of Bethanchowk Rural Municipality, Kavre. Key components include climate change sensitization, sustainable agricultural practices, agroforestry, water conservation, and policy engagement with local governments.

Objective of the Evaluation

The primary objective of this independent midterm evaluation is to assess the progress and impacts achieved from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2024. The evaluation will involve participatory impact analyses, comparing the actual results with the project objectives, as detailed in the project proposal and its indicators. Key areas of focus include the effectiveness of the implementation strategy, the sustainability of the project outcomes, and the appropriateness of the exit strategy. The evaluation will provide recommendations to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the project for its remaining duration, ensuring that the intended long-lasting benefits are realized by the time the project concludes in January 2026.

Key Responsibilities

• Review project documents, reports, and relevant materials.

• Conduct field visits to selected settlements and conduct interviews and discussions with beneficiaries, local stakeholders, and project staff.

• Conduct participatory impact analyses and target/actual comparisons.

• Assess the appropriateness of the defined exit strategy.

• Provide recommendations to improve the project's effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability.

• Evaluate the long-term impact and the likelihood of achieving the project’s objectives by 2026.

• Provide recommendations for the improvement of the project's future activities.

• Prepare the evaluation report, to be submitted in English, including an executive summary, an in-depth analysis of the findings, and actionable recommendations for the remaining project period and beyond.

Qualifications and Requirements

• University degree or comparable degree (PhD preferred) in any of the fields such as agricultural science, environmental science/management, forestry, natural resource management or climate studies. 

• More than 10 years of experience in national / international development cooperation with a focus on agriculture, climate change, rural development and/or livelihood

• More than 5 years of prior experience in the implementation of impact-oriented evaluations of projects and programs in the fields of agriculture and climate change adaptation and mitigation activities

• Excellent knowledge of community based and participatory evaluation methods

• Knowledge of the conditions, guidelines and quality requirements for projects funded by AEIN Luxembourg

• Excellent English language skills

• Good knowledge of the country and of the project area

• Preferably at least 2-3 reference projects, which he/she evaluated

• Impartiality

Duration and Logistics

The evaluation is scheduled from 15th Sept 2024 to 15th Oct 2024. The evaluator will be required to spend approximately 20 days on this assignment, including field visits, interviews, data analysis, and report writing. The evaluation will include participation in a final workshop with stakeholders. The evaluator needs to submit the final report by 15th Oct, 2024.

Payment

The payment for the evaluator's services will be negotiated based on their expertise and experience. The payment will be made for 20 working days. The organization will cover the costs of the evaluator's field visits, including transportation and accommodation.

Note: Please include your expected amount of payment in your application.

Application Process

Interested individuals are invited to submit their expression of interest through the Google Form linked below. Please ensure that you attach your detailed CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and approach to the evaluation. The application is open till 8th September, 2024, 11:59 PM, NPT.

Note: A more comprehensive and detailed ToR will be provided upon selection.

Please apply at: https://forms.gle/iLTmbrvWaTvnMFsQA 

For inquiries or more information, please contact Association for Rural Development- Kavrepalanchok (ARD- Kavre) at ardkavre@gmail.com. 

We look forward to receiving your expression of interest and learning more about your qualifications and experience in evaluating projects of this nature.

Association for Rural Development- Kavrepalanchowk

Gatthaghar, Madhyapur Thimi, Bhaktapur

ardkavre@gmail.com