VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT FOR CONSULTANCY SERVICE

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT FOR CONSULTANCY SERVICE

Children-Women in Social Service and Human Rights (CWISH), a non-profit civil society organization established in 1993 with an aim to ensure social justice, protection and promotion of human rights especially the rights of children and youths, invites applications package for the Consultancy Service from interested and eligible candidates (Nepali citizens only), Company who are reliable, accountable, and have ability to deliver results with highest level of integrity.

With the aim to contribute CWISH goal, the vacancy is called for ‘Power Girls’ project being implemented in two Rural Municipalities of Sindhupalchowk from January 2023 funded by Interpedia, Finland. The project aims to address gender inequality and discrimination through improving child rights, especially of vulnerable girls, whose rights are often undermined through discriminatory practices leading to school dropouts, child marriage and trafficking; and achieve the outcome that the girls are empowered to be active advocates for their rights, with their agenda supported by the communities and authorities.

Details TOR for Mid-term evaluation 

1. Project Summary

2. Description of Project

The project addresses gender equality and discrimination through improving child rights, especially of vulnerable girls, whose rights are often undermined through harmful discriminatory practices, leading to school dropouts, child marriage and trafficking. The project takes a human rights progressive approach, creating systems-level dialogue between rights-holders and duty bearers, raising their capacity, empowering the girls themselves as well as improving child protection mechanisms and school environments.

With this project, Interpedia and CWISH wish to see that vulnerable girls in Nepal are empowered to be active advocates of their rights, with their agenda recognized and supported by communities and authorities. To achieve this long-term impact, the project aims, in four years (2023-26) to ensure that:

1. Ward and Rural Municipal-level policies & structures enhance gender equality, non-discrimination and child rights to protection and participation
2. Communities and schools in two project rural municipalities better safeguard child rights, as well as non-discrimination, gender equality and inclusion
3. Girls in project RMs are better able to safeguard their rights, non-discrimination and gender equality

Project has been implemented in in all 8 wards of Balefi and 7 wards of Sunkoshi, covering all 32 schools with classes above 5th grade.

Final beneficiaries are 1600 school-going and 200 out-of-school girls, especially vulnerable like Dalits or girls with disabilities. In most activities, the leading role is given to girls and women.

Project works with elected women representatives of wards and rural municipalities, officials in Rural Municipal Education and Social Affairs Offices, teachers, School Management Committees, Parent-Teacher Associations, parents, community leaders and CBOs active in the areas.

3. Objectives of mid-term review of project

1. Evaluate Relevance and Progress: Assess alignment of activities with project goals and measure progress in gender equality, non-discrimination, and child rights outcomes.
2. Assess Impact and Engagement: Analyze impact on girls' empowerment and stakeholder capacity to support and sustain project objectives.
3. Identify Challenges and Recommend Improvements: Highlight challenges and offer recommendations to enhance project effectiveness and sustainability.

4. Evaluation Criteria: The evaluation will follow the OECD/DAC 2020 evaluation criteria:

• Relevance: Is the intervention doing the right things?
• Efficiency: How well are resources used?
• Coherence: How well does the intervention fit?
• Effectiveness: Is the intervention achieving its objectives?
• Impact: What difference is the intervention making?
• Sustainability: Will the benefits last?

In addition, the MTE should include an assessment of changes in the operating environment, risks, conclusions, findings, and lessons learned. It will also provide recommendations for improving and finalizing the exit strategy, while reflecting on the project's success, especially in terms of the Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA).

5. Key Responsibilities of the Consultant

1. Data Collection and Analysis: Design and conduct surveys with Children, Key Informant Interviews (KII) with the local government authorities, project team members and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with PTAs, SMCs, parents and teachers, review RM Plan, Policies and Budget, review school related documents to gather relevant data on project outcomes and impact. Engage with them to understand their perspectives and experiences.
2. Note: A kick-off meeting will be organized with the consultant to set expectations and clarify objectives. Additionally, local enumerators will be recruited to assist in the data collection process, ensuring comprehensive and representative data gathering.
3. Review of Project Documents: Analyze project reports, monitoring data, and other relevant documentation to understand the project context, implementation progress, and achievements.
4. Evaluation Report and Recommendations: Develop a comprehensive mid-term evaluation report with a detailed analysis of findings, challenges, and recommendations for future implementation.
5. Presentation of Findings: Present key findings and actionable recommendations to CWISH, Interpedia, and project stakeholders to facilitate discussion and inform adjustments to the project strategy. 

6. Point Of Contact

The consultant will work together with Project Coordinator, Power Girls, CWISH.

7. Required Experience:

The ideal evaluator should have substantial experience in conducting program evaluations, with specific expertise in Human Rights-Based Approaches (HRBA). Familiarity with child rights and gender equality themes is strongly preferred. Previous experience in development projects within similar contexts is highly advantageous.

8. Consultancy Timelines

All activities outlined in this consultancy are to be completed within a total of 25 working days for the consultant. This timeframe includes scheduled feedback sessions, report drafting, and revisions after the initial findings are shared with project stakeholders. The time line ranges from December 2024- January 2025.

9. Deliverables

Inception Report: Outlining the evaluation methodology, data collection tools, timeline, and key evaluation questions agreed upon with project stakeholders.

1. Data Collection Tools: Developed and validated tools for surveys, interviews, and focus groups with right holders and stakeholders.
2. Draft Mid-Term Evaluation Report: A preliminary report containing initial findings, data analysis, and emerging recommendations for feedback from CWISH and Interpedia.
3. Final Mid-Term Evaluation Report: A comprehensive report that includes an executive summary, detailed findings, challenges, lessons learned, and strategic recommendations for improving project impact and sustainability.

10. Application Deadline:

Interested candidates should submit their applications by 26th November 2024 in vacancy@cwish.org.np Applications should include a current CV, a concise proposal outlining the methodology, a timeline, and a budget for the consultancy.