TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR A MIDTERM EVALUATION CONSULTANCY BUILDING A FUTURE PROJECT

Title

Building a future: Improving access to inclusive quality education and sustainable household livelihoods for child victims and those at risk of sex trafficking in Kwale and Kilifi counties.

Impact

Reduced prevalence of trafficking and sexual exploitation among children in Kilifi and Kwale counties

Project Outcome

The project envisions to achieve the impact through the following outcomes

1. CSEC victims and children at risk remain in school




2. Schools play an active role in identifying and monitoring cases of CSEC and report to established referral pathways




3. Vulnerable families have improved income




4. Older victims have increased employability skills and are able to earn a sustainable income




5. Communities develop positive social norms which discourage CSEC

Location

The project is being implemented in 5 towns in Kwale (Ukunda, Lunga Lunga,) and Kilifi (Mtwapa, Watamu, Malindi) being the hotspots for sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism.

Project Duration

3rd November 2020 to 31st July 2022

Target Beneficiaries

The project directly engages the following participants;

1. 130 younger survivors of sex trafficking and 80 older survivors of sex trafficking




2. 40 teachers from 20 schools




3. 50 vulnerable households heads




4. 210 Community Child protection volunteers




5. 600 at risk children in schools




6. 20 representatives of private sector businesses including hotel industries, business entities, transport industries and boda bodas.

Implementing Partners

Terre des Hommes Netherlands (TdH-NL) Kenya Country Office and Kesho Kenya

1.0 Introduction

Terre des Hommes Netherlands (TdH-NL) is an international child rights organisation committed to stopping child exploitation. In Africa, Terre des Hommes Netherlands works in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Madagascar .

Our vision is 'a world in which children are no longer exploited' and our mission is 'to prevent child exploitation, remove children from exploitative situations and ensure these children can develop in a safe environment.'

Our vision and mission are inspired and guided by international human rights instruments and standards, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Council of Europe's Lanzarote Convention, the International Labour Organisation Conventions and aligned with achievement of the SDGs, in particular Goals 5, 8 and 16. We launch public and media campaigns to create awareness on our focus issues and carry out local research into the extent and nature of abuse and exploitation of children.

To effectively combat child exploitation, TdH-NL has an integrated approach which is reflected in the organisation’s Theory of Change. Identification of key actors in bringing desired change is done through a rigorous analysis of long-term causes and medium-term barriers for change, as well as the potential to bring about change. Generally, these actors consist of the children themselves, their families and communities, the private sector, government, law enforcement agencies, and CSO. Actors are identified for each programme, per context.

TdH-NL’s working structure is based on the assumption that a strong and united civil society, engaged in social change and capable of meaningful interaction with duty bearers and beneficiaries, can help the programme realise its objectives. Strengthening of civil society is thus an overall, underlying condition for the successful and sustainable implementation of change in the communities TdH-NL works in.

In Kenya, TdH-NL collaborates with Kenyan CSOs and networks in the execution of projects which aim to prevent child exploitation and provide assistance to exploited children. TdH-NL programmes are implemented in Nairobi, Nakuru, Coastal, Western and Northern regions of Kenya.

2.0 Project Background

Building a Future is a 21 month project with funding from the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery (GFEMS) with the support of the U.S. Department of State’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. The project “Building A Future” aims to reduce prevalence of child sex trafficking in Kilifi and Kwale counties.

Specifically, it focuses on implementing community-based prevention methods; supporting access to quality formal education for younger survivors; vocational skills training, apprenticeships and job skilling for older survivors; and, improvement of household livelihoods for the most vulnerable child sex trafficking survivors. Targeting five known child sex trafficking/exploitation hotspot locations in coastal Kenya: Lunga Lunga (in Lunga Lunga Sub County), Ukunda (in Msambweni Sub County), Watamu in (Kilifi South Sub County), Malindi (in Malindi Sub County) and Mtwapa (in Kilifi North Sub County), the project works to address both the supply of vulnerable individuals and the enabling environment that allows trafficking to persist.

On the supply side, the project aims to reduce the vulnerability of survivors and vulnerable children to re-exploitation. For young survivors, the project will reintegrate them into formal education with additional support services such as provision of school supplies, access to social protection programs, and training for teachers on how best to identify and report sex trafficking and support survivors. For older children survivors, the project will focus on vocational skills training and facilitate job placement with partner companies. This will include enrolment in vocational training or apprenticeship programs, market-based job placement and continued training opportunities, and coaching and mentoring for survivors. The expected outcome will be the acquisition of relevant skills leading to sustainable employment and livelihoods for the older survivors.

On the enabling environment side, the project aims to build the capacity of the local community to develop positive social norms which discourage sexual exploitation. It also seeks to empower schools to play an active role in monitoring, identifying and reporting cases of child sex trafficking to the established referral pathways. The project has been implemented for a period of 11 months and hence the need for a mid term evaluation to review the existing project literature and monitoring data as well as conduct primary qualitative research to answer the learning questions and prescribe actionable recommendations for mid course correction to project design and operations.

The learning agenda is one of the project activities which is aimed at continuously supporting the project to generate knowledge and information through the preexisting questions which focuses on impact, efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of the project. These questions reflect on key identified activities which will be evaluated to test the assumptions, fill in knowledge gaps due to implementation and guide in decision making to ensure the project is more effective and efficient.

Furthermore, it helps guide performance management planning by setting knowledge and information priorities. More so in this case, the learning agenda is aimed to incorporate knowledge learned during the mid of the project support in improving the gaps identified from knowledge based.

3.0 Evaluation Purpose and use

The mid term evaluation aims to provide realistic findings on the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, coherence and sustainability of the intervention based on the milestones achieved since the start of project implementation; provide recommendations on what is working and what is not and suggest areas of improvement through modifications for better outcome and impact achievements.

Terre des Hommes Netherlands and Kesho Kenya, the implementing partner, will be the primary recipients and users of the information gathered from this evaluation.

4.0 Evaluation Objectives

The general objective of the evaluation is to assess the achievements of the project in reference to the period the project has been implemented against the outcomes, document what is working and what is not working in improving access to inclusive quality education and sustainable livelihoods for child survivors and those at risk of sex trafficking, provide realisitic recommendations to better implement the project and achieve impact. Moreover, the evaluation will focus on the project design, implementation process and the performance indicators against the outcome and the overall impact of the project.

The evaluation aims to assess and respond to the following specific objectives;

1. Evaluate the extent to which the project outcomes have been achieved.




2. Examine whether the current interventions and services offered respond to the needs of the project participants/ were well tailored or designed to meet the project relevance.




3. Assess the project’s sustainability interventions in relation to combating sexual exploitation and sex trafficking stakeholders enagements and community dialogues.




4. Document what is working and what is not, provide key lessons learnt and recommend measures for better continuity in the implementation of the learning and recommendations.

5.0 Evaluation Scope and Duration

The scope of the evaluation includes a review and assessment of all activities carried out under the project since the inception. The evaluation should assess the achievements of the project towards reaching its targets and outcomes as outlined in the result framework. The evaluation should assess project design, implementation, effectiveness, coherence, efficiency, sustainability, lessons learned, and provide recommendations for the ongoing implementation.

The proposed evaluation time frame is 20 days between 18th October to 7th November 2021. (Subject to change depending on the start date). The evaluation will take place in Kwale and Kilifi Counties.

6.0 Evaluation criteria and questions

The evaluation criteria aims to assess the project activities to date. This will be achieved through the review of existing project literature and monitoring data as well as conduct primary qualitative research to answer learning questions (in the learning agenda) and prescribe actionable recommendations for mid-course correction to project design and operations.

The mid term evaluation will focus on the following questions;

1. Relevance: Does the intervention logic hold true? Does the Theory of Change and its assumptions still hold true? Is it still relevant to project stakeholders and have any changes in the local context occured to make it less relevant? Is the current design sufficiently supported by all stakeholders? Is the timescale and/or range of activities realistic with regard to the partner and stakeholders' capacities?




2. Efficiency to date: How well is the availability/usage of means/inputs managed? How well is the implementation of activities managed?




3. Effectiveness to date: How well is the project achieving its planned results? Are there any outputs/outcome areas that have performed worse (or better) than expected? If so, why?




4. Coherence - how has the project interfaced and built synergies with other like minded actors within and beyond the intervention space




5. Outcome Prospects: What are the direct outcome prospects of the project?




6. Sustainability: Are project partners being properly developed (technically, financially and managerially) for continuing to deliver the project’s benefits/services?

7.0 Evaluation Methodology and Approach

The project implements a routine monitoring system based on the project's log frame, Core Performance Indicators and Data quality assurance methodology developed at the beginning of the project and corresponding data collection plan to collect data against key outcome indicators.

It is expected the consultant will employ a variety of data collection and analysis techniques for both quantitative and qualitative data to ensure a comprehensive evaluation exercise.

This will likely include, at a minimum:

1. Document and systems review: Review of existing documentations, including; project reports, project Theory of Change (with assumptions), project log frame and monitoring and evaluation data.




2. Surveys: Application of questionnaires.




3. Focus Group Discussions: With target groups and other stakeholders to assess implementation experiences and effectiveness, document successes, challenges and lessons learned, and develop recommendations for improvement.




4. Key Informant Interviews: Consultations with key project stakeholders, including field and partner staff. Guidance on appropriate stakeholders will be provided by Country and field Office staff.

8.0 Deliverables:

1. Consultant/firm

The consultant will provide the following deliverables to the Terre des Hommes Netherlands within the timeframe stated:

• Inception report; a detailed report on the proposed approach for the evaluation; safeguarding risk assessment and mitigation plan will be submitted for approvals prior to field activities;




• Initial draft report, incorporating suggestions and recommendations from reference groups. Several revisions maybe done before the final version is produced;




• Conduct an internal validation/presentation meeting to Terre des Hommes Netherlands outlining key findings and implications, and recommendations;




• Final report outlining finding; one electronic copy in PDF Format and one in DOC format;




• Submit an electronic copy of all filled in data collection tools, data analysis scripts and data sets; and,




• Strictly adhere to the TdH-NL Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct while conducting the assessment.

b. Terre des Hommes Netherlands

Terre des Hommes Netherlands will provide :

• Relevant project documents guidance and technical support as required throughout the evaluation;




• Safeguarding session with the evaluation team prior to data collection.




• Copies of all key background resources identified;




• Comments and feedback on, and approval of, all deliverables within agreed timeline;




• Liaison with the donor for the approval of key deliverables;




• Coordinate with the partner to organize meetings and mobilize participants for the assessment.

9.0 Duration of the evaluation

The consultancy will run for a period of 20 days, inclusive of weekends and holidays, within which the consultant/firm will be required to execute all the deliverables as outlined in this ToR. The final approved report is expected to be submitted to TdH-NL by or on 15 November 2021 (this is subject to change depending on when the contract is formally signed off )

10.0 Evaluator (s) Competencies, Experience and Skill requirements

Applications from individuals or firms are welcome and will be assessed on their ability to demonstrate the following qualifications and competencies:

I. Academic Qualifications

• The lead researcher should possess a Masters in Social Science; Sociology, Anthropology, and any other relevant field.




• Associates consultants should have a minimum of Bachelor's Degree

II. Competency:

• The lead consultant should have a minimum of 7 years’ experience in carrying out impact evaluations, demonstrable academic and practical experience in qualitative and quantitative research methodology, evaluation design and implementation.




• Strong analytical, facilitation and communication skills.




• Excellent analytical and report writing skills.




• Previous knowledge/experience of conducting evaluations on child protection projects.




• Strongly familiarity with social and cultural norms, and attitudes in relation to child trafficking and sexual exploitation.




• Extensive knowledge/experience in conducting evaluations focusing on education, skills development and job placement of children and youth




• Willingness to adopt and change on the demand of the organisation and the donor.




• Proven past experience working with INGO and NGO with a focus on community action forums and child participation approaches.

11.0 Child Safeguarding Measures

Terre des Hommes Netherlands is a child focused organisation which places children's dignity and safety at the helm of its interventions. We are committed to the United Nation Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Country Child Protection laws. Consultants working for Terre des Hommes Netherlands are required to read, understand, sign and abide by the organisation’s Child Safeguarding Policy and expected to uphold the core values of the organisation at all times during their period of assignment. All third parties will be subjected to the safeguarding policy, if need be TdH-NL will lead in conducting safeguarding training to the research assistants and the consultant.

Due diligence will be conducted to ascertain the firms/individuals’ compliance with child safeguarding. A certificate of good conduct should be provided by the consultants prior to signing the contract.

12.0 Ethical Considerations

Terre des Hommes Netherlands treats this assessment with a high level of ethical considerations. All participants (interviewers and interviewees) in this assessment are expected to be treated with utmost respect and designer dignity. Participation is voluntary (even when the person has confirmed to participate they are at liberty to opt out of the assessment if they feel uncomfortable). Confidentiality and the rights to privacy of the participants and the data obtained should be respected. Consent and assent will be obtained from the parents/caregivers and the child respectively prior to their participation. As an organization we conform to the Do No Harm principle where our actions and those of our associates at no time should directly or indirectly harm the people we work with. The TdH-NL requirements on Ethical Consideration aligns with the GFEMS “Best Practices to Protect Children While Conducting Research” guidelines.

The consultant will be required to get the ethical approval from a recognised body before data collection in the field. Terre des Hommes Netherlands will coordinate with the consultant to ensure this approval is provided prior to field activities.

13.0 COVID- 19 Considerations

The surge in the number of covid 19 cases is wanting, the government has provided guidelines to which as an organisation we are committed in adhering, this should also reflect to our partners whom we have contracted or working together. The evaluation will be conducted with strict compliance to the government regulations, this is to ensure the safety of the project participants, the staff and stakeholders we are working with. It is upon the consultant to clearly illustrate in the technical proposal how the assignment will adhere to CoVID-19 throughout the engagement period.

How to apply

Applicants who meet the above criteria to submit their applications electronically in PDF format, addressed to “The Selection Committee”, with subject line clearly marked “MidTerm Evaluation-Building a Future Project Kwale and Kilifi Counties” via email on or before 11 October 2021 at 1700 EAT to: recruitment.africa@tdh.nl with the aim of selecting the evaluator by 18 October 2021 and start the assignment by 25 October 2021 (this might change depending on the exact dates when contract is signed).

All applications should include the following:

1. Technical proposal (max. 8 pages) outlining their motivation for the application, the methodological approach on how to conduct the assignment.




2. A proposed activities schedule/ work plan with a time frame.




3. Financial proposal in KES detailing itemized fees, data collection, logistical and administrative costs.




4. A copy of the CV of the lead consultant who will undertake the evaluation.




5. Track record on similar assignments e.g copies of similar evaluation reports conducted by the applicant where possible and or a recommendation letter from an NGO’s who the consultant has worked with before.

Note that due to the expected large response only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.