Terms of Reference for Evaluation of Comprehensive RBM Capacity Building for HIV AIDS Service Organizations (RECABASO) projectThe Regional AIDS Training Network (RATN), based in Nairobi Kenya, is a regional NGO with presence in eleven countries across Eastern and Southern Africa. RATN’s mission is to strengthen the capacity of individuals and organizations to respond to HIV and AIDS. Currently RATN has 35 member institutions In 11 countries.
The Comprehensive RBM Capacity Building for HIV AIDS Service Organizations (RECABASO) project is a new and innovative initiative, aimed at utilizing best practices in identifying and addressing Results Based Management capacity gaps among organizations implementing HIV & AIDS programmes in Eastern and Southern Africa.
The RECABASO project strives to reinforce the role played by Results Based Management in improving the effectiveness of HIV and AIDS programmes. The project approach stresses that adequate capacity building and technical support is necessary in helping many AIDS Service Organizations (ASOs0 realize their potential. In this context RATN with funding from Sida launched the RECABASO initiative aimed at building RBM capacity for AIDS service organizations and community institutions implementing programmes towards achieving the public health Millennium Development Goals 4, 5, and 6 which are; to reduce child mortality rate; improve maternal health and combat HIV and AIDS, malaria, and other diseases
In Eastern Africa, the project is implemented by Regional AIDS Training Network in partnership with Eastern Africa Networks of AIDS Service Organizations (EANNASO), based in Arusha, Tanzania.
The project involves AIDS service organizations and community institutions indicating specific RBM areas in which they need capacity building and how the need is linked to improved HIV services delivery. RECABASO teams of RBM experts then follow up with detailed diagnosis of applicant organizations to line up with the best solutions that include experiential learning, internships, on-site mentoring and technical support and follow-ups.
RATN is seeking a competent and experienced consultant for evaluation of RECABASO project. The overall purpose of this consultancy is to assess the implementation and outcomes of the pilot phase of RECABASO that run from January 2011 to April 30, 2012.
The specific objectives of the assessment are to:
a) Assess the extent to which the project objectives have been achieved
b) Review the current status of the beneficiary institutions including any follow up plans;
c) Document successes, challenges and lessons learnt during the course of implementation and
d) Make recommendations on how best to enhance and implement the next phase of RECABASO
 2. Scope of Work for the AssignmentIn undertaking the evaluation the consultant will focus on the following aspects but not limited to:
Programme Conceptualization/Design:
i. Assess whether the problems the project was addressing were clearly identified and the approach soundly conceived;
ii. Assess whether the target beneficiaries and end-users of the results of the project were clearly identified;
 i. Assess whether the project was relevant to the development priorities of the country and;
ii. Given the objectives of the project, whether appropriate institutions have been assisted.
The consultant shall examine the quality and/or timeliness in regard to:
i. The delivery of inputs specified in the project document, including institutional arrangements, interest of beneficiaries, the scheduling and actual implementation
ii. Assess whether the management arrangements of the project were appropriate and adequate;
iii. The responsiveness of the project management to significant changes in the environment in which the project functioned (both facilitating or impeding project implementation);
 i. Assess whether the project resources (financial, physical and manpower) were adequate in terms of both quantity and quality;
ii. Assess whether the project resources were used effectively to produce planned results Assess whether the project is cost-effective compared to similar interventions;
iii. The role of the project Steering Team (RATN and EANNASO) and its impact (positive and negative) on the functioning of the programme.
Results/Success of the programme:
The overall outputs and their meaning are as defined in project documents that should form the main basis for this evaluation. In addition to the targets in the logical framework, the details of the specific project outcomes to be provided are:
i. What are the major achievements of the project vis-à-vis its objectives.
ii. What are the potential areas for programme success? Please explain in detail in terms of impact, sustainability of results and contribution to capacity development.
iii. What major issues and problems affected the implementation of the project and what factors could have resolved them.
iv. Given an opportunity, what actions the consultant would have recommended to ensure that this potential for success translated into actual success.
v. Level of institutional networking achieved and capacity development of key partners, if done in a structured manner at different stages – from inception to programme operations.
vi. Any underlying factors, beyond control, that influenced the outcome of the programme.
vii. Have there been any unplanned effects
 Summary of recommendations and lessons learnt
i. Provide detailed recommendations on main issues associated with the design, planning, results, outcomes, management and implementation of the RECABASO project. The information provided should enable the RATN management to determine what needs to be improved to ensure that the project achieves its intended purpose and impact.
ii. The Review Report shall also include recommendations, if necessary, for the implementing ASOs to improve the quality of similar projects with an understanding that the feedback of these recommendations to the ASOs will assist them to improve the subsequent RECABASO project
 3. Expected Deliverables and Schedule
To complete the assignment the consultant shall submit on the following deliverables:Draft evaluation report: In line with the purpose of the consultancy above, the consultant shall be responsible for producing a report covering in detail each of the specific objectives above. The Consultant will present a draft report 15 work-days after commencement of the contract.Final evaluation Report: The final evaluation report will be submitted five (5) days after receiving written feedback from the RATN Management and stakeholders.The eligible consultant should demonstrate the following:Proven experience in evaluating similar programmesGood conceptual understanding of RBM and institutional capacity building issues relating to HIV and AIDSA proven record of accomplishing tasks such as this on timeFluency in EnglishExcellent soft skillsA total of 20 days will be assigned to the consultant. It is estimated that 3 days will be used for preparing for the assignment and inception report, 12 days data collection and 5 days for preparing the evaluation report and subsequent revisions.
 Those wishing to be considered for this consultancy should submit the following documents in English to RECABASO Coordinator by email: RECABASO@ratn.org with a copy to ratn@ratn.org, not later than July 16, 2012.2. A brief description of the methods that will be used conduct the evaluation
4. Three references of previous evaluation workEmail subject line should be: RECABASO Evaluation

How to express your interest To express your interest to undertake this assignment, please download our expression of interest pack and return the completed expression of interest form by email to evaluations@sightsavers.org .

Expressions presented in any other format, including the submission of CVs will not be considered.

The deadline for receipt of expressions of interest is 14 December 2011.

The successful applicant will be contacted by 19 December 2011 and should be ready to start the secondary review of reports by by 20 December 2011 and field work by mid January 2012.

We very much regret that, in view of the large number of expressions we receive, we are unable to respond to unsuccessful candidates. Should you not hear from Sightsavers within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been successful on this occasion. I am sure that you will understand the need to concentrate resources towards our work.

Thank you for your interest in Sightsavers.

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Terms of Reference

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

The challenges faced by refugees and displaced populations in finding decent economic opportunities have been subject to growing attention in UNHCR operations, across regions. Efforts to strengthen the organisation’s understanding of refugee livelihoods and capacity to deliver adequate support have started and/or are presently ongoing in Yemen, Egypt, Malaysia, Morocco, Bangladesh and Armenia, to name a few. Other operations have flagged their interest in boosting their activities in this area in 2009, including Jordan, India, Nairobi, and several countries in West Africa.

The national, legal and policy environment in reviewed countries places varying degrees of restrictions on refugees' right to work. In spite of these, refugees use many strategies to generate income, mostly through daily labouring jobs in the informal sector. The initial assets that refugees can rely on - such as their skills, access to financial capital, physical health - are critical in widening their options to access safe and productive work or engage in income generating activities. In many cases however, these assets are either insufficient from the start, or have been eroded by years of displacement. Consequently, a significant proportion of refugees including women and children are exposed to various forms of economic exploitation, and to arrest and detention.

Nairobi, as one of the pilot cities for the implementation of the UNHCR urban policy (2009), has a population of some 3.5 million inhabitants, which includes a known (i.e. registered) refugee population of 50,000 refugees, in addition to unregistered refugees and migrants. The urban refugee population is comprised of Somalis, Ethiopians, Eritreans, and nationals of countries from the Great Lakes region (Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Burundi).

The majority of refugees have to some extent succeeded in meeting basic needs without direct assistance. However, the level of self-sufficiency is low (cutting on expenses such as education fees) and mechanisms are fragile, with a numbers of refugees engaged in exploitative schemes. Projects implemented so far, aiming at building refugees’ capacity, have evident constraints and limits. General lack of access to work permits (despite legal provisions) hinders refugees’ access to the official employment market. The identification of needs and livelihood opportunities will enable UNHCR and its partners to design a relevant strategy and programme that will help build or expand refugees’ capacity to eventually sustain themselves in a more predictable manner.

PURPOSE

To define a baseline of quality socio-economic data through a consultative process, and inform the design of a comprehensive livelihood strategy in support of durable solutions and protection for populations of concern.

SCOPE AND FOCUS

The assessment to be undertaken will be conducted in regard to the policy environment and social or political processes that enable or inhibit access to work and other livelihood opportunities; diversity in the refugee population, in terms of their socio-economic status, i.e. the livelihood assets and strategies that households and individual men and women use to survive; the protection challenges persons of concern face in the urban and peri-urban settlements.

Institutions and programmes that support or can potentially support livelihood development and create economic opportunities in the hosting areas also need to be identified.

The assessment will cover persons of concern settled in a minimum of three to five locations throughout Nairobi, including urban and peri-urban locations. The locations must be representative of the urban refugee population with regard to the diversity of nationalities, wealth groups and livelihoods strategies.

Information on local communities residing in assessment target-areas will be sought through secondary sources and key informants.

EXPECTED OUTPUTS

Assessment – livelihood baseline:

Together with the lead consultant define and field test the methodology for assessment and strategy formulation.

Activities:

The local consultant, with the support of the lead consultant and OSTS/Livelihoods team, will ensure the livelihood assessment is a consultative process involving the participation and contribution of a Multi Functional Team from UNHCR Kenya office, representatives of the refugee community, the host community and the public and the private sector, as well as relevant organizations such as UNHCR’s Implementing Partners (IP) and Community Organizations (COs). The assessment methodology will draw on established standard approaches, preferably the Household Economy methodology, and will refer to guidance provided by OSTS/Livelihoods and to the Minimum Economic Recovery Standards (SEEP, 2010 edition), and will use the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework as the main analytical framework of analysis.

Preparatory activities:

• In consultation with the lead consultant, demarcate of livelihood zones; co-facilitate training of data-collection team; field testing; jointly with the lead consultant prepare data collection tools and formats.

• Assist in management of the field team which will be constituted by DRC.

• Assist in the review of secondary information (relevant existing reports / studies).

• Assist in establishing links for Institutional mapping of relevant organizations and institutions (to be carried out predominantly by Field Office staff, in collaboration with consultant), highlighting what organizations are doing and for whom, including both existing and planned programmes that could be directly or indirectly support refugee livelihoods.

• Assist in establishing links for Key informant interviews (relevant stakeholders from local/national institutions related to training, employment, finance, enterprise, agriculture, etc; community leaders; knowledgeable persons in the communities; representatives of trade groups, cooperatives, and special interest groups; UNHCR staff members; staff from partner organizations).

• Organize for a series of Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) as defined by the lead consultant.

Reporting :

The Local Consultant in collaboration with the Lead Consultant shall produce a comprehensive, clear and detailed report that presents outputs described herein. Draft and final reports, and materials to be presented at stakeholder review workshop(s) will be submitted to UNHCR and designated partners for review according to an established schedule.

Indicative report outline:

• Methodology

• Assessment Findings

a. Status of right to work

b. Livelihood Zones

c. Livelihood Groups and Assets

d. Livelihood Groups and Protection Risks

e. Livelihood Strategies

f. Current Livelihoods Support Interventions

• Analysis

• Recommended strategy (scope, objectives, indicative activities and target groups, indicative sequencing/timeframe), including recommended implementation arrangements. N.B A template for the strategic plan, provided by OSTS/Livelihoods team will be available.

KEY PRINCIPLES

The following key principles will underpin the assessment approach and the recommendations defined for the strategy:

• Incorporating an age, gender and diversity lens in the research, analysis and recommendations

• Ensuring recommended interventions empower refugee communities

• Building on what is already being done by UNHCR and partners, where relevant

• Linking potential interventions to national and local recovery and development plans

• Ensuring that recommendations are actionable, include advocacy/policy and programmatic interventions, and practical guidance for implementation

• Ensuring that the views and concerns of local stakeholders, including the refugees themselves, states and host communities are heard and considered

• Considering ways to demonstrate to host communities and local authorities that refugees can be or are of benefit to the host population and the region

• Considering the impact of increased income on access to basic social services and economic and social integration into communities

• It is recommended to employ youth from the refugee and local community inasmuch as possible for these tasks.

HUMAN RESOURCES

The Local Consultant will report to Lead Consultant and will be supported by a locally-recruited team of facilitators and enumerators, to be trained in the data collection methodology, data clerks and interpreters. Together with the lead consultant, the local consultant will also be supported by DRC and UNHCR staff.

DUTY STATION: Nairobi, Kenya

EXPECTED START DATE: Mid-December 2011

REPORTING LINES

The Local Consultant will work under the overall guidance of the Lead Consultant in close consultation with the DRC Regional Livelihoods Advisor, UNHCR Protection team and their HQs.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Academic:

• Graduate degree in economy, social sciences, or relevant development-oriented subject;

Experience:

• At least 5 years of experience with the UN, International NGOs and/or NGO sector in the design and implementation of livelihood projects; expertise in at least two sectors of livelihoods programming desirable: e.g. small and medium enterprise development; micro-financing; food security; vocational and technical education; employment support; cash-for-work interventions;

• Extensive prior experience in leading and conducting livelihood assessments within Kenya.

• Familiarity with community-based and participatory approaches to project development--preferably with urban populations;

• Broad network of links to NGOs and agencies which may serve as future (implementing) partners for further vocational training and income generation projects desirable;

• Minimum one-year experience working on livelihoods in Nairobi essential, preferably within the urban refugee setting

• Detailed understanding of Nairobi urban and peri-urban settlements

• Understanding of the trends/factors of refugee movements (cross-border and within Kenya) desirable;

• Proven excellent research and analysis skills;

• Excellent written and spoken English. Writing samples may be requested;

• Spoken Kiswahili, Somali, Amharic etc. a distinct added advantage

GENERAL

Commitments: DRC has a Humanitarian Accountability Framework, outlining its global accountability commitments. All staff are required to contribute to the achievement of this framework (http://www.drc.dk/HAF.4265.0.html)

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Terms of Reference for Consultancy to Carry out a Comprehensive Review of the Kenya CSO Standards and Related Documents

Sikika Hasa Campaign

1.0 Background

Poverty Eradication Network (PEN) is a Kenyan Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) registered in December 2001. PEN has been fully operational since it opened its office in Nairobi in November 2002.

The PEN mission is to contribute toward the eradication of poverty in Kenya and Africa, through building institutional capacity of civil society organizations and other not-for-profit organizations and institutions.

PEN believes that a strong civil society [including Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) such as: Community Based Organizations (CBOs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Faith Based Organizations (FBOs)] is fundamental to the development of any country and its ability to have sustainable impact upon poverty.

PEN operates by establishing partnership relationships with selected organizations, with who we conduct participatory assessments, produce organizational development plans and undertake mutually agreed organizational development interventions; with the objective of assisting each partner to become more effective, efficient and sustainable.

PEN in collaboration with Oxfam GB and Peace and Development Network (PeaceNet) Kenya has received a grant from the European Union toward the cost of implementing ‘Sikika Hasa Campaign’, a peace building and national cohesion initiative in Kenya.

The ‘Sikika Hasa Campaign’ will work on three interconnected levels to increase community participation in governmental peace building, development and national cohesion decision-making and policy formulation.

Firstly, the action will improve technical and institutional capacity of CBOs to facilitate community dialogue and engagement on issues that may have a major impact on populations’ ability to participate effectively in democratic processes and reap the benefit of carefully crafted policies that consider their needs.

This includes improved CBO access to pertinent information, better systems for managing and reacting to this information through community mobilization and more strategic and well-crafted, evidence-based campaigns that bring local experiences and needs to the forefront.

Secondly, the project will improve CSO governance and leadership by introducing, promoting and providing training and mentoring to meet minimum standards in a framework for CSO certification and to sustain organizational structures and governance improvements through public recognition, information sharing and peer learning.

Thirdly, the project will reinforce civil society impact on national level decisions and polices by overcoming their negatively competitive spirit to better collaborate to promote popular opinion, assisting networks to reach out to new members, to share information and to plan and implement popular campaigns and work with the legislature together to advocate for community messages.

One notable element of the project will be its efforts to determine and address the interests of CSOs in participating in networks, so as to ensure that the networks are seen as adding value to their work rather than simply asking for CSO time and energy.

Under the second component above, the ‘Sikika Hasa Campaign’ aims to develop the capacities of selected CSOs to improve their governance and credibility and become more responsive, transparent and accountable to communities by setting standards. This will be done by refining, introduction and training on minimum standards and certification framework and follow up mentoring and training to improve CSO leadership.

This work will build on the achievement of the work of PEN, Oxfam GB, Peacenet and other CSOs and their Networks in Kenya who developed a Kenya CSO Code of Practice, Kenya CSO Standards and Kenya CSO Organizational Capacity Assessment (OCA) Tool through the Kenya Civil Society Competence and Sustainability Project (KCS CSP) between July 2007 and March 2009. These three important documents will need to be reviewed and customized to benefit peace building CSOs and Networks.

2.0 Scope of the Assignment

2.1 Undertake review of the Kenya CSO Code of Practice, and Kenya CSO Standards their applicability in the ‘Sikika Hasa campaign’ project as well as lessons learnt from past experiences and revise them accordingly as required.

2.2 Develop the Kenya CSO Organizational Capacity Assessment (OCA) Tool into an Integrated and useful toolkit for Organizational Development that can be used to facilitate the promotion and implementation of the CSO Code of Conduct and CSO Standards. The Consultant will be required to convert the OCA Tool into a TOOKKIT comprised of three main tools and some supporting tables:

2.3 Propose any other strategies for the implementation of the CSO Code of Practice and CSO Standards.

3.0 Outputs

All the outputs should be to the satisfaction of the CSO Capacity Building Manager and his team.

The following are the expected deliverables:

4.0 Timing & Duration

The duration of this assignment shall be 10 days, starting on Tuesday 25th January 2011 and being completed by Monday 7th February 2011. The consultant will present a report to the CSO Capacity Building Manager, on Wednesday 2nd February 2011 at PEN offices situated at AACC Compound, Waiyaki Way, Westlands, Nairobi from 10.00 am to 1.00pm

5.0 Qualification/Necessary Skills and Experience of the Consultants