Consultant - Baseline Evaluation for a transnational advocacy capacity building project in Southern Africa (TRANAC)
Consultancy, Research Jobs
- Zimbabwe Network of Early Chi…
- Expires 10 Apr 2021
- Bulawayo
- Internship
Job Description
Baseline Evaluation for a transnational advocacy capacity building project in Southern Africa (TRANAC): Zimbabwe Network of Early Childhood Development Actors (ZINECDA)
Deadline: 10 April 2021
Introduction
Zimbabwe Network of Early Childhood Development Actors (ZINECDA) in partnership with Lesotho National ECD Coalition of Lesotho (NECDOL), and the Malawi ECD Coalition are implementing a transnational advocacy capacity building project which seeks to develop stronger and vibrant Early Child Development and Education (ECDE) in southern Africa. The strengthened CSOs will engage in transnational advocacy to make governments in Southern Africa more transparent and accountable to their citizens on ECDE issues. Transparent and accountable governments ultimately improve the development and implementation of sustainable, equitable, inclusive and gender responsive ECDE policies, legislation, and systems as well as improved ECDE financing by governments, CSOs and donors. This three-year project to be implemented in Lesotho, Malawi, and Zimbabwe will run from 2021 through to 2023. The implementing organisations through the lead agency ZINECDA are seeking the services of M&E firms or consultants to provide a baseline study for the project.
Objectives of the project
To strengthen the capacity of ECDE national coalition on areas of internal governance, advocacy and research in order for them to effectively hold governments accountable and demand transparency in the formulation and implementation of ECD policies and strategies related to SDG 4.2 and GPE at transnational level by December 2023; To engage in national and transnational advocacy to influence the development of comprehensive and inclusive ECDE policies, legislation and systems by governments in Lesotho, Malawi, Zimbabwe and other Southern African countries by December 2023; To improve ECDE decision making process through availing of ECDE data, research, monitoring and evaluation and for use at national and transnational level in advocacy, learning and decision making for the attainment of SDG 4.2 and GPE related targets on ECDE in Lesotho, Malawi, Zimbabwe and other Southern African countries by 2023.
Objectives and purpose of the Baseline evaluation
Benchmark the current status of the project’s goal, and outcomes as indicated in the log frame/M&E plan providing scientific basis from the findings, conclusions and recommendations that will be used to effectively evaluate the impact of this project on ECDE status in Malawi, Lesotho, Zimbabwe and other Southern Africa countries at large at midterm and end line phases of the project; To gather information that will be used to refine and revise log frame targets making them more realistic based on information that will be established; To inform and refine project advocacy strategies with reference to the project interventions and how this will influence stronger and vibrant early child development and education (ECDE) in Southern Africa.
Methodology
The consultant will propose specific methodology which will be used as criteria for selection. The methodology should also ensure that data collected can be communicated, explained and contextualized. The methodology must include participation of the national TRANAC monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning staff as part of capacity building.
Timelines and Deliverables
Submission of technical proposal 10 April 2021 Review and selection of technical proposal 13 April 2021 Submission of inception reports including the project design, tools, etc 20 April 2021 First draft baseline report submission 28 April 2021 Receipt of first baseline report comments 05 May 2021 Validation Workshop 11 May 2021 Final Report Submission 17 May 2021
Expected deliverables
Inception report and work plan, including a sampling strategy, a data collection tools and analysis plan. The inception report will demonstrate clearly how the data collection plan and tools will gather data that addresses the indicators; Data collection tools for the baseline study; Draft Baseline evaluation report; Baseline evaluation findings validation programme and report; An Indicator Performance Tracking Table capturing all indicators to be used for updating project results framework; Final Baseline study report; Dataset for the study.
Management and supervision of the assignment
The assignment will be constantly monitored by TRANAC Lead through the Regional Management Unit team and MEAL Officers basing on milestones derived from the stated deliverables and the objectives. The management team will be in constant communication with the consultant to track progress made on each stage, until the completion of the task. Furthermore, the methods and tools for collecting data will be constantly reviewed in order to give room to refinement and adjustment if necessary.
Payment schedule
The winning consultant will be paid 50% of the total agreed service and the balance will be paid on completion of the task at hand upon acceptance of the inception report. The other 50% will be paid on acceptance of the final report.
Equipment
The consultant should state the equipment and support needed from the organisation in the application. Limitations in the procurement and use of equipment and services will be discussed with the winning team.
Duties and Responsibilities
Scope of Work
Under the direct supervision of the management team, the consultant will design, conduct the baseline survey, and produce three country and integrated baseline reports targeting 3 countries of Zimbabwe, Malawi and Lesotho on the TRANAC project.
Qualifications and Experience
Qualifications
The desired candidate(s) should have at least a postgraduate qualification in Social Sciences, Education, M&E or Statistics; He should also have at least 10 years of working experience in M&E for ECDE or education projects including research and data management responsibilities; Experience of working in SADC countries will be an added advantage.
How to Apply
Application Process
We invite interested researchers or companies to submit the following application documents: An expression of interest of no more than 10 pages, briefly addressing track record relevant to the assessment and the degree to which the consultant(s) meet(s) the selection criteria. If a team of consultants is proposed, outline the anticipated roles of each team member; Technical proposal for the evaluation study including proposed methodology and activities schedule/work plan, with time frame. The proposal must also clearly outline how the TRANAC project partners will be involved in the process; CV(s) of applicant(s); Financial proposal (separating consultant day rates and anticipated data collection costs); Example(s) of previous similar works; Reference from previous employer and/or client.
To apply
All applications should be sent to the Procurement team on the following email address: zinecdanetwork@gmail.com Hard copies will not be accepted.
