REQUEST FOR CONSULTANTS TO CONDUCT MID TERM EVALUATION
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is a global humanitarian organization with a mission to work with people in poverty and distress to create just and positive change. ADRA has a network, comprised of more than 130 supporting and implementing country offices. ADRA is seeking to recruit a consultant to conduct a mid-term Evaluation of Project Outcomes, including Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA) and Early Grade Mathematics Assessment (EGMA) in Galmudug, Hirshabelle, Southwest, Jubbaland and Banadir.**
- PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE OF THE CONSULTANCY
The purpose of the consultancy is to generate comprehensive progress information on the implementation outcome of education services in project implementation locations in Federal Government of Somalia and Member States. The information will inform education programming in these regions and support implementing partners to understand and monitor the progress and results of their education interventions in these regions.
The overall objective of the survey is to generate midline data, both qualitative and quantitative, by analysing it to provide statistical information that will set benchmarks for the project’s take off and provide the overall direction based on the present provision of education services in Somalia. The findings are anticipated to establish the reading ability of children in grades 1-4 in targeted schools based on baseline findings, evidence on the existing gaps, areas of strength to build on and generate recommendations to be taken towards children’s learning outcomes.
- To assess improvements in literacy and numeracy capabilities and gaps in early grades in the target schools at mid-term;
- To generate information about the performance of the project (its relevance, coherence, efficiency, effectiveness);
- To document lessons learned and to provide practical recommendations for improving literacy and numeracy to target schools in the 5 project states: Galmudug, Hirshabelle, Southwest, Jubbaland and Banaadir;
- Scope of Work
The consultant will be expected to undertake the following tasks:
- Review extensively all relevant reports, studies and surveys on the education sector in Somalia, and synthesize the information to ensure that data collection focusses on areas not covered by current literature.
- Evaluate the project logframe in detail, and propose revisions to the proposed indicators where necessary, based on the findings of the midline survey.
- Assess the overall design strategy and implementation approaches of the programme and propose methods of ensuring that the project is implemented in a relevant, effective, efficient and achieves maximum impact and complementarity with other actions.
- Constitute the survey team
- Set off the survey team to pre-test and refine the data collection tools and to collect required data.
- In analysing focus on five core skills that research has shown are central to learning to read: -letter knowledge, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, reading fluency and comprehension, and numeracy: counting, number recognition, simple arithmetic, and critical thinking on mathematical problems through algebra.
- Target groups should be children of grade 3 and 4 in the 2021-2022 academic year
- Conduct interviews/focus group discussions with children and teachers to identify in and out of school factors contributing or/hindering children’s acquisition of the core reading skills and numeracy.
- Enter and analyse the midline data (jointly with select education project staff partners – for learning purposes). Relevant data analysis software such as SPSS will be used.
- Debrief education project management staff on the process and share preliminary findings of the midline study and incorporate comments, feedbacks, and enrich the documents.
- Prepare and submit comprehensive, well-structured report of the midline survey and learning outcomes.
- Profile of the Consultant
The following attributes are requirements for section of the mid-term evaluation consultant:
- Post-Graduate degree qualification in education planning, education economics, education development, education curriculum development, education measurement and evaluation, international development, education curriculum, education in emergency, special education, education governance and management.
- A combination of at least two of the fields will be an added advantage.
- Proven experience of not less than 5 years in conducting quality education related project evaluations and at least 2 years in conducting quality evaluations and assessing Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA) and Early Grade Mathematics Assessment (EGMA)
- Sound knowledge and skills in evidence-based methodological data and research processes
- Thorough knowledge on the relevant thematic areas and development discourse in Somalia
- For international clients, demonstrated ability to work together with local professionals and consultants harmonious to support the work
- Excellent quantitative and qualitative data analysis and report writing skills
- Ability to communicate effectively and work in the project areas for the duration of the assignment.
- Able to demonstrate solid experience with evidence of previous work on similar topics and/or for international organisations
- Available for the entire period of the assignment.
- Familiarity with the Somali context and education sector.
All applications should include the following:
· Cover letter (maximum 1 page)
- Technical proposal (maximum 5 pages). The technical proposal should include (i) brief explanation about the consultant with particular emphasis on previous experience in this kind of work (ii) understanding of TOR and the task to be accomplished (iii) proposed methodology, and (iv) draft work/implementation plan.
- Financial Proposal (maximum 2 page)
How to apply
Applications with non-returnable copies of CVs, testimonials and 2 samples of previous work related to this assignment (Mid-term and/or end-line evaluation) should be submitted on or before 8th September 2021 and via email to hr@adrasom.org . For full Terms of Reference (TOR) please visit ADRA Somalia website www.adrasom.org.
‘’ADRA Somalia is committed to upholding the rights of all children and vulnerable adults that we serve and those we interact with in the course of our work. We endevour to protect all from all forms of abuse and exploitation as outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and Inter Agency Standing Committee (IASC) six core principles on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA). ADRA Somalia has zero tolerance to abuse and exploitation of beneficiaries and staff.’’