Background
Vulnerable children, particularly those who have lost one or both parents, constitute a particularly at-risk group in many African societies. The Norwegian Red Cross has for a number of years supported programs of many Red Cross National Societies (NS) in Africa that has Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) as a particular target group, more precisely the Lesotho RC (since 2002), the Rwanda RC (since 2002), the Burundi RC (since 2008) and the Zimbabwe RC (since 20??). Although the programs follow the same integrated logic, the rationale for establishing the programs where different based on various country specific challenges, e.g. the HIV/AIDS pandemic in many countries, while in Rwanda it was a direct response to the 1994 genocide. The programs use an integrated community-based approach with OVC as a particular target group, with different contextual selection criteria. The programs have, in general, focused on an interlinked set of core activities including health, often related to HIV (peer education and information, prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission etc.), food and nutrition, education, psychosocial support, home-based care, reduction of stigma and discrimination and income-generating activities (IGAs). In addition, in Lesotho, Rwanda and Burundi, there has been an important Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WatSan) component.
Description of programs
Currently, NorCross supports OVC programmes in Rwanda, Burundi, Zimbabwe and Lesotho. Due to a separate evaluation of all NorCross programs in Burundi, this OVC evaluation will only include Burundi as a desk study. However, the two assessments should inform each other so as to give NorCross a full picture of the overarching program and if deemed suitable Norcross will try to arrange a common field trip for the two evaluations in Burundi.
Rwanda: NorCross has been a major partner to Rwandan Red Cross (RRC) since the mid-1980s. The support has enabled RRC to develop programmes in disaster management (DM), OD, HIV/AIDS and later orphans and vulnerable children (OVC). The OVC programme compromised an integrated approach to build resilient communities and ensure children’s improved wellbeing. The continued OVC support is in line with the Government of Rwanda strategy for OVC programming including health, nutrition, education, protection, psychosocial support, socio-economic support and WatSan activities. Other partners supporting the OVC program in Rwanda includes the Finnish RC and the Belgian RC-Flanders.
Zimbabwe:The Norwegian Red Cross is supporting two provinces with OVC programming in Matabeleland North and Mashonaland West. The funding for the first half of the year managed to support these provinces with Educational support, Home Visits, Prevention activities etc.Currently Norcross is only bilateral partner supporting OVC in Zimbabwe.
Lesotho: NorCross entered into a bilateral cooperation with the Lesotho Red Cross Society (LRCS) in 2003, supporting the development of the OVC programme, as well as providing OD support to the NS. Currently, Lesotho Red Cross Society is running a holistic support programme for OVC with a WatSan component in Maseru and Mafeteng Districts. Implemented accordingly with LRCS, Federation and government strategies, the programme supports children in the following areas; education, access to health including paediatric ART , advocacy, shelter, facilitation of kids and youth clubs, material support, self-help and income generating activities, food security, psychosocial support and water and sanitation. NorCross is currently the only partner supporting the OVC program.
Burundi: Since 2008, NorCross has provided technical and financial support to the BRC OVC programme in two districts. The programme is an integrated approach to build resilient communities and ensure children’s improved wellbeing with a focus on six activities: health, nutrition, education, psychosocial support and socio-economic support, all in line with Burundi government standards and strategies.Based on experience from Rwanda and Lesotho, a WatSan component has been integrated in the OVC programme and will contribute to an improved general health status for the local people and greater overall impact. Other partners supporting the OVC program includes the Belgian RC-Flanders
Justification
After the establishment of the programs, they have to various degrees developed in different directions. Despite these differences, the common underlying approach in all contexts has largely been community-based. Furthermore, the context in which the programs were initially established has changed. HIV/AIDS medication has now made it possible for people to live long lives even if infected and, in Rwanda; all children below the age of 18 were born in the post-genocide period.
Purpose and objectives
The overall purpose of this review is to assess the lessons learned of the programs on OVCs and the communities they live in with a view of providing recommendations for future reorientations of the programs based on the country context as well as the capacities of the relevant National Society. As the programs to a large degree follow the same logic, however with notable differences, the comparative aspect will be key to stimulate cross-learning across contexts. As part of this, a lesson learned workshop where the report is presented where partners also can discuss the future of their respective programs will be done as a follow up to the review.
Furthermore, the identification and documentation of best practices will help Norcross and its partners to focus its interventions in a more efficient and effective manner to achieve greater impact.
The purpose of the review is thus divided in the following key objectives:
- To critically review the impact of the programs in Lesotho, Rwanda and Zimbabwe (Burundi as desk review) on OVCs and the communities they live in based on existing reports, evaluations as well as through field visits with particular focus on:
- The effectiveness, quality and sustainability of community involvement
- The effectiveness, quality and sustainability of the use of volunteers
- The child protection component of the programs
- The needs assessments underpinning and justifying the program design
- PMER system in place to ensure result-based management
- Review and document the particular approaches of the 4 specific country-level programs and identify areas of best practices and comparative advantage for the Red Cross Movement.
- Review changes in country context (focusing on both needs as well as the external environment as government strategies and policies) and program rationale related to OVC programs.
- Based on the above, identify and document program gaps and lessons learned to provide recommendations for the review of current programs in each country context.
Methodology
The evaluation/review methodology will be suggested by the consultant, however it is expected that the below criteria is included in the final methodological set up;
The main focus of the assessment will be around the following criteria;
Effectiveness
- Is the project achieving its intended outcomes? Are there any important unintended outcomes, either positive or negative?
- Are activities being implemented as planned? What are the main factors contributing to whether activities are resulting in intended outputs and outcomes?
- Were quality standards defined? If yes were they in line with national standards? If not – why? Are activities achieving high levels of quality in implementation?
- What are major constraints to program effectiveness?
· How satisfied with the project are project beneficiaries? What are the main issues raised regarding satisfactions with the project?
Efficiency
· Were activities cost-efficient?
· Was the programme or project implemented in the most efficient way compared to alternatives? Do beneficiaries ‘graduate’ from assistance after a certain age?
· Is RCRC best placed to deliver this programme compared to other organisations?
· Where do the RC activities fit in with the national and traditional CP systems described above?
·
Relevance:
· How relevant is the project regarding the beneficiary requirements, local context and needs?
· How do beneficiaries view the comprehensiveness of the package of services offered to them? Is the package appropriate for their needs?
· How relevant is the project regarding the NS' strategy?
· To what extent are the objectives of the project/programme still valid?
· How relevant is the program it given that there are other players working in this field?
Sustainability*:*
- Is there community ownership regarding the project?
- What are the main factors expected to affect, either positively or negatively, the sustainability of project outcomes?
- What strategies/approaches/activities may be replicable and/or applicable in the relevant countries? Do lessons from implementation of this project indicate any changes in design in the future?
The following criteria should also be taken into consideration;
Impact
· What has changed as a result of the programme or project? (Intended and unintended impacts, equal opportunities for girls/boys, improvement of social and economic infrastructure, poverty reduction, or other relevant cross-cutting issues).
· What real/ significant difference has the activity brought about for the social, economic and health status of the beneficiaries (What would have happened without the activity?)
· How many people have been reached?
Expected output/deliverables
The output of the evaluation synthesis will be a report that includes:
- An inception report which contains the methodology used to answer the evaluation questions based on information derived from the ToR, the desk review and the evaluation team briefing.
- A draft final evaluation report presenting findings, conclusions and recommendations, with a draft executive summary. Principal stakeholders shall be invited to comment in writing
- Summary of the key lessons learned for effective practice, including a list of principles of good practice;
- Summary of findings in power point
- All filled quantitative data collection tools and qualitative recording materials
How to apply:
Desired background and experience
- Advanced degree in the social sciences (such as sociology, social anthropology, and development studies) or related fields relevant for the assignment;
- 5 + years of working experience in the similar field;
- Must have evaluation/assessment experience;
- Experience working for an NGO and/or in an int. organization;
- Experience working with programs targeting children as well as integrated community-based approaches
- Knowledge of the Red Cross and the key principles of the Red Cross movement;
- Excellent analytical, conceptual and writing skills;
- Experience in program assessment and review conducted within limited timeframe;
- Strong facilitation and coordination skills, including participatory group discussion;
- Excellent command of English, both written and oral;
Fluency of French is an asset;
- Strong communication, advocacy and negotiation skills;
Duration of the Consultancy
- Norwegian Red Cross anticipate the review process will take not more than 45 days with starting date to be agreed. The Consultant firm should develop a feasible costed-work plan/activity schedule covering a maximum of 45 days and submit as integral part of the proposal of this consultancy
- The Norwegian Red Cross will provide comments to the team leader no later than 10 days after receiving the draft report.
- The successful bidder must commit to accomplish and deliver the consultancy services and deliverables before agreed dates within the time period June1 to September 30, 2014.
Expression of interest
The Consultant that meets the above requirements and is available within the time period indicated above should submit the following:
- A capability statement, including a commitment to be available to undertake the entire assignment within the stated timelines. The relevant qualifications, skills and experience should be clearly spelt out. This should not exceed 2 pages, A4 size paper.
- Curriculum Vitae the Consultant
- Full contact details of 2 persons who supervised the consultant in 2 similar assignments within the last 3 years. The details should include, current telephone contact, e-mail address, title of assignment undertaken by the consultant, dates when the assignment was undertaken and name of the contracting organization
Once selected, the consultant will elaborate detailed costed-work plan indicating number of days per tasks and costs (USD)per main task. This should not exceed 5 pages, A4 size paper. NorCross anticipate the processes and tasks will not take not more than 45 days spread over the evaluation period.
Submission of consultancy expression of interest.
Please forward your expression of interest and proposal by e-mail or in a sealed envelope marked “OVC review” and addressed to Mari Aasgaard:
- Norwegian Red Cross; International Department; Att: Mari Aasgaard; Postboks 1, Grønland; 0133 Oslo; Norway
- E-mail:mari.aasgaard@redcross.no
Deadline: June 15th 2014
Application procedures
- The applicant is expected to submit a combined technical and financial proposal (maximum 5 pages) in English including a brief introduction (CV attached separately) to the agency/person.
- Proposed methodologies and Work plan:The proposal should clearly mention the proposed methodologies and activities to achieve the objective of the study, and list the timeline and time required for each.
- Detailed suggested Budget: This section should provide the estimated budget, which should clearly state all costs.
- References:Provide two or three references from your previous clients.
Proposals must be sent to: mari.aasgaard@redcross.no before the deadline June 15th 2014
