Position: Consultant for the end-line survey and end project evaluation for Youth Led-Social and Emotional Learning – SEL Project in Svay Chrum & Romeas Haek Disrticts, Svay Rieng (KH10-002) (ChildFund Cambodia )__Deadline:10May

 

Term of Reference

The End-line survey and End Project Evaluation for Youth Led-Social and Emotional Learning – SEL Project in Svay Chrum & Romeas Haek Disrticts,

Svay Rieng (KH10-002)

1. Organisational context

 

ChildFund Cambodia is the representative office of ChildFund Australia – an independent international development organisation that works to reduce poverty for children in developing communities.

 

ChildFund Australia is a member of the ChildFund Alliance – a global network of 12 organisations which assists almost 23 million children and their families in over 70 countries. ChildFund Australia is a registered charity, a member of the Australian Council for International Development, and fully accredited by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade which manages the Australian Government’s overseas aid program.

 

ChildFund began working in Cambodia in 2007 and works in partnership to create community and systems change which enables vulnerable children and young people, in all their diversity, to assert and realise their rights. Projects are implemented in the rural districts of Svay Rieng, Kratie, Prey Veng and Battambang provinces, focused on improving living standards for excluded or marginalised communities.

 

With a focus on child protection and resilience, quality education, disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, improved local governance, water and sanitation, and youth empowerment, ChildFund Cambodia is also working to strengthen the government’s policy frameworks to improve early grade reading performance through technology interventions, and build community-based child protection mechanisms.

 

ChildFund Cambodia implements its programs in collaboration with local civil society organisations, and in partnership with the relevant ministries and government departments.

 

The project implementing through local partner named Santi Sena (SSO), SSO is non-profit NGO Santi Sena (SSO) has been in existence since 1994, with official registration by the Ministry of Home Affairs since 2003. Currently Santi Sena works with 30 full-time staff in the three provinces of Svay Rieng, Prey Veng and Kratie in the south and east of Cambodia and has expertise in natural resource management and protection, children’s rights, rural development (community organising, self-help groups, social entrepreneurship WASH) with a focus on particularly poor households. Santi Sena has been a partner organisation of CHILDFUNF since 2018. Experience with Santi Sena in project implementation and management as well as in joint platforms and campaigns has been consistently positive, so that SSO can be unreservedly recommended for projectimplementation.

 

2. Background

 

From September 2021, Santi Sena have worked in partnership with ChildFund Cambodia to implement the project titled ‘Youth-Led Social and Emotional Learning’ in Svay Rieng. The project was implemented in 13 communes and 152 villages in Romeas Heak and Svay Chrum Districts in Svay Rieng Province.  The project aimed to address key problems concerning the basic rights of citizens at the sub-national level through improving the capacity of government officials to respond to the needs of the community especially the most vulnerable groups. In particular, this project focused on enhancing the capacity of the sub-national administration to respond more inclusively and effectively to its citizens especially to the needs of groups such as children, youth, women and those with a disability. The project sought to empower members of the local community to be active participants in the sub-national government’s development process including the Investment Program (IP). These aims align with ChildFund’s theory of change to strengthen accountability mechanisms at local level to empower children and youth to voice their needs and priorities and engage in decision-making processes with the support of local government and CSO actors.

The design built upon the successful implementation of this approach in previous projects under the ‘Community Voice’ program implemented in Chhloung and Chetr Borei Districts in Kratie Province and Svay Chrum and Romeas Haek Districts in Svay Rieng Province. The Community Voices program demonstrates that promoting child and youth participation in community decision-making strengthens their confidence, leadership, and communication skills – three key SEL skills – and positively influence how community officials perceive and value the unique contributions children and youth make to their communities. These findings complement Cambodia’s 2011 National Policy on Youth Development that calls for increased youth participation, expression, and decision-making in local communities and educational settings with support from policymakers, service providers, and leaders who acknowledge youth’s capacity and respect youth’s rights.[6] The OECD’s subsequent 2016 Youth Well-being Policy Review of Cambodia states that this policy position not only helps communities but also equips young people with much-needed future workplace soft skills.

The project goal was that Children, youth, women, and people with disability have more opportunities to meaningfully participate in commune decision-making processes and have their needs and priorities acted on.

 

There were 3 project outcomes and indicators supporting the project goal:

Outcome 1: Commune Councils have strengthened inclusive practices that foster the meaningful participation of marginalised groups (children, youth, women, and people with disabilities) in decision-making processes and listen and respond to their needs and priorities. 

Indicators:

• Commune IPs incorporate needs and priorities of marginalised groups, supported by qualitative evidence of IP processes meaningfully engaging marginalised groups
• Approved Investment Programs
• At least 5% of fund allocation from Commune Fund to priorities relate children, youth, women, and people with disability
• At least 5% of fund allocation from other sources to prioritise relate children, youth, women, and people with disability

 

Outcome 2: Santi Sena is strengthened to support the wellbeing of children and youth and their meaningful participation in decision-making processes

Indicators:

• 5 of SSO (2 females) have strengthened technical competent on SEL curriculum and dissemination to youth leaders
• 5 of SSO (2 females) have strong knowledge of IP process to coach to Commune Councils
• 5 of SSO (2 females) have established/strengthened children and youth groups at the community level and youth leadership at commune level
• 5 of SSO (2 females) have ensured effective coordination between youth group and commune councils during the IP process and micro-project implementation
• SSO capacity is strengthened on key policies and compliance (child protection and child safe-guarding, prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (PSEAH), Code of Conduct)

 

Outcome 3: Children and youth have improved wellbeing and are supported to meaningfully participate in decision-making processes and take collective actions in their communities

Indicators

• 70 % of Youth Leaders (females, male, with/without disability) with improved SEL competencies
• 50 % of children and youth (female/male, with/without disability) with improved SEL competencies through peer education sessions
• Qualitative examples (case studies) of the changes experienced by Youth Leaders, children and youth (changes include SEL skills development and meaningful participation in IP consultations, micro-grants and youth forums) as a result of the project

 

3. Purpose

 

Project endline: Conduct a comprehensive endline study against the ICYDCP Project Results M&E plan and tracking report (see annex) that entails collecting two sets of data: a.) for endline and b.) retrospectively collecting endline data due to mis-method of the indicators baseline setting up from the current logical framework versus baseline data. The consultant will conduct an endline survey on level of knowledge and skills as well as project interventions to address key barriers among children, youths, key community members and relevant stakeholders.

End-of-project evaluation: Conduct a final evaluation of the project to identify the challenges and successes (best practices) and key suggestions for ways forward based in the DAC criteria. The end-of-project evaluation (hereafter, ‘the evaluation’) will ensure accountability towards ChildFund and the beneficiaries of the project. The findings and recommendations of the evaluation will be shared with the SSO and ChildFund management teams, government stakeholders and child and youth participants to guide future project development and learning

Case study: Produce 3 case studies of different target groups (i.e: CWD, youth, and Government staff) and specific findings in a comprehensive report in Romeas Heak and Svay Chrum Districts in Svay Rieng Province.

Key requirements are:

• Use the main evaluation questions listed below to determine whether the project’s purpose, outcomes and related indicators have been met in accordance with the OECD DAC criteria;
• assess the project’s performance addressing cross-cutting issues including gender equality, disability inclusion, and child and youth participation;
• explore lessons learned and identify the strengths, weaknesses and potential gaps of the intervention;
• Provide specific findings and recommendations to inform organisational learning and dissemination with key stakeholders (National Level, Provincial and District Levels and Commune Level).

The evaluation methodology will be designed to answer the key evaluation questions set out in the table with the evaluation report outlining the findings of these questions. These findings need to be linked to the evaluation criteria.

 

OECD DAC Criteria	Key evaluation questions
Coherence	HOW WELL DOES THE INTERVENTION FIT? ·  coherence addresses the synergies and interlinkages between the intervention and other interventions carried out by the same institution/government, ·     coherence considers the consistency of the intervention with other actors’ interventions in the same context. This includes complementarity, harmonisation and co-ordination with others, and the extent to which the intervention is adding value while avoiding duplication of effort.
Relevance	To what extent did the project address the issues youth and marginalised groups face identified during the project design?   How do project participants perceive the relevance of the project and how have the implemented activities improved their lives? Are there any stories of change?
Efficiency	How efficient was the delivery of the project in both expenditure and implementation of activities? Are there opportunities to improve efficiency?   To what extent were output indicator targets achieved and were these targets appropriate?   In what ways might the project have reached more beneficiaries with the available budget or reduced costs without compromising either beneficiary numbers or quality?   What changes were made to the project design during implementation based on the reality on the ground and how did these changes affect the efficiency of the project?
Effectiveness	To what extent was the project goal and 3 outcomes achieved? What factors influenced the achievement of these?   To what extent were all outcome indicators achieved and were these indicators appropriate?   What unintended outcomes, whether positive or negative, did the project achieve?
Impact	To what extent has the project benefited different marginalised groups including boys, girls, men, women, gender diverse people, children with disabilities and people with disability and minority ethnic groups?   How have youth and relevant stakeholders’ behaviours and practices changed, including promoting meaningful youth participation in community decision-making processes?   What evidence exists of positive changes in knowledge, attitude and practice among duty bearers from village to commune to district level in relation to youth wellbeing and community participation?
Sustainability	What is the likely sustainability of project achievements benefiting target communities and participants following project completion?   What key factors might support sustainability and replication of the project approach?   What level of ownership and independence did the youth and commune council groups achieve and will this be sufficient for sustained work beyond the life of the project?

 

4. Scope of Evaluation

 

1. The project end evaluation must cover the whole project and implementation period from September 2021 to June 2023 lt must be carried out in line with ChildFund Cambodia’s guidelines and policies on Child Protection, ethical standards, and Covid-19 prevention measure. ChildFund Cambodia and local partner will be actively involved in and contributing to the evaluation process including providing support to access project participants and stakeholders, providing feedback on inception reports and final reports;
2. The OCED DAC criteria should be followed: coherence, relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability. The consultant will use the data of the endline to analysis as well as generate value endline data for evaluation purposes. The endline data, which requires the consultant to compute value project data against the bassline in a logical framework with end-line data for a complete M&E plan and tracking report;
3. The evaluation needs to explore core components of the project against its objectives, outcome and indicators;
4. The selected consultant will then provide an inception report which will include a work plan specifying in detail the work plan. All the interactions are needed (in procedures and questions) due to the Covid-19 pandemic this must be clearly stated and reflected upon in the evaluation report; and
5. The consultant can start field work unless the inception report and plan has been submitted and approved by ChildFund Cambodia.

The consultant responsibilities will be to: 

• Develop and prepare the end project evaluation schedule/plan by consulting with ChildFund Cambodia field team, ChildFund provincial manager and SSO team at in Romeas Heak and Svay Chrum Districts in Svay Rieng Province.
• Review relevant secondary data and available documents associated with the project proposal, project variations, project report (quarterly, semester and annually) including the baseline survey report and other relevant materials;
• Develop data collection tools including questionnaires, interview guides with structured questions, FGD guiding questions, and observation checklists that are in line with the project Logical Framework indicators;
• Submit the developed tools to ChildFund Cambodia and SSO for review and comments;
• Data collections tools will be prepared, piloted and tested before data collection;
• Analysis and computing value endline data against baseline data as shown in (logical framework indicators; and M&E plan &Tracking report).
• Clearly show data presentation analysis and interpretation approaches of the evaluation. Provide outcome indicators matrix key linking tool questions to LF indicators;
• Consultant presents findings to SSO and ChildFund Cambodia team for discussion and feedback (1^st week of June 2023);
• The end project evaluation final report will be produced in English with baseline and end-line report figures from the data collection, all data both soft and hard copies included noted, records, photos, case study, and attendance list which can be used as an endorsement for the work done by ChildFund Cambodia; and
• Cover all field costs from the consultancy fee.

6.     Methodology

Consultant candidates will propose a methodology outline that uses both quantitative and qualitative methods and effectively responds to the 4 evaluation objectives detailed in the purpose section above. The methodology should provide an overview of proposed data collection tools, pre-testing arrangements, quality checks, data analysis and presentation.

 

The successful candidate for the consultancy will provide a detailed outline of tools and tool development in the subsequent inception report with the toolkit in its annex. The inception report will also be informed by relevant ChildFund organisational documents including its SEL, Child and Youth Participation and GEDSI frameworks.

 

Key points

• The end project evaluation covers the whole project and implementation period from September 2021 to June 2023. The evaluation must be conducted in line with ChildFund Cambodia’s guidelines and policies on SEL, and ethical standards.
• The consultant is responsible for carrying out the end project evaluation in an objective manner. However, ChildFund Cambodia and the local NGO partner will be actively involved in and contributing to the process.
• The ChildFund Australia MEL Handbook will be followed as much as possible; and emphasis will be on learning, participation and accountability.
• The consultant will use the result of the project baseline and measure as the pre-designed questionnaire for this end-project evaluation including key questions provided.
• The selected consultant will then provide an inception report which will include a work plan specifying in the detail the work plan. All the interactions are needed.
• The consultant cannot begin field work until the inception plan has been submitted and approved by ChildFund Cambodia.

 

6. DELIVERABLES AND INDICATIVE TIMETABLE

 

The consultant will provide as follows:

·       01 x inception report, which includes: the results of the desktop study; the fieldwork plan; and sampling techniques and tools. Only after the approval of the inception report can the fieldwork can begin. To be submitted by [15 May 2023];

·       01 x draft end project evaluation report submit to ChildFund and partner before presentation on preliminary findings;

·       01 x preliminary findings to ChildFund, partners, and key stakeholders. To be submitted by [First week of June 2023];

·       01 x final report which documents the good practices and lessons learnt; differentiating findings and recommendations which all data will reflect and measure against the project objectives, set indicators, and baseline result. The report should pull together the key findings from the project, analyses them, successful case stories, and photos (about ChildFund Cambodia programmer objectives and make programmatic conclusions and recommendations. To be submitted by [Second week of June 2023]; and

·       All data (raw, note-taking, and records) including interview outlines, list of people interviewed, successful stories, note, photo, consents form …etc. To be submitted by [second week of June 2023].

The evaluation process is estimated to take 21 working days from early May – 2nd week of June 2023 including preparation, fieldwork assessment, analysis, and the report should be finalized by end of End of 2nd week of June 2023.

 

Indicative dates	Outputs and Activities	Number of Days
2nd Week of May, 23	·       Develop inception report indicating the detail of baseline assessment plan, desk review, data analysis, and report	3 days
2nd Week of May,23	·       Conduct tools development orientation and field testing – (consultant pilots primary data collection tools)	3 days
3rd Week of May,23	·       Field data collection, coding, analysis, and presentation finding to ChildFund Cambodia	8 days
1st Week of June,23	·       Draft evaluation report	4 days
1st Week of June, 23	·       Present the preliminary findings to ChildFund, partner, and key stakeholders.	1 day
2nd Week of June,23	·       Final evaluation report	2 days
Total number of days		21 days

 

7. MANAGEMENT AND REPORTING ARRANGEMENTS

 

Support Team from ChildFund Cambodia and partner as follows:

No:	Name	Role	Responsibilities
1	Mr. Nov Samnang	OiC-Provincial Manager of ChildFund Cambodia, PV	Overall Coordination at the provincial level
2	Mr. Ros Sam An	Executive Director	Technical review and support
3	Mr. Ich Saran	Program Manager	Technical Support and Coordination
4	Mr. Soung Mai	Project Coordinator	Overall Coordination at the field
5	Mrs. Keo Socheat	SEL Specialist of ChildFund Cambodia	Technical support and contact person at the national level
6	Ms. Leng Putheavy	Admin Officer of ChildFund Cambodia	Logistic in PP
7	Mr. Chhun Sona	MEL Manager of ChildFund Cambodia	Take lead, M&E technical review
8	Mrs. Chhom Chakriya	MEL Coordinator of ChildFund Cambodia	Support review and quality check
9	Mr. Chan Narin	Head of Programs of ChildFund Cambodia	Quality assurance and endorsement
10	Mr. Prashant Verma	Country Director of ChildFund Cambodia	Oversight

 

The Consultant will report to Mr. Chhun Sona, MEL Manager of ChildFund Cambodia and Mr. Chan Narin, Head of Program of ChildFund Cambodia.   All reports must be written in English and provided in an electronic format (Microsoft Word).

• The inception report starts with a thorough desk review and analysis of the documentation provided. Based on the analysis, the inception report shall include the evaluation framework and plan, including suggested methodologies both to collect and analyse data for each key evaluation question and outlines for the evaluation timeline and activity plan. The consultant can only embark on fieldwork, once the inception report has been reviewed and approved by ChildFund Cambodia;
• The consultant is responsible for surveying objectively. However, SSO and ChildFund Cambodia will be actively involved in and contributing to the process. Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Framework (MEL) in the ChildFund Australia’s Program Handbook and baseline will be followed as much as possible; and emphasis will be on learning, participation and accountability; and
• The consultant will present the preliminary findings to ChildFund Cambodia and conduct one day of validation workshop with key project stakeholders included key implementing partner (SSO) at Svay Rieng province. The final survey report will be reviewed SSO and ChildFund Australia and approved by ChildFund Cambodia after all comments are addressed and agreed upon among stakeholders.

 

8. CONFIDENTIALITY

 

9. CHILD SAFEGUARDING AND PSEAH

 

10. COUNTER-TERRORISM AND ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING

 

ChildFund Australia acknowledges its obligation under the Australian laws relating to counter-terrorism and anti-money laundering.  In order to meet its obligation, the consultant is obligated to provide the information required for ChildFund to undertake counter-terrorism screening before engagement.  The consultant’s name, date & place of birth and ID number will be checked against the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) consolidated list, National Security Australia list, World Banks listing and the Asian Development bank listing to ensure not engage with entities or individuals appearing on the lists.  ChildFund Cambodia’s Counter-Terrorism Policy is in the annex. By

11. CONFLICT OF INTEREST

 

All consultants who work for ChildFund projects must declare any financial, personal, family (or close intimate relationship) interest in matters of official business which may impact on the work of ChildFund

12. FRAUD AND CORRUPTION PREVENTION AND AWARENESS POLICY

 

ChildFund Australis has a zero approach to fraud and corruption act. The successful consultant will be required to comply with ChildFund Australia’s fraud and corruption prevention and awareness Policy and act against any form of fraud or corruption and not offer, promise, give or accept any bribes.

13. EXPECTED QUALIFICATIONs OF THE CONSULTANT

 

• A minimum of a post-graduate degree in Social development work, with sound knowledge on SEL experience and knowledge
• Excellent understanding and experience in
• High-quality writing and reporting skills
• Proven experience in conducting quality evaluations and assessing development programs/ projects
• Experience in conducting both quantitative and qualitative research
• High level of fluency in spoken and written English essential; local language skills desirable but not compulsory
• Cover letter and CV (maximum 3 pages; with references) of each person who would be involved in this Baseline and Endline, and end project evaluation.
• Company profile(s) and documentation of legal status, and registration as a Company.
• Technical proposal (maximum 6 pages) including the key evaluation questions, methodologies and proposed schedule
• Financial Proposal:The financial proposal should provide cost estimates for services rendered including daily consultancy fees. The consultant has to cover all field related costs (accommodation, materials, per diem and transportation to the field to collect data, food and other related costs).

 

14. HOW TO APPLY

 

Interested applicants should submit their CV, proposal, and other relevant support documents to ChildFund Cambodia, Office Address: House # 30, Street. 228, Sangkat Chaktomuk, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh or via email at careers@childfund.org.khcareers@childfund.org.kh, no later than 5.00 pm (local time) on  10^th May 2023. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

All employees and consultants are required to abide by ChildFund’s Child Protection Policy and Code of Conduct.

Moreinfo:https://www.childfund.org.kh/opportunity/job-announcement

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