External Evaluator

Background   War Child Holland (WCH) is a child rights based organization that works for the fulfillment of the Child Right Convention with the main focus on three pillars: child protection, psychosocial support and education. Under the Emergency Syrian Refugees response program, WCH in partnership with UNICEF is implementing a Psychosocial support project in the North and Beirut/Mount Lebanon for children residing in the area with the main focus on the Syrian refugee children (70%). The one year project started in February 2015, in Center Based activities in 18 locations with 18 local partners and mobile activities in 17 other villages with one local NGO called Nabaa, this is in addition to a child Friendly space at the UNHCR registration point in Beirut. Since the end of project is approaching, WCH is looking for a consultant to conduct the final evaluation of the project.   Objective(s) and Tasks: The final evaluation of the project aims to document the level of achievements of the project’s specific objectives and results based on the below project outcome and outputs; to determine both qualitatively and quantitatively the actions performed in the field and generate lessons learned for the formulation of a possible extension and developing a new proposal. Project Outcome 1: Vulnerable women, boys, girls and caregivers are protected from violence, exploitation, abuse and neglect, including GBV, through equitable and safe access to quality child protection services Output 1.1: Vulnerabilities of boys, girls, women and caregivers are reduced and their resilience strengthened Output 1.2: Child protection violations are addressed through case management and specialized services Output 1.3: National child protection/ GBV systems are strengthened at central and local level including emergency mechanisms Output 1.4: Target population has access to and is involved in identifying and promoting the use of hygiene items to ensure personal hygiene, health, dignity and well-being List of (smart) deliverables a final evaluation report including:   1. Description of methodology used, including questions, sampling decisions, qualitative and quantitative tools, and focus group questionnaire used. 2. Problem analysis & objectives: What are the major problems in regard to the project general objective that are considered priority for the beneficiaries, and what specific objectives should be considered. 3. Evidence-based findings related to:   - Project Relevance: Is the project addressing the needs of the target groups? Is it aligned with government policy to support these target groups? Is the project in alignment with the IASC minimum standards? - Project effectiveness & impact: Have the planned specific objectives and results been achieved? If not, why? What were the obstacles? - Project efficiency: Were the target groups supported in an efficient way (comparing costs and outcomes)? If not, why? - Project sustainability: To what extent has the project been designed in a way that results are sustainable after the end of the project? - Project integration within the partner organizations, SDCs and municipalities. - Added value of creative methods and child participation in the project? - WCH relationship with partners especially its strategic partner, Nabaa. - Coordination and exchange with other national & international NGOs and between WCH & its partners.   4. Recommendations for possible future extension: - Roles and analysis of different parties (partner organization staff, beneficiaries…etc.) - Analysis of success factors and risks (internal and external) - Analysis of the viability of the project: What factors should be taken into account to guarantee the impact sustainability of the project. Lessons learned and best practices from this project, including success stories encountered in the project. Technical competencies and Expertise: - Knowledge of result based Management Evaluation methodologies - Knowledge of participatory monitoring approaches - Expertise applying SMART indicators and validating baseline scenarios - Demonstrable Analytical skills - Excellent English language, writing and communicating - Excellent Facilitation skills Desired Skills and Experience: - Knowledge of Arabic language - Familiarity with the Middle East culture and context - Familiarity or previous experience with War Child Holland - Experience working in conflict areas or for post conflict programs - Experience in Psychosocial support programs The consultant will undertake evaluation through four main steps: 1- Preparation and review of documentations 2- Submission of an outline on how to conduct the evaluation, including the methodology to be used. 3- Interviews with stakeholders 4- Follow up inquiries and develop final evaluation report. In parallel with step one and two, the consultant will closely coordinate with the project coordinator to receive all documentations needed and finalize the agenda, sampling selection and methodology. Time Frame The consultancy will take place from  November till  December 2015 (Deliverable Timeline deadline) Suggested Timeline - Preparation: Analysis of available documents (e.g. projects proposals, narrative reports, M&E documents) and proposal for evaluation methodology and preparation of the evaluation tools (e.g. interviews, surveys, guided discussions) (Two days) - Meeting with War Child staff at the office (Two days) - Field visits and meeting with partners (supervisors, facilitators, animators and beneficiaries…etc.) eight days (Five days at five of the center based activities, Two with Nabaa for Mobile activities, One at CFS Beirut) - Writing and drafting the final evaluation report (Four days) - Sharing and finalizing the outcomes with War Child Staff (One day)