External Evaluator

  GENERAL EU funded project: Strengthening the learning support sector for Palestinian refugees in South Lebanon This proposed action offers learning support to 600 children in Palestinian Camps in South Lebanon, while simultaneously improving and upgrading quality in the sector of learning support offered by Palestinian NGOs in the South of Lebanon, in order to contribute to the prevention of dropping out. The teachers of Learning Support classes are key to the success of ultimately delivering quality services to children and improving their educational outcomes. As such, WCH has been developing a manual which will both increase the ability of NGOs to better build capacity and manage the human resources of teachers, as well as to increase the capacity of teachers in learning support teaching methods specifically.   Since the end of project is approaching (end of November), 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.   Overall objective The NGO sector in the Palestinian refugee camps and gatherings in the South Lebanon offer high quality learning support to prevent drop-out from UNRWA schools   Specific objectives 1:  600 Palestinian learning support students have improved educational outcomes 2:  Palestinian Learning Support NGOs have effective, high quality learning support programs   In addressing these problems, this proposed action have the following results: R1:  600 children have access to improved learning support and psycho-social support services R2:  Palestinian Learning Support NGOs in South Lebanon provide improved learning support through quality programming and improved facilities and equipment. R3:  Teachers of Palestinian Learning Support NGOs in South Lebanon are better qualified to offer effective learning support services R4:  Palestinian learning support NGOs have established referral mechanisms and strong coordination with UNRWA schools R5:  1000 Children and 700 care takers have increased confidence in and attitudes towards learning support’s benefits to education   DELIVERABLES 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? - 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 - Added value of creative methods and child participation in the project? - WCH relationship with partners especially its strategic partner, Solidarity. - Coordination and exchange with other UNRWA and international NGOs and between WCH & its partners, as well as any other stakeholders involved within the project.   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 1 and 2, the consultant will closely coordinate with the Project Coordinator to receive all documentations needed and finalize the agenda, sampling selection and methodology.   MANAGEMENT The work will be carried out under the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator and in close cooperation with the Program Manager.   FACILITIES AND SUPPORT Facilities: The consultant may make use of WCH drivers and vehicles where travel is required. Transportation within Beirut for work purposes will be provided.   Support: In addition to support from those team members listed above, there is the support from the project field officer.   REMUNERATION The Consultant will receive the amount by the end of the deliverable, to be paid by bank transfer. Any taxes payable are the responsibility of the Consultant. No additional costs will be paid, including insurance or housing.