Junior Consultant - End of Project Evaluation

1. Evaluation Summary

Project

BEAT (Bavarian Entrepreneurship and Advanced Training)

Implemented by

RIGHT TO PLAY LEBANON

The Lebanese Association for Development – Al Majmoua

Project duration

February 2017 – December 2018

Evaluation Type

End of project evaluation

Evaluation Purpose

The BEAT (Bavarian Entrepreneurship and Advanced Training) end of project evaluation aiming to measure the impact and effectiveness of the project activities in terms of providing better livelihood opportunities for youth, through a case study methodology. The evaluation seeks to measure the change among participants in terms of developing their business ideas and business plans. It would eventually support Right to Play and its implementing partners in refining the activities in case of an extension of the project for the upcoming year(s).

Primary Methodologies

Qualitative

Evaluation Start and End Dates

December 10, 2018, to December 24, 2018 

Anticipated Evaluation Report Release Date

December 31,2018

Date of TORs posted online

November 28,2018

2. Description of Project Being Evaluated

BEAT (Bavarian Entrepreneurship and Advanced Training) Project is a 2-year project funded by the Bavarian State Chancellery. The main objective of the project is to contribute to increasing livelihood opportunities for underprivileged youth in Lebanon, through the promotion of entrepreneurship in three selected regions (Beirut/Mt. Lebanon, Tripoli and Bekaa).  The project includes an active participation of Bavarian companies in building the capacities of youth in entrepreneurship, business design and management. The project targets Syrian and Palestinian refugee youth and as well as Lebanese youth who are interested to start their own craft or services business.

3. Evaluation Purpose and Objectives

Purpose of the evaluation:

The BEAT (Bavarian Entrepreneurship and Advanced Training) end of project evaluation aiming to measure the impact and effectiveness of the project activities in terms of providing better livelihood opportunities for youth, through a case study methodology. The evaluation seeks to measure the change among participants in terms of developing their business ideas and business plans. It would eventually support Right to Play and its implementing partners in refining the activities in case of an extension of the project for the upcoming year(s).

Objectives of the evaluation:

The end of project evaluation has four main objectives, namely to assess the a) effectiveness, b) impact, c) relevance, and d) sustainability of the BEAT project. The following summarizes the main research questions:

1. Effectiveness:

1. To what extent has the project contributed to its outputs and outcomes?
2. Has the project contributed to increasing skills of advisors from local organizations and associations in training and entrepreneurship skill-building for other youth? If yes, how?
3. Has the project contributed to increasing skills of young people (Lebanese, Palestinian and Syrian refugee youth) to develop their business ideas and business plans? If yes, how?
4. What change has been perceived/observed/reported from baseline measurements?

2. Impact:
   1. How many young entrepreneurs trained were able to set up their own business/company/entrepreneurship?
   2. Did the project reach its target of 20% of the young people trained (100 out of 500) starting up a business?
   3. Has the project been able to provide increased opportunities for youth livelihoods?
3. Relevance:
   1. How relevant was the project design to the needs of the people targeted (i.e. Lebanese, Palestinian and Syrian refugee youth)?
   2. How relevant was the project design and activities to contribute to the project goal?
   3. What needs to be strengthened or improved for future replication of the project?
   4. What is the level of satisfaction of the entrepreneurship advisors with their engagement in this project?
4. Sustainability:
   1. How much has the project contributed to sustainability of project components and effect?

4. Evaluation Methodology

The end of project evaluation will be using a case study methodology.

The methodology will be based on case studies for project evaluation, and will include the following in addition to a desk review of all project documentation:

1. FGD with participants (young entrepreneurs)
   • 2 FGD men (from all 3 areas – both micro-loan and toolkit beneficiaries)
   • 1 FGD women (from all 3 areas – both micro-loan and toolkit beneficiaries)
2. KII with field staff and implementing partner (total 3)
3. KII with the 2 participants selected as case studies (one participant who was the beneficiary of a micro-loan, and one participant who was the beneficiary of a targeted toolkit)
4. KII with advisors (total 3)

5. Responsibilities, tasks and deliverables

A junior consultant is sought to support RTP Lebanon team in carrying out the project evaluation. The project evaluation extends from December 6 to December 31, 2018. The junior consultant will work under the guidance of the Monitoring & Evaluation Officer in Lebanon (MELO). He/she will be supported by RTP Lebanon staff in the qualitative data collection. RTP will also support in coordinating the meetings with local partners, youth and other stakeholders, as well as ensuring a venue and refreshments for the FGDs. The overall tasks and deliverables for the junior consultant can be summarized in the table below:

Role

Responsibilities and tasks

Deliverables

Junior Consultant

• Conduct qualitative data collection supported by RTP Leb team
• Conduct in depth data analysis and triangulation of results through case studies, supported by RTP MELO
• Provide weekly feedback to RTP MELO
• Prepare 2 power point presentations of the main findings (2 versions: highly technical and lay terms)
• Present findings to RTP staff, partners and community members
• Support RTP team in validating the results with beneficiaries and partners
• Draft the Evaluation report

• Finalize the Evaluation report based on feedback from RTP team
• Submit a 2 pages summary fact sheet

• KII and FGD notes
• Thematic in-depth analysis of qualitative data
• Evaluation Report (based on RTP Evaluation Report Template) including a reflection on the evaluation process in itself
• Power Point presentation of the findings: two versions should be developed: 1) technical presentation in English intended for RTP and donor organizations, and 2) lay presentation in Arabic for local partners and community members (teachers/coaches, parents, youth)
• 2 pages fact sheet summary (in English and Arabic)

6. Qualifications of the consultant

The junior consultant should have the following competencies and experience:

• At least 1-2 years of progressive proven experience in using qualitative research methodologies and data analysis; preferable previous experience in conducting case studies
• Previous evaluation experience (to be provided within the CV);
• Good analytical and critical thinking;
• Proven knowledge and experience in applying participatory research methods and tools;
• Advanced degree in relevant field (e.g. Public Health, Social Sciences or any related technical field);
• Good understanding of humanitarian work especially the development field;
• Previous experience in evaluation of livelihood projects is preferred;
• Strong facilitation skills, particularly with regards to working with vulnerable groups
• Demonstrated understanding and support of principles of equity, participation and inclusion;
• Ability to work on tight schedules with minimal supervision;
• Good English and Arabic speaking and writing skills;
• Knowledge about entrepreneurship and business management is a plus.