External Evaluator

DATE: 21/08/2023

REQUEST FOR EXTERNAL CONSULTANT

QUOTATION TO BE RECEIVED BY: 04/09/2023 @2:00 PM

1. Background:

• Development for People and Nature Association (DPNA):

Development for People and Nature Association (DPNA) is a non-governmental independent, grassroots-led organization based in Lebanon that promotes sustainable development for people and nature.

Established in 2003, DPNA has a team of 52 committed full- and part-time staff members, along with 780 volunteers across Lebanon, who actively contribute to achieving DPNA's vision and mission.

DPNA envisions a society characterized by democracy and non-violence, where the rights and freedoms of all citizens are upheld. To realize this, DPNA's mission focuses on educating, empowering, mobilizing, and enabling citizens to drive transformative change and effectively address the needs of marginalized groups in rural, border, and poverty areas, all while upholding human rights and sustainable development. This mission is underpinned by DPNA's core pillars, which encompass socio-economic development, environment, good governance, and the provision of services that uphold human dignity.

• Gestion Citoyenne Project:

Since there is still no clear date or law for the Municipal elections, a decree was issued on Friday March 4th postponing the Municipal elections from 2022 until May 2023 then later “within a year” – leading to some Municipal councils extending their mandates, while others will hand over the governance to the Governor. This handover will result in detrimental effects on governance and democracy, as the Governor will not be able to govern such many Municipalities, and lead to extensive delays in public services. Municipalities serve as the main local authority close to citizens.

Hence, the proposed project will work to develop an empowered cadre of young people interested in community engagements and foster their involvement in active citizenship and municipal elections through community-based initiatives and quick impact projects. Thus, keeping municipalities close to people, meeting their needs and ensuring real development work.

The project is funded by the Crisis Centre of the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs in partnership with a French organization “Secours populaire français” (SPF). SPF’s mission is combating poverty and exclusion in France, Europe and throughout the world, and promoting solidarity and its values.

Long term objective: 

• Contribute to strengthening citizenship in Lebanon by encouraging and supporting the participation and efforts of youth towards enhanced citizenship and social cohesion. 

Specific Objectives: 

1. Strengthen the capacity of young people to be engaged citizens and promote local democracy through the active participation of local populations. 

2. Stimulate a dynamic, long-term mobilization of young people and local populations through the implementation and monitoring of quick impact projects. 

Duration: 14 months

8 communities: Saida, Deirmimas, Hasbaya, Tyre, Habbouch, Kfarsir, Zrariye, Tebnine

8 youth committees of 18-20 youth each

2. Objectives of the Evaluation:

1. To assess the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, and sustainability of the Gestion Citoyenne project specifically:

The evaluation will cover the entire project and will enable lessons to be learned to improve practices and projects within DPNA and SPF.

The evaluation will be used to assess the actions carried out during the project, its achievements, and the partnership between SPF and DPNA,

This is taking place at a time when DPNA and SPF are in the process of setting up a larger project on similar issues, co-funded by the French Development Agency.

b. At the organizational level: to assess the overall performance, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of an organization in general and especially regarding the capacity of the organization to implement similar projects (projects on youth and citizenship issues/ and with quick impact projects). This type of evaluation aims to provide insights into how well the organization is functioning, achieving its goals, and utilizing its resources. Here are some specific objectives of an evaluation at the organizational level:

More details in the attached Annex I. 

3. Scope of Work: (Refer to Annex I for more details) 

4. Deliverables:

The consultant will be required to deliver the following:

1. • An Inception Report detailing the evaluation methodology, data sources, and work plan.
   • Draft Evaluation Report for internal review and feedback.
   • Final Evaluation Report incorporating feedback and presenting the evaluation findings, conclusions, recommendations, and lessons learned (including a summary of the main conclusions).
   • Evaluation report in English preferably. French can be an option

5. Timeframe:

The consultant is expected to complete the evaluation within 6 weeks, approximately September 1st 2023 until October 15th 2023 from the contract signing date.

6. Qualifications:

The ideal evaluation consultant should possess the following qualifications:

• A proven track record in conducting evaluations for local/international organizations ( experience of projects co-financed by institutional would-be a plus)
• A proven track record in conducting evaluations for similar projects/programs.
• At least 7 years of experience in evaluating projects/programs and organizations.
• Expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methods, data analysis, and reporting.
• Strong analytical, communication, and writing skills.
• Familiarity with Development work, governance, organizational development, youth programming
• Language proficiency: English, Arabic (French would be a plus).

7. Reporting:

The evaluation consultant will report to DPNA and will work closely with DPNA’s Project Manager, MEAL and Quality Assurance Manager and Financial Analyst

8. Budget

The budget for this consultancy will cover the consultant's fees, travel expenses, data collection tools, and any other relevant costs.