Call for Consultancy: Final External Evaluation of the Sustainable Transition and Resilience Track (START) Project – Syria

The START Project aims to improve the resilience of earthquake-affected and vulnerable communities in Syria and reduce long-term dependence on humanitarian aid through an area-based, integrated approach.

The project includes the following components:

• Livelihoods and Basic Needs, including multi-purpose cash assistance (MPCA), capacity building, vocational training, coaching and mentoring, and micro-business funding.
• Community-Based Interventions, including psychosocial support (PSS), awareness sessions, individual counselling, social initiatives, and community engagement activities.
• Economic Resilience through Inclusive System Development (ISD) in East Aleppo, supporting micro and small enterprises through value chain analysis, intensive training, and tailored coaching.

The evaluation will assess the project's relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability, with a strong focus on the integration of livelihoods, basic needs, and PSS interventions, and on the effectiveness of the area-based approach.

Applicants Must Meet the Following Conditions

• Proven senior-level experience with complex humanitarian and development projects in conflict or post-conflict settings.
• Minimum 7–10 years of experience conducting evaluations in humanitarian or development contexts.
• Demonstrated experience in multi-sectoral evaluations, particularly livelihoods, basic needs, psychosocial support, and social cohesion.
• Strong knowledge of quantitative and qualitative evaluation methodologies and data analysis tools (e.g. SPSS, NVivo).
• Experience working in the Middle East, preferably in Syria or similar contexts.
• Ability to assess integrated programming and area-based approaches.

Other Requirements

• Fluency in English is mandatory; Arabic is highly desirable.
• Strong ethical standards, including confidentiality, informed consent, and Do No Harm principles.
• If applying as a team or firm, inclusion of at least one local expert with in-depth knowledge of the Syrian context is required.

Application Process

Technical Proposal

• 1-page expression of interest highlighting relevant experience, understanding of the context, and overall cost.
• Description of proposed evaluation methodology, activities, timeframe, and scope of work.
• Team composition and roles.
• Evidence of relevant evaluation experience (e.g. list of previous evaluations).

Administrative Documents

• CV(s) of the consultant(s).
• Statement confirming availability within the proposed timeframe.
• Contact details of two references and links to two previous evaluations.

Financial Proposal

• All-inclusive cost of the evaluation.
• Proposed payment schedule.

Assessment of Offers

Applications will be assessed using a best value for money approach:

• Technical proposal: 70%
• Financial proposal: 30%