Job Description

TERMS OF REFERENCE
END OF PROJECT EVALUATION
Strengthening the role of the church in promoting inclusive civic participation to promote transparency and accountability within devolution processes in Midlands, Masvingo, Manicaland and Matabeleland North Provinces

1. BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT
Trócaire was awarded funding by the European Union for the project ‘Strengthening the role of the church in promoting inclusive civic participation to promote transparency and accountability within devolution processes”. The aim of this three-year project is to strengthen the capacity and role of the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) to promote transparency and accountability in the utilization of devolution funds in Midlands, Manicaland, Matabeleland North and Masvingo Provinces.

Overall Project Objective

To improve transparency, accountability and inclusive civic participation in the implementation of the Government of Zimbabwe’s devolution and decentralization framework in Midlands, Manicaland, Matabeleland North and Masvingo Provinces, which should lead to improved social service delivery and inclusive local development.

Specific Project Objectives
To achieve the overall objectives above, this action has worked towards achieving two Specific Objectives (SOs).
▪ Enhanced capacity of ZHOCD partners, women, youth and PWD to monitor implementation of the devolution process.
▪ ZHOCD partners, women, youth, PWDs undertake joint action for improved accountability and transparency at district, provincial and national levels.

Duties and Responsibilities

2. PURPOSE OF THE EVALUATION
(i) To assess the overall performance of the devolution project by weighing its relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact and sustainability.

(ii) To examine how community monitoring and advocacy contributes to strengthening governance and accountability by improving transparency and responsiveness among duty bearers, enhancing the quality of public service delivery and encouraging community participation in decision-making processes.
In answering these questions, the evaluation will adopt a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative techniques to ensure a comprehensive assessment of the project’s outcomes, processes, and impact.

4. SCOPE
The evaluation is expected to assess results achieved over the three-year project (2022–2025). As such the evaluation will be grounded in the project’s log frame and proposal. Baseline and ongoing monitoring data will be made available to the consultant. Geographically, the evaluation will cover 7 districts and 19 wards in Midlands, Masvingo, Manicaland, and Matabeleland North Provinces. Following the evaluation process, stakeholders will be engaged in a validation process and implementing partners will be able to share summaries of findings with their target communities.
5. KEY DELIVERABLES
The consultant will be expected to produce the following:

i. Inception Report (10 pages max), including:
▪ An updated timeline.
▪ Detailed methodology to be used in the evaluation, including sampling method, and sample sizes, anticipated limitations of the methodology.

▪ Brief justification of the methods and techniques used (including relevant underlying values and assumptions/ theories) with a justification of the selections made (e.g., choices around the participants involved in the study).
ii. Evaluation data collection tools
iii. Log frame with updated values from the evaluation.
iv. Stakeholder Validation Meeting PowerPoint Presentation
v. Completed consent forms
vi. Final Evaluation report and summary report

6. BUDGET DETAILS
The end of project evaluation, commissioned by Trócaire, will cover the total consultancy fees, including field logistics costs. Consultants will receive a 30% payment of the total consultancy cost after providing the final Inception report, with the remaining 30% to be paid upon submission of the draft report and the 40% upon submission of the required final deliverables. All payments will be processed upon receipt of valid invoices.

The consultant will be responsible for overseeing the entire evaluation process, including planning, pilot testing of tools, collecting field data, analysing data, and preparing reports. As such, the consultant is required to submit a comprehensive budget plan, inclusive of all associated costs (VAT, taxes, travel expenses, insurance, and per diems), alongside their proposed methodology in the technical proposal.

Trócaire and its implementing partners will provide support to the consultant by facilitating coordination and arranging stakeholder meetings during the data collection phase.

Qualifications and Experience

7. QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

The selected consultant or firm must possess a strong track record in conducting evaluations within the governance and civic participation sectors. Demonstrated experience in evaluating projects that promote transparency, accountability, and inclusive civic engagement is important. The selection panel will also consider knowledge about Zimbabwe’s devolution framework and local governance structures as highly beneficial. The consultant should have proven expertise in applying mixed methods approaches, integrating both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis techniques. Proficiency in Ndebele, Shona and English is required. Experience working with faith-based organizations and marginalized groups (women, youth, and persons with disabilities) is required.
8. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

In line with Trócaire safeguarding policy, this end of project evaluation must be conducted in full adherence to ethical standards that prioritize the dignity, safety, and rights of all participants. All respondents must be provided with clear information about the purpose of the evaluation and their role. Informed consent must be obtained prior to any data collection activities.

9. SAFEGUARDING

In accordance with Trócaire Safeguarding Policy, Trócaire is committed to actively safeguarding communities from harm. Trócaire takes seriously the commitment to promote safe practices and protect communities from harm, abuse, neglect, and any form of exploitation as they meet our supported interventions. The consultant(s) and all related staff must sign the Safeguarding Policy as part of the contract and commit to adhering to it during the evaluation period. Trócaire is a member of the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, and all consultants will be subject to the assessment of any previous safeguarding misconducts as part of the contract of engagement.

10. FORMAT FOR EXPRESSING INTEREST

Interested qualified consultants should provide a proposal covering the following aspects:
1. Expression of interest.
2. Detailed technical proposal clearly demonstrating a thorough understanding of the terms of reference (TORs) and including the following:
(i) Demonstrated previous experience in coordinating and administering studies of a similar nature, with at least two references of recent work conducted.
(ii) Proposed detailed methodology for the Evaluation.
(iii) Ethics and safeguarding approach, including any identified risks and associated mitigation strategies.
(iv) A proposed timeframe detailing activity and a schedule/work plan.
(v) Team composition, outline of major activities of each member involved and number of working days allocated to tasks
(vi) Previous experience similar in nature including type of study, sector, organization.
3. A financial proposal with a detailed breakdown of costs for the end of term evaluation
(i) Itemized consultancy fees/costs.
(ii) Itemized field data collection expenses (accommodation, meals and incidentals will be covered by the consultant).
(iii) Itemized administrative expenses (printing costs will be covered by the consultant)
(iv) Validity period of quotations.
(v) Copy of registration certificate and other relevant documents.
4. Curriculum Vitae(s) of key team members, outlining relevant experience.
5. Names and contact information of three references who can be contacted regarding relevant experience.
6. A copy of previous reports of similar work undertaken on a) Mid-term evaluation or End line study
7. A profile of the consulting firm (if applicable).

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