Consultancy – CSWG Evaluation

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Title

Consultancy – CSWG Evaluation

Position wanted
Consultancy - CSWG Evaluation
Type of Position
Not Specific
Type of Job
Consultancy
Details

Capacity Development and Networking to Enhance Civil Society in Lao PDR (CONNECT)

Civil Society Working Group Evaluation – Terms of Reference


Introduction

Cord is an international NGO working with people in highly sensitive and oppressive contexts to transform dysfunctional relationships into those that create peaceful and inclusive societies. For over 50 years and across more than 20 countries, it has been committed to healthy, thriving relationships by equipping local organisations and human rights defenders to collaborate with those in a position of authority, resolve their differences and lay down the foundations for a world where everyone can live free from fear and have the freedom to flourish.   Cord is headquartered in the United Kingdom, with offices and teams present in Africa (Burundi) and Asia (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam). Its registered UK charity number is 1070684.   We are seeking an external consultant to carry out an evaluation of the Civil Society Working Group.

I. BACKGROUND

With financial support from EU, Cord as the key player and pioneer of civil society capacity development in Laos along with partners HELVETAS Intercooperation GmbH (HELVETAS), Participatory Development Training Centre (PADETC) now called PAKA and Learning for Development Association (LDA) has carried out a 4-year project called CONNECT (Capacity Development and Networking to Enhance Civil Society in Lao PDR). The project aim was to strengthen the capacity and conditions through which civil society and local authorities (LAs) can contribute to the achievement of Laos’ development outcomes more effectively and sustainably. CONNECT was co-designed by the four partners, who, together with the INGO Network, formed the Lao Civil Society Consortium. A key achievement of the Consortium was establishing the Civil Society Working Group (CSWG), the largest network of CSOs in Laos. At the time, the Consortium’s Civil Society Review assessed the operational, management and technical capacities of Lao CSOs following consultations with CSWG members. They expressed a keen interest in expanding CSWG membership and decentralising it to support local-level civil society (including informal CBOs, newly-established NPAs, foundations and social enterprises) and provide local space for the exchange of knowledge, information and technical tools. CONNECT directly responded to this. CONNECT has expanded, mobilised and decentralised the CSWG as a vehicle for knowledge exchange, policy dialogue and service delivery to Laos’ most disadvantaged communities. The CSWG served to connect with other actions and thematic networks to enhance the channels through which CSOs’ work can be leveraged to support Laos’ national development goals more effectively. The project also mobilised and maintained CSWG-related platforms, namely the CSWG website, the CSWG Facebook page and the mailing list to enable CONNECT participants and wider Lao civil society to share technical knowledge, expertise and best practice (with a specific focus on education and nutrition) throughout the project duration.

II. Funding Sources

The CSWG for the period 2017 to 2021 has been funded by the European Union through its Non-State Actors and Local Authorities programme. Match funding for the project has been provided by Helvetas, the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives, the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, ShoeZone, Cord and the French Embassy.

III. Evaluation Objectives

The evaluator will coordinate the collection of inputs from members in order to assess the relevance and effectiveness of the CSWG and the extent to which it contributes to enhancing Civil Society in Laos and act as a leverage to support CSOs’ work. The independent evaluation will be forward-looking and provide suggestions for improved participation and increased ownership from members, including in relation to functionality, governance and funding mechanisms. It will ultimately explore possible synergies with other initiatives and help to identify opportunities for the future.

IV. Provisional calendar

The Consultant will be responsible for conducting the final evaluation by the 25th of June 2021 and submitting the deliverables according to the following timeline. Up to 13 working days are estimated for this assignment.
Inception report 1 day
Desk review 2 days
Stakeholders’ interviews and reflection session 4-6 days
Report drafting 3 days
Final delivery and presentation 1 day


V. Deliverables

The consultant is expected to provide the following deliverables:
  1. Inception report submitted the week after contract award to confirm the methodology and logistics behind the rest of the consultancy;
  2. Draft evaluation report, including an explanation of the methodology and limitations. The report should not exceed 15 pages (excluding annexes) and the detailed structure/chapter headings will be agreed with Cord at later stage but should include:
  3. An executive summary
  4. Methodology
  5. Key findings from the interviews and the feedback session
  6. Conclusions and recommendations
  7. A revised and final evaluation report after any clarifications have been sought;
  8. Presentation of results and discussion of findings for project staff and other relevant stakeholders;
  9. Excel spreadsheet with quantitative and qualitative data gathered during the evaluation;
  10. A feedback session must be scheduled as part of the framework, to be held with Cord, Helvetas, LDA and PAKA during which the evaluator will present their main findings, conclusions and recommendations for validation, creating an opportunity for reflection and questions to be raised.
  11. Additionally, Cord and the consultant will hold regular check in meetings to discuss progress.

VI. Selection Criteria

Cord encourages both companies and individual evaluators to apply for this consultancy. The evaluator(s) should have the following skills and experience
  1. Fluency in English language (Essential)
  2. Significant professional experience in organisational capacity development, development and good governance.
  3. Strong understanding of the political, human rights and civil society contexts in Lao PDR
  4. Significant experience conducting evaluations for capacity building related projects
  5. Experience of and personal commitment to working with sensitivity in politically sensitive environments and conflict contexts
  6. At least 5 years’ experience in participatory monitoring, evaluation and research and report writing in English
  7. Understanding of peacebuilding approaches and principles and conflict sensitivity
  8. Strong analytical skills
   Cord invites interested applicants to submit a detailed proposal to jbattello@cord.uk.org by the 1st of June with the following components:
  1. A maximum of 3 pages of the proposed methodology and approach for the consultancy
  2. An indicative work plan with time frame and budget
  3. Consultant(s) CV and description of Key personnel and staffing if team/firm
  4. Budget estimate including consultancy fees
Note applications will be reviewed upon receipt.  
Deadline for application
June 1, 2021
Name of Organisation
Cord
Type of Organisation
iNGO
Contact Person
Jeanne Battello
Email Address
Telephone