Terms of Reference – External Project Evaluator

Background

Stars of Hope Society (SHS) was established as an effort to address the needs of women with disability and support them in realizing their rights the discrimination against women with disability and the lack of organizations that target this issue. Since its foundation in 2006, SHS has been eager to increase awareness about women with disability, their status, reality and needs as an endeavor to promote equality in education, employment and all walks of life.  Furthermore, SHS has been successful at increasing the awareness of women with disabilities on their rights, as well as building their capacities and developing their professional skills to increase their chances on reaching out for equal job opportunities.  

Project Context 

Title of the project: Promotion of (Women with disability) WWDs Equal Rights & Opportunities within the Palestinian community. 
Duration: 3 years (2014- 2016)
Location: West bank & Gaza
Funded by: Kvinna till Kvinna 

Women with disability WWDs in Palestine frequently do not participate in gender and development processes and programs, leaving their perspective and voices unheard. Yet, unless WWDs participate in relevant processes, their rights will not be considered and supported. In order to effectively enhance the participation and inclusion of WWDs in Palestine in decision making processes and policies, the results of the proposed program address mutually perpetuating barriers and needs in several stakeholders, i.e. 
- the level of the individual WWDs and their Disabled People’s Organizations (DPOs, 
- the level of CSOs working on women’s rights (women`s organizations) and 
- the level of the government

Therefore, the overall objective of the proposed program is for WWDs  in Palestine to enjoy equal opportunities and their human rights. The achievement of this overall objective would have an impact on the social, economic and political aspects and challenges cited above.

 Purpose of evaluation  

To assess one of  Starts of Hope ‘s (SHS’s) projects in terms of results achieved, impact on the target group and efficiency and to enable evidence-based decision making.

In additoion how SHS’s project is relevant to our strategic plan. Also Results hopefully will also serve to further develop and clarify SHS strategic developments for 2017 to 2020

Specific Objectives
-Relevance and Impact - To identify if the project is making a difference for the target population as per the stated objective, including:
-If the project’s activities have had an impact, especially the different trainings given for the groups of WWDs in both (West Bank & Gaza, and the trainings and networking with Women Rights Organizations (WROs) and other Disabled Peoples’ Organizations(DPOs) 
-Effectiveness - to assess and make recommendations on the overall effectiveness of the project, including;
-the extent to which the results of the two studies produced have been achieved 
-the extent to which the methodology used is effective in achieving results;
-Any unexpected outcomes or consequences of activities (positive or harmful).
-Current Monitoring (and quality control) processes in operation

-Efficiency - to assess if the project has made an efficient use of resources in terms of money, staff, time and number of beneficiaries reached.

-Partnership – to assess whether and to which extent the partnership with Stars of Hope Society has contributed to the results (e.g Ministry of labor, Ministry of transportation, Ministry of local Government, ICHR... etc.
Evaluation Team
Individual consultants or companies are requested to submit for this consultation, the evaluation should cover the project’s activities in both West bank & Gaza
Evaluator should be able to access Gaza or connect with independent consultant to conduct and prepare the evaluation in Gaza
Outputs
-Planned methods (including tools) and schedule presented to SHS for input before commencing data collection; in depth consultation meetings with SHS on methods and relevant questions before commencing data collection;
-In depth interviewing with beneficiaries of the project;
-Preliminary findings debrief from the workshop held with relevant  partner organizations and SHS 
-Evaluation report

-1st draft of the evaluation report submitted to SHS for input within 2 weeks upon completing the fieldwork.
-A short summary of findings and recommendations in English to enable relevant stakeholders in West bank &Gaza to access and understand the evaluation findings within 3 weeks.
-A final evaluation report, including documentation of An executive summary of major findings, A documentation of the instruments and methodologies used in the field work, analysis & final recommendations within 4 weeks of completing the fieldwork. 
Time frame
The evaluation is expected to take a maximum of 20 days:
-Preparation, design of the evaluation, document analysis and consultations with SHS staff - 3 days (West bank based/ travel days to Gaza)
-Field work including meeting with partner and partner’s beneficiaries, observation of activities etc.- 8 days (West bank based/ travel days to Gaza if possible)
-Write up first draft report – 3 days (remote or WB based)
-Presentation of the preliminary findings and collection of feedback - 2 day (WB based)
-Write up final report incorporating changes after feedback - 4 days (remote or WB based)

Methodology

The consultant will employ both quantitative and qualitative methods in data collection and analysis taking the perspectives of different stakeholders; in particular the views of women with disabilities should be taken into serious consideration. Methods used should be participatory and sensitive to the group that the project focuses on. SHS will provide the consultant with background information and relevant documents to conduct and prepare the 
evaluation
 
All transport to and from the field, make necessary appointments for meetings with respondents, WS and meetings cost, and any cost related will be part of the consultancy fees.
Profile required Essential
-Relevant academic qualifications and field experience;
-Highly proficient in written and spoken English as well Arabic;
-Extensive experience in designing and implementation of assessments and evaluations;
-Research skills and commitment to participatory research methodologies;
-Objectivity, and ability to operate systematically with minimal supervision;
-Result oriented and committed to respect deadlines.
-Able to access Gaza or connect with independent consultant to conduct and prepare the evaluation in Gaza 
-Preferable: understanding of issues and sensitivities required when working with Women with Disabilities in politically challenged contexts;
Budget 
A total budget of 4600 Euro (including value added tax) is available for this project. The budget includes the travel cost to Gaza (if necessary) for meetings plus the costs of and managing communications and logistics associated with the assessment (groups meetings and workshops cost) and (if necessary) accommodation
Submission of proposals:

To apply please provide: 

-A proposal detailing how you will respond to the assignment, including 
(1) data collection; 
(2) analysis of findings; 
(3) dissemination

-CV and any relevant work experience on similar topics as an example
-Daily rate for the consultancy (please note to include all travel costs, and (if necessary) accommodation, groups meetings and workshops cost to be included with the financial offer).

-Deadline for proposals is 12/9/2016 and be submitted by email to: 
 

Infostarsofhope.org

 
-The evaluation must be completed by maximum by Nov 25, 2016
-Please state reference ‘Project Evaluation’ in subject line.
-The proposal will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

-The consultant’s/organization’s experience and capacity in carrying out evaluations
-The approach in responding to the ToR
-Competitiveness from a financial perspective