SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE RISE PROJECTTo establish and strengthen formal inclusive educational services, as well as personal and professional development skills and life skills services for vulnerable children/ youth and children and youth in conflict with the law in Kenya focusing on the role of government institutions, educating communities and the private sector in education and care reforms.SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT / BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECTThe 3-year Project which begun in September 2022, is responding to the needs of children in conflict, and in contact with the law in 25 statutory institutions and 4 public primary schools.Project Results AreasResult 1: Strengthened structures and competencies of government institutions for the provision of inclusive, participatory, and up-to-date educational services in support of vulnerable children and children in conflict with the law (7-14), in collaboration with local stakeholders.Result 2: Young people who are vulnerable and in conflict with the law (15-24) have access to an integrated system of vocational training, support for independent living, and economic and financial inclusion through partnerships with the public and private sectors.Result 3: Strengthened competencies and decentralized coordination mechanisms for life skills mainstreaming and local development plans focused on the priorities of children and youth, both vulnerable and in conflict with the law.THE PURPOSE OF THE EVALUATIONThe evaluation should help RISE project achieve the results intended at the end of the intervention, by identifying lessons which can be drawn at this point in time, to inform further implementation of the current and planning of the next phase. The evaluation should therefore also identify (early signs of) unintended, positive and negative, results.Objectives of the evaluationTo assess the progress in implementing the RISE project in view of relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, factors of sustainability and of impact.To assess progress towards achievement of the Project objectives and/or yearly benchmarks, and the capacity in the remaining implementation period to achieve all targetsTo assess if interventions are sufficient to reach desired outcomes, and whether all the activities are valuable and well aligned to meet the desired outcomes, or needs modification.To identify challenges and opportunities to the achievement of objectives including working collaborations with government and non-state actorsSCOPE OF WORKThescope of workwill be the following:To carry out midterm external evaluation using qualitative assessment method (OECD DAC evaluation criteria).The midterm external evaluation should be carried out following theResult Based Approach, on the basis of which this proposal was structured, accounting for the achievement of the objectives of the aforementioned project.The consultant will present his/her methodology, which must include at least: a documentation phase; interviews; Field visits; Questionnaires; Participatory methods of data collection and analysis.The proposal and application of further methodologies suggested by the evaluator is encouraged.Geographical Coverage: The evaluation will cover 29 targeted institutions located in 11 counties of Nairobi, Kiambu, Mombasa, Nakuru, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Kericho, Uasin Gishu, Kakamega, Siaya, and Kisumu.REPORTINGThe consultant will develop the following documents, in English:A provisional final report will be drafted within 15 days following the evaluation exercise, and submitted to the Tree of Life office in Nairobi.The final report, incorporating the comments of the Tree of Life, must be available within 15 days following receipt of the comments.A summary of the report, which will present the main conclusions and recommendations. The expected results, in the form of recommendations and lessons learned, must conform to the predefined objectives and be used for the presentation and sharing of the work carried out by the initiative.The reports table of content should document all phases of the evaluation process as belowPreliminary phaseDesk review and study of documentationDefinition of information collection methods (interviews, questionnaires etc.)Data collectionData analysis, assessment of hypothesis, report preparationQualitative review of reportDissemination and recommendations, lessons learnedThe documents attached to the report must include, in part or in full, the following information: the list of people met; the schedule of the visits and the meetings; any details of the evaluation methodologyREQUIRED EXPERTISE, SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONSInternationally recognized degree in relevant field.Similar sound consultancy experiences in carrying out final evaluation of Institutional programs: experience in project evaluations in the field of education and health is required, in particular projects funded by institutional donors.Experience in evaluations for projects with SDGs -Agenda 2030 targetsExperience in designing and conducting surveys and project evaluations, as well as experience in writing reports.Backgrounds in research/evaluation, particularly qualitative methodology.Knowledge and experience in using OECD DAC evaluation criteria.High level of professional writing in research/evaluation.Demonstrated ability to work cross culturally, and with a range of stakeholders, including government.The consultant must be excellent in English, both speaking and writing.Good knowledge of participatory evaluation techniques.Perfect knowledge of the principles and methods of managing the project cycle.Previous experience in Kenya,Previous experience in the development cooperation sector of at least 5 years.At least 2 evaluations similar to the one proposed by this project would be an asset.Reporting line:The Consultant will report directly to the Program coordinator. The Tree of Life will provide relevant background information as per need during the evaluation in the field.
