Link: actionafricahelp.org/procurement

TERMS OF REFERENCE: MID-TERM EVALUATION ON FOOD AND INCOME SECURITY, ACCESS TO WASH FACILITIES, AND NUTRITION IN ELWAK TOWN, BARWAQO, AND DEKA VILLAGES IN ELWAK DISTRICT, GEDO REGION.

Employer: Action Africa Help International-Somalia

Deadline for applications: 17/06/2021**

Type of Contract: Short Term consultancy

Duration of Consultancy: 20 days**

Expected Start and End Date: 26/06/2021-16/07/2021**

Deadline to submit the final report: 17/07/2021

Location: Elwak District, Gedo region -Somalia

1.0: Introduction

Action Africa Help International (AAH-I) is an international non-governmental organization that works with communities in Africa, particularly women, children, and youth, to sustainably improve their quality of life. With Country Programmes in Somalia, Kenya, South Sudan, Uganda, Zambia, and Ethiopia, AAH-I has over 30 years of experience working with communities in humanitarian and development in conflict and post-conflict situations, including refugees, internally displaced people, and host communities.

In line with our resolve to link communities to the global development agenda, our primary focus is on the following thematic areas: Food and income security, Health and nutrition, education and life skills, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Strengthen organizational effectiveness and sustainability.

In all our programming we aim to mainstream the following cross-cutting issues: gender equality and equity; Conflict sensitivity; Information and communication technology for development (ICT4D); Good governance, policy, and practice influence.

AAH-I moved into Puntland (Somalia) in 1997 and worked with the Ministry of Health in the initial years laying the groundwork for an effective health system in Bari region despite on-going conflict and insecurity. Between 2002 and 2006, AAH Somalia implemented the European Commission-funded Integrated Basic Health Services project, which included providing integrated Primary Health Care services in 6 districts, rehabilitating and strengthening of Bosasso Hospital, 18 health posts, and 4 Maternal Child Health facilities.

AAH-I resumed its operation in Somalia in 2013 in Mogadishu. The organization is currently implementing 1 Project (Improved livelihood for vulnerable households) in Elwak District, Somalia. Initially AAH-I has also been implementing Education and logistic projects in Mogadishu as well as Livelihood/self-reliance and promoting social cohesion Projects in Hargeisa.

2.0: Consultancy background

The predominantly pastoralist population in Elwak (Ceel Waaq) district and its environs has been affected by recurrent insecurity and droughts that led to chronic poverty and food insecurity over the years. Many households were unable to rely on traditional ways of coping due to the magnitude of the crises. The poor rains have resulted in water shortages, poor livestock performance, and low access to food, income and reduced access to livestock products (Milk and Meat).Many Livestock were reported to have migrated to other parts of the district and lower Juba region in search of pasture and water. The local livestock and commodity retail markets are dormant mainly due to suppressed consumer demand necessitated by limited income opportunities.

The worsening dry conditions have resulted in deteriorating pasture and water availability for crop and livestock production, compounding an already fragile humanitarian situation. Critical water shortages and a rapid decline in the remaining water reservoirs continue to impact on the livelihood of the communities in Elwak District. The main water sources are permanent shallow wells, seasonal rain fed water catchments, boreholes and rain harvest water mainly among the better off and middle households who can afford a storage facility.

3.0: Purpose and objective of the consultancy

Elwak, (“Ceelwaaq” as it is known in Somali) is a divided town on the Somalia-Kenya border. The Somali portion is located in the southwestern Gedo region, where it is the seat of one of the region’s seven districts. Most of the local population are pastoralists, and also engage in small business and trade. The area is rich in camels, cows, sheep and goats.

In terms of governance, the Council of Elders led Ugas (king) is the top decision making organ. The Council Elders are entrusted with inter- clan negotiations in times of the disaster e.g. resolve conflict and negotiate use of resources. On the government side, the structure is headed by district commissioner who closely works with the Council of Elders. The Government through its Local Administration provide law and order and implement government policies at the district level. The Local Administration work hand in hand with the Council of Elders e.g. in the area of conflict resolution, resource sharing and security.

The overall objective of the midterm evaluation is to assess the continued relevance of an intervention and the progress made towards achieving its planned objectives, provide an opportunity to make modifications to ensure the achievement of these objectives within the lifetime of the project and also provide an opportunity to ascertain the intervention is still coherent with the AAHI’s strategic objectives, relevant and useful to the key stakeholders and is being conducted in an efficient manner according to AAHI’s standards and the agreed project document. The projects goal is to improve quality of life of 150 vulnerable households in Elwak. The project has set out 4 indicators:

1. Percentage of households with all year round access to potable water within a radius of 500 metres for 900 people (150 households) in Barwaqo and Deka villages
2. Household dietary diversity Score (HDDS) for women among the 150 vulnerable households in Elwak.
3. Prevalence of wasting among children under 5 years of age (this will be determined at baseline
4. At least 60% of the 80 trained women opened up businesses that survived one year

4.0: Scope and expected outputs/ deliverables

The scope for this assignment should include a methodology that encourage participation and incorporate feedback from project participants. The methods can include and not limited to the following

i. Desk review/ Literature review of key documents including the project proposal, log frame, baseline survey, monitoring framework, narrative and financial reports and other documents judged relevant

ii. Design the detailed methodology and data tools / templates that will collect data on the above outputs and indicators and execution of the midterm evaluation. The survey will target women, men, children and youth in Elwak town,Barwaqo and Deka villages in Elwak district.

iii. Field visit to conduct midterm evaluation and data analysis

iv. Presentation of the draft report to stakeholders

v. Submission of final report

The consultant will provide an inception report outlining the most appropriate methodology required for the above mentioned deliverables to be discussed with AAH-Somalia before the start of the assignment. The consultant will work closely with the AAH-Somalia Project Office, Elwak.

5.0: Required Qualifications, competencies and Skills

The applicant should possess the following;

1. Proven background and experience in conducting evaluations’ and reviews of livelihood projects
2. A degree in social science, public health, epidemiology, nutrition. Master’s degree in any social science related field would be an added advantage
3. Extensive experience in measuring social behaviors, knowledge, attitudes in a pastoral context
4. The consultant must have demonstrated consultancy track record and be recognized as seasoned professional in conducting evaluations/surveys with a high degree of proficiency.
5. Previous consultancy experience working with pastoralists, community of varied vulnerability with non-profit organization, for profit organizations and private public partnerships.
6. Extensive Statistic data analysis, display and interpretation skills
7. Excellent report writing and communication skills
8. Ability to present ideas and concepts to various audiences
9. Must be able to commit their time fully throughout the consultancy period
10. Must be able to travel in all the project areas with varied terrain and work on tight schedules.
11. Fluent in English, understanding of local language will be an added advantage.

6.0: Bid requirements

Firms /Consultant(s) that meet the requirements should submit an expression of interest (maximum of 5 pages) which should include the following:

1. A suitability statement, including commitment to be available for the entire assignment.
2. A brief statement on the understanding of the terms of reference, proposed assessment methodology and approach and a detailed work plan.
3. A detailed financial proposal, including daily cost.
4. Updated resume of key consultants that clearly spells out qualifications and experience.
5. Reports of 3 organizations that have recently (but preferably in the last 2 years) contracted the firm/consultant(s) to carry out relevant research/survey or related work.
6. If it’s a firm, must be registered within the laws of the practicing country.

Link: actionafricahelp.org/procurement