Evaluator consultant for the interim external evaluation of a Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Food Security (FS) programme, funded by the Spanish cooperation agency, AECID

Expected start date:                 March  

Duration:                                  7 weeks

Language:                               English

1.      Background of the DRR and FS component programme to be evaluated

The action focuses to address and arrest the cause of poverty and to reduce risk and vulnerability. It targets especially either remote communities with a low access to services, techniques and opportunities, either those living in areas prone to disaster. The action focuses on the support to the rural productive sector as it is the main livelihoods of the poor population, on the prevention or mitigation of the effects of the continuous natural disasters and on water and sanitation access.

2.      Objective of the programme to be evaluated  

The objective of the action is to contribute to reduce the vulnerability to food insecurity and natural disasters of the Filipino people by strengthening the productive rural sector, management of water resources and natural disaster preparedness. This overall objective is divided into 3 main objectives, each of them referring to one of the 3 fields of intervention: Disaster Reduction Preparedness, Food Security and Livelihoods and Water and Sanitation:

·         To increase the economic capacities of the communities.

·         To contribute to the sustainable management of water resources by improving the coverage of water and environmental sanitation services.

·         To contribute to the generation of capacities that will reduce the vulnerability of the population when faced with disasters, both natural and those caused by man.

The action will pursue the following results:

·         Increase the availability of food through an increase in agricultural production and diversification

·         Increase the financial income of peasant families

·         Strengthen the technical and management capacities of the public institutions in terms of the prevention and mitigation of natural disasters

·         Strengthen the technical and management capacities of the communities in terms of the prevention and mitigation of natural disasters

·         Train the local population in water treatment techniques and the handling of water resources.

·         Strengthen the knowledge and abilities of the local population in terms of their hygiene habits.

3.      Objective of the Evaluation

The main purpose of the interim- external evaluation is to evaluate DRR and FS activities in the 2 regions of Bicol and Caraga and to recommend adjustments for the remaining time of implementation. The objectives of the evaluation include:

I)                     To review relevant documents and assess the way activities are implemented and results are achieved with regard to the indicators developed in the proposal during the last 18 months.

II)                   To assess the level and the quality of participation of the different partners, beneficiaries and stakeholders during the implementation.

III)                  Assess the coordination, complementary activities between different donors in the regions and how the actions are contribution to the national development goals and donor strategy.

IV)                To review accordingly the relevance of the ongoing activities and future impact, including concrete proposition for changes in the current strategy if necessary

V)                  To identify and recommend necessary adjustments to the design of the Project according to the current situation.

4.      Expected outputs & Timing

·         A Final report

·         Briefing session for ACF at regional level

·         A briefing session for ACF at coordination level

·         A briefing session for ACF Pool Desk at HQ level with a PowerPoint presentation including the reflection of the mission over the findings of the evaluation

5.      Evaluator Profile

·       Background and previous experience in Disaster Risk Reduction and Food Security

·       Previous field experience in the evaluation of humanitarian / development projects

·       Relevant degree / equivalent experience related to the evaluation to be undertaken

·       Significant experience in coordination, design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programmes

·       Fluent in English and Spanish is a plus

·       Good communications skills and experience of workshop facilitation

·       Ability to write clear and useful reports (may be required to produce examples of previous work)

·       Ability to manage the available time and resources and to work to tight deadlines

·       Independence from the parties involved

·       Available for the whole time of the evaluation

6.      Conditions

40% of the fees will be paid after reception of the draft report, 60% will be paid after validation of the final report by ACF-UK.

The application of the visa is the responsibility of the consultant; however these costs will be reimbursed in full upon receipt of the expenses.

Insurance costs will not be covered, and the evaluator shall manage its own insurance, and provide the details of this cover to ACF-UK before departure.

Please see attached document for the FULL description of the evaluation.

When applying please send us the below information:

-      CV + Covering Letter

-          Economical offer

-          Confirm that you will be able to apply for your visa

Candidates should ONLY apply online through our website www.actionagainsthunger.org.uk before Monday 29 March 2010.