Background

IFES is implementing the Fair and Transparent Election Program (the “Program”) under a Grant Agreement with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) dated July 31, 2012. The Grant Agreement expires on April 30, 2013.

In keeping with its commitment to rigorous evaluation of all of its programming, IFES is seeking a consultant to conduct a participatory evaluation of the Program.  Although the evaluation is not required under the Grant Agreement, IFES views it as an important both as means of ensuring that we are living up to our commitments to our funder and as a source of information that we can draw on as we design future programming in Ukraine.

The activities required under the grant were described in a document attached as Annex A to the Grant Agreement.  IFES also developed a Performance Measurement Framework with Indicators to track progress in implementing the agreed activities.

Evaluation Objectives

The main objectives of the evaluation is to review, with the participation of key stakeholders, the current Program achievements after 1 year of Program implementation, to ensure better accountability and quality results, and to provide strategic recommendations for future programming.

Progress to date should be measured against the indicators identified in the PMP, but also based on feedback from key stakeholders, who are well placed to assess the effectiveness of the Program. Evaluation should also take into consideration external variables, such as time, electoral calendar, funding calendar, legislative developments, etc.

Methodology

IFES Ukraine will provide information required to perform the evaluation, including indicator data, and records of all Program events and publications.  IFES Ukraine will also help arrange meetings with Program partners, funders and other stakeholders.

The Consultant is expected to carry out the following:

• Desk review of the following documents: the Grant Agreement, PMF, risk register, interim report, and other project documents. Election observation and other reports to provide background for IFES programming;
•  Conduct interviews with key stakeholders, including CSO partners and the CEC;
•  Organize and facilitate one or more group meetings where stakeholders can discuss the program together;
•  Written analysis of findings and recommendations.
• Evaluation Deliverables

The deliverables and timeline for delivery are as follows:

• Stakeholder interviews and roundtable discussions.  Completed no later than April 15. 
•  Draft Evaluation Report.  Due four working days after concluding interviews and roundtable discussions.  IFES will provide written comments, if any, on the draft within two days of receipt.
•  Final Evaluation Report

The final report should contain:

• Executive summary of the evaluation objective, context key findings and recommendations
• Background, with analysis of country context
• Programme performance including a rating on progress and success of key results
• Findings and recommendations
• Annexes (statistics, TORs, documentation reviewed, etc.) 

The final report is due two working days after receipt of IFES’ written comments, if any, on the Draft Report.

Working Arrangements

The consultant will be hired as a consultant on a daily rate.  Consultant will report to IFES Chief of Party.

IFES will help schedule and organize interviews and roundtable discussions with key stakeholders.

Schedule

The Consultant is expected to deliver the final version of the Evaluation report no later than April 23.

Qualifications

The Consultant will have the following Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in development studies or social sciences or related field is required.
• At least 6 years of relevant experience in development work
• Proven experience in social and evaluation research
• Understanding of the political situation and the challenges facing democratization programming in Ukraine
• Proficiency in Ukrainian language

Offers 

Applicants should submit in writing 1) a narrative offer containing CV, 2 page summary their previous experience in evaluating similar programs and other experience relevant to the proposed activity; and 2) financial offer containing the full proposed amount for the work to be charged by the offerer. The financial offer should include a brief table or chart illustrating costs by categories of fees, supplies and materials, and other miscellaneous costs.

Offers must be submitted no later than March 28 at tbibik@ifes org.

IFES reserves the right to clarify, accept or reject any offer.