Background
The Goal of the project is effectively conserve globally significant biodiversity in China.The Objective of the project is to strengthen protected areas’ sustainability in Gansu Province through improved effectiveness of PA management and sustainable financing.
In order to achieve the above objective, it is essential to ensure a comprehensive approach that tackles the barriers at systemic, institutional and operational levels. The project’s intervention therefore has been organised into two outcomes:
- Outcome 1: Strengthened provincial policy framework and institutional capacity for sustainable management and financing of Gansu’s PA system;
- Outcome 2: Sustainable PA management and financing demonstrated in Taohe Basin.
The TE will be conducted according to the guidance, rules and procedures established by UNDP and GEF as reflected in the UNDP Evaluation Guidance for GEF Financed Projects.
The objectives of the evaluation are to assess the achievement of project results, and to draw lessons that can both improve the sustainability of benefits from this project, and aid in the overall enhancement of UNDP programming.
In accordance with UNDP and GEF M&E policies and procedures, all full and medium-sized UNDP support GEF financed projects are required to undergo a terminal evaluation upon completion of implementation. These terms of reference (TOR) sets out the expectations for a Terminal Evaluation (TE) of the UNDP-GEF CBPF: Strengthening Globally Important Biodiversity Conservation through Protected Area Strengthening in Gansu Province Project (PIMS 4072).
Please download the full version of TOR here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/fgq4hbwz6ybplr4/Terminal%20Evaluation%20TOR%20of%20Gansu%20Project-20140627.docx
For detailed information of projects’ objectives, outcomes and indicators, please check the project documents posted on the GEF website, www.thegef.org. The signed version will be shared after on board.
Duties and Responsibilities
Evaluation Approach and MethodAn overall approach and method for conducting project terminal evaluations of UNDP supported GEF financed projects has developed over time. The evaluator is expected to frame the evaluation effort using the criteria of relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and impact, as defined and explained in the UNDP Guidance for Conducting Terminal Evaluations of UNDP-supported, GEF-financed Projects. A set of questions covering each of these criteria have been drafted and are included with this TOR. The evaluator is expected to amend, complete and submit this matrix as part of an evaluation inception report, and shall include it as an annex to the final report.
The evaluation must provide evidence-based information that is credible, reliable and useful. The evaluator is expected to follow a participatory and consultative approach ensuring close engagement with government counterparts, in particular the GEF operational focal point, UNDP Country Office, project team, UNDP GEF Technical Adviser based in the region and key stakeholders. The evaluator is expected to conduct a field mission to Lianhuashan National NR, Taizishan Provincial NR, Gahai-Zecha National NR, Taohe National NR of Gansu Province. Interviews will be held with the following organizations and individuals at a minimum.
The evaluator will review all relevant sources of information, such as the project document, project reports – including Annual APR/PIR, project budget revisions, midterm review, progress reports, GEF focal area tracking tools, project files, national strategic and legal documents, and any other materials that the evaluator considers useful for this evidence-based assessment. A list of documents that the project team will provide to the evaluator for review.
Evaluation Criteria and Ratings
An assessment of project performance will be carried out, based against expectations set out in the Project Logical Framework/Results Framework, which provides performance and impact indicators for project implementation along with their corresponding means of verification. The evaluation will at a minimum cover the criteria of: relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability and impact. Ratings must be provided on the following performance criteria. The completed table must be included in the evaluation executive summary.
Project Finance/ Cofinance
The Evaluation will assess the key financial aspects of the project, including the extent of co-financing planned and realized. Project cost and funding data will be required, including annual expenditures. Variances between planned and actual expenditures will need to be assessed and explained. Results from recent financial audits, as available, should be taken into consideration. The evaluator(s) will receive assistance from the Country Office (CO) and Project Team to obtain financial data in order to complete the co-financing table, which will be included in the terminal evaluation report.
Mainstreaming
UNDP supported GEF financed projects are key components in UNDP country programming, as well as regional and global programmes. The evaluation will assess the extent to which the project was successfully mainstreamed with other UNDP priorities, including poverty alleviation, improved governance, the prevention and recovery from natural disasters, and gender.
ImpactThe evaluators will assess the extent to which the project is achieving impacts or progressing towards the achievement of impacts. Key findings that should be brought out in the evaluations include whether the project has demonstrated: a) verifiable improvements in ecological status, b) verifiable reductions in stress on ecological systems, and/or c) demonstrated progress towards these impact achievements.
Conclusions,Recommendations & Lessons
The evaluation report must include a chapter providing a set of conclusions, recommendations and lessons.
Implementation Arrangement
The principal responsibility for managing this evaluation resides with the UNDP CO in China. The UNDP CO will contract the evaluators and ensure the timely provision of per diems and travel arrangements within the country for the evaluation team. The Project Team will be responsible for liaising with the Evaluators team to set up stakeholder interviews, arrange field visits, coordinate with the Government etc.Key Indicative Indicators for the Consultant’s Performance
- Inception Report: Evaluator provides clarifications on timing and method, no late than 2 weeks before the evaluation, and submits to UNDP CO;
- Presentation: Initial Findings at the end of evaluation mission to project management, UNDP CO;
- Draft Final Report: Full report, (per annexed template) with annexes,within 3 weeks of the evaluation mission
Sent to CO, reviewed by RTA,reviewed PCU, GEF OFPs; - Final Report*: Revised report within 1 week of receiving UNDP comments on draft sent to CO for uploading to UNDP ERC.
Please note that the system will not accept the uploading of more than one document so please merge or scan all your documents into one prior to uploading.
In the Offeror’s Letter and proposal, you will be asked to confirm your interest and availability for the assignment, and provide technical and financial proposal.
Technical Proposal
- Explaining why you are the most suitable for the work with example/former experience demonstrating your competencies;
- Provide a brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the work.
Financial Proposal
Please quote the daily rate for professional fee and others related.Download Link
Offeror’s Letter and proposal
General Conditions for Individual Contractor
Technical Evaluation (70)
- Job Related Technical Expertise(20);
- Relevant working experience(20);
- Methodology & Approach to assignment (30).
The final evaluation method will be based on a cumulative analysis of both the technical and financial proposals.
Competencies
- Strategic technical and intellectual skills in the substantive area with global dynamic perspectives;
- Leadership, innovation, facilitation, advocacy and coordination skills;
- Ability to manage technical teams and engage in long term strategic partnership;
- Entrepreneurial abilities and ability to work in an independent manner;
- Ability to work effectively in a team, with good relationship management skills ;
- Strong managerial and coordination skills, including ability to coordinate the development of large, complex projects;
- Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in a highly complex organizational context;
- Ability to maintain high standards despite pressing deadlines;
- Excellent communication (both oral and written) and partnership building skills with multi-dimension partners and people, skill for conflict resolution and negotiation;
- Excellent writing skills, especially in the preparation of official documents and reports;
- Good knowledge of China’s environmental and socio-economic context.
Required Skills and Experience
- An advanced degree in conservation, natural resources management, environmental science or related fields, preferably in PA conservation and management.
- Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience including Project development, implementation and evaluation;
- Knowledge of UNDP and GEF, such as GEF policy and practices, GEF project requirements;
- Previous experience with results-based monitoring and evaluation methodologies;
- Technical knowledge in the targeted focal area(s) including biodiversity conservation, agriculture, natural resources co-management, integrated planning, etc.;
- Expertise in economic and social development issues;
- Professional experiences in working in China and with Chinese counterparts would be an advantage;
- Good IT skills.
- Fluency in written and spoken English is required;
- Good knowledge of Chinese is an asset.