Background

NOTE: Signed Offeror’s Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and availability - https://www.ba.undp.org/content/dam/bosnia_and_herzegovina/docs/Operations/Jobs/Offerors%20Letter%20to%20UNDP%20Confirming%20Interest%20and%20Availability.docx - Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability.docx - to be sent to e-mail ba.shared.hr@undp.org with Subject: Job ID 98650.

As part of the UNDP Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) Rural and Regional Development Sector, the Enable and Manage more Beneficial Civil Society Environment (EMBRACE) project supports social development through capacitating civil society actors to better address the needs in local communities. The EMBRACE project is funded by the Government of the Kingdom of Norway in the amount of 5 million Norwegian Krones. The project includes implementation and management of the Grant Scheme for Civil Society Organizations (CSO), with objective to strengthen their capacities to improve quality of services provided to citizens in local communities. There were 23 CSOs from BiH awarded under the grant scheme. The EMBRACE project is implemented across BiH and CSOs were awarded with project grants through an open and competitive public call.

The purpose of this Impact Assessment (hereinafter the Assessment) is to review the Grant Scheme for CSO implemented and managed by the UNDP EMBRACE project, in terms of its design, overall performance, achievements and effects, as well as to generate knowledge and lessons learned for further informed development of efficient and comprehensive tools for support to civil society and improved, public services in local communities across BiH. The Assessment is also expected to outline forward-looking recommendations for refining or adjusting the Grant Scheme for CSO and suggest directions for future support to civil society, taking into consideration extended thereat of COVID-19 pandemic.
The objective of the Assessment is to assess the extent of achievement of the EMBRACE Grant Scheme objective, as defined in Project document: “Strengthening of the capacities of awarded CSOs with aim to improve quality of services that are provided to citizens in local communities”.

Duties and Responsibilities

The scope of the Assessment will cover the following critical aspects of the Grant Scheme:       

• Relevance of the Grant Scheme in terms of the priorities it addresses for the capacities of CSO;
• The ability of awarded CSO to improve quality of services to citizens and local communities;
• Impact of the EMBRACE grant scheme, focusing on the effects of 23 implemented CSO projects on individuals and groups. The projects were implemented in 13 localities (Banja Luka, Bihac, Bijeljina, Bugojno, Foca, Sarajevo, Mostar, Prijedor, Travnik, Tuzla, Visoko, Zavidovici and Zenica).
• The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CSO overall capacities and performance as well as their implementation of the awarded projects.

To that end the Assessment will address the following questions:

• To what extent has the intended objective of the Grant Scheme has been achieved? What are the key accomplishments?
• Which factors have contributed to achieving or not achieving the intended specific objective of the Grant Scheme?
• To what extent has the Grant Scheme contributed to the strengthening the capacities of CSOs?
• To what extent has the Grant Scheme contributed to the improvement of services delivered to citizens?
• What are the main benefits for the target groups and beneficiaries of the awarded CSO projects, including analysis of benefits for each target group reached by one or several CSO projects?
• To what extent are the targeted CSO satisfied with the capacity improvement gained while implementing the projects?
• To what extent are the target groups and key beneficiaries satisfied with the services provided through the awarded projects?
• What was the impact of the COVID19 pandemic on the implementation of the awarded projects, in terms of their intended results, objectives, size and structure of target group?
• How have the awarded CSO responded to changes imposed by the COVID19 pandemic and up to what extent has the pandemic influenced the intended objectives and impact of individual projects?
• What would be directions to expand the Grant Scheme for CSOs concept in the future?
• To which degree the Grant Scheme has supported or promoted gender equality, a rights-based approach, and human development?

Methodology
The Assessment will be conducted by the Impact Assessment Consultant (hereinafter the Consultant) who will propose a brief Assessment methodology, as part of his/her application for the consultancy. The methodology for the Assessment will consider the COVID – 19 pandemics circumstances and apply safety guidance and remote data collecting methods such as extended desk reviews, virtual stakeholder meetings and interviews.  A detailed work plan for the Assessment process will be proposed by the Consultant and agreed as part of the first assignment task.
The proposed methodology should employ relevant quantitative, qualitative or combined methods to conduct the Assessment, with focus on gender sensitive data collecting and analytical methods and tools applicable in the concrete case.
The Consultant is expected to creatively combine the standard and other analysis tools and technics to ensure maximum reliability of data and validity of the Assessment. To that end, the Assessment is expected to provide broad understanding of processes and parameters outlined in this Terms of Reference.

Standard UNDP data collecting methods include:
Desk review: The Consultant will conduct a detailed review of the documentation related to the Grant Scheme, including grant project proposals and grant monitoring reports.

Key informant interviews: Using virtual technological solutions, as needed, the Consultant will remotely interview the 23 CSO and no less than 10% of target groups and individuals. For the interviews, the Consultant is expected to design interview questions corresponding to the specific groups of interviewees.  The assignment will include communication with 23 CSOs from various localities (Banja Luka, Bihac, Bijeljina, Bugojno, Foca, Sarajevo, Mostar, Prijedor, Travnik, Tuzla, Visoko, Zavidovici and Zenica).

As needed, meetings / focus group discussions with relevant stakeholders will be conducted remotely. Hence, the Consultant is encouraged to use remote interviews, mobile questionnaires, online surveys, collaboration platforms (Zoom, Teams, Skype etc) to gather relevant data, as well as other sources, such as case studies, statistical analysis, social network analysis, etc. Stakeholders that are dealing with existing emergencies should be given advance notice.

Following data collecting process, the Consultant will aggregate the findings and conduct the analysis thereof. The results will be presented in the form of Impact Assessment Report, covering all the critical aspects and questions listed here-above. As a part of the report and based on the overall findings, the Consultant will provide recommendations for refining and adjusting the overall grant scheme and future support to civil society.

The Consultant will provide services ensuring high quality, accuracy, and a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP’s standards. S/he will work in close collaboration with the EMBRACE team to exchange information.

Duration of the assignment is up to 30 days, in the period end of May - June2021.

TASKS
The consultancy is divided into three (3) tasks:

Task 1 – Preparation
Under this task the Consultant will:

• Conduct Desk Review of the documents relevant for the Grant Scheme, including project proposals of 23 awarded CSO projects, and Guidelines for applicants used under the grant scheme as well as additional documents important for the task.
• Develop initially proposed Assessment Methodology into a full-fledged and comprehensive methodology, with defined specific data collecting tools and description of analytical methods. In this process the Consultant will include inputs by UNDP.
• Prepare detailed work plan for the Assessment, with timelines, interview questions and questionnaires, list of interviewees, etc. The workplan will be approved by the UNDP.

The estimated level of effort for this task is 3 days.

Task 2 –Assessment

Upon the approval of the work plan by the UNDP, the Consultant will carry out the Assessment which includes the following:

• Online interviews with 23 CSOs.
• Collection of inputs from not less than 10% of beneficiaries through online surveys, interviews or similar.
• Aggregation of the data and inputs collected through Task 1 and Task 2.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the data and inputs and submission of short concept of the report to the UNDP for its approval before developing it into a full-fledged Impact Assessment Report, as required by this ToR. For that purpose the Consultant will adhere to the structure that will contain, but must not be limited to, the following chapters:

1. Executive summary
2. Introduction
3. Methodological approach
4. Findings consisting of three parts:

• Design and relevance of the EMBRACE Grant Scheme;
• Impact of the EMBRACE Grant Scheme (including overview of achievements and the overall performance of 23 funded projects).
• Influence of COVID19 pandemic on EMBRACE grant scheme

      5. Main conclusions and lessons learned

      6. Forward looking recommendations 

The concept will be prepared in one of the three official languages of BiH.

The estimated level of effort for this task is 20 days.

Task 3 – Preparation of Impact Assessment Report 
After the concept of the report had been approved by UNDP, the Consultant will prepare a draft Impact Assessment Report, adhering to all requirements mentioned in this ToR.  A debriefing session will then be organized with representatives of the UNDP to present the draft report, its findings and recommendations and collect inputs or its improvement. Following the debriefing session and after having received the inputs, the Consultant will prepare and submit to the UNDP the final Impact Assessment Report which will include all suggestions and comments gathered during the debriefing session. The final report must be validated and approved by EMBRACE project team.

The estimated level of effort for this task is 7 days.

Deliverables/outputs

Competencies

Core values

• Demonstrates professional competence to meet responsibilities and post requirements and is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results.
• Plans and produces quality results to meet established goals, generates innovative, practical solutions to challenging situations.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to convey complex concepts and recommendations, both orally and in writing, in a clear and persuasive style tailored to match different audiences.
• Ability to interact, establish and maintain effective working relations with a culturally diverse team.
• Ability to establish and maintain productive partnerships with national partners and stakeholders and pro-activeness in identifying of beneficiaries and partners’ needs and matching them to appropriate solutions.
• Conceptualizes and analyses problems to identify key issues, underlying problems, and how they relate.
• Contributes creative, practical ideas and approaches to deal with challenging situations.
• Demonstrates substantive and technical knowledge to meet responsibilities and post requirements with excellence
• Ability to produce accurate and well documented records conforming to the required standard.
• Good knowledge of administrative rules and regulations in civil society sector.
• Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view.
• Ability to handle a large volume of work possibly under time constraints.
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.

Corporate Responsibility and Teamwork:

• Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values.
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
• Plans, prioritizes and delivers tasks on time.
• Strives for and promotes excellence in performance continually.
• Participates effectively in a team-based, information-sharing environment, collaborating and cooperating with others.
• Generates ideas and seizes opportunities to support corporate strategic objectives.

People Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with persons of different national and cultural backgrounds.
• Recognizes and responds appropriately to the ideas, interests, and concerns of others.
• Builds trust and engenders morale by displaying open, transparent and credible behaviour.
• Respects individual/cultural /gender differences; utilizes diversity to foster teamwork;
• Ensures others’ understanding of, involvement in, and adaptation to a change process.

Partnering and Networking:

• Communicates sensitively and effectively across different constituencies.
• Ability to work as a member of a team as well as work autonomously.

Results-Orientation:

• Plans and procedures quality results to meet established goals.

Communication:

• Technical writing skills, formulates written information clearly and persuasively.
• Strong communication skills.
• Shares information openly with co-workers and partners while using discretion to protect confidences;
• Presents information in a clear and articulate manner.

Job Knowledge and Expertise:

• Understands the main processes and methods of work regarding to the position.
• Possesses basic knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks.
• In-depth knowledge of development issues.
• Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of communications issues and production of various communications products.
• Strives to keep job knowledge up to date through self-directed study and other means of learning.
• Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments.

Required Skills and Experience

Academic Qualifications/Education

• University Degree in Public Administration, Economics, Law, Social Sciences or related field. Advanced degree will be considered as an asset.

Experience

• At least 7 years of extensive expertise and experience related project assessment or evaluation; experience  in evaluations in the area of civil society and/or experience in grant schemes  are considered to be an asset,
• Sound knowledge of results-based management systems, and gender-sensitive monitoring and evaluation methodologies,
• General understanding and knowledge of the political and administrative context in Bosnia and Herzegovina is considered an asset,
• Proven analytical skills and ability to conceptualize and write concisely and clearly,
• Proven ability to undertake professional research using both quantitative and qualitative methods,
• Proven communication skills, and ability to interact with multiple actors including government representatives, donors and other stakeholders,
• Proven excellent reporting and writing skills.

Languages Requirements

• Fluency in both written and spoken languages of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Longlisting/Shortlisting Criteria

Qualifications as stated in the ToR

Technical Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation

Individual  will be evaluated based on the following methodology:

Cumulative analysis

When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract should be made to the candidate whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:
a) responsive/compliant/acceptable, and
b) Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

• * Technical Criteria weight-70%
• * Financial Criteria weight- 30%

Interested candidated must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications:

• Explaining why they are the most suitable for the work;
• Provide a brief methodology on how they will approach and conduct the work; or sample of previous document/strategy/paper done by the consultant
• Personal CV/P11, including past experience in similar projects and at least 3 references.

Please scan all above mentioned documents and upload as one attachment only online through this website.

Note:

• For an assignment requiring travel, consultants of 65 years or more require full medical examination and statement of fitness to work to engage in the consultancy.
• Due to large number of potential applicants, only competitively selected candidates will be contacted for remaining steps of the service procurement process.