Background

The political transition in 2015 furthered the popular mandate for peacebuilding and governance reform to advance peace and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. Since then, there has been increased momentum in releasing lands, demilitarizing conflict-affected regions and resettling displaced communities.  While this progress is a positive signal for many communities living in conflict-affected regions, as well as for families still living in displacement, the need to ensure durable and sustainable return of IDPs remains more urgent than ever.

In this background, UNDP’s Support to Durable Resettlement (SDR) project (funded by the British High Commission through its commitment towards the UN Joint Programme for Peace in Sri Lanka) aims to ensure the durable resettlement by providing resettling communities with essential basic services along with access to sustainable livelihood and income generation opportunities, meeting the needs and demands of all concerned parties, especially vulnerable groups with the specific objectives as below.

Output 1: Strengthened institutions and local authorities are better able to support resettlement needs and scale up service delivery;

Output 2:  Vulnerable resettled communities have increased livelihood opportunities that are durable, disaster and climate change resilient;

Output 3:  Community based organizations/producer organizations/civil society and other groups function effectively that also addresses prejudices and negative social norms;

The project phase under consideration was implemented in Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Trincomalee and Batticaloa Districts over a two-year period from July 2019 to September 2021.

SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES 

The main objective of this survey is to assess the end-line values for the results framework of UNDP’s Support to Durable Resettlement project. This includes the data collection, validation, and interpretation according to the indicators assigned to measure the intended results and to prove whether those are achieved.   

Objective:

To establish result progress against indicators assigned in the project’s results framework using qualitative/quantitative methodologies and appropriate triangulation as stipulated in the meta data sheets. guidance.

Research Methodology

The consultant should propose the methodology to deliver each of the deliverables listed below, including a detailed breakdown of the steps that would be followed to ensure a participatory and effective process.  For the end-line survey, a range of innovative methods, including qualitative and quantitative approaches, are expected to be used, from which suitable methods will be customized according to the indicators and meta-data. A list of all anticipated information and input required from UNDP to support the process should be included. The methodology should have gender equality and PWD inclusion in order to maintain no one left behind according to UNDP’s ethics. Qualitative data will include data on governance issues, participation of different gender groups in decision making, community level infrastructure and services. As regard to quantitative data, the assessment will employ a comprehensive approach of data collection with a clear sampling methodology in all the target locations. Key data to be collected using household questionnaires include household demographics, household participation (non-participation) in the program.

Study Population and Sampling Frame

The total study population will comprise 700 programme beneficiaries from the operational districts and key informants at the community, district, and institutional level.

Sample technique and Sample Size Calculation

For qualitative survey, a purposive sampling technique will be used to sample direct beneficiaries, community members, government stakeholders, and strategic partners for key informants and focus group discussion. The sample size for qualitative group will governed by the golden rule of data saturation. For quantitative survey, a random sampling technique will be used to sample direct beneficiaries (and nonbeneficiaries). The qualitative and quantitative survey sampling should be guided by the meta data developed for the indicators specifically assigned to the resettlement component. The questionnaire should be approved by UNDP and filled.

Duties and Responsibilities

Expected Outputs/Deliverables & Milestones

1.  An inception report outlining the workplan, methodology and timelines;

The National consultant should develop a comprehensive inception report, which should include the workplan, timeline and methodology proposed and sampling for the end-line survey data collection and analysis.

2.  A draft of final report and a presentation of the preliminary findings for the validation of the report by the UNDP;

The Consultant should prepare and submit a draft final report that is analysing and interpreting the projection of data for the indicators and how the values are determining the results achieved. The report should include the updated results framework of the project with current values for the indicators against the set target and to be explained if there are any variances. The consultant also should conduct a presentation of the preliminary findings to UNDP following the submission of the draft final report.

3.  A final report that includes the updated results framework;

The final report that has incorporated the inputs/ feedbacks and comments provided by UNDP on the draft final report and preliminary findings presentation, should be submitted.

The outline of the Report

The report (no more than 15 pages) should be submitted to UNDP in the format indicated below. It is preferable to illustrate the results by appropriate graphs, visuals, tables and/or a dashboard with an accompanied explanatory text. The report should consist of:

a) Executive Summary in bullets (max. 2 pages);

b) Introduction;

c) Methodology, including sampling and limitations;

d) Analysis and findings of the survey. The analysis should be done according to the objectives including an implementation strategy for the recommendations. The analysis should be also guided by the concept of Gender Equality and PWD inclusion;

e) Address concerns, lessons learned, limitations faced etc.;

f) Stories of change and quotes from respondents;

g) Conclusions with recommendations;

h) Annexes;

1. Updated project results framework with the current values of the indicators;
2. Relevant maps and photographs of the evaluation areas where necessary;
3. Bibliography of consulted secondary sources;
4. Finalized data collection tools;
5. List of interviewees with accompanying informed consent forms;

TIMEFRAME

The envisaged time frame of the consultancy is 20 days (over a period of 02 Months) starting from 07 February 2022.

MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENT

UNDP as a commissioning party will inform the relevant sources on this end line survey to facilitate the consultant to reach the beneficiaries and KIIs. Consultant will have the communications directly with the Field Monitoring and Evaluation Associate – SDR on a regular basis while submitting the outcomes of the survey to the Monitoring, Evaluation and Knowledge Management Specialist – Inclusive Governance for final approval.

The consultant is expected to hire Data Enumerators as necessary, at least 2 to cover North and East separately for data collection. The team of Data Enumerators should be language and diversity sensitive and confirmed with gender balance. The Data Enumerators should possess adequate qualifications in terms of data collection and analysis.

Competencies

The prospective consultants should, as a minimum, have the following functional and technical Competencies:

a.  Technical competencies;

• Strong analytical skills, and an ability to distill key messages;
• Ability to use both quantitative as well as qualitative data/information collection; tools and use in innovative ways;
• Strategic planning and management;
• Excellent writing skills and Effective report writing;

General

• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly without favouritism;

b.  Partnerships;

• Good team player who has ability to maintain good relationships;
• Provides constructive and helpful inputs and feedback to the overall process;
• Demonstrated ability to engage with government and non-government actors at the highest levels;

c.  Results

• Proven delivery of high-quality results, in a timely manner;
• Ability to plan own work and use time efficiently, manage conflicting priorities and work under pressure of tight and conflicting deadlines;

Required Skills and Experience

National Lead Consultant:

1.  Academic Qualifications;

• At least a master’s degree in data management, M&E, Social Sciences or Statistics, etc

2.  Experience;

• At least five years (05) professional experience in conducting end-line surveys and assessments that includes  quantitative and qualitative research, data base management and statistical data analysis in livelihood or equivalent in North & East part of Sri Lanka (Please include at least 2 endorsements of the completion of such surveys);
• Demonstrated experience with quantitative and qualitative research, data base management and statistical data analysis;
• Ability to see the big picture and make practical recommendations for delivery and improvements on the ground;
• Proven record of communicating with beneficiaries;
• Prior working experience on decentralization issues is an added advantage;
• Demonstrated experience in working with communities, government partners and other stakeholders in Resettlement Livelihood development programs;
• Experience in research, management and programming-related work;
• Adequate team composition of data enumerators that follows the gender parity (Submit CVs of team members);

Languages;

• Excellent written English and Tamil language skills;
• Tri-lingual would be a great asset;

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply please access UNDP Jobs site http://jobs.undp.org.

The application should contain:

• Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position and a brief methodology as to how you will approach and conduct the work;
• Updated CV to include qualifications/competencies and relevant experience in similar projects and contact details of 3 professional referees who can certify your competencies, professionalism, quality of writing, presentation, and overall suitability to this TOR;
• Updated CVs of the Data Enumerators that include qualifications/competencies and relevant experience in similar projects and contact details of 3 professional referees;
• Individual Consultants will be evaluated based on a combination of factors including cover letter, the credentials on offer, Description of Approach, selection of team of the Data Enumerators and brief interview (optional), and the offer which gives the best value for money for the UNDP;
• Please send the Financial Proposal separately to the e-mail address: consultants.lk@undp.org  stating the vacancy number/position in the subject line;

Financial Proposal

All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee: LKR (_______________________________________)

Amount in words: (Rs._______________________________________________________________)

Please refer the below link to access the template for Financial Proposal

Offeror’s Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability for the Individual IC, including Financial Proposal Template

Note: Payments will be based on invoices on achievement of agreed milestones i.e., upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR and certification of acceptance by the UNDP. The applicant must factor in all possible costs in his/her “All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee” including his/her consultancy and professional fee, travel (economy class flights is required to and from the Duty Station) honorarium, board and lodging, and any other foreseeable costs in this exercise. No costs other than what has been indicated in the financial proposal will be paid or reimbursed to the consultant. UNDP will only pay for any unplanned travel outside of this TOR and Duty Station on actual basis and on submission of original bills/invoices and on prior agreement with UNDP officials. Daily perdiums and costs for accommodation/meals/incidental expenses for such travel shall not exceed established local UNDP DSA rates.

For an Individual Contractor who is 65 years of age or older, and on an assignment requiring travel, be it for the purpose of arriving at the duty station or as an integral duty required travel under the TOR, a full medical examination and statement of fitness to work must be provided.  Such medical examination costs must be factored into the financial proposal above. Medical examination is not a requirement for individuals on RLA contracts.

PAYMENT FOR SERVICES

Payments will be based on milestones certified by the Monitoring, Evaluation and Knowledge Management Specialist, IGT, UNDP

Payment Milestones will be as follows:

Evaluation:

Applications will be first screened and only candidates meeting the minimum criteria will progress to the pool for short listing. Shortlisted Candidates will be then assessed and scored against the following evaluation criteria noting that an interview will be conducted to the shortlisted candidates.

1. Technical Criteria weight: [70%];
2. Financial Criteria weight: [30%];

Only Individual Consultants obtaining a minimum of 49 points (70%) on the Technical Evaluation would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

Technical Criteria for Evaluation (Maximum 700 points)

1. Criteria 01: At least a master’s degree in data management, M&E, Social Sciences or Statistics, etc.  – (100)
2. Criteria 02: At least five years (05) professional experience in conducting end-line surveys and assessments that includes  quantitative and qualitative research, data base management and statistical data analysis in livelihood or equivalent in North & East part of Sri Lanka (Please include at least 2 endorsements of the completion of such surveys)  -  (300)
3. Criteria 06: Demonstrated experience in working with communities, government partners and other stakeholders in Livelihood development programs – (100)
4. Criteria 04: Ability to see the big picture and make practical recommendations for delivery and improvements on the ground – (50)
5. Adequate team composition of data enumerators that follows the gender parity (Submit CVs of team members) – (100)
6. Criteria 08: Excellent written English and Tamil language skills - (50)

If further clarification required in this regard, please contact through e-mail : kandasamy.mugunthan@undp.org

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workplace, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.