Historique

The European Commission and the United Nations launched in 2009 a Joint Migration and Development Initiative (JMDI) that reflected the strong nexus between migration and development. The programme, fully funded by the European Commission and run out of UNDP Brussels represented a major innovation as a first joint UN programme of its kind not only with the European Commission, but also in its approach to inter-Agency working.  Based on the JMDI successful results and lessons learnt, a new phase of the programme focuses on the local dimension of migration and development is funded by the European Commission (EC) and the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC).

The good practices identified by the JMDI showed the importance of efficiently linking civil society initiatives with local development agendas in order to reach sustainability and development impact. Successful local authorities’ interventions were the results of strong partnerships with a range of stakeholders from the civil society, including the social partners and the private sector. When local authorities share a common vision with partners, they can develop a sense of ownership over projects that will lead them to commit time, energy and resources. This process enhances their own role as decision makers in migration related affairs. The experimentation of (often) small scale initiatives have had positive consequences and contributed to change the degree of activism of local administrations. Unfortunately, their involvement remains for the time being largely underdeveloped and many obstacles exist as evidenced by the findings of the JMDI, such as a lack of efficient and effective coordination within local authorities’ administration and with other stakeholders. To a large extent, migration and development (M&D) remains a new field of action for local administrations and targeted support is necessary to fully harness the potential local authorities can bring in this field.

The programme addresses three areas of intervention:

  • To move from isolated and individual approaches towards more structured forms of interventions through the identification of promising initiatives from local authorities in partnership with civil society organizations in selected countries that will be scaled up to maximize impact on local development through targeted financial and technical support in eight countries (Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Morocco, Nepal, Philippines, Senegal, Tunisia). Policy options and definition of road maps for action will be drawn from the experience of the supported initiatives;
  • To reinforce the capacities of selected local administrations to effectively link migration and development, with a specific focus on facilitating increased coordination within local authorities’ administration in order to maximize their ability to grasp the potential of migration for development;
  • To connect local authorities globally with each other and with other stakeholders and facilitate partnerships (between local authorities in countries of origin and destination of migration, migrant and refugee associations, the private sector, the social partners etc.) to reinforce local authorities’ potential to become active players in the field of migration and development.

The programme is scaling-up local authorities’ initiatives that have emerged as particularly promising in terms of linking local authorities and the civil society in the field of migration and development. This is made with a view to reach a larger scale impact, linking with other elements such as local governance and sustainable development with a view to deepen the development impact of funded initiatives, to replicate good practices and to bring them up to scale in order to strengthen the programme’s impact at policy level.

The purpose of this Evaluation Exercise is to provide an impartial review to determine the JMDI’s achievements, performance, results and impact. For this purpose, the JMDI is seeking to recruit an External Evaluation Consultant to conduct this activity.

Devoirs et responsabilités

Scope of work

The evaluation will result in the production of a comprehensive evaluation report with findings, recommendations and lessons learned.

To determine the programme’s performance, results, impact  and achievements, the main questions to be addressed in this evaluation exercise are:

  • Were the programme’s actions to achieve the outputs quality, effective and efficient?
  • To what extent has the programme managed to achieve a development impact of selected of migration and development initiatives of local authorities through up-scaling and provision of targeted capacity building?
  • To what extent has the programme managed to engage constituencies of local actors in the regions to promote the links between migration and development?
  • To what extent has the programme managed to encourage policy dialogue on migration and development among policy-makers?
  • To which extent has the programme managed to connect local authorities and civil society organisations internationally to facilitate partnerships as well as knowledge sharing?
  • To what extent have lessons learnt from the program at the local level (16 projects) have been synthesized and fed into the learning tools developed by the program?
  • To what extent is the experience, impact, good practices and lessons learnt at the local level fed into national and international dialogue on migration and development for an enhanced global impact of EU funded programmes?
  • To what extent are the results sustainable? Will the outputs lead to benefits beyond the lifespan of the programme?
  • How could programme results be further sustainably projected and expanded, having in mind the prospective contribution of the M&D concept for local, as well as broader country and global development?
  • What are, if relevant, possible future priority interventions and general recommendations, which could further ensure sustainability of programme’s achievements?

The consultancy will take a broad overview of the programme area by gathering perceptions, aspirations, feedback and data from relevant project partners and stakeholders for objective analysis and conduct of the evaluation.

The evaluation will look to underline the key factors that have either facilitated or impeded programme implementation; the appropriateness of skill sets among project participants and the continued need for knowledge transfer and skills to maintain the momentum of activities already set in motion. To this end, the evaluation will examine the overall performance and impact of programme components.

Proposed methodology               

The proposed methodology consists of a preliminary desk review of programme materials and deliverables and review of existing information relevant to the programme context, followed by field visits and final evaluation report write-up. An integral part of the evaluation will also be a set of recommendations and a concept proposal for a follow-up programme activites.

The Consultant is required to assess the JMDI Programme Document, progress and annual reports, key programme deliverables and other relevant documents. The briefing kit will be prepared by the JMDI Programme Management Unit (PMU). The Consultant is also expected to meet representatives of JMDI partner agencies, donors (European Commision and the Swiss Development and Cooperation), and the JMDI PMU for an initial briefing, as well as a debriefing at the end of the assignment.

For this assignment, the Consultant is expected to interview the PMU team, project partners, relevant JMDI Focal Points in target countries (based on selection), as well as other relevant stakeholders, as needed. Through 3 (three) field missions, the Consultant will meet representatives in target countries from  local governments, grant beneficiaries and involved partner agencies, so as to obtain critical feedback and information on the implemented JMDI initiatives and results at the local level to assess the achieved results, approaches and modalities. During these meetings, it would be important to record and accumulate inputs necessary not only for the programme evaluation, but for potential follow-up intervention in the field of migration and development, with particular focus on placing the potential of migration into local economic develpment functions.  

The Consultant will propose a work plan to be approved by the JMDI PMU. The Consultant is expected to prepare a report highlighting in particular recommendations.

The expected duration of the assignment is up to 55 working days (including field trips) during the period December 2015-February 2016.

The final evaluation report will capture the feedback by key project partners and stakeholders as well as observations and conclusions by the Consultant.

Tasks

It is proposed that the consultancy is divided into 3 principle tasks, which are as follows:

Task 1 – Desk review

Following the initial meeting with JMDI PMU, the Consultant will conduct a detailed review of all relevant programme documents produced during its implementation. Documentation includes, but is not limited to: programme document; programme annual work plans; programme reports; data on implementation of grant-funded projects supported by the intervention at the local levels.   

Upon review of documentation, the Consultant will submit a detailed work plan for the evaluation process, including: a list of interlocutors; tentative dates and locations of visits planned; interview questions  and dates for the briefing/de-briefing sessions. During the desk review the Consultant will focus on evaluating the programme baseline, indicators and targets, quality and adequacy of programme approach versus its objectives and the outputs. 

Task 1 will not exceed 12 working days.

Task 2 – Evaluation

Upon approval of the work plan by JMDI PMU, the Consultant is expected to carry out the evaluation of the JMDI, via direct interviews with stakeholders and beneficiaries from partner localities. JMDI will provide support to the Consultant in organization of meetings and interviews, as necessary. The consultant is expected to make all logistical and transportation arrangements.

Once the interviews are completed, the Consultant will analyse data and information collected (qualitative and quantitative) and draft evaluation report including main findings and a concept for a possible follow-up direction. A contextual analysis of the environment in which the JMDI is working i should also be included. The report shall seek to assess programme progress, efficiency and adequacy; process and level of success of partnership building and ownership over knowledge products and results; the quality of programme deliverables and the development impact of selected migration and development initiatives of local authorities through up-scaling and targeted capacity building, concept of interventions undertaken with local actors in the regions in promoting links beetwen migration and development, as well as the connection of local authorities and civil society organisations to facilitate partnership and knowledge sharing. The report should include the data, inputs and analysis, as well as success indicators used, and an overview of the effectiveness of the programme from the perspective of various stakeholders. The evaluation will also capture the efficiency of programme organisation and management. The draft report will contain the positive or negative, intended or unintended, changes brought about by the programme and identify factors which facilitated or impeded the realization of intended objectives.

The draft evaluation report will be submitted to JMDI PMU for initial review. The minimum structure of the evaluation report (to be written in English language) is the following:

  • Executive summary;
  • Introduction;
  • Methodological approach;
  • Evaluation findings;
  • Conclusions and recommendations;
  • Relevant annexes.

A briefing session will be organised with JMDI PMU, so as to present the findings and recommendations of the evaluation report, as well as propose a forward-looking vision for the way ahead.

Task 2 will not exceed 28 working days.

Task 3 – Submission of the evaluation report

Following the briefing session, the Consultant is expected to prepare evaluation report, capturing findings and recommendations on both the programme approach and performance. Suggestions and comments gathered during the briefing session will be taken into consideration. Also, any observations that may arise from the evaluation will be incorporated into the final draft.

Task 3 will not exceed 15 working days.

Deliverables and timeliness:

The following deliverables are expected:

Task 1: Desk review (Up to 12 w/d)

  • Initial meeting with JMDI PMU is conducted (Skype session is also possible);
  • Desk review of documentation is performed and the Consultant is fully aware of the JMDI;
  • The evaluation work-plan is submitted by the Consultant to JMDI PMU             

Task 2 – Evaluation (Up to 28 w/d)

  • Interviews with JMDI partner agencies, donors, stakeholders and programme beneficiaries, including 2 – 3 field visits in partner local governments are conducted and qualitative, as well as quantitative information is collected by the Consultant as main inputs for the evaluation;
  • The draft evaluation report is submitted;
  • Briefing and validation session with JMDI PMU is conducted.  

Task 3 – Submission of final programme evaluation report (Up to 15 w/d)

  • Recommendations provided by JMDI PMU are embedded and the evaluation report is submitted to JMDI Programme Manager.

Compétences

Core values:

  • Demonstrates integrity and fairness by modelling UN values and ethical standards;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Core competencies:

  • Demonstrates professional competence to meet responsibilities and post requirements and is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;

Results-Orientation

  • Plans and produces quality results to meet established goals, generates innovative, practical solutions to challenging situations.

Communication

  • Excellent communication skills, including the ability to convey complex concepts and  Guidelines, both orally and in writing, in a clear and persuasive style tailored to match different audiences.

Team work

  • Ability to interact, establish and maintain effective working relations with a culturally diverse team.

Client orientation

  • 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.

Qualifications et expériences requises

Education:

  • Advanced university degree in social sciences, political sciences, public administration or related field.

Experience:

  • At least 10 years of extensive project/programme evaluation experience, where evaluation of relevant thematic interventions is considered to be an asset;
  • Knowledge and professional experience in the area of migration and development policy and practice;
  • Familiarity with key public documents, strategies, trends and practices related to migration and development globally;
  • Proven analytical skills and ability to conceptualize and write concisely and clearly;
  • Proven communication skills, and ability to interact with multiple actors including government representatives, donors and other stakeholders.

Language Requirements:

  • Fluency in English and French languages are required;
  • Knowledge of Spanish will be an asset.

Other

Excellent computer skills (MS Office applications) and ability to use information technologies as a tool and resource.

Application Submission Process:

The application submission is a two-step process. Failing to comply with the submission process may result in disqualifying the applications:

Step 1: Interested individual consultants must include the following documents when submitting the applications in UNDP job shop (Please note that only 1 (one) file can be uploaded therefore please include all docs in one file).

Step 2: Submission of Financial Proposal

Applicants are instructed to submit their financial proposals in US Dollars for this consultancy to procurement.be@undp.org using the financial proposal template available here: http://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_file.cfm?doc_id=45780. The proposals should be sent via email with the following subject heading: “Financial Proposal for JMDI External Evaluation latest by November 27th, 2015. Proposals to be received after the deadline will be rejected. In order to assist the requesting unit in the comparison of financial proposals, the financial proposal should be all-inclusive and include a breakdown. The term ‘all-inclusive” implies that all costs (professional fees, communications, utilities, consumables, insurance, etc.) that could possibly be incurred by the Contractor are already factored into the financial proposal.

Travel

The cost of the official missions will not be factored in the financial proposals of the applicants. As such the consultant will be expected to undertake approximately 3 travels to JMDI Target Countries (1 in Latin America, 1 in Asia and 1 in Africa). The countries will be identified during the implementation phases based on the assessment. UNDP will cover all costs related to official travel including tickets, lodging, and accommodation and terminal expenses. The airfare will always be “most direct, most economical” and any difference in price with the preferred route will be paid for by the Consultant.

Application Evaluation Process

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the cumulative analysis methodology (weighted scoring method), where the award of the contract will be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

  • Responsive/compliant/acceptable; and
  • Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.
  • Technical Criteria weight - [70%];
  • Financial Criteria weight - [30%].

Only Individual Consultants obtaining a minimum of 70% on the Technical evaluation would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

Technical Criteria - 70% of total evaluation – max. 100 points:

  • Candidate demonstrated full understanding of ToR - 30 points;
  • Candidate’s technical proposal is clear and well-presented - 20 points;
  • Candidate’s methodology is consistent with and considers all tasks outlined in the ToR - 50 points.

Financial Criteria - 30% of total evaluation – max. 30 points.

The following formula will be used to evaluate financial proposal:

  • p = y (µ/z), where;
  • p = points for the financial proposal being evaluated;
  • y = maximum number of points for the financial proposal;
  • µ = price of the lowest priced proposal;
  • z = price of the proposal being evaluated.

UNDP is applying fair and transparent selection process that would take into account both the technical qualification of Individual Consultants as well as their price proposals. The contract will be awarded to the candidate obtaining the highest combined technical and financial scores. Please go the following link for the General Conditions of Individual Contracts: 

http://www.undp.org/procurement/operate.shtml#_Conditions_of_Contract

UNDP retains the right to contact references directly.

Payments will be made only upon confirmation of UNDP on delivering on the contract obligations in a satisfactory manner.

Individual Consultants are responsible for ensuring they have vaccinations/inoculations when travelling to certain countries, as designated by the UN Medical Director. Consultants are also required to comply with the UN security directives set forth under dss.un.org

Due to large number of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the successful candidates about the outcome or status of the selection process.