Terms of Reference for Mid-Term Evaluation Consultancy Services  Increasing Wealth and Food Security through the Integrated Co-operative Business Model  (INVEST Co-op)

Position Title: Field Consultant for Mid Term Evaluation – INVEST Co-op Indonesia
Number of days: One month (total of 20 working days)
Travel Requirement: Travel within project sites in South Sulawesi will be required for this assignment
Languages Required: English & Bahasa Indonesia

1.0   Background

INVEST Co-op Indonesia project is part of a four-year (2015-2019) and a four-country Program increasing wealth and food security through the Integrated Co-operative Business Model, that links production, marketing, and financing. This integrated cooperative approach benefits producers by increasing productivity, access to markets and financial services. The Program is funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), with a contribution from the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada (CDF Canada).

INVEST Co-op Indonesia project is being implemented by CDF Canada, in partnership with Koperasi Serikat Pekerja Merdeka Indonesia (KOSPERMINDO), Induk Koperasi Kredit Indonesia (INKOPDIT), and the Fisheries and Marine Institute of the Memorial University of Newfoundland (MI).  It aims to strengthen the position of women and men small aquaculture producers (WMSAP) of seaweed, milkfish, and shrimp (SMS) in four regencies of South Sulawesi: Takalar, Jeneponto, Bantaeng and North Luwu.

2.0   Objective(s) of the Mid-Term Evaluation

The main objective of the mid-term evaluation is to provide project partners and stakeholders an independent review of the status of the project, including progress made so far in terms of results, identifying what went well and what did not, and understanding the ‘big picture’. The evaluation should provide a sound basis for informed decision making for improved implementation.

The primary objective of the consultant is to gather data and conduct sound analysis of the Indonesia component of the INVEST Mid-Term Evaluation.

3.0   Scope of the Mid-Term Evaluation

The evaluation will include, but not be limited to, target participant small producers, project supported co-operative members and management, public/private sector strategic partners and project staff members. The evaluation will  be conducted in the four regencies of South Sulawesi: Takalar, Jeneponto, Bantaeng, and North Luwu.

4.0   Key Issues to be Addressed by the Mid-Term Evaluation

In order to meet its objectives, the mid-term evaluation must address the following:

• Assessment of the current status progress towards achievement of expected results..
• Analysis of progress made, and results achieved so far in terms of gender equality, especially with regards to the project’s Gender and Equality Strategy (GES).
• Assessment of the relationship and level of co-ordination between the various groups of stakeholders- i.e. producer co-ops, private sector entities, government and financial institutions.
• An in-depth look into ‘expectation vs reality’ from the perspective of the target participants. This includes, but is not limited to, expectations of change that participants had and still have from project supported interventions versus the actual observable changes at individual, household and community level as a result of the interventions.
• Examination of the ‘integrated co-operative model’ approach (production, access to finance, marketing) undertaken by the project in order to achieve project outcomes.
• Assessment of the socio-economic impact of co-ops on the lives and livelihoods of beneficiaries.
• Review of the project’s delivery strategies/methods within the country.
• Gaining insight into lessons learnt, identifying innovation within the project and potential areas of scale up.

5.0   Methodology

The data to be gathered will be outlined by the Lead Consultant who will co-ordinate the midterm evaluation remotely from Canada.. The Field Consultant will work in close collaboration and report directly to the Lead Consultant. The Lead Consultant will be available by correspondence but will not have the ability to support the data collection process in person.

 The evaluation will be based on the findings from field visits and interviews with project participants and all relevant stakeholders. This will be supported by findings from the existing project documents, including but not limited to the semi-annual and annual reports.

The study is expected to employ a variety of data collection and analysis techniques for both quantitative and qualitative data in order to meet the evaluation objectives. This includes but is not limited to surveys, focus group discussions and key informant interviews.

6.0   Field Consultant Responsibilities:

Once selected, the Field Consultant is expected to undertake the following key tasks:

 I. Planning Phase – in collaboration with the Lead Consultant (skype, email, etc)

• Conduct desk study of relevant project documents, and analysis of existing data.
• Assist in developing the evaluation framework and methodology as needed.
• Finalize the data collection tools based on guidance from the Lead Consultant.
• Prepare a detailed data collection schedule.

II. Data Collection Phase

The Field Consultant will be responsible for identifying and arranging, with the assistance of local project partners and staff, appropriate and relevant respondents and participants during the data collection phase.

• Remain in contact with the Lead Consultant throughout the data collection cycle.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative data collection from a variety of stakeholders and ensure the reliability of the results, and trouble shoot any issues that may arise during this process. 
• Conduct data entry, cleaning and analysis of the collected data. 
• Submit findings to the Lead Consultant on a regular basis.

III. Reporting Phase

• Develop a draft report, based on the data collected, in accordance with the guidelines established by the Lead Consultant. Besides reporting on the findings, the Consultant must provide a detailed section on lessons learnt and recommendations. This includes but is not limited to assessment of operational and development lessons, suggestions on what could be improved, specific but feasible recommendations for improving project impact and delivery based on review of project design and implementation.
• Submit final country report to the Lead Consultant.

7.0   Proposed Key Deliverables

It is estimated that the evaluation should take no more than 20 working days, spread over the course of 1 month (March 2019).

1. Detailed work plan based on the guidelines provided by the Lead Consultant.
2. Conduct data collection and analyses.
3. Draft Country Evaluation Report.
4. Conduct follow-up visits and data triangulation.
5. Prepare Final Draft Country Evaluation Report.
6. Present findings and lessons learnt/recommendations to local project partners.

8.0   Consultant Expertise and Qualifications

• Proven professional experience conducting evaluations of development projects, with experience using a variety of participatory methodologies in the field.
• Demonstrated experience in collecting and analysing qualitative and quantitative data and preparing a report based on the findings.
• Demonstrated experience applying a gender-sensitive approach to research.
• Educational background in social sciences, international development, market-based approaches, gender and development is an asset.
• Experience and knowledge of co-operatives, preferably in the local context, is an asset.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Must be fluent in English and Bahasa Indonesia.
   

9.0 Compensation

Compensation will be commensurate with experience.  Travel and related expenses must be pre-approved and will be reimbursed in accordance with CDF Canada guidelines specified in the contract. 

10.0 Submissions

Please submit the following documents to: amulia@cdfcanada.coop and herliani.invest@gmail.com no later than 5:00 p.m. WITA (Central Indonesia Time) on March 8, 2019, including the position title in the subject line.

1. 1Current resumé
2. 2A cover letter with expected daily rate
3. An outline of a proposed methodology including a data collection cost estimate
4. A sample of a previous evaluation report/writing sample

CDF Canada thanks all applicants for your interest; however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.