The global fishing industry is characterized by a high level of illegality that has a negative impact on the economies, livelihoods and sustainable development. Crimes in the fisheries sector refers to a wilde range of criminal offences that occur at each stage of the fisheries value chain. These include fraud, forgery, corruption, tax evasion, etc. These crimes are different to Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, although they often occur at the same time.

In addressing crimes in the fisheries sector, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Environment Team bases its technical assistance on a “value chain” approach, which identifies the value chain stages,  agencies involved, and possible entry points for different types of crimes. The purpose of adopting a value chain approach is a two-fold: firstly, it allows for the identification of the numerous points along the chain at which different types of criminal offences typically occur. Secondly, it allows for the highlighting of potential entry points for law enforcement interventions in identifying, investigating and prosecuting crime throughout the sector.

The UNODC Environment Team, under the framework of the “Enhanced Resiliency and Living Conditions for Vulnerable Communities Addressing Economic, Health, and Food Security Challenges due to Impacts of COVID-19 in Sierra Leone” project,  will conduct a value chain analysis of the fisheries sector in Sierra Leone. The analysis will identify the different stages of the fisheries value chain specific to the context in these three countries, the different agencies involved in each of the stages of the value chain and the potential vulnerabilities/entry points for crimes in each of the stages. This analysis will help identify needs for potential technical assistance to address the vulnerabilities of the fisheries value chain to different forms of crime such as fraud and forgery, corruption, tax crime, etc. It will also sensitize the different agencies on the need for enhanced inter-agency cooperation to address crimes in the fisheries sector. The workshop organized for this purpose will contribute towards enhancing this collaboration.

To this end, UNODC Environment Team is seeking an expert consultant to carry out the necessary research, consultations and drafting of the value chain analysis for the fisheries sector in Sierra Leone. The analysis will be validated during a multi-agency workshop that facilitated by the consultant and UNODC staff. The consultant be responsible for organizing and leading the workshop and the drafting of the analysis report.

The assignment envisages approximately 30 working days spread between October and Novenber 2022.

The value chain analysis will serve as a basis for two related, targeted technical assistance planned under the same project, including a corruption risk assessments using UNODC’s Rotten Fish Guide on Addressing Corruption in the fisheries sector and capacity building activities for maritime law enforcement actors.

Education:

• Masters’ degree in related field

Experience

• At least 7 years' experience providing risk management advisory services
• Demonstrated deep knowledge of risk management standards (e.g., ISO 31000, COSO ERM framework, etc.), as well as the application of Risk Management frameworks in international public organizations
• Relevant experience in data analysis (qualitative and quantitative).
• Demonstrated knowledge in effective functioning of corporate decision-making bodies

Language

• Fluent in written and spoken English

Application Procedure

The application package containing the following (to be uploaded as one file):

• Brief (1-2 paragraph) description of why the Offer considers her/himself the most suitable for the assignment and how the Offerer will approach the required outputs within the assignment period and a link to an online portfolio showing samples of similar work;
• Personal CV or P11, indicating all past experience from similar projects and specifying the relevant assignment period (from/to) as well as the email and telephone contacts of at least three (3) professional references;
• The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount, and payment terms around the specific and measurable deliverables of the TOR. One mission to NY should be included in the price. Payments are based upon output, i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR, and deliverables accepted and certified by the technical manager. 

Note: The above documents need to be scanned in one file and uploaded to the online application as one document.

• The financial proposal must be all-inclusive and take into account various expenses that will be incurred during the contract, including: the daily professional fee; cost of travel from the home base to the duty station and vice versa, where required; living allowances at the duty station; communications, utilities and consumables; life, health and any other insurance; risks and inconveniences related to work under hardship and hazardous conditions (e.g., personal security needs, etc.), when applicable; and any other relevant expenses related to the performance of services under the contract.
• This consultancy is a home-based assignment with one mission to NY for consultations.  
• In the case of unforeseeable travel requested by UNDP, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses should be agreed upon, between UNDP and Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be reimbursed. In general, UNDP should not accept travel costs exceeding those of an economy class ticket. Should the IC wish to travel on a higher class he/she should do so using their own resources.
• If the Offeror is employed by an organization/company/institution, and he/she expects his/her employer to charge a management fee in the process of releasing him/her to UNDP under a Reimbursable Loan Agreement (RLA), the Offeror must indicate at this point, and ensure that all such costs are duly incorporated in the financial proposal submitted to UNDP.

Evaluation process

Applicants are reviewed based on Required Skills and Experience stated above and based on the technical evaluation criteria outlined below.  Applicants will be evaluated based on cumulative scoring.  When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract will be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

• Being responsive/compliant/acceptable; and
• Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation where technical criteria weighs 70% and Financial criteria/ Proposal weighs 30%.

Technical evaluation - Total 70% (700 points):

• Demonstrated understanding of the assignment (methodology and workplan). Weight = 30%; Maximum Points:210;
• Demonstrated 7 years of experience designing and/or applying best practice-based risk management frameworks in international public organizations. Weight = 30%; Maximum Points: 210;
• Experience in data collection and analysis 10% Maximum Points:70;
• Demonstrated skills appropriate to the needs outlined in the TOR. Weight = 30%; Maximum Points: 210;

Candidates obtaining a minimum of 70% (490 points) of the maximum obtainable points for the technical criteria (70 points) shall be considered for the financial evaluation.

Financial evaluation - Total 30% (300 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

Contract Award

Candidate obtaining the highest combined scores in the combined score of Technical and Financial evaluation will be considered technically qualified and will be offered to enter into contract with UNDP.

Institutional arrangement

The consultant will work under the guidance and direct supervision of Jessica Murray and will be responsible for the fulfilment of the deliverables as specified above.

The Consultant will be responsible for providing her/his own laptop.

Payment modality

• Payments are based upon output, i.e. upon delivery of the services specified above and deliverables accepted and upon certification of satisfactory completion by the manager. 

Annexes (click on the hyperlink to access the documents):

Annex 1 - UNDP P-11 Form for ICs

Annex 2 - IC Contract Template

Annex 3 – IC General Terms and Conditions

Annex 4 – RLA Template

Any request for clarification must be sent by email to cpu.bids@undp.org 

The UNDP Central Procurement Unit will respond by email and will send written copies of the response, including an explanation of the query without identifying the source of inquiry, to all applicants.

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security. Placing women’s rights at the centre of all its efforts, UN Women leads and coordinates United Nations system efforts to ensure that commitments on gender equality and gender mainstreaming translate into action throughout the world. UN Women provides strong and coherent leadership in support of Member States’ priorities and efforts, building effective partnerships with civil society and other relevant actors.

UN Women in South Sudan supports the government to implement commitments to international normative standards on gender equality and women’s human rights. The new UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for 2022-2026 and the corresponding UN Women South Sudan Strategic Note (2022-2026), defining UN Women’s strategic engagement in South Sudan, focuses on strengthening the national structures and mechanisms for gender mainstreaming in policies, plans and budgets; supporting efforts to prevent and eliminate violence against women; promoting women’s economic empowerment ; promoting policies and government investment in women’s empowerment and resilience building in the context of climate change, humanitarian crisis as well as threats to peace and security. UN Women works with a range of stakeholders in South Sudan including the government, civil society and women’s organizations, youth, UN agencies and donors, to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Currently, UN Women in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare and the Office of the Vice President (Gender and Youth Cluster) is developing a programme that aims at promoting the social economic empowerment of women and adolescent girls in South Sudan. The project called “South Sudan Women Economic Empowerment Project (SSWEEP)”, will be implemented in 10 states and 2 administrative areas in South Sudan focusing on promoting women’s access to economic opportunities, protection and access to GBV information and services and also strengthening the capacity of the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare to effectively implement its mandate of promoting Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment. The project has four (4) components, namely: a) Community Empowerment Support to Women and Girls, b) Establishment of the Women’s Entrepreneurial Opportunity Facility (WEOF), c) Scaling up services for Survivors of GBV and d) Institutional strengthening focusing on the Ministry OF Gender, Child and Social Welfare, Gender and Youth Cluster, and related national institutions.

Reporting to the Project Manager, the Programme Specialist exercises overall responsibility for planning, implementing, and managing UN Women interventions under their portfolio.  The Programme Specialist works in close collaboration with the programme and operations team, UN Women HQ staff, Government officials, multi and bi-lateral donors and civil society ensuring successful UN Women programme implementation under portfolio. 

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security. Placing women’s rights at the centre of all its efforts, UN Women leads and coordinates United Nations system efforts to ensure that commitments on gender equality and gender mainstreaming translate into action throughout the world. UN Women provides strong and coherent leadership in support of Member States’ priorities and efforts, building effective partnerships with civil society and other relevant actors.

UN Women in South Sudan supports the government to implement commitments to international normative standards on gender equality and women’s human rights. The new UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for 2022-2026 and the corresponding UN Women South Sudan Strategic Note (2022-2026), defining UN Women’s strategic engagement in South Sudan, focuses on strengthening the national structures and mechanisms for gender mainstreaming in policies, plans and budgets; supporting efforts to prevent and eliminate violence against women; promoting women’s economic empowerment ; promoting policies and government investment in women’s empowerment and resilience building in the context of climate change, humanitarian crisis as well as threats to peace and security. UN Women works with a range of stakeholders in South Sudan including the government, civil society and women’s organisations, youth, UN agencies and donors, to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Currently, UN Women in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare and the Office of the Vice President (Gender and Youth Cluster) is developing a programme that aims at promoting the social economic empowerment of women and adolescent girls in South Sudan. The project called “South Sudan Women Economic Empowerment Project (SSWEEP)”, will be implemented in 10 states and 2 administrative areas in South Sudan focusing on promoting women’s access to economic opportunities, protection and access to GBV information and services and also strengthening the capacity of the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare to effectively implement its mandate of promoting Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment. The project has four (4) components, namely: a) Community Empowerment Support to Women and Girls, b) Establishment of the Women’s Entrepreneurial Opportunity Facility (WEOF), c)  Scaling up services for Survivors of GBV and d) Institutional strengthening focusing on the Ministry OF Gender, Child and Social Welfare, Gender and Youth Cluster, and related national institutions.

Under the overall guidance of the Chief of Procurement in Headquarters, the Procurement Specialist reports to the Project Manager (SSWEEP) with a matrix reporting line to the Operations Manager. The Procurement Specialist will provide operational and transactional support and effective delivery of procurement services to UN Women South Sudan Country Office, focusing on the SSWEEP. The specialist will be primarily responsible for the planning, implementation and managerial oversight of the functional areas ensuring consistency in service. The Procurement Specialist is expected to provide solutions to a wide spectrum of complex issues related to procurement promote a collaborative, client-focused, quality and results-oriented approach in the section, work in close collaboration with internal and external stakeholders for the successful delivery of procurement services. She/he will undertake the following functions, and responsibilities:

The Consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Head of Experimentation, Accelerator Lab, UNDP to undertake the following tasks:

Coordinate with Technology Partners 

• Coordinate with Technology Partners for development of digital public good and work in close coordination with all stakeholders, translate the high-level requirements into use-cases and technical requirements.

• Coordinate and manage data partnerships through data sharing agreements and data collaborative strategy as required by the digital public good.

• Provide timely inputs for developing systems architecture, data pipeline, infrastructure requirements, and aspects of data quality

• Ensure adherence to UN Principles on Personal data protection and privacy, data security, data confidentiality and access.

• Ensure robust prediction model considering aspects model accuracy, bias-variance tradeoff, fairness, accountability, transparency, ethics. 

• Provide inputs to customize reports and analytics for different user-categories as per the requirement of the project. 

Peer Review Algorithms 

• Facilitate peer review process of DiCRA analytics and openAI algorithms. Establish multilevel peer review process, document the guidelines and publish them transparently on Github

• Identify and onboard atleast 10 qualified peer reviewers with specialization in Geospatial data science for reviewing DiCRA algorithms

• Ensure publication of peer-review documents for each analytics layer under DiCRA on Github; and incorporation of feedback on DiCRA platform

DiCRA collaborative

• Facilitate, foster and expand the DiCRA collaborative through structured processes, data coordination and data pipeline mechanisms.

• Facilitate atleast 20 meetings of DiCRA data collaborative and ensure continuous publication of new data layers and use cases.

• Establish mechanisms for sharing cloud computing credits with contributing data scientists.

• Develop and publish openAI algorithms for complex use cases such as crop diversity, farm boundaries, oil palm, polyhouse detection etc.

User-Feedback and Functionality improvement

• DiCRA is developed for the agriculture ecosystem with diverse stakeholders who have diverse requirements. 

• Conduct user feedback sessions and collect feedback from diverse users and improve overall functionality of DiCRA 

• Improve the Use-case section under DiCRA through automated processes 

AI strategy

• Provide inputs on proposals and concept notes for other innovative applications of AI in domains such as climate, air pollution, energy, natural resource management, skills etc., as and when required by the country office.

Expected Deliverables:

For detail job description please see the Terms of Reference attached as Annex I

Instructions to Applicants: Click on the "Apply now" button. Input your information in the appropriate Sections: personal information, language proficiency, education, resume and motivation. Upon completion of the first page, please hit "submit application" tab at the end of the page then the uploading option for the required document will be available.

Interested candidates must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications. Please group them into one (1) single PDF document:

1. Personal CV, indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three (3) professional references;

2. Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability and Financial Proposal that indicates the

daily rate/fee of the candidate, in Thai Baht.

3. Sample report (up to two reports) produced by candidate for evaluation of analytical, reporting and writing abilities

**Failure to submit the above-mentioned documents or Incomplete proposals shall result in disqualification.

**Please group all your document into one (1) single PDF document as the application system only allows to upload maximum one document.

The short-listed candidates may be contacted, and the successful candidate will be notified.

ANNEXES

Annex I - TOR_IC GHG Inventory and Climate Change Mitigation

Annex II - General_Terms_and_Conditions_for_Contracts_Individual_Consultants

Annex III - Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability and financial proposal

Annex IV - P11 Form for ICs (optional)

All documents can be downloaded at  https://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_notice.cfm?notice_id=95738

Through the EU funded “Accountable Institutions and Human Rights Protection in Armenia” Project, UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA and OSCE support the Government of Armenia (GoA) efforts towards inclusive, accountable and effective service delivery in the field of rule of law, security, human rights and Constitutional reform. The Project aims to strengthen rights-based approach in public service in line with the EU-GoA Financing Agreement “Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) Reform Facility'. This engagement contributes to the implementation of CEPA provisions and implementation of the roadmap, adopted by the GoA in the areas of rule of law and human rights.

The focus is placed on good governance, non-discrimination, gender equality, rights of persons belonging to minorities, justice and security reform. The Project equally contributes to implementation of the Agenda 2030, focusing on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 (peace and strong institutions), SDG 10 (reduced inequalities) and SDG 5 (gender equality). The Project objectives are implemented through the following three components: Human Rights, Police Reform and Constitutional Reform. Within the Police reform component, the Project, in close cooperation with the Ministry of Justice and the Police, supports implementation of the ongoing Police reform, with an emphasis on strengthening the educational system and capacity building.

The institutional capacity building for the Police Educational Complex (PEC), focusing on Patrol and Community Police training, is a priority of the Project. The Project further strengthens the analytical capacities of the Operations Management Centre and relevant capacities of the staff. The Project enhances the systems and instruments for improved accountability, transparency and integrity of the Police. Further, the Project improves the institutional mechanisms and the Police staff capacities to face the crisis situations. The Project aims to enhance the institutional resilience of the Police and to improve the provision of citizen-oriented services. It further promotes gender equality through increased engagement of women in the Police.

Digital transformation is essential for the police force to stay relevant, effective and responsive in its approach to protecting and serving the public. It has the potential to touch every part of the policing process, changing the way police work, harness data, exploit available technologies, collaborate with partner organizations and organize themselves. Each of these issues has wide reaching consequences, both for the industry as a whole and for individual officers. A responsible transformation roadmap must therefore focus on the capabilities, processes and approaches that can maximize efficiency and learning across the whole policing system while meeting the specific needs of individual contexts.

To this end, the Project is looking for an expert to develop the RA Police digital transformation strategic note and strategic roadmap that will later save as basis for the automation and digitalization of services within the RA Police.

Purpose and Objectives of the Evaluation

Since the first phase of ZIM-ECO is coming to an end in August 2022, the project’s mid-term evaluation is being carried out to assess the progress made by the project against the project outputs and indicators. In-depth analysis will be needed to review the results achieved under the ten project activities as outlined in the project document.

The mid-term evaluation should establish the relevance, sustainability, effectiveness and efficiency of the Project.  To this end, the evaluation should measure the impact of the project towards increased citizen participation in democratic process (UNDAF Outcome 2).

The analysis and recommendations presented by the evaluation mission will be useful to ZEC, development partners and UNDP in measuring the contributions made by the project and in guiding future support for strengthening electoral system and processes in Zimbabwe, notably through ZIM-ECO Phase Two.

Firstly, the evaluation will assess the effectiveness of the implementation strategy to ascertain whether the specific and overall interventions and approaches including the theory of change were appropriate and effective. This will include:

• The implementation modalities, in particular the effectiveness of the funding approach;
• Partnership arrangements, institutional strengthening, and beneficiary participation;
• Cost effectiveness and efficiency as well as sustainability of the Project; and
• Linkages, synergies and coordination with other Projects/programmes.

Secondly, the evaluation will also assess the Project design and assumptions made at the beginning of the Project and the development process. In this regard, the evaluation will place emphasis on:

• The extent to which the Project results have been achieved, partnerships established, capacities built, and cross cutting issues such as gender equality have been addressed;
• Whether the Project implementation strategy has been optimum and recommend areas for improvement and learning;
• Assess the project contribution to achievement of UN Country Programme Documents (CPD), UN Strategic Plan and Government of Zimbabwe development goals and results;
• Assess the relevance and strategic positioning of this project’s support in the context of Zimbabwe as well as the overall contribution of the project to democracy in Zimbabwe;
• Draw, based on above objectives, lessons and recommendations for sustaining the project results, and providing guidance for the future strategic direction;
• The capacity building approach including training design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation initiatives will also be evaluated;
• Programme accountability in as far as communication and visibility is concerned.

Scope of the Evaluation and Timeframe

Duration: Twenty-seven working days.

Coverage: At national and sub-national level (two field visits to provinces).

Target Groups and Stakeholder Coverage

• National level stakeholders:  ZEC officials, other government officials working on electoral issues, development partners (notably the project partners EU, France, Japan), electoral experts, civil society organizations, including the Electoral Resource Centre (ERC) and the Zimbabwe Electoral Support Network (ZESN), other electoral stakeholders, UN agencies and UNDP projects;
• Local level stakeholders: District Election Officers, relevant government officials and civil society representatives.

The tentative schedule will be the following:

• Desk review and preparation of design (home based) - 2 days;
• Briefing by Development Partner/UNDP - 1 day;
• Finalizing design, methods & inception report and sharing with reference group for feedback - 3 days;
• Stakeholders meetings and interviews - 5 days;
• Field visit(s) outside Harare - 5 days;
• Analysis, preparation of draft report, presentation of draft findings - 5 days;
• Stakeholder meeting to present draft findings - 1 day;
• Finalize and submit report (Home Based) and review brief - 5 days.

Methodology of the Evaluation

The evaluation should be based on the five criteria laid out in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development – Development Assistance Committee (OECD-DAC) Principles for Evaluation of Development Assistance, as defined in the United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG) guidelines.

The evaluation should be based on an analysis of secondary and primary data collected from various sources, including project quarterly reports, implementing partners’ (IPs) reports, minutes of project board meetings, interviews with key informants and focus group discussions (FGDs) with project beneficiaries. The evaluation will take a “theory of change’’ (TOC) approach to determining causal links between the interventions that have been supported and observed progress at the country level. The evaluation exercise will be consultative and participatory, ensuring representation of both women and men, entailing a combination of comprehensive desk reviews, analysis and interviews, as highlighted above.

During the evaluation, the team is expected to apply the following approaches for data collection and analysis, but not limited to the below:      

• Desk review of relevant documents (project document, EU evaluation, annual reports, ZEC strategic plan, ZEC Gender and Inclusion Strategy);
• Briefing and debriefing sessions with the Election Commission, development partners, current and former project staff, UNDP, UN Women as well as other partners;
• Interviews with partners and stakeholders (including gathering the information on what the partners have achieved with regard to the outcome and what strategies they have used); 
• Field visits to selected provinces and discussions with Election Commission and other stakeholders;
• Consultation meetings.

While interviews are a key instrument, all analysis must be based on observed facts, evidence and data. This precludes relying exclusively upon anecdotes, hearsay and unverified opinions. Findings should be specific, concise and supported by quantitative and/or qualitative information that is reliable and valid. The evaluation methodology must be explained in detail and be appropriate and of sufficient rigor to produce valid results. Limitations to the evaluation with particular attention to the limitations associated with the evaluation methodology (selection bias, recall bias, unobservable differences between comparator groups, etc.) must be disclosed in the evaluation report.

The evaluation team will be expected to: 

• Employ study techniques that ensure internal validity of study results;
• Utilize social science methods and tools that reduce the need for evaluator-specific judgments;
• Employ standardized recording and maintenance of records from the evaluation (e.g., focus group transcripts).  

Evaluation Questions

Relevance

• To what extent were ZIM-ECO technical and operational assistance relevant in addressing the needs and strategic priorities of ZEC and other electoral stakeholders?
• To what extent were interventions informed by gender and social inclusion analyses to enhance women, youth, and people with disability meaningful participation in the electoral processes as voters and candidates?
• To what extent was the project able to cater the needs of the beneficiaries in a changing context? If and when a change of focus or strategy was needed, was the project flexible?
• Is there any evidence that the project advanced any key national human rights, gender or inclusion policies and the priorities of UN, UNDP, including the UNDAF?
• How relevant was the geographical coverage?
• To what extent was the project in line with the national development priorities, the country programme’s outputs and outcomes, the UNDP Strategic Plan and the SDGs?
• To what extent has the project been appropriately responsive to political, legal, economic, institutional, etc., changes in the country?
• To what extent does the project contribute to the theory of change for the relevant country programme outcome?
• To what extent were perspectives of those who could affect the outcomes, and those who could contribute information or other resources to the attainment of stated results, taken into account during the project design processes?
• To what extent were lessons learned from other relevant projects considered in the project’s design?

Effectiveness

• How effective has the project been in enhancing the institutional and professional capacity of ECN to conduct inclusive, credible and transparent elections?
• Has the project achieved its outputs? What were the major factors influencing the achievement or non-achievement of the outputs? What factors have contributed to achieving or not achieving intended country programme outputs and outcomes?
• To what extent the planned outputs contributed towards the achievement of the UNDAF outcome and what evidence validates these claims?
• To what extent has the UNDP partnership strategy been appropriate and effective? What factors contributed to effectiveness or ineffectiveness?
• In which areas does the project have the greatest achievements? Why and what have been the supporting factors? How can the project build on or expand these achievements?
• In which areas does the project have the fewest achievements? What have been the constraining factors and why? How can or could they be overcome?
• To what extent are project management and implementation participatory and is this participation contributing towards achievement of the project objectives?
• To what extent has the project been appropriately responsive to the needs of the national constituents and changing partner priorities?
• Did women and other marginalized groups directly benefit from the project‘s activities? If so, how and what was the impact?
• Were any changes made in the project based on monitoring, assessments, context or risk analyses? If yes, how did they affect project results?

Efficiency

• To what extent have resources (financial, human, institutional and technical) been allocated strategically?
• Could the activities and outputs have been delivered with fewer resources without reducing their quality and quantity? To what extent have the UNDP project implementation strategy and execution been efficient and cost-effective?
• Were the project inputs and benefits fairly distributed amongst different genders while increasing access for the most vulnerable? What factors influenced decisions to fund certain proposed activities, and not others?
• To what extent did the coordination with other UN agencies and UNDP projects reduce transaction costs, optimize results and avoid duplication?

Impact

• What impact did the work of ZIM-ECO have on the institutional capacity of ZEC and other electoral stakeholders?
• What impact did the work of ZIM-ECO have on the conduct of elections in Zimbabwe? Is there evidence of changes in their credibility and effectiveness?
• What impact did the work of ZIM-ECO have on the democratic participation in elections in Zimbabwe? Is there evidence of improvements for under-represented and/or disadvantaged segments of Zimbabwe society and project’s contribution to the achievement of such results?

Sustainability

• Is there evidence of knowledge transfer from the Project to ZEC?
• Have ZIM-ECO interventions enhanced the capacity of ZEC and electoral stakeholders?
• What is the level of ownership of ZEC towards the project?
• Will the ZEC be able to sustain project supported interventions (programmatically and financially) after the project is phased out?
• Is there any evidence of ZIM-ECO reduced assistance over the years due to ZEC increased ownership and leadership?
• Are there any financial, social or political risks that may jeopardize sustainability of project outputs and the project’s contributions to country programme outputs and outcomes?
• Do the legal frameworks, policies and governance structures and processes within which the project operates pose risks that may jeopardize sustainability of project benefits?
• To what extent did UNDP actions pose an environmental threat to the sustainability of project outputs?
• What is the risk that the level of stakeholders’ ownership will be sufficient to allow for the project benefits to be sustained?
• To what extent do mechanisms, procedures and policies exist to allow primary stakeholders to carry forward the results attained on gender equality, empowerment of women, human rights and human development?
• To what extent do UNDP interventions have well-designed and well-planned exit strategies

UNEG Norms and Standards and Ethical Code of Conduct

This mid-term project evaluation will be conducted in accordance with the principles outlined in the UNEG ‘Ethical Guidelines for Evaluation’. The consultants must safeguard the rights and confidentiality of information providers, interviewees, and stakeholders through measures to ensure compliance with legal and other relevant codes governing the collection of data and reporting on its data. The consultants must also ensure the security of collected information before and after the evaluation and protocols to ensure anonymity and confidentiality of sources of information where that is expected. The information knowledge and data gathered in the evaluation process must also be solely used for the evaluation and not for other uses. The UNEG Guidelines note the importance of ethical conduct for the following reasons:

• Responsible use of power: All those engaged in evaluation processes are responsible for upholding the proper conduct of the evaluation;
• Ensuring credibility: With a fair, impartial and complete assessment, stakeholders are more likely to have faith in the results of an evaluation and to take note of the recommendations;
• Responsible use of resources: Ethical conduct in evaluation increases the chances of acceptance by the parties to the evaluation and therefore the likelihood that the investment in the evaluation will result in improved outcomes.

The evaluators are expected to provide a detailed plan on how the following principles will be ensured throughout the evaluation (see UNEG Ethical Guidance for descriptions):

• Respect for dignity and diversity;
• Right to self-determination;
• Fair representation;
• Compliance with codes for vulnerable groups (e.g., ethics of research involving young children or vulnerable groups);
• Redress;
• Confidentiality; and
• Avoidance of harm.

Specific safeguards must be put in place to protect the safety (both physical and psychological) of both respondents and those collecting the data. These should include:

• A plan is in place to protect the rights of the respondent, including privacy and confidentiality;
• The interviewer or data collector is trained in collecting sensitive information, and if the topic of the evaluation is focused on violence against women, they should have previous experience in this area;
• Data collection tools are designed in a way that are culturally appropriate and do not create distress for respondents;
• Data collection visits if possible are organized at the appropriate time and place so as to minimize risk to respondents;
• The interviewer or data collector is able to provide information on how individuals in situations of risk can seek support.

Deliverables

The evaluation team should delivery the following outputs:

• Inception report detailing the evaluator’s understanding of what is being evaluated, why it is being evaluated, and how it will evaluated (methodology). The inception report should also include a proposed schedule of tasks, evaluation tools, activities and deliverables. The inception report should be drafted following and based on preliminary discussions with UNDP after the desk review and should be produced before the evaluation starts (before any formal evaluation interviews, survey distribution or field visits) and prior to the country visit in the case of international evaluators;
• Start of mission debriefing/meeting on proposed methodology, design and work plan;
• Presentation of the inception report to the Reference Group, including UNDP, development partners and ZEC;
• Mid-term meeting with development partners on impressions and initial findings from the field work;
• An exit presentation on findings and initial recommendations;
• The draft review report within 20 days of the start date. The programme unit and key stakeholders in the evaluation should review the draft evaluation report and provide an amalgamated set of comments to the evaluator within an agreed period of time, addressing the content required (as agreed in the TOR and inception report) and quality criteria as outlined in these guidelines;
• Final report within 30 days of the start date of sufficient detail and quality and taking on board comments from the Reference Group including UNDP, development partners and ZEC as appropriate, with annexes as required.

Evaluation report audit trail: Comments and changes by the evaluator in response to the draft report should be retained by the evaluator to show how they have addressed comments.

The reports are to include, but not be limited to, the following components:

• Executive summary;
• Introduction;
• Description of the review methodology;
• Political and development context;
• Key findings including situational analysis with regard to the outcome, outputs, and partnership strategy;
• Lessons learned and best practices;
• Analysis of opportunities to provide guidance on future programming and projects;
• Recommendations and conclusions;
• Annexes: mission report including field visits, list of interviewees, and list of documents reviewed.                                          

The review team is required to discuss the full draft of its report prior to departure from Zimbabwe.  

Implementation Arrangements 

The evaluation team will report to the UNDP Team Leader of the Governance and Peacebuilding Unit.

To facilitate the evaluation process, UNDP will assist in connecting the review team with ZEC officials, development partners and key stakeholders. In addition, UNDP will provide operational support for organizing meetings and field visits, if necessary.    

Key project materials will be sent before the field work and will be reviewed by the team prior to the commencement of the field work. The evaluation team will prepare and share the draft inception report before the field mission. The evaluation team will be briefed by UNDP upon arrival on the objectives, purpose and output of the project evaluation.

The evaluation team will assess the project based on interviews undertaken, discussions and consultations with all relevant stakeholders or interested parties and review of project documents. As a minimum indication, the review team should consult with implementing partners, other key government stakeholders, development partners and civil society representatives. UNDP will provide guidance in identifying, contacting and arranging for discussions, meetings with the stakeholders as required.

Composition of the Evaluation Team 

The mission will consist of one international Senior Evaluation and Election Expert consultant and the national Evaluation and Governance Expert consultant. The international consultant will report to the UNDP Zimbabwe Head of the Governance and Peacebuilding Unit and will supervise the national consultant. The work of the evaluation team will be guided by an Evaluation Reference Group, which UNDP Zimbabwe will set up.

Tasks, required skills and expertise of the national Evaluation and Election Expert consultant

The national Evaluation and Governance Expert will perform the following tasks:

• Collect and review documents;
• Provide contextual knowledge and analysis on Zimbabwe;
• Participate in the design of the review methodology;
• Collect data;
• Assess indicator baselines;
• Actively participate in conducting the analysis of the outcomes, outputs and targets as per the scope of the evaluation;
• Draft related parts of the review report; and
• Assist the team leader in finalizing document through incorporating suggestions received on draft related to his/her assigned sections.

The National Consultant will work under the supervision and guidance of the International Consultant.