Terms of Reference
Consultancy on Evaluation of Borderless Higher Education for Refugees Project
Borderless Higher Education for Refugees (BHER) Consortium is seeking a consultant based in Kenya to provide services related to the evaluation of the BHER project implemented in Dadaab, Kenya (for more information consult http://crs.yorku.ca/bher). This consultancy will be a critical part of a project focused on bringing higher education opportunities to refugees and local communities, funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) over the period of 2013-2018. The project is led by York University, based in Toronto, Canada and is implemented in collaboration with African Virtual University (AVU), Kenyatta University (KU), Moi University (MU), University of British Columbia (UBC), Windle Trust Kenya (WTK) and World University Service of Canada (WUSC).
Overall long term goal of BHER
The vision of BHER is to make educational programs available where refugees need them. In the context of Dadaab, BHER aims to improve the education situation in the primary and secondary schools in the refugee camps and surrounding communities by building professional capacities of teaching staff through the delivery of gender equitable university programs to working, untrained teachers and other professionals interested in contributing to their communities. In five years, BHER hopes to have successfully piloted a model that not only narrows the gap for trained teachers, but also addresses the dire need to offer and deliver higher education in refugee and the surrounding marginalized communities. We also hope that the model may bring more partners to the consortium, be embraced and scaled up in other contexts of vulnerability.
Related project outcome
The purpose of the consultancy is to conduct an internal formative and summative evaluation as well as collect data intermittently to support the smooth functioning of an internal M&E system. This system is important for BHER to understand and communicate the usefulness and impact of its activities for its beneficiaries. The system will serve various purposes, including feedback for ongoing improvement of activities and to measure impact over the short and long run. BHER has already developed a Performance Measurement Framework (PMF). The framework has established baseline data as well as targets to be reached in the next five years of the project cycle. Further, it has determined the instruments (e.g., surveys, desk review, focus group, individual interview and direct observation) and groups to be reached regarding information on various aspects of project implementation. In line with the requirements of the framework, the following tasks will be performed:
* Year 1: completion of the Baseline data with the necessary information and final revisions on the current Baseline Study Report;
* Year 2: data collection on the different targets and completion of an informal report on findings;
* Year 3: completion of a formative evaluation;
* Year 4: data collection on the different targets and completion of an informal report on findings;
* Year 5: completion of a summative evaluation.
At present BHER is seeking to hire an evaluation expert to complete the tasks associated with Year 1 of the BHER project.
Profile of Consultant
Minimum Qualifications:
* Advanced education (MA or PhD completed) in education, community development, or related field;
* Experience in conducting and/or leading project evaluations, preferably in the field of education;
* Knowledge of and experience working on research projects that have as cross-cutting themes at least one of the following: gender equality, social inclusion, sustainable environment and/or good governance;
* Familiarity with both quantitative and qualitative research methods and analytical tools and research experience in conducting quantitative and qualitative research;
* Shared vision of education in broad terms extending to other aspects of human development;
* Availability to travel to Dadaab, and ability to work well with and guide (both in person and from a distance) the BHER field staff;
* Advanced communication (writing and speaking) skills in English.
Additional Desired Qualifications:
* Previous research experience in refugee contexts;
* Familiarity with BHER and interest in evaluating BHER's method of education and human development;
* Proficiency in Somali language.
Terms of Consultancy
* One year contract for an estimated 20 days of work;
* Responsibilities:
o Work closely with the Project Manager in updating the PMF and ensure that the most recent version of the PMF is used in drafting the required deliverables;
o Collect the necessary data that allow the completion of the Baseline Study Report;
o Revise and complete the Baseline Study Report in accordance with requirements set out by the donor.
* Research should be carried out with a highly participatory approach involving BHER staff and key stakeholders;
* Work with BHER field staff to help them regularly use of the M&E tools, facilitating the regular analysis of collected data, and preparing for the formative and summative evaluation of BHER;
* The successful candidate must be already based in Kenya;
* Please note that remuneration will be based on local rates.
Deliverables
1. Updated PMF;
2. Completed Baseline Study Report;
3. Training materials for BHER staff.
Selection Process and Timeline
* Candidates should submit a letter of interest, CV, one writing sample on a related topic (not more than 10 pages) and a financial proposal by July 15, 2013. CV's should include names of at least two references and should make explicit the role and responsibility of the candidate in any past research projects or evaluations;
* Interview of shortlisted candidates with BHER selection committee: by August 7, 2013;
* Final decisions and contract negotiation by August 15, 2013.
For more information and to submit an application, write to BHER Project at [log in to unmask]
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