Norway: External consultants for evaluation of the Prevention of Urban Violence in the Americas Project (Fluent in English and Spanish)

The Norwegian Red Cross (NorCross) seeks to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of the project “Prevention of urban violence program in Americas” in the period 2012 - 2014, to identify key lessons and recommendations to improve ongoing and inform future programmes and activities.

Violence is one of today’s greatest humanitarian challenges. Fuelled by rapid social changes and urbanization, drug trafficking and political instability, the increase of urban violence in the Latin American and Caribbean region has a devastating effect on physical loss of life and injuries, as well as social and economic consequences on communities, compromising their capacity to live in dignity, as well as their ability to sustain their livelihoods.

With its large network of volunteers and often unlimited access to violent places the Red Cross has the potential to lead the development of work which can mitigate the impact of violence.

The goal of the project is to contribute to the prevention of urban violence in Latin America by targeting children, youth and communities that are at risk [of violence] and to enhance the capacity of the Red Cross National Societies, and their partners

The evaluation will have the following objectives:

• Determine whether the program has achieved desired results (objectives), and/or has been conducted in compliance with agreed rules, standards, or expectations.
• The effectiveness of the programme areas, projects and activities, i.e. the extent to which the purpose, the humanitarian outcomes and impact (if possible) i.e. the changes and effects positive or negative, planned and unforeseen, seen in relation to target groups and others who are affected.
• the sustainability of the programmes, projects and activities, i.e. assessment of the extent to which the positive effects of the programmes, projects and activities are still continuing after the external support to the program has been concluded.
• Inform management decision making for ongoing and future work.
• Identify lessons (positive and negative) for improved programming, and to inform strategic policy and planning.

Duration

The duration of the evaluation is 40 days, including briefings, desktop review, field work, report writing, presentation, and follow-up. The evaluation will be conducted during the period September to October 2015. Deadline for delivering draft final evaluation is October 15th 2015. Deadline for final report is October 31 2015.

Timeframe

The evaluation shall cover the 3 years period, 2012 – 2014, according to the timeframe of The Norwegian Red Cross Cooperation Agreement between the Norwegian Red Cross and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs 2012-2014

Methodology

The evaluation will consist of desk studies of relevant program documents, agreements and strategy documents. The evaluation team will carry out in-depth interviews with relevant staff from NorCross and partner NS, volunteers and beneficiaries in combination with surveys. Field studies in Panama, Guatemala and Colombia are included. The consultant will be responsible for developing a methodological framework for the evaluation.

Location

The evaluation will take place at NorCross Head office in Oslo, Norcross Regional office in Panama, and field studies in Panama, Guatemala and Colombia.

Application requirements

NorCross is looking for a team of two consultants of which one will be the lead consultant. The consultants have the capacity to undertake the entire evaluation; including the meta-evaluation as well as the country specific parts. The consultants will need to offer a strong understanding and experience of evaluation methodology. Recognised expertise in Violence Prevention or similar programs is essential. Knowledge and experience in the region or one of the countries in which the evaluation takes place is desired. Knowledge of the Red Cross Movement an advantage. Team members should be fluent in both English and Spanish.

Interested candidates should submit their application material by the 17^thof July 2015

The Expression of Interest should include:

1. Curricula Vitae (CV) for all members of the team applying for consideration.
2. Letter clearly summarizing your experience as it pertains to this assignment, your daily rate, and three professional references.
3. A brief description of your firm or institution (for applicants other than individual contractors).
4. Technical proposal (when appropriate) not exceeding five pages expressing an understanding and interpretation of the TOR, the proposed methodology, and a time and activity schedule.
5. Financial proposal itemizing estimated costs for services rendered (daily consultancy fees), accommodation and living costs, transport costs, stationery costs, and any other related supplies or services required for the evaluation.
6. At least one example of an evaluation report most similar to that described in the TOR.

Application material is non-returnable, and we thank you in advance for understanding that only short-listed candidates will be contacted for the next step in the application process.

For more information and Terms of Reference contact :

Trine Moa

Email: trine.moa@redcross.no

Tel mob: 0047 92410277