Livelihood Improvement and Vocational Skills Training for Afghan Refugees in KP

Terms of Reference for Hiring of Consultant for Impact Study

A. Background and Context:

The Pak Mission Society (PMS) is a non-governmental organization working in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan,

dedicated to supporting Afghan refugees in their resettlement and integration with the support UNCHR

Pakistan. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has been providing livelihood

support to Afghan refugees in Pakistan to enhance their self-reliance and improve their living conditions. The

purpose of this impact study is to assess the effectiveness, outcomes, and broader impacts of the livelihood

support programs initiated by UNHCR for Afghan refugees in Pakistan. To facilitate their self-reliance and

sustainable livelihoods, the organization aims to conduct a comprehensive Impact study to evaluate the

impact of various interventions in the livelihood sectors for Afghan refugees in the region.

B. Objectives:

1. Evaluate the effectiveness of the livelihood programs in enabling self-sufficiency and economic

empowerment among Afghan refugees in Pakistan.

2. Assess the socio-economic impacts of the Livelihood related interventions on the lives of the Afghan

refugee population in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

3. Identify challenges, successes, and opportunities within the livelihood support initiatives.

4. Provide recommendations to enhance and improve the livelihood support program activities for better

outcomes.

C. Scope of the Study

Data Collection: Gather quantitative and qualitative data through surveys, interviews, and focus group

discussions with Afghan refugees who have participated in the livelihood program activities.

Impact Assessment: Evaluate the economic and social impacts of the livelihood support, including

income generation, employment opportunities, skill development, and access to essential services.

Stakeholder Engagement: Consult with key stakeholders including UNHCR representatives, local

government officials, NGOs, community leaders, and participants in the programs.

Comparative Analysis: Conduct a comparative analysis of various livelihood programs to determine the

most effective strategies and approaches.

Recommendations: Provide actionable recommendations to improve the existing programs, ensuring

better outcomes for the Afghan refugee community.

Reporting: Based on the analyised and compiled data, the Consultant will formulate a comprehensive

Impact Study Report as per the TORs agreed and signed withing the stipulated time period.

D. Methodology:

Primary Data Collection: Surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions with a representative sample

of Afghan refugees benefiting from the livelihood programs.

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Secondary Data Analysis: Review existing reports, studies, and program evaluations related to refugee livelihood support in Pakistan.

Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis: Analyze data to assess the impact, successes, challenges, and areas for improvement.

Comparative Study: Evaluate different livelihood support models to identify best practices.

E. Deliverables:

Inception Report

Interim Report: Provide a preliminary report outlining the methodology, data collection process, and

initial findings.

Draft Impact Assessment: A comprehensive report presenting the findings, analysis, and conclusions.

Final Report: Incorporating feedback, recommendations, and a summary of the study's impact on the livelihood programs.

Timeline:

Commencement of Study or Inception Report- Last week of November 2023

Data Collection and Analysis: December 1-10, 2023

Draft Report Submission: December 15, 2023

Final Report Submission: December 18, 2023

Qualifications: The consultant/team should have experience in conducting impact studies, knowledge of refugee livelihood programs, strong analytical skills, and expertise in socio-economic assessments.

Budget:

The budget for this impact study will cover expenses related to data collection, analysis, travel, reporting and consultancy fees. The budget will be negotiated based on the qualifications and experience of the consultant. Payment will be made in installments upon the successful completion of each deliverable, as agreed upon in the contract.

Reporting: The consultant will report directly to Project Manager

This Terms of Reference serves as a guide for the consultant/s responsible for conducting the impact study and must be adhered to for accurate assessment and evaluation of the livelihood support program and its activities for the Afghan refugees in Pakistan.

Selection of Consultant/Firm

Selection Criteria for Hiring of Consultant for Conducting Impact Study

1. Relevant Experience:

The consultant should have a proven track record of conducting Impact and Assessment Studies related

to Livelihood or similar projects in Pakistan or similar contexts. Demonstrated experience in imparting

training on assessment and evaluation will be an extra advantage

2. Expertise in Refugee Livelihoods:

The consultant should possess knowledge and understanding of the challenges and opportunities.

related to Afghan Refugee livelihoods and entrepreneurship. Experience working with refugee

populations or in the contexts with significant refugee populations is highly desirable.

3. Technical Competence:

The consultant should have a strong background in Evaluation research, data collection and analysis, and

proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including survey design,

interviews, and data analysis and compiling analytical reports, is essential.

4. Contextual Understanding:

Familiarity with the cultural, socioeconomic, and business environment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

particularly that of Afghan Refugees. Knowledge of the specific challenges faced by Afghan refugees in

the region and an understanding of their aspirations, skills, and constraints will be advantageous.

Communication and Presentation Skills:

The consultant should possess excellent oral and written communication skills in Urdu, Pashtu and

Preferable in Dari, with the ability to effectively present complex information in a clear and concise manner.

Strong assessment, evaluation and report writing skills and the ability to convey findings and recommendations to diverse stakeholders are essential.

Collaborative Approach:

 The consultant should demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with the PMS, project staff,

and

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relevant stakeholders including Donors, Government and communities. A proven ability to engage

and build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including Afghan refugees, local communities,

government agencies, and market experts, is crucial.

5. Language Skills:

Fluency in English is required for effective communication and report writing. Proficiency in local languages, such as Pashto, Dari or Urdu, will be advantageous for conducting interviews and engaging with local communities and Afghan refugees.

6. Budget and Cost Effectiveness:

The consultant's proposed financial proposal should be competitive, reasonable, and aligned with the scope of work and deliverables. Cost-effectiveness, value for money, and the consultant ability to deliverquality results within the proposed budget will be considered.

7. Availability and Timeliness:

The consultant should demonstrate the availability and capacity to undertake the assignment within the proposed timeline. Punctuality and the ability to meet deadlines are essential for successful project completion.

8. Required Qualification:

The Consultant should have the following:

a. Master's degree in preferable in Business Administration/ Monitoring and Evaluation.

b. At least 10 years of experience in designing and implementing consulting assignments

c. At least 03 relevant studies were conducted for which the Consultant has to provide proof of his previous assignment.

d. Preference will be given to those having market-related experience in the Hand Carpet weaving

industry with the Afghan refugees.

e. Should have experience/ knowledge of the Carpet Industry in the North, South and Center of the Province where the Afghan Refugees are involved in the Hand Carpet weaving.

9. Reporting: The Consultant will report to the Project Manager and will work closely with relevant program staff.

10. Application Process: Interested individuals or firms should submit a proposal that includes the following withing 10 days of the advertisement:

a. A cover letter/letter of interest that outlines the applicant's qualifications, interest, and experience;

b. A detailed Technical Proposal explaining very clearly the Methodology/ approach to conduct the

feasibility study

c. Samples of previous studies conducted by the applicant;

d. A budget that is inclusive of all taxes and covers the fee related to the study

e. Curriculum vitae/s (CV/s) or resume/s of the Consultant/s