Consultant - End of Project Evaluation

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), is a private, non-denominational, international development agency established in 1967. It seeks sustainable solutions to long-term problems of poverty, hunger, illiteracy, and ill-health with special emphasis on the needs of rural communities in mountainous and other resource poor regions, primarily in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Its main areas of focus are education, health, rural development, environment and strengthening civil society.

The Aga Khan Foundation (Pakistan) [AKF (P)] is seeking a high caliber professional consultant for  End of project evaluation of Improved Resilience to Climate Change of Communities and Ecosystems in Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral (IRCCCE).

Background

The IRCCCE project was designed to enhance the ability of communities and ecosystems in Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral to withstand and adapt to the impacts of climate change. By focusing on vulnerable communities and promoting sustainable, nature-based agricultural practices, the project aimed to safeguard natural resources and boost resilience to environmental challenges. This evaluation will assess the project’s overall success, identify key lessons, and provide recommendations for future initiatives.

2. Objectives of the Review

• The main goals of this review are to provide AKF(P), implementing partners, and the donor with sufficient information to:
• Assess the quality and delivery of activity, outputs, and objectives. whether the project’s goals were in line with the actual needs of the communities and the broader regional and national priorities related to climate resilience.
•  Assess any issues or problems and their impact.
•  Assess the progress made towards achieving sustainable benefits.
• Identify and document refinements to the activity based on recommendations.
• More specifically, the outcome of the review is to come up with lessons learned and practical recommendations to improve project design and implementation for the remaining duration of the project. and/or future actions for potential replication. 

3. Methodology

The Review is expected to be quick, cogent, and qualitative. The proposed methodology is as follows.

Analysis of project documents such as Funding agreement, Project Implementation Plan, Work Breakdown Structure, Progress Reports, Implementation Records, field visit reports, baseline reports, etc.

Development of a detailed work plan for the review.

Meeting with Programme Staff to discuss implementation challenges and issues.

Visit field sites to observe the status of implementation including soft and hard components. The former comprise Training, Green Enterprises, and Passive Solar Greenhouses. Infrastructure (Hard) components comprising Flood Protection, Mitigation Structures, and Channelization of Irrigation Channels. Facilitated sessions with beneficiaries will also be held.

The Review will use a combination of Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) for field data collection. Custom survey tools may be suggested by the consultant after discussion with the project team.

• Analysis of progress data and records
• Development of draft report against review objectives
• Sharing of draft report with AKF(P) for feedback/comments
• Finalization of the report after receiving feedback/comments

4. Structure of the Review

The Review should focus on the following key themes.

• Relevance
• Efficiency
• Effectiveness
• Sustainability
• Cross-cutting Gender and Disability
• Each theme should focus on the following areas

Performance: This section should review progress against indicators given in the Log Frame. The relevance and target of interventions and efficiency issues such as timing and quality should be reviewed.

Factors Affecting Performance: Issues, problems, and challenges in the implementation process and those likely to affect impact should be documented here. The Team should list and analyze the potential effect of broader risk and sustainability factors such as policy changes, ownership by the Government and Community, other issues related to gender and cultural factors, and environmental, political, and economic factors.

Solutions proposed: This section should propose clear and implementable solutions to problems, issues, and challenges identified. The solutions should propose changes in the design of the Program in terms of targeting, relevance of interventions, and recommendations related to the quality of interventions, etc. Implications of the significant solutions in terms of resource re-allocation for interventions or quantum of the budget should be highlighted.

5. Deliverables

The consultant(s) will be expected to deliver:

Inception Report: A report outlining the evaluation plan, methodology, and work schedule, to be submitted within the first two weeks.

Draft Evaluation Report: A detailed report covering key findings, conclusions, and preliminary recommendations.

Validation Workshop: A workshop with stakeholders to present findings, obtain feedback, and validate recommendations.

Final Evaluation Report: A comprehensive report, incorporating feedback from the validation workshop, including an executive summary, methodology, findings, conclusions, recommendations, and relevant annexes.

6. Timeline

The evaluation process is expected to take eight weeks, starting from the date the contract is signed. A detailed timeline will be finalized during the inception phase.

7. Reporting Line

The consultant(s) will report directly to the Project Manager of the IRCCCE project and work closely with the AKF Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) teams.

8. Qualifications Required

• An advanced degree in environmental sciences, climate change, international development, or a related field.
• At least seven years of experience in project evaluation, particularly in climate resilience, natural resource management, and gender integration.
• A proven track record of conducting evaluations in complex, community-based project environments.
• Experience working in Northern Pakistan or similar contexts is preferred.
• Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in English, with knowledge of Urdu or local languages considered an asset.

9. Terms of Payment

Payment will be made in three installments:

• 30% upon approval of the inception report.
• 30% upon approval of the draft evaluation report.
• 40% upon approval of the final evaluation report.

Safeguarding

AKF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. AKF expects all staff, volunteers, and consultants to adhere to a zero-tolerance policy for sexual abuse, exploitation, harassment (SEAH), and other misconduct. Compliance with the code of conduct, including SEAH principles, is mandatory. Violations may result in disciplinary actions, including termination and exclusion from AKDN activities.

Eligibility

The consultant must not be listed on any sanction list of international development organizations, such as the UN sanctions list.

AKF(P) recruitment and selection policy and procedures reflect our commitment to equal opportunity and the safeguarding of children, beneficiaries, partners, community members and employees in accordance with AKF(P)’s Safeguarding policy.

The deadline for the submission of application is Wednesday, October 02, 2024. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.