Thailand: Evaluation consultant for the kNOwVAWdata initiative programme (Revise closing date)

Purpose of consultancy:

Since 2016, UNFPA APRO, with support from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), has implemented the kNOwVAWdata initiative - a three-and-a-half-year programme that aims to provide technical support and sustainable capacity building, enabling countries to undertake VAW prevalence studies in an ethical and scientifically robust way, in particular by using internationally recognized, best practice survey methodologies. Two main components of the initiative are:

• Regional and national capacity building for conducting prevalence studies on VAW

• Knowledge sharing and communications

The purpose of the consultancy is to provide an independent, external and objective assessment of the kNOwVAWdata initiative (2016-2020) and to make recommendations that could guide future programming focused on strengthening capacities for the measurement of VAW prevalence.

In line with the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework developed for the kNOwVAWdata Initiative, the specific objectives of the evaluation are:

• To assess the relevance and effectiveness of the kNOwVAWdata initiative in strengthening national capacities to conduct ethical and rigorous national VAW prevalence studies in Asia and the Pacific region while ensuring high levels of national ownership of the process and the data.

• To assess the impact and sustainability of the kNOwVAWdata initiative with regards to increasing awareness and knowledge, and influencing policy and advocacy work on VAW prevention and response through utilization of VAW prevalence data

• To draw lessons from the kNOwVAWdata initiative and propose strategic recommendations for UNFPA APRO’s future investments in the area of VAW prevalence measurement and to inform the next (proposed) phase of the project.

Scope of work:

1. Evaluation period, geographic scope and content

2. The evaluation will cover the period since the signing of the exchange of letters for the kNOwVAWdata Initiative in 2016.

3. The geographic scope of the evaluation is the Asia Pacific region, including the countries that have been provided with technical support for the conduct of VAW prevalence surveys and secondary analysis under this Initiative. Countries that implemented and completed or are about to complete a survey in the period of this evaluation (Mongolia, Viet Nam, Bhutan, Sri Lanka) are considered the priority countries for this evaluation.

4. The evaluation will focus primarily on the capacity building component of the project (in particular the kNOwVAWdata course, but also in-country awareness, knowledge and capacity building through TA).

5. The evaluation will also review how VAW prevalence data has been utilised for awareness creation and national VAW policies and programmes.

6. The evaluation consultant will design the evaluation methodology in line with the evaluation TOR and, as needed, consult with the kNOwVAWdata Initiative Technical Advisory Committee and reflect their advice where possible.

7. At a minimum, the methodological approach will comprise of:

8. A review of all documents related to the kNOwVAWdata Initiative, including the proposal, annual reports, M&E report, evaluation of the pilot course and case studies of national VAW surveys, as well as related knowledge products, survey reports, web and social media materials etc.

9. The conduct of key informant interviews, focus group discussions and surveys with relevant staff and stakeholders engaged in the project, particularly, UNFPA APRO Gender Team, kNOwVAWdata Initiative partner institutions (University of Melbourne, ANROWS), DFAT focal points for the initiative, Technical Advisory Committee members, select countries supported by the Initiative, select number of participants from the course, among others.

10. At least one country field visit and a visit to Bangkok to collect data for the evaluation. Country visits will be to selected priority countries.

11. Particular attention will be paid to triangulation of information, both in terms of data sources and methods/ tools for data collection.

12. APRO will set up a Reference Group to support the review and validation of the evaluation methodology and findings.

13. The list of questions below and areas for enquiry will be further refined by the external consultant hired to lead the evaluation at the inception stage, leading to a final list of maximum ten evaluation questions.

Strategic result statements and key questions

The kNOwVAWdata Initiative has been effective in supporting the conduct of ethical and rigorous VAW prevalence surveys in Asia and the Pacific region while ensuring high levels of national ownership of the process and the data.

Areas of enquiry

· To what extent did the kNOwVAWdata Initiative support the strengthening of national capacity to measure VAW prevalence?

· To what extent did the Initiative meet the needs of the governments and partners engaged in the measurement of VAW prevalence?

· What were the main enablers and constraints for the Initiative?

· How effective has the communication on the results/outputs of the Initiative been, including through study reports, knowledge products, data visualisation, social media, representation in expert fora?

· What are some of the barriers and enablers to participation in the kNOwVAWdata course and use of materials?

Strategic result statements and key questions

The kNOwVAWdata Initiative is relevant and complementary with other existing programmes of similar nature.

Areas of enquiry

· To what extent has the Initiative expanded and complemented the regional and national and global knowledge base on VAW prevalence?

· To what extent has the Initiative complimented existing regional and national programmes for capacity building on VAW prevalence measurement (did it fill a gap/meet demands)?

· How did the strategies chosen for the initiative (in particular the kNOwVAWdata course) support the wider dissemination and use of best practice VAW prevalence measurement methodologies?

· To what extent has the Initiative improved the understanding of national government and other partners on the need for reliable and comparable VAW prevalence data for effective VAW response programming in the region and by partners?

Strategic result statements and key questions

The kNOwVAWdata Initiative is sustainable and impactful.

Areas of enquiry

· How effective has the Initiative been in ensuring that the capacity built will be sustained?

· Is the twinning component relevant and effective for sustainability?

· To what extent will the benefits of the kNOwVAWdata Initiative endure after the conclusion of the current phase of the programme?

· What changes were produced by the Initiative – positive or negative, directly or indirectly, intended or unintended?

Strategic result statements and key questions

The kNOwVAWdata Initiative has been effective in increasing awareness and knowledge, and influencing policy and advocacy work on VAW prevention and response through utilization of VAW prevalence data.

Areas of enquiry

· To what extent did the Initiative effectively influence national policy and programme development on VAW, including utilization of VAW prevalence data for policy and programmes?

· How well was VAW prevalence data and reports generated with the support of the kNOwVAWdata initiative utilised for the purpose of policy/programme formulation?

Duration and working schedule:

the duration of this consultancy will be up to 60 work days to be utilized between February to 15 June 2020.

Place where services are to be delivered:

This consultancy is expected to be home based with possible travel to Bangkok, Thailand and at least one select site for data collection (contingent on availability of funds)

Delivery dates and how work will be delivered:

The following deliverables and timeline is expected:

1. Design report: outlining evaluation questions, theory of change, data collection methods, stakeholder map, methodology, workplan and dissemination strategy. End Feb 2020

2. Data collection including field work. March 2020

3. Discussion of preliminary findings and data validation with APRO. End March

4. Data analysis and submission of the first draft of evaluation report to APRO for feedback. End April

5. Second draft evaluation report along with draft PowerPoint submitted to UNFPA for review. 15 May 2020

6. Presentation of key findings to the Technical Advisory Group and DFAT**. Early June**

7. Evaluation report finalised and submitted along with final PowerPoint presentation of the key findings via webinar**. 15 June 2020**

8. Summary report of the key findings for publication**, 30 June 2020**

The payment terms will be lump sum (equivalent of 60 working days at daily fee) in 2 instalments as follows:

• 50% upon acceptance by UNFPA of the draft evaluation report and PowerPoint presentation

• 50% upon acceptance by UNFPA of the final evaluation report, final PowerPoint presentation and summary report.

Note that no payment will be processed until the corresponding deliverables are formally accepted and approved.

All agreed travel related costs for the field visits will be paid separately and in accordance with UNFPA’s travel policy.

Monitoring and progress control, including reporting requirements, periodicity format and deadline:

The Evaluation Consultant will be expected to conduct the first level of quality assurance for all evaluation products prior to their submission to UNFPA.

UNFPA recommends that the evaluation quality assessment checklist is used as an element of the proposed quality assurance system for the draft and final versions of the evaluation report. The main purpose of this checklist is to ensure that the evaluation report complied with evaluation professional standards.

APRO Gender team and APRO Regional Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor will provide a second level of quality assurance.

Finally, the evaluation report will be subject to assessment by an independent evaluation quality assessment provider using an evaluation quality assessment grid. The evaluation quality assessment grid will be published along with the evaluation report on the UNFPA evaluation database. .

Supervisory arrangements:

APRO Gender and Human Rights Adviser will be the overall manager of the consultant. APRO GBV Technical Specialist will provide day to day management. The Regional Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor will provide quality assurance (in line with the UNEG Norms and Standards and Ethical Guidelines).

Expected travel:

One or two country field visits and a visit to APRO in Bangkok is expected. Field visit locations will be selected from the countries where the kNOwVAWdata Initiative has supported the conduct of VAW prevalence surveys. However, the key informant interviews will be expected from the priority countries.

Required expertise, qualifications and competencies, including language requirements:

Education: A post graduate degree in international development, gender studies, public policy, social sciences, research or similar

Experience:

• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in M&E, programme/project management and evaluation, knowledge management or results-based management

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of emerging M&E approaches and M&E of policy influencing and impact an advantage Demonstrated work experience in violence against women prevalence measurement, prevention and/or response programming in development settings.

• Sound understanding of project and results-based management.

• Experience in qualitative and quantitative and M&E approaches.

Language: Fluency in English is required (oral and written).

Inputs / services to be provided by UNFPA or implementing partner:

The consultant is expected to provide all necessary equipment to complete the evaluation (computers, software, phone etc.). UNFPA Gender Team will provide all relevant background information regarding the kNOwVAWdata Initiative, as well as play a coordinating role for the evaluation.

How to apply:

Candidates should submit the following documents:

• P11

• CV

• Portfolio or website

• At least two references

• Requested daily rate along with copies of previous contracts to support the daily rate requested

All the above documents must be sent by e-mail to vac-robangkok@unfpa.org.

The P11 is available on the UNFPA websites at https://www.unfpa.org/resources/p11-un-personal-history-form

Please quote the Vacancy number JID 2002 UNFPA APRO. The deadline for application is revised from 12 February 2020 to 17 February 2020 at 16:00 hours, Bangkok time.

UNFPA will only be able to respond to those applications in whom UNFPA has a further interest.

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, respect for diversity, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life. We are committed to maintaining our balances gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply.

Notice: There is no application, processing or other fee at any stage of the application process. UNFPA does not solicit or screen for information in respect of HIV or AIDS and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status.

Date Issued: 29 January 2020