Evaluation scope, methodology and questions

1. Scope of the evaluation

The evaluation will encompass the entire duration of the "Equality Springboard" project, from its inception to its completion. It will cover all project interventions, activities, outputs and outcomes related to advancing gender equality, responsible fatherhood, stereotypes free career choice, women's empowerment, corporate sector and GBV prevention and response in Ukraine. 

The evaluation will consider the geographical scope of the project, which also  includes multiple regions and communities across the country. It will also take into account the various stakeholders involved, including UNFPA, project staff, government entities, civil society organizations, beneficiaries, and other relevant actors.

2. Evaluation methodology
 

The evaluation will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods to ensure a comprehensive assessment of the project. The methodology will involve the following key elements:

Desk review of project documents: thorough examination of project documents, reports, surveys, and relevant literature to gather information on project design, implementation, and outcomes.

Key informant interviews: In-depth interviews with project stakeholders, including UNFPA staff, project partners, government officials, civil society representatives, and beneficiaries, to capture diverse perspectives and insights, to explore their experiences, perceptions, and feedback on the project interventions.

The evaluation methodology will be participatory, involving stakeholders at different stages of the evaluation process to ensure their meaningful engagement and ownership of the evaluation findings.

The evaluation methodology will follow a Theory of Change approach.
 

3. Evaluation questions 

The selected evaluation consultant(s) will develop an evaluation matrix, which will relate to the questions below and refine them as needed, the areas they refer to, the criteria for evaluating them, the indicators and the means for verification as a tool for the evaluation. The list of questions below is indicative and will be validated/adjusted  by the evaluation consultant(s).

4. Expected deliverables and timeframe 

The evaluator/s will be expected to complete the tasks within the indicative timeframe:

The main deliverables of the evaluator/s will include a comprehensive evaluation report that presents the findings, conclusions, and recommendations based on the evaluation objectives. The report will be written in both Ukrainian and English languages, clear and concise manner, highlighting the key findings, challenges, lessons learned and recommendations of the evaluation. 

In addition to the submission of the  report, the evaluator/s will also present the end of project evaluation findings in both Ukrainian and English languages to UNFPA Ukraine and project partners (including the Final Project Steering Committee Meeting in November).
 

5. Evaluator/s’ requirements 

The evaluation should be done by a national expert or 2 experts with proven experience and expertise in gender equality, women's empowerment, and related fields. The evaluator/s  should be familiar with international frameworks and standards on gender equality, as well as the Ukrainian context and gender-related issues. Strong analytical and research skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to work independently and meet deadlines are essential for the evaluation. Cultural sensitivity and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders will also be important.

Field missions or site visits are not foreseen.  In-depth interviews and related meetings should be done online.

Evaluator/s estimated number of working days is: 24 (timeline for UNFPA review is not included).

6. Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide management of the evaluation process;
• Design the evaluation methodology;
• Analyze the available quantitative and qualitative data and perform desk review of the project related documentation;
• Prepare  and conduct interviews with reference groups and other stakeholders;
• Assess the project's effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability;
• Prepare the draft and end of project evaluation reports in both Ukrainian and English languages;
• Prepare visualization and presentation of findings;
• Ensure adherence to the evaluation plan and timeline.

7. Qualifications and Requirements:

• Advanced degree in social sciences, gender studies, development studies, or a related field;
• Extensive experience in conducting project evaluations, preferably in the field of gender equality and women's empowerment;
• Excellent knowledge of evaluation principles, norms, standards, methodologies, designs, ethics and practices;
• Strong data management, analytical, research and report writing skills;
• Technical evaluation skills;
• Knowledge of the Ukrainian context and gender-related issues;
• Proven experience in gender equality programming and evaluation;
• In-depth knowledge of gender mainstreaming approaches and methodologies;
• Familiarity with international frameworks and standards on gender equality;

Please visit this link for more information on UNFPA’s Core Values and Competencies: https://www.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/resource-pdf/UNFPA_Career_Gui…;

8. Payment Terms

The payment will be done in two installments in accordance with the completion of the following deliverables upon approval by the “Equality Springboard” Project Coordinator  and submission of the service provider invoice:

The contract amount will be paid in installments as follows:

40% upon completion of the planning and data analysis phase (desk review, elaboration of the evaluation methodology and Stakeholders’ and Beneficiaries’ Interview accomplishment. 

60% upon acceptance of the end of project evaluation report with respective annexes. 

The payment will be done in UAH according to the UN exchange rate.  The evaluation will be funded by the “Equality Springboard: Project on Social Norms Change and Gender Stereotypes Elimination for Better Resilience and Prosperity of Women and Men in Ukraine, funded by the Government of Sweden” (SEB14).

Monitoring and progress control, including reporting requirements, periodicity format and deadline: deliverables envisaged by these terms of reference should be submitted to the “Equality Springboard” coordinator  according to the specified timeline.

Applicants are requested to submit their CVs and, if available and shareable, examples of similar works and provide their fee based on deliverables.