Bangladesh: Consultancy to strengthen the project’s regional monitoring & evaluation component and support on its implementation Growing Together Project

1. Background
   1.1 About Humanity & Inclusion
   Handicap International which runs program under its operating name Humanity & Inclusion (hereafter referred to as HI) is an independent and impartial international aid organisation working in situations of poverty and exclusion,conflict and disaster. Working alongside people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, our action and testimony are focused on responding to their essential needs, improving their living conditions and promoting respect
   for their dignity and their fundamental rights. HI is currently implementing projects in almost 50 countries worldwide.
   1.2 Context in which the project takes place
   Growing Together! (GT) is a regional project implemented in refugee camps and internal displacement settings in Bangladesh, Thailand and Pakistan. The project is directly implemented by country teams in each location and in addition counts with a regional coordination unit based in Thailand.
   Bangladesh is one of the poorest countries in South Asia with one of the highest densities of population in the world – 160 million. Since 1991-92, close to one million refugees from Myanmar's northern Rakhine State of the Muslim ethnic minority, commonly referred to as the Rohingya, have sought protection in south-east Bangladesh (Cox’s Bazar district). The last influx, with more than 700,000 arrivals from August 2017, has created more pressure on resources and increasing humanitarian needs. Refugees remain in a chronic emergency situation due to long-term challenges to find a durable solution to their status in Myanmar and Bangladesh and therefore require continuous humanitarian assistance. The host Bangladeshi communities are also affected by the presence of a large refugee population living
   in the region. In addition, this coastal region is continuously dealing with the impacts of natural disasters, mostly cyclones and flooding, during which meagre assets of the local population are damaged or destroyed.
   HI has been working in Bangladesh since 1997, with a focus on creating sustainable changes in terms of ensuring rights and inclusion of people with disabilities in society. In Cox Bazar’s district, HI has a strong knowledge and experience in chronic emergency response. Thanks to three projects implemented before the crisis, HI is providing services in rehabilitation, protection and PSS, with an inclusive mainstreaming approach to refugees and host
   population.
   Pakistan has important strategic endowments and development potential. However, Pakistan faces significant economic, governance and security challenges to achieve durable development outcomes. The persistence of conflict in the border areas and security challenges throughout the country affects all aspects of life in Pakistan and impedes development. There is a new Government in place since mid-2018, however the overall security situation still needs
   improvement. There are restrictions to media reporting in country. Another important development in 2018 was the government decision to merge the Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA) with KP, raising hopes that such merger would aid the multi-sectorial development of this conflict affected border region. The relationship with neighboring countries, in particular with Afghanistan and India, is complex due to unresolved border issues such as dispute over
   Kashmir territory or militant groups crossing to/from Pakistan. Afghan/Pakistan border is also subject to thousands of migrant & refugee movements. There still remains over 1 million registered Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
   Pakistan remains one of the lowest performers in the south Asia region on human development indicators, especially in education and stunting. Infant and under five mortality rates present a similar dynamic. Gender disparities persist in education, health and all economic sectors. Pakistan has one of the lowest female labor force participation rates in
   the region.
   Thailand is part of the regional Myanmar-Thailand program which was created in 2016 with the merge of 2 existing missions. Setting up cross border initiatives and integrate the coming return of refugees from Thailand to Myanmar is at the heart of the regional strategy. In Thailand, HI started working in 1984 and first focused its actions on the delivery of mobility and assistive devices. Thailand has a long-standing history in receiving refugees from neighbouring countries even though it is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol and does not have a formal national asylum framework. Myanmar refugees have been hosted on the Thai-Myanmar border for over three decades; currently, about 90,000 refugees live in nine temporary shelters. Camp management is controlled by the Thai authorities, in collaboration with locally appointed refugee committees. 13 NGOs that are gathered under the Committee for the Coordination of Services to Displaced Persons in Thailand (CCSDPT) are providing services within the camps. In light of the political movements in Myanmar since early 2012 through the signing of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement and the general elections in late 2015, a platform for further dialogue on voluntary repatriation between key stakeholders led to the start of the facilitation of voluntary return. Although this process is still very
   slow, CCSDPT members are coordinating closely to timely react on all known scenarios.
   1.3 The project in which the consultancy takes place : Project name : Growing Together! (GT); Project Goal : Enable children with disabilities and other vulnerable children (age 0-12) to develop their full potential on an equal basis with other children and acquire fundamental educational and social skills through inclusive play, arts, games, sport, culture, and early years’ education in displacement settings in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Thailand.
   Location : Bangladesh, Pakistan and Thailand
   Target groups (Beneficiaries):
   • 3,968 children with disabilities and other vulnerable children in early childhood (50% girls
   and at least 25% with disabilities).
   • Parents of children under 5 years old.
   • 4,968 children with disabilities and other vulnerable children of primary school age (50%
   boys/girls, at least 20% with disabilities).
   • 91 local child-development service providers.
   Partner• Pakistan: CHIP
   • Bangladesh: MUKTI
   • Thailand: Karen Women Organization (KWO), Karen Refugee Committee Education Entity
   (KRCEE).
   Funding : IKEA Foundation.
   Start date : June 2016
   Length : 48 months
   1.4 Justification for calling upon a consultant
   A Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) framework for GT regional project is in place since the first year of implementation, nevertheless, as the project is executed by HI in 3 different countries (Pakistan, Bangladesh and Thailand) with their own M&E departments and in some cases with local implementing partners, different levels of interpretation and implementation coexist. Even though the M&E systems might differ from country to country, from the GT regional
   perspective it is encouraged to have some level of uniformity, especially on data collection and participatory mechanisms. Hence and in order to measure accurately the impact of the regional project and enhance the project’s quality, strengthening the operationalization of the M&E component is at the centre of this ambition.
   The recommendations provided by the mid-term project evaluation further complement this aim, where the need to stablish standard monitoring and data collection procedures that enable more consistency and coordination of M&E approaches across countries was highlighted. Considering that the project is beyond the first half of its implementation period, targeted and impactful actions are needed to address the gaps and harmonize and streamline
   the M&E component. This will be also an opportunity to enhance the participatory monitoring dimensions of the project, as well as to increase the project’s alignment with HI’s Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation policy. It is expected for the consultancy to identify gaps and support the adjustments of the project and countries’ approaches and interventions according to the context and needs.
2. OBJECTIVE AND EXPECTED OUTCOMES
   2.1 Objective of the consultancy
   Considering the qualitative and quantitative project indicators, strengthen and harmonize the regional monitoring & evaluation component of the project, by providing country-tailored and regular support towards a common operationalization according to the needs and context of each of the 3 countries of project implementation: Pakistan, Thailand and Bangladesh.
   2.2 Expected outcomes
   • Each country and the regional coordination have an assessment of the M&E component, contributing to map gaps and consolidate a referent to measure the progress towards M&E quality increase and improvement of practices.
   • Each country and the regional coordination have a tailored M&E implementation plan with an emphasis on establishing and implementing standardized and harmonized approaches, including beneficiaries’ participatory mechanisms.
   • Each country and the regional coordination have strengthened M&E processes which will guide the project and its staff into better and more harmonized monitoring and reporting practices.
   • HI GT countries’ teams and implementing partners have a clear understanding of the project’s M&E framework and enhanced capacities on data collection tools, indicators’ measurement and M&E participatory mechanisms.
   • The country teams have follow-up support after the implementation plan is agreed, to guide the
   operationalization of processes and oriented to provision of solutions through remote support and a couple of field missions.
   • The project counts with specific regional reports on the measurement of the beneficiaries’ quality of life and participatory approaches.
   The consultancy should also identify any examples of good practices which HI, as a key global player on disability and social inclusion in developing countries can disseminate. These may include tools, publications, lessons learned, training materials, management practices, etc. The consultancy should explain why this is considered a good practice and make suggestions on their wider applicability.

3. METHODOLOGY
   The exact methodology should be proposed by the consultant(s) in the applications.
   The methodology should include in situ and remote support to the 3 countries and the regional coordination, and an assessment/ diagnosis phase. This will include at least 2 missions in each country (5-8 days in each country) from May 2019 to May 2020 for the delivery of trainings (the first missions could be joined with the assessment phase) and a one-day general training on the alignment of the M&E framework interpretation during the project’s annual review
   scheduled for the 24th to 28th June, 2019. Remote support will be also provided until May 2020. The consultancy should also focus on the production (or building up from existing HI documents) of toolkits or manuals that guide staff on the implementation of M&E procedures and M&E participatory mechanisms if needed. The overall support should consist of 100 to 130 days.
   The main focal point of the consultancy is the GT Regional Project Coordinator. The technical feedback on tools and the inception and final report will be delivered by the Regional Project Coordinator, the Regional Technical Coordinator and HQ technical advisors.

   The consultancy will consist on: 1 - Desk phase, during which the consultant will:
   • Read existing project documents, HI Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Policy and every other relevant
   document (i.e. child participation indicators’ trends);
   • Have initial Skype meetings with the 3 Operational Coordinators/ M&E focal points at country level, GT Regional
   Coordination and HQ focal points if need to;
   • On this basis, develop the inception report including but not limited to an i) assessment tool; ii) an initial work
   plan for each country tailored to the structure/team of each program including the list of stakeholders to meet
   during the field phase (i.e number of interviews, meetings, activities to visit); iii) questionnaires, etc;
   These elements will be combined in an inception report. HI team will validate the inception report. 2 - Field phase (steps/methodology to be detailed by the consultant)
   • It includes the provision of trainings/coaching in each country and the collection of information about local
   practices for the assessment if applicable.
   • A half or one-day session to streamline the interpretation of GT Regional M&E framework during the project’s
   annual review scheduled for the week of June 24th to 28th, 2019 in Bangkok.
   • Organise a debriefing session (could be done via Skype) with each of the country teams and HI GT Regional
   Coordination, to present the assessment findings with the aim of exchanging and sharing feedback; (to be
   switched to another phase according to the consultant’s action plan).
   Note: The consultant should indicate a back-up plan for undertaking this phase in case that due to security/visa
   restrictions the consultant cannot travel to Pakistan (i.e. having extra days during the project’s annual review). 3 - Remote support and development of documents/toolkits (steps/methodology to be detailed by the
   consultant).
   • This will include progress calls with the GT Regional Coordination team.
   • Data analysis and development of reports, specifically on the project’s contribution towards the quality of life of
   beneficiaries (end line ScopeoKids).
   • Sampling, data analysis and development of endline reports for each country. (The baseline methodology and
   reports are available).
   • Develop and conduct/coordinate an end-line qualitative, participatory exercise to complement a baseline
   exercise using story-telling approach, that measures change in parents’ attitudes and practices. 4 - Reporting phase during which the consultant will:
   • Submission of a final report to HI of 50-pages maximum including Annexes.

4. DELIVERABLES
   • Produce an inception report in English, including all proposed tools (as indicated in the Desk Phase information).
   • An M&E assessment tool and its results per country.
   • A tailored action plan per country with identification of priorities and emphasis on participatory mechanisms.
   • A debriefing workshop with each of the country teams and HI GT Regional team, to present the findings and
   recommendations and proposed action plan.
   • 2 in situ trainings/coaching (ideally the first one joined with the assessment if applicable).
   • Half day to one-day workshop during the project’s annual review.
   • Toolkits, guidelines and/or reports as applicable.
   • Remote support.
   • Final report.

   All the deliverables need to be provided in English and confidentiality will be respected when representing personal information. A consent form needs to be used prior taking any photo, any inclusion of pictures of children will have the statement within the document…. “All names & information about the location of children and family privacy in conformity with HI Child Protection Policy”
   NB: The deliverables remains the intellectual property of HI exclusively.

1. TIMELINE
   The M&E consultancy is expected to start on the 15th May 2019. The deadline for the submission of the final report is on the 30th May 2020 the latest including HI validation. The consultancy will be planned in accordance with the project team (HI and partners) and dependent on activities planned for the proposed timeframe. The overall duration of the consultancy should be between 100 to 130 days

2. PROFILE OF THE CONSULTANT
   The consultancy can be carried out by an expert or a team of experts/ support staff.
   If a team of experts is selected, the consultancy will be put under the responsibility of one team leader. This person will ensure all communication with GT Regional Coordination and the programs’ teams and will be the sole responsible for managing the organization of the consultancy.
   The expert or team of experts should combine the following skills, experience and knowledge:
   Required
   • Written and spoken English;
   • University Master's degree or equivalent, preferably in monitoring-evaluation, statistics or another relevant field;
   • At least 5 years of experience in implementing monitoring, evaluation and accountability mechanisms;
   • Experience in participatory approaches/ mechanisms; knowledge of child participation and child friendly participatory approaches;
   • Experience in database management and analysis;
   • Experience in training and supporting teams;
   • Understanding of M&E tools and statistics;
   • Excellent grasp of IT tools;
   • Experience in refugee and IDPs contexts;
   • Experience working with vulnerable/ marginalized groups.

Preferred

Experience working in conservative cultural contexts;
• Experience working with Non-Governmental Organizations. Experience working with HI is an asset;
• Experience working on disability inclusion;
• Cross cultural & field-based experience in developing contexts;
• Experience working in countries of intervention (Thailand, Bangladesh, Pakistan) is an asset;
• Knowledge of local language(s) is an asset;

• Having undertaken similar consultancies.

FORMALITIES

Proposals from interested consultant(s) should include:

1. Letter of expression of interests, including how the skills and competencies described in the Terms of Reference are met (compulsory);
2. Curriculum vitae (compulsory) detailing the consultant’s experience and qualifications; reference of previous assignments done or sample of work accomplished;
3. Technical proposal (compulsory) describing the approach, methodologies and activities proposed to accomplish
   the objectives of the assignment. It should include a proposed timeline (suggested timeline attached) considering
   contextual limitations (see enclosed below);
4. Financial proposal (compulsory). All costs related to the consultancy without exceptions should be figured in the financial plan of the consultant, including consultancy fees differentiating i) field days; ii) desk days and development of materials; and iii) remote support), domestic and international travel if needed, visa, accommodation, logistics, etc. (transportation to the refugee shelters will be provided by HI);
   Note: No per diem will be paid to the consultant(s). Also, international travel days will not be considered as working days and will not be paid.
   The consultant will be responsible for its own security in all three countries, HI will not cover any insurance fee during the consultancy period.
5. 3 references of which 2 should be from a previous similar experience;
6. List of relevant documents requested for the contractual process in case of selection (Passport, insurance…).

NOTE - Camp/ field visit limitations:
• The consultant will need to comply with HI security regulations of each country. A security briefing will be
provided by the security focal point of each country before arrival to the country or upon arrival.
• It is suggested that the consultant take a suitable amount of cash before living to the areas of activities implementation.
Thailand:
• No entry to the camps without camp-pass permission (it takes approximately 2 weeks from the moment the formal request is submitted to have a camp pass);
• No camps visit during bank holidays;
• No work/interviews on the weekends at the temporary shelter level;
• Mae Sot is 1-hour flight from Bangkok;
• Mae La is 45 minutes from Mae Sot (MST); Umpiem Mai and Nu Po camps are about 2 and 6 hours from MST (main HI office in Thailand)- accommodation at Umphang (mid-way for both camps).
• Mae La Oon and Mae Ra Ma Luang are 6 hours from MST by land. There is an HI guesthouse in a Mae Taw La village (no access to phone connection, limited access to internet).
• Ban Mae Surin and Ban Mae Na Soi are 7 hours from MST by land. The consultant will stay in Ma Hong Son in a hotel. There are direct flights from Bangkok to Mae Hong Son.
Pakistan:
• No entry to the target area (Peshawar and Nowshera) without No Objection Certificate (NOC), permission from Home Department which is granted once the visa is issued; the documents should be submitted to the Home Department at least 2 weeks before the visit for the NOC to be issued;
• Activities can be only implemented from 8:30 am until 3:30 pm;
• No work / interview on the weekends;
• Respect to local cultural norms and standards and follow the local dress code in the field;
• In-case if the consultant is a male, he should always be accompanied by HI women staff during data collection;
• Separate group meetings with women, men, boy and girls as per local culture;
• Peshawar is 2.5 hours from Islamabad, Humanity & Inclusion (HI) office;
• Peshawar target area (Lala Kalay) is 1 hour from Peshawar, while Nowshera Jalozai target area is 1.5 hour from Peshawar;
• Mobility in Peshawar is limited due to security reasons.
Bangladesh
• Activities can only be implemented from 8:30am until 4:00 pm;
• No entry to the camps without camp-pass permission which could be processed in 1 or 2 days after submitting the visa;
• No work / interview on the weekends, which are Fridays and Saturdays;
• Travel time from Dhaka towards Cox’s Bazar by air is 50 minutes;
• Travel from Cox’s Bazar to Ukhiya by car is about 45 minutes (due to recent works the journey is taking up to 1.5 hours);
• Travel from Cox’s Bazar to Kutupalong and Teknaf host community is about 1.5 hour by car minutes (due to recent works the journey is taking up to 2.5 hours.
Evaluation of the proposals/ applications will be made through a selection committee in 2 phases:
• Administrative selection: checking for completeness of application (all compulsory items listed above).
• Technical selection: criteria to select the best application will be based on the quality of the technical proposal, competitive financial proposal, human resources skills and previous experiences, demonstrated expertise of the applicant.
Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration for technical selection.
The deadline for submission of proposals is the 30th of April 2019 at midnight Thailand time.
Proposals should be submitted to the following email: gtrecruitment@thailand-hi.org, including the subject “M&E Strengthening Consultancy”.
Only candidates who passed the administrative selection will be taken into consideration for the technical assessment and they will be afterwards notified of the final decision. Selected applicants may be invited for a (phone/skype) interview. HI reserves the right to contact the applicants for further information before the final selection of the selection committee