Country: Lao People's Democratic Republic (the)
Closing date: 10 Dec 2016
Please view attached Scope of Work and Terms of Reference through the link provided below.
The purpose of this terms of reference (TOR) is to describe the objectives and minimum methodological requirements for performance and impact evaluation of the Learning and Engaging All in Primary Schools Project Phase II (LEAPS II). Also included is a description of the scope of work (SOW) for an experienced, independent third-party consultant or firm to conduct the project’s baseline, midterm and final evaluations. CRS reserves the right to terminate its relationship with the third-party evaluator if the baseline performance or impact study and/or mid-term performance or impact evaluations are not satisfactory. CRS will re-engage in a competitive recruitment process if the first evaluator does not meet expectations.
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is in the second, 5-year phase (2016 – 2021) of the USDA-funded Learning and Engaging All in Primary School project as part of the McGovern-Dole (MGD) International Food for Education (FFE) and Child Nutrition Program. LEAPS II is valued at $27 million and will be implemented by a consortium of CRS, government partners, sub-recipient Save the Children International (SCI), and technical partner University of Oregon (UO), with the overarching objective of improving the literacy skills of approximately 86,049 new and continuing students in 360 schools across 7 educationally-disadvantaged districts of Laos’ Savannakhet Province. To support improved literacy, LEAPS II will ensure schools have access to resources and community support to 1) improve quality of instruction with an intensive model of training and accompaniment of school staff, 2) increase enrollment of children in schools thrFough greater inclusion of children with disabilities (CWD) and other traditionally-excluded groups, and 3) maintain strong attendance by ensuring a healthy and hunger-free learning environment for all students.
CRS will build on gains achieved in LEAPS I (2012 – 2016) which, with support from USDA/MGD-FFE, already has reached over 36,000 students from 310 communities in Savannakhet Province, has increased boys’ and girls’ attendance by 38% and has enhanced reading skills through approaches that empower government, parents, teachers, and community leaders. LEAPS II will continue effective interventions from LEAPS I, while also incorporating new strategies built on lessons learned and identified needs to: 1) expand project coverage to approximately 3,400 additional students in 50 newly targeted schools in educationally-disadvantaged Nong district; 2) intensify and scale efforts to develop pedagogical skills of teachers and administrators in literacy instruction through the Literacy Boost (LB) program; 3) deepen focus on building a supportive community environment for language and learning; 4) strengthen capacities of government, school, and community actors in inclusive education (IE) practices and techniques; and 5) improve access to water and sanitation in target schools. CRS has designed LEAPS II with a focus on sustainability and will work with government and community stakeholders to phase-over key interventions, strengthening key capacities, commitments, and resources to support continued success of students in Savannakhet following FFE’s exit.
How to apply:
Please view attached Scope of Work and Terms of Reference here:https://www.devex.com/en/jobs/461246
Interested parties should prepare a costed proposal for the LEAPS II baseline, midterm and final performance and impact evaluations. The proposal should be no more than 15 pages in length. Cover page, table of contents, list of acronyms and annexes (e.g., evaluation team CVs, detailed budget, etc.) are not counted toward the 15-page limit.
The evaluation application should include:
- Evaluation team composition: contact details of team members, team structure, names and relevant professional experience of international consultant (Team Leader) and other local or international consultant(s) or consulting firm (Maximum 3 pages)
- Proposed Performance Evaluation Design (Maximum 6 pages)
- Sampling – quantitative and qualitative
- Data collection tools
- Data collection training & field testing
- Data collection plan, including data quality checks
- Data analysis plan
- Ethical Guidance
- Proposed Impact Evaluation Design (Maximum 6 pages)
- Sampling – quantitative and qualitative
- Data collection tools
- Data collection training & field testing
- Data collection plan, including data quality checks
- Data analysis plan
- Detailed Budget (does not count toward page limit):
- CRS will cover costs associated with: the baseline workshop to validate the LB assessment tool; midterm and final evaluation dissemination events; and participation of government stakeholders in baseline and evaluation events.
- The evaluation team’s budget should include: daily rate and all associated travel costs for evaluation team members and enumerators, all training and data collection costs including materials and supplies for both performance and impact evaluations; team leader’s costs for travel and participation in the mid-term and final evaluation dissemination events.
In developing the proposed timeline and budget for the baseline study, midterm and final performance and impact evaluations, the evaluator should take into consideration the time and resources required to negotiate difficult terrain, rainy season and/or distance between households, communities and districts in Savannakhet.
Proposals that exceed the 15-page limit will not be considered.
Interested parties should submit to Catholic Relief Services by 10 December2016. Only electronic submissions will be accepted. ](https://www.devex.com/en/jobs/461246)
Proposals should be submitted to: jessica.garrels@crs.org
For questions and clarifications about submitting proposals please contact: jessica.garrels@crs.org