Rights Respected, People Protected
NRC in Jordan
Established in 2012 NRC Jordan’s long-term outlook addresses the problems affecting life as a refugee. We work to build the resilience of Syrians, and to relieve the impact on the Jordanian communities that host them. Syrian refugees in Jordan are struggling. As they contend with difficult living conditions across the country, the obstacles are complex. They struggle to remain registered as refugees, to provide for their families, and to access essential services – including education for their children. The Jordanian communities that host them, meanwhile, feel the impact of hosting high numbers of refugees – with each year that passes, local infrastructure becomes more strained.
1. Background on the conflict/context
As of February 2018, 658,716 Syrian refugees have registered with UNHCR in Jordan. The majority of registered Syrian refugees (78,7%) are living in the host community predominately in the Northern Governorates and large urban areas like Amman and Irbid. Approximately 20% of Syrian refugees have settled in the refugee camps of Zaatari in Mafraq Governorate, and Azraq in Zarqa Governorate.
Jordan has been shouldering the burden of the crisis by contributing substantial assistance to refugees yet, the situation for Syrians refugees has deteriorated significantly in the last few years. resulting in more than 86%[2] of Syrian refugee families living below the national poverty line. Families are increasingly relying upon negative coping strategies, such as limiting food consumption, restricting children’s access to education, engaging in illegal activities, in child labour or accepting early marriage. Responses to the Syrian refugee crisis have been led by the UN and the Jordanian government. The most recent Jordan Response Plan for the Syria Crisis 2018- 2020, integrates the needs of Syrian urban refugees with Jordanian citizens into each sector. Key elements include increasing access for Syrian refugees to formal employment opportunities and increasing access to formal education. Protection and Justice sector intervention are let by Ministry of Social Development, Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Justice.
2. PURPOSE OF EVALUATION AND INTENDED USE
The main purpose of the evaluation is to support learning about the relevance, effectiveness and impact of the NRC ICLA Jordan programme and its partners and provide guidance for future programme direction. In addition, the evaluation should be an opportunity for NRC to be accountable to beneficiaries, partners and donors.
3. METHODOLOGY
To answer evaluation questions, NRC would like the evaluator to submit a study design and methodology, which focuses on participatory, qualitative methods, to complement the significant amount of quantitative data about the programme already available. In particular, we are seeking an evaluator experienced in participatory evaluations and with demonstrable experience of qualitative evaluations, such as process tracing or most significant change, is desirable. We require an evaluator familiar with theories of change.
At a minimum, the methodology should include:
- a desk review of key documents, including analysis of existing qualitative and quantitative programme data;
- semi-structured interviews with beneficiaries and key informants, including key NRC ICLA staff;
- participatory methods to seek the views and perceptions of the targeted beneficiaries, their communities and key stakeholders (legal aid partners, government, community actors, protection international and national organizations, CBOs, etc);
- Also, a field validation exercise, for confirming preliminary findings with beneficiaries should be envisioned in the field part of the exercise.
4. DELIVERABLES AND REPORTING DEADLINES
The evaluator/ evaluation team will submit three reports and three presentations:
- Inception report: Following the desk review and prior to beginning fieldwork, the evaluation team will produce an inception report subject to approval by the NRC Evaluation Steering Committee. This report will detail a draft work plan with a summary of the primary information needs, the methodology to be used, and a work plan/schedule for field visits and major deadlines. With respect to methodology, the evaluation team will provide a description of how data will be collected and a sampling framework, data sources, and drafts of suggested data collection tools such as questionnaires and interview guides.
Once the report is finalised and accepted, the evaluation team must submit a request for any change in strategy or approach to the NRC Evaluation Steering Committee. Inception report is due in first draft by 21st of July 2018. Field work will start on August 1st, 2018 and last 3 weeks. - Draft Report: Draft evaluation report to be submitted to the Evaluation Steering Committee, who will review the draft and provide feedback within ten days of receipt of the draft report. The draft report will be submitted by September 7th,, and feedback will be provided to researchers by 14th of September, 2018.
- Final report: The Final Evaluation Report will follow NRC’s standard template for evaluation reports. The final report should include a maximum two-page executive summary that summarizes the key lessons learned and should also include best practices case studies that can be shared with NRC’s technical and management staff. Submission is due 5th of October 2018 to the Steering Committee and will be finalised and approved by steering committee by 15th of October 2018.
- Presentation of findings: At the end of the field research, the evaluation team will present preliminary findings to validate and prioritise learning at the Jordan level
All material collected in the undertaking of the evaluation process shall be lodged with the Evaluation Manager prior to the termination of the contract.
5. TIMEFRAME
Proposals should present a budget for the number of expected working days over the entire period.
The evaluation is scheduled to start on 15th June and fieldwork is projected in June/July.
The evaluator/ evaluation team is expected to provide a suggested timeline and work plan for the evaluation based on these scheduling parameters and in keeping with the scope of the evaluation questions and criteria.
In event of serious problems or delays, the (lead) evaluator should inform the Steering Committee immediately. Any significant changes to review timetables shall be approved by the Steering Committee in advance.
6. EVALUATION CONSULTANT TEAM
NRC seeks expressions of interest from individuals or joint applications, ideally with the following skills/qualifications and expertise:
- Sound and proven experience in conducting evaluations, particularly utilisation and learning focused evaluations
- Extensive experience of theories of change and how they can be used to carry out evaluations
- Expertise in participatory qualitative data collection techniques
- Background in delivery of legal aid/protection programmes
- Previous experience in conducting evaluation of human rights/legal aid programmes
Additional, desirable knowledge, includes:
- Understanding of refugee legal aid and protection programmes
- Demonstrated knowledge of Jordanian political and legal context
- Understanding of global and regional trends and initiatives on protection/legal aid
Necessary Skills:
- Fluency in written and spoken English is required
- Prior experience in Middle East
- Proven experience of managing evaluations of humanitarian projects in camp settings
- Experience of designing qualitative data collection methods and of managing participatory and learning focused evaluations
- Excellent team working and communication skills, flexibility and good organisation skills
7. APPLICATION PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS
Application Deadline: 7th June 2018
Interview dates: Week of June 10th
Bids must include the following:
- CVs and evidence of past evaluations for each team member
- At least one example of an evaluation report most similar to that described in this TOR.
Disclaimer: The daily cost quoted needs to include all travel to and from home country (if living outside of Jordan), accommodation while in Jordan, equipment, phone calls and any costs associated with undertaking the Scope of Work (including insurance). Non-resident income tax rate is 10% and resident income tax is 5% and is to be deducted from the contract amount and paid by NRC to the tax department. An income tax clause has to be included in the contract with the percentage that will be deducted and paid to the tax department. NRC also provides the Consultant with the receipt (proof of payment) within 1 month. Tax at 10% will be deducted from any payment and so should be included in the budget. The successful candidate will receive his/her payment following clearance of the pre-agreed milestones.
