TERMS OF REFERENCE
Organizational Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Capacity Building
ABOUT SEARCH
Founded in 1982, Search for Common Ground (Search) is the world’s largest dedicated peacebuilding organization. We work to transform violent conflict into peace, building healthy, safe, and just societies in the process. We work in the world’s most challenging contexts and develop lasting solutions that are based on the needs of communities. We engage with leaders and elected officials to advance dialogue and collaboration. We are community leaders. We are youth activists. We are women. We are peacebuilders. Over the last 40 years, we have developed our understanding of what peace looks like, being able to quantify our impact and design more effective programming, working on the frontlines of today’s most consequential conflicts. Active in 36 countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and the United States. and thanks to more than 900 employees, 91% of which are local to the country where we work, we are building a future where collaboration in the face of conflict is the norm—where our differences stimulate social progress, rather than precipitate violence.
PROJECT SUMMARY
The Community of Practice in Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance is a community of 40 organizations operating throughout Iraq. The primary objective of this project is to strengthen a Community of Practice (CoP) in Iraq’s fields of democracy, human rights, and governance, with the goal of enhancing the collaborative and inclusive impact of the Iraqi community of practice as a leading civil society space within the democracy, human rights, and governance sector. Additionally, this initiative seeks to foster increased coordination and collaboration among diverse Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and strategic partners operating within the democracy, human rights, and governance sector in Iraq.
Project’s Goal: Enhance collaborative and inclusive impact of an Iraqi community of practice as a leading civil society space in the democracy, human rights, and governance sector.
Scope of Work Announcement for Consultancy
Background: Search for Common Ground seeks to engage a qualified service provider to deliver comprehensive training on Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL). This training aims to enhance the skills , knowledge and capacity of organizations staff to ensure effective, compliant, and efficient management of grant funds.
Objective: The primary objectives of the training are to:
- Develop Practical MEAL Skills; Equip participants with hands-on skills to design and implement MEAL, including Theory of Change Development, setting SMART indicators, using data collection tools and ethics, and conducting data analysis to improve program outcomes.
- Strengthen Accountability and Community Engagement; Instill principles of accountability by teaching participants how to set up effective feedback mechanisms and engage communities, ensuring transparency and responsiveness in project implementation.
- Promote Adaptive Learning for Program Improvement: Foster a culture of continuous learning by enabling participants to use MEAL insights for adaptive management, making data-driven adjustments to enhance program impact and sustainability.
Scope of Work: The selected service provider will be responsible for designing and delivering a service of 2 day capacity building training that covers the following key components:
1. Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Basics:
- Defining Monitoring and Evaluation: differences, similarities, and purposes.and importance of MEAL for project success and sustainability
- The M&E life cycle within a project.
- Types of evaluations (Formative, Midterm and endline.).
2. MEAL Frameworks and Theory of Change:
- Developing a Theory of Change and Logical Framework.
- Setting up MEAL frameworks aligned with project objectives.
- Defining inputs, outputs, outcomes, and impacts.
3. Indicators and Target Setting:
- Developing SMART indicators (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
- Types of indicators (quantitative vs. qualitative).
- Setting realistic and relevant targets.
4. Ethics of Data Collection, Methods and Tools:
- Ethical considerations in data collection (informed consent, confidentiality, etc.).
- Ensuring participant safety and dignity.
- Avoiding biases in data collection.
- Overview of data collection methods (surveys, interviews, focus groups, observation).
- Selecting appropriate data collection methods for different indicators.
- Introduction to tools (digital vs. manual) and sampling techniques.
5. Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP):
- Principles of accountability in MEAL (transparency, participation, feedback).
- Mechanisms for community engagement and feedback loops.
- Handling complaints and managing feedback systems.
6. Learning and Adaptation:
- Integrating learning into program improvement.
- Conducting After-Action Reviews (AAR) and lessons-learned sessions.
- Adaptive management: making real-time adjustments based on MEAL findings.
7. Data Management and Analysis:
- Basics of data management: data cleaning, storage, and confidentiality.
- Analyzing qualitative and quantitative data.
- Visualization techniques to communicate results effectively.
08. Developing MEAL Plans:
- Components of a comprehensive MEAL plan.
- Allocating resources for MEAL activities.
- Setting up a timeline for MEAL activities and responsibilities.
09. Practical Application and Group Exercises:
- Case study exercises: creating MEAL plans and indicators for a sample project.
- Group discussions on challenges in MEAL implementation.
- Participants develop action plans to integrate MEAL into their programs.
Additional Activities:
- Pre- and Post-Assessment: Assess participants’ knowledge and progress.
- Q&A Sessions: For clarifications and tailored guidance.
Timeline:
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The training program is expected to be completed within 3rd and 4th December, for 2 days from the start date location is Erbil.
Key milestones include:
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Initial meeting and planning for the agenda prior to the training day
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Delivery of training days with pre and post tests.
Qualifications: The ideal service provider will have:
- Proven experience in organizational capacity building on MEAL
- Strong references from previous clients.
- Excellent communication and facilitation skills in Arabic.
How to apply
Application Process: Interested facilitators are invited to submit their proposals, including a detailed CV highlighting relevant experience, proposed methodology for facilitating trainings , Budget breakdown of the service in Iraqi Dinar IQD, and any additional supporting documents, to [email protected] by November 16, 2024, with the subject ” MEAL capacity Building “
Evaluation Criteria:Consultant proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Relevant experience and qualifications ; including submission of a comprehensive CV detailing relevant experience and qualifications
- Quality and comprehensiveness of the training plan: Submission of a detailed technical proposal outlining the methodology and discussion methods for the period of 2 days training.
- Cost-effectiveness and Financial Table: Completion of the financial table presenting an expenditure breakdown in Iraqi Dinar (IQD) for each item cost in the budget . The proposed budget should clearly indicate the deliverables and timeline requirements.
- The training will take place in Erbil for 10 to 15 participants from various organizations. Training expenses for participants will be covered by Search for Common Ground. The consultant is not required to include additional participant costs; the budget breakdown should only cover facilitation and related expenses. Please note, Search will not cover the consultant’s travel or accommodation costs.
Please note that applications failing to meet the above criteria will not be considered during the shortlisting process.
Terms and Conditions: Search for Common Ground reserves the right to select or reject proposals based on the evaluation criteria and event requirements. The selected facilitator will be required to adhere to the event guidelines and code of conduct throughout the engagement.