Internews overview
Internews is an international non-profit organization dedicated to giving people the news and information they need, the ability to connect, and the means to make their voices heard. Since its formation in 1982, Internews has worked in more than 150 countries worldwide and helped partners reach millions of people with trustworthy information that saves lives, improves livelihoods, and holds institutions accountable.
Founded in 2004, Internews’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN) is a global community of over 25,000 journalists dedicated to improving coverage of environmental and climate change issues. EJN trained over 14,800 journalists and supported the production of over 14,000 stories worldwide on a variety of environmental issues, including climate change, pollution, biodiversity, One Health, wildlife trafficking, energy transition, and management of oceans and coastal resources. Over the past 20 years, we have developed several key approaches and tools to raise the voices of marginalized and vulnerable people and help journalists and environmental rights activists hold power to account.
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
Internews is seeking a qualified individual consultant, group of consultants or firm to conduct a midterm evaluation for its EJN Asia-Pacific Phase 2 project aiming to improve governance and accountability in the Asia-Pacific region through a strengthened information ecosystem for informed decision-making and action by citizens, political leaders, and other key decision makers. The evaluation will help Internews assess project performance, achievements, and implementation, identify good practices and lessons learned, and evaluate potential impact on beneficiaries and the sustainability of results.
LOGISTICS
This is a global remote opportunity. All work, including data collection, is expected to be done remotely, with limited travel for face-to-face data collection, if the budget allows. Candidates based anywhere in the world will be considered, with preference to those based in Asia and/or with strong experience in the Asia-Pacific region.
The evaluation is expected to be completed by 30 April 2025.
The estimated budget for this evaluation is 15,000 USD, all inclusive.
Project background
Funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the Earth Journalism Network (EJN) Asia-Pacific Phase 2 was initially designed for 3 years (1 January 2022 – 31 December 2024). It has been then extended for another 2 years (1 January 2025– 31 December 2026) with additional funds. This is the second phase of the EJN Asia-Pacific project which started in November 2017 and was completed in March 2022. Building on EJN’s past work and extensive network in Asia, the project strengthens the capacity of individual reporters, media outlets, media development organisations and journalism networks, to increase the quantity and quality of media reporting on themes relating to the environment and natural resource management. It supports the dissemination of environmental news and information to the public, policy makers and vulnerable communities, and amplifies the voices of women and other marginalized groups who are most affected by environmental changes.
The EJN Asia-Pacific Phase 2 project aims to improve governance and accountability in the Asia-Pacific region through a strengthened information ecosystem for informed decision-making and action by citizens, political leaders, and other key decision makers. The project provides a suite of activities and approaches to boost environmental reporting. These include training workshops, fellowships for journalists to participate in global environmental conferences such as the UNFCCC Climate COP, grants for media organisations, journalists’ network and NGOs to implement capacity building and environmental reporting projects, story grants and mentorship for journalists, and the development and maintenance of local and regional environmental news websites.
Project Objective: Advance public understanding of the serious state of the environment and climate crises to drive changes that can effectively address these challenges through strengthened environmental reporting across media in the Asia-Pacific region.
Intermediate-Objectives:
1. Strengthen the capacity of journalists and media organisations to produce high-quality, factual and engaging public environmental information on the consequences of human impacts on climate and the environment and provide viable solutions to respond to these impacts.
2. Increase the quantity of high-quality content and media coverage on key environmental themes — including climate change, biodiversity loss, ocean management, wildlife trafficking, air pollution, energy transition, and sustainable development — to focus public attention on the interdependence of the health and well-being of humans, animals, and their environments.
3. Empower women, the poor, youth, indigenous peoples, and other vulnerable groups to address the disproportionate impacts of environmental degradation by amplifying their voices in environmental reporting and increasing their access to high-quality, publicly available environmental information.
These activities are expected to result in increased access to environmental news and information, improved environmental content, greater inclusion of women and marginalized groups, and more engagement both among journalists and between them and other stakeholders.
Theory of Change:
The EJN Asia Pacific Phase 2 project is designed based on the overarching theory of change that:
IF the capacity of journalists and media organisations in the Asia-Pacific region is strengthened to safely produce and distribute high-quality, inclusive, evidence driven, and solution-oriented public information addressing key environmental issues including climate change, biodiversity loss, ocean management, wildlife trafficking, air pollution, energy transition, and sustainable development at the national and regional levels; and
IF the voices, needs, and concerns of women, the poor, youth, indigenous peoples, and other vulnerable groups are included and amplified in the media and information ecosystem around environmental concerns in the Asia Pacific region; and
IF local and regional networking and collaboration among journalists, media, and civil society organisations working in the environment in the Asia-Pacific region are enhanced to expose environmental injustices;
THEN the public including women, the poor, indigenous peoples, youth and other vulnerable groups will have access to the information they need to make informed decision and critically engage with it in a meaningful way by taking further action to hold power to account, contributing to improved environmental related governance and accountability in the Asia-Pacific region.
Evaluation Purpose
The purpose of this midterm evaluation (MTE) is to assess the progress and effectiveness of the on-going EJN Asia-Pacific Phase 2 project for the first 3 years (1 January 2022 – 31 December 2024) to inform decisions on how project implementation may be adjusted and improved in the two-year cost extension period (1 January 2025– 31 December 2026). The primary intended users of the evaluation are Internews-EJN and the Embassy of Sweden, Bangkok. In addition, this evaluation aims to identify the lessons learnt and best practices from the project’s implementation. The specific objectives of this evaluation include:
1) To evaluate the outcomes and impact achieved through project implementation.
2) To assess the project’s impact on the quality of environmental media coverage, with a focus on the inclusion of women and marginalized groups, as well as improved access to environmental content.
3) To examine the project’s influence on networking, engagement, and collaboration among journalists and key stakeholders.
4) To review the progress made against the recommendations of the last evaluation report.
5) To analyze external factors beyond Internews’ control that may have affected the achievement of project outcomes.
6) To identify lessons learned, best practices, and provide actionable recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of the project’s activities during the cost extension phase.
Evaluation Questions
This evaluation will be guided by the following questions to assess the project’s progress, outcomes, and impact, while also identifying areas for improvement and lessons to inform future initiatives. GESI and HRBA will be incorporated into the data collection and analysis process for all relevant evaluation questions.
A. Key Overarching Questions
1- Key Impact
a) To what extent has the project led to measurable community action in response to environmental threats?
b) How effective has the project been in influencing policy changes related to environmental threats?
c) What evidence exists to demonstrate the positive development outcomes that have emerged as a result of the project’s interventions?
d) How have the project’s activities contributed to addressing key environmental threats in the target communities?
e) What factors have facilitated or hindered community action, policy change, and other positive developments in addressing environmental threats?
f) To what degree has the project’s impact been sustainable in driving long-term environmental improvements?
2- Key Outcomes
a) To what extent has the project increased the capacity of journalists and media partners to produce and distribute high-quality, factual, and engaging public environmental information?
b) To what extent has the project increased public access to high-quality content on key environmental themes and the connections between animal, human, and environmental health?
c) What changes has the project had on increasing the voices of women, the poor, indigenous peoples, youth, and other vulnerable groups in environmental reporting, and improving their access to it?
d) What changes has the project had on increasing networking and collaboration among journalists and media partners working in environmental journalism across country boundaries?
B. Capacity Building
1) What specific skills (e.g., investigative techniques, inclusive storytelling, data visualization) have been enhanced through the project’s training and support?
2) Are journalists and media organizations effectively applying newly gained knowledge and skills to their work?
3) What challenges are journalists facing in applying these knowledge and skills into their practice?
C. Quality of Media Content
1) How has the quality of environmental reporting (e.g., accuracy, depth, engagement) improved among project participants?
2) Are the stories produced by journalists and media organizations well-researched, fact-checked, and credible?
3) Do the produced stories reflect diverse and contextually relevant perspectives on climate and environmental issues?
D. Coverage of Consequences and Solutions
1) To what extent do the produced stories highlight the consequences of human impacts on climate and the environment?
2) Are viable solutions to environmental and climate challenges effectively communicated in the content?
3) Do the stories present actionable insights for policymakers, communities, and individuals?
E. Engagement and Reach
1) Are the produced stories engaging and accessible to the intended audiences?
2) Are the stories reaching a diverse audience, including marginalized and underserved populations?
3) To what extent have the stories sparked discussions or actions on environmental issues?
F. Collaboration and Organizational Strengthening
1) How have media organizations strengthened their internal capacities (e.g., editorial processes, fact-checking protocols, resource allocation) to support environmental journalism?
2) Are there improvements in collaborative reporting or partnerships among journalists, media organizations, CSOs, and environmental experts/defenders/activists?
3) To what extent are partners continuing to prioritize and produce high-quality environmental content?
G. Sustainability of Capacity Gains
1) Are journalists and media organizations demonstrating the ability to independently sustain the quality and quantity of environmental reporting?
2) Have participants established networks or communities of practice to support ongoing improvements in environmental journalism?
3) What resources or support are still needed to ensure long-term sustainability?
4) How is the exit strategy defined, and how will it be managed at the end of the funding period?
H. Lessons Learned
1) What challenges have journalists and media organizations encountered in reporting on environmental issues?
2) How has the project addressed barriers to high-quality environmental journalism (e.g., lack of data, censorship, limited funding)?
3) What additional support could enhance the effectiveness of participants’ environmental reporting?
Scope of the Evaluation
The midterm evaluation will focus on assessing the progress, effectiveness, and potential for improvement of the project aimed at advancing public understanding of environmental and climate crises through strengthened environmental reporting in the Asia-Pacific region. The evaluation will consider multiple aspects of project implementation, outcomes, and challenges, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of its impact and areas for enhancement.
This evaluation covers the Earth Journalism Network (EJN) Asia-Pacific Phase 2, a three-year project (January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2024) funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). Additionally, where relevant, the evaluation will observe the lasting impact of EJN Phase 1 (November 2017 – March 2022). The effects of other complementary projects funded by other donors and implemented under the EJN umbrella may also be examined to assess their contribution, added value, and synergistic impact on the overall interventions.
Evaluation Approach and Design
This evaluation will employ a mixed-methods approach to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the project’s progress, effectiveness, and impact, while also identifying areas for improvement and lessons learned. During the inception phase, the consultant will be required to propose a detailed approach and design as part of the evaluation plan (inception report).
Where relevant, the consultant may draw on the OECD DAC evaluation framework to address the evaluation purpose and questions outlined above.
The consultant may identify and analyze successful environmental stories (media impact stories) to assess the project’s specific contributions to effective environmental communication. This process will also serve to document best practices and lessons learned.
Methods of Data Collection
The evaluation will adopt a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection. The methods of data collection are not limited, but will include:
1. A review of project documentation, including training materials, media products, reports, and monitoring data, will provide insights into the implementation process and the alignment of activities with the project’s objectives.
2. Online survey using structured questionnaire will be conducted with journalists and media organizations (current and graduated) to measure changes in their knowledge, skills, and practices related to environmental reporting.
3. Focus group discussions/Key informant interviews will be conducted with program/project staff of EJN/Internews, stakeholders, donors, journalists and media organizations.
Sampling/Participant Selection
Purposive sampling will be used to select key informants for in-depth interviews. The number and specific participants will be determined by the consultant in consultation with the EJN AP team. The EJN team will identify all relevant project participants, program/project staff and focal points, stakeholders, and donors, allowing the consultant to decide on the number of participants based on available resources.
Data Analysis and Reporting
A mixed-methods approach to data analysis and reporting will be employed to address the evaluation purpose and questions. Data from the online survey will be analyzed and presented in statistical formats, including infographics. The regional M&E team will support the statistical analysis of the survey data, while the consultant will prepare and report the results.
Transcription will not be required for the qualitative analysis. However, the consultant will employ a systematic process to analyze qualitative data, identifying patterns and themes in the responses. Findings from both quantitative and qualitative methods will be integrated to complement and enrich the overall evaluation insights. Quotations from relevant sources will be included in the report; however, ethical considerations such as informed consent, privacy, and the security of participants will be strictly upheld. The structure of the report will align with this ToR and Internews’ template.
Evaluation Management
The consultant will report to the Regional Research and Evaluation Manager of Internews, working closely with the Regional Program Manager for Asia-Pacific Environmental Programs, as well as other program/project staff and focal points.
The consultant will undergo regular reviews and performance evaluations, maintain regular check-ins with the managing staff member (Regional Research and Evaluation Manager or their delegate), and adhere to Internews policy standards and the terms outlined in the consultancy contract.
The evaluation and related research should abide by Internews’ policies and protocols related to data protection and security and be conducted in line with ethical protocols including participant confidentiality and privacy. The secure transmission of data is of great importance and must be ensured at all stages of the evaluation. A non-disclosure agreement will be included in the consultancy contract.
The specific roles and responsibilities of the consultant and Internews are outlined below:
Consultant will:
1) Conduct document review and evaluation kickoff meetings with Internews
2) Develop a detailed evaluation plan (inception report) based on the structure of this ToR, with more elaboration on the approach and design, methods of data collection, participant selection, tools, data collection, data protection and security, ethical considerations and safety, data analysis and reporting, and schedule, in consultation with Internews.
3) Develop structured questionnaires for online survey to address relevant evaluation questions and purpose.
4) Select compelling photos to integrate in the report and brief.
5) With support from Internews, make appointments with participants for the interviews.
6) Carry out data collection from relevant program/project staff, stakeholders, donors, partners, and project participants using appropriate methods.
7) Carry out qualitative data analysis.
8) Conduct a debriefing session with Internews before drafting the full report.
9) Prepare final report of the evaluation in standard English.
10) Prepare a Learning Insight Brief (like a Policy Brief) in English.
11) Develop PowerPoint presentation and present the results at the dissemination workshop.
12) The evaluator is expected to present the MTE findings twice, once to Internews’ internal audiences and another to the donor and stakeholders after the submission of the final draft.
Internews will:
1) Provide project orientation to the consultant to understand the project context.
2) Provide relevant documents to support literature review.
3) Guide the consultant in identifying relevant participants.
4) Prepare and provide the list with contact information of participants to the consultant to make appointments for interviews.
5) Support the consultant in making appointments when necessary.
6) Develop an online survey form based on the structured questionnaire provided by the consultant.
7) Administer and manage online survey data collection and carry out data analysis for the consultant.
8) Provide statistical outputs in the form of tables to the consultant for report writing.
9) Review and provide feedback on the draft evaluation plan, report, and brief.
Expected Deliverables and Payment
The consultant is responsible for delivering the following high-quality outputs:
- Detailed evaluation plan (inception report), including evaluation matrix (Internews’ template).
- Draft evaluation report including executive summary and annexes.
- Final evaluation report including executive summary and annexes. The final report should be no longer than 30 pages, excluding the annexes and executive summary.
- Impact Insight Brief (maximum 6 pages, including introduction, insights, and implications/key takeaways; illustrated with photos, figures, and/or tables).
Payment will be made, according to achievement of agreed milestones in the submitted work plan. The milestones and payment calendar will be confirmed in the contract and established an agreed consultancy work plan.
For all deliverables and milestones, payment is not contingent upon simple completion of activities associated with deliverables and payment schedule, but rather the completion of the activity and deliverable to the satisfaction of Save the Children. Payment will be made based on satisfactory passing of each milestone, including successful completion of agreed follow up actions and tasks. Payment will be made in the following phases, though adjustments may be negotiated if necessary.
First
Approved Deliverable A – 30%
Second Approved Deliverable B – 30%
Final payment
Approved Deliverable C and D – 40%
Timeframe
Internews anticipates that a maximum of 25 working days will be spent on this MTE and the evaluator should finish the assignment by 30 April 2025 at the latest.
The timeframe for the project evaluation is given in the table below:
Activity Timeframe
Deadline for applications:
20 January 2025
The evaluator is expected to have initial meetings with EJN staff in order to inform the methodology of the MTE and the evaluation plan
Evaluation Plan (Inception report)
24 January 2025 – First draft of inception report
Final inception report must be submitted by 07 February 2025
Relevant documents shall be made available, and the inception report shall include:
· Literature review
· Draft methodology
· Data collection tools
· List of interviewees and key questions
Secondary and Primary data collection
17 Feb – 14 Mar 2025 – Remote, and limited travel for face-to-face data collection if the budget allows
Debriefing session
28 Mar 2025
After primary data collection, the consultant is expected to have a debriefing session with the project manager and EJN management team. This session is to provide opportunity for the evaluator to provide update about the data collection, clarify any issues faced, and agree on the way forward to finalize the evaluation.
Data analysis and Report writing and submission of first draft to Internews
The first draft of report must be submitted by 11 April 2025
Internews and Sida to have an opportunity to comment and feedback on draft report.
Final evaluation report incorporating feedback from Internews
30 April 2025
The evaluator is expected to revise the draft report based on feedback from Internews. Any remaining sets of data to be submitted to Internews.
Presentation of findings
Internal: 7 May 2025
External: 15 May 2025
The evaluator is expected to present the findings twice, one to the Internews internal audience and another one to the donor. There is a possibility that the evaluator might need to revise the report based on the donor’s comments and provide some written response to their questions.
Application guidelines and requirements
Interested parties should apply through Internews’ website. Applications should include the documentation below.
· A 2-3 page statement of interest/draft proposal, highlighting how your methodological approach will address the scope planned for this evaluation as well as describing how your profile and experience meet the criteria and this assignment
· A CV and 2 references
· Evidence of evaluation work (e.g. link to evaluation reports or PDF attachments), highlighting evaluation theories and approaches
· A proposed budget with a brief cost justification – including your salary history and/or daily rate for your last 3 consultancies (as an annex to the proposal)
Essential qualifications
Master’s degree in social sciences, international development, evaluation or related field
· At least 7 years’ experience conducting evaluation
· Experience with qualitative and quantitative M&E data collection and analysis methods
· Experience using social network analysis method
· Experience using Outcome Harvesting method
· Fluency in spoken and written English; other Asian language ability is a plus
· Excellent inter-cultural communication skills/cultural sensitivity and the ability to forge strong cross-cultural relationships and build trust demonstrated through previous experience
· Strong facilitation, presentation, writing and communication skills
Desirable
· PhD in relevant field
· More than 5 years’ experience as professional evaluator for international development projects
· Experience conducting evaluations for media development projects
· Experience working in different countries across Asia and the Pacific
How to apply
To apply for this consultancy, please follow: Position Description