Country: Afghanistan
Closing date: 27 Sep 2016
1. Background
Central Highlands Programme (CHP) is common initiative implemented by a consortium of three French NGOs (GERES, MADERA and SOLIDARITES INTERNATIONAL) with the general objective to increase the living standards and quality of life of rural mountainous populations by promoting balanced rural development and preservation of natural resources. The 3-years programme with a six month no-cost extension was launched in March 2014 in two provinces of the Central Afghanistan: Bamyan and Maydan-Wardak. The Programme consists of four components, covering various aspects of support to the local rural population including agriculture development, energy saving solutions, natural resource management and promotion of institutional dialogue.
Based on the lessons learned, experiences and initial outcomes of the current CHP, the three partners of the Consortium acknowledge the importance to continue the CHP beyond its current duration. In order to prepare relevant follow-up programme (CHP II), an external consultant will take the lead in the review and consolidation of outputs reached by the programme, as well as in outlining of the possible CHP II directions based on consolidated outputs.
2. Purpose & Objectives of the consultancy
Due to the implementation of the program by three partner NGOs, it focuses on multiple problematic and various beneficiaries, therefore the purpose of this consultancy is the summarization of project outputs and clear definition of positive impacts; identification of the strong as well as the weak components of programme and suggest ways to ensure sustainability and better replication of the ones that are currently weak; and confirmation of lessons learned in order to prepare a competitive and complex bidding document for programme follow-up.
a.General objective:
Based on his/her evaluation, the consultant will put forward a comprehensive summary report on CHP achievements and current gaps as well as mitigation strategies that forms a programme follow-up strategy document that would define and feed into the CHP II Concept Note, a cornerstone document with potential to be acknowledged by French Development Agency.
b.Specific objectives:
I.“Crash test” assessment over the CHP I
In depth review of results delivered by the programme
Identification and formulation of lessons learned in the current programme
Assessment of the current achievement’s sustainability without external support
Assessment of the replication and scaling potential of activities implemented
Assessment of gaps that need to be filled for the sustainability and / or the scaling-up of existing activities
Detailed review of internal consortia dynamics
Feedback’s collection of the partners’ relations with key government institutions in both regions
Identification and exploitation of the programme best practices for the CHP advocacy and further capitalization
II.Recommendations for a new/second phase (CHP II)
Identification the current and upcoming challenges to be tackled by the CHP II in consideration of the partners’ expertise
Proposition of recommendations regarding strategic orientations for AFD and the CHP consortium in Bamyan and Maydan Wardak Provinces in order to address current challenges
Taking into consideration authorities’ inputs
A sketch of other actors working on the same field of activities in these two provinces
Definition of geographic and thematic scope for CHP II according to the impact and efficacy of current programme
Focus on synergies – within the Consortium - to increase the potential, management efficiency and financial optimization of all three partners’ resources
Based on above listed, drafting of CHP II programmatic concept (framework)
3. Tasks to be performed by the consultant
The consultant will, in collaboration with the programme management, develop a detailed a working plan that will include completion of at least the following tasks:
- To capitalize and consolidate all outputs extracted from the current CHP:
o Studies, surveys, evaluations…
o Outputs and outcomes of current activities directly implemented by Consortium members
To support each partner to in depth monitor the added value of its own activities, their replication potential, re-directions needed and inter-connections within common fields of intervention
To coordinate partners inputs right from the design phase in order to reach better interactions amongst Consortium members during the implementation phase in terms of: districts of intervention, internal synergies, and relationship with authorities…
To set boundaries for appropriate Consortium operating rules that can efficiently address needs identified
4. Output of the consultancy
The consultant will deliver a comprehensive document summarizing the results of the above mentioned tasks, a CHP II tentative program framework and a draft of the concept note for CHP II
The document will contain namely following parts:
Diagnostic report including lessons learnt and good practices detailed review
Concept note
Draft proposal for CHP II
5. Location & Timeframe
The consultancy will take place in Bamyan and Maydan Wardak Provinces, Afghanistan, with duration of one month, starting preferably as soon as possible, with end date of 15th of November 2016. The final report will be prepared after the field mission and delivered in its final, approved version on 15th of December 2016 latest.
6. Line of communication
The consultant will report to GERES Country Director, and will work closely with the CHP Coordinator based in Bamyan. The consultant will cooperate with Consortium staff, both national and international, relevant beneficiaries and stakeholders, including provincial government (Province Governor’s Office, DRRD and DAIL) and partner organizations.
7. Qualification/Experience
The consultant will bring to the CHP II a deep and thorough understanding of agricultural/NRM programme design, and experience with area-specific needs assessment for rural development programming. Preferably, the consultant will have previous experience of working in Afghanistan rural development sector and/or experience with the design of programmes that identify pilots, evaluate and scale-up innovative ideas. The consultant will ideally have experience of competitive bid-writing for large international donors (specifically AFD).
§ Advanced university degree (masters or equivalent) in agriculture, rural development or related field.
§ At least 10 years of experience in programme design, proposal writing
§ Experience in project implementation in agriculture/NRM/rural development programs
§ Experience in Afghanistan is an added advantage
§ Demonstrated experience in proposal development for large donors, preferably the French Development Agency (AFD)
§ Ability to work with programme members and beneficiaries in various locations (including field locations), from multiple organizations and from different backgrounds. Remote collaboration on documents can be included.
§ Ability to integrate different experiences, approaches, methodologies and ideas from a diverse set of stakeholders, beneficiaries and organizations across the sectors.
§ Working relations with relevant authorities and stakeholders may be an advantage.
§ Excellent skills in written and spoken English are required. Knowledge of Dari and French is an advantage.
How to apply:
Interested companies/individuals can send their application to following electronic address afghanistan@geres.eu.
Include:
Cover letter specifying suitability of applicant/company to provide requested assignment in full extent and actual contact information.
Detailed proposal stating technical, financial and HR details, including CV of key personnel to be included in any stage.
Due to the urgency of the consultancy, the proposals will be shortlisted on a rolling basis and the contract may be awarded before the closing date. Thus, candidates are strongly advised to apply as soon as possible and not wait till the end of the closing period.