Emergency WASH and Food security Assistance (m/f/d) for Vulnerable Groups in North-Eastern Mozambique and South-Eastern Madagascar

CONDUCTING AN EXTERNAL END OF PROJECT EVALUATION FOR A GERMANY FEDERAL FOREIGN OFFICE (GFFO) FUNDED PROJECT / MOZAMBIQUE-MADAGASCARProject Title Emergency WASH and food security assistance for vulnerable groups in North-Eastern Mozambique and South-Eastern MadagascarProject Region/Location – Mozambique & MadagascarBackgroundhumedica e.V. is a German humanitarian organization, established in 1979 with the mandate of responding (and preventing) medical and non-medical emergencies and disaster emergencies, as well as support of stabilisation assistance required in the post humanitarian assistance period.In collaboration with the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO), humedica established this project to assist address the emergency WASH and Food Security needs of vulnerable groups in north-eastern Mozambique and south-eastern Madagascar through partner organizations For Africa (Mozambique) and SEED (Madagascar) from 01.09.2023 with original project end of 31.08.2026 with a no-cost-extension in Madagascar until 31.12.2026.Mozambique is among the countries with the lowest levels of human development, on the Human Development Index with challenges on access to basic WASH services (extremely limited): only about 63% of the population use basic drinking water services, while 76% lack adequate sanitation, with conditions significantly worse in rural areas and in the northern provinces, particularly Cabo Delgado. The security challenge in Cabo Delgado has triggered large-scale displacement, with more than 870,000 people forced from their homes and around 2 million people in Cabo Delgado, Niassa and Nampula provinces in need of humanitarian assistance.Host communities are under increasing strain, heightening vulnerability and social tensions, while violence has destroyed many schools, health centres and religious facilities. Humanitarian needs remain severe, with widespread demand for safe water, sanitation, hygiene supplies and life-saving food assistance. The crisis has intensified gender inequalities, placing women, girls and other vulnerable groups at greater risk of food insecurity and limiting their ability to cope and recover.Southern and south-eastern Madagascar have faced recurrent droughts for over two decades, resulting in severe and prolonged food and nutrition insecurity. Multiple crop failures between 2020 and 2022 pushed parts of the population into extreme hunger, with people classified in IPC Phase 5 for the first time. Despite improved rainfall in recent past, food insecurity remained critical, with high levels of malnutrition and major losses in key cash crops such as coffee and vanilla, undermining household incomes. A large share of the population in the southeast is classified in IPC Phase 3 or higher, with projections showing a further deterioration in 2023, particularly in the Anosy region. The crisis is compounded by extremely low health spending and weak health services, especially in rural areas, limiting communities’ access to care.Project ObjectivesThe outcome of the current project is the improved and wider access to WASH and Food Security services for IDPs, returnees and vulnerable host communities in Montepuez district, Cabo Delgado province, Mozambique, andin Fort Dauphin District in Madagascar the contribution to reduced acute malnutrition among children aged 6-59 months, enhanced capacities of CSB medical staff to deliver best practice medical care and adjusted social behavioral of community members to reduce susceptibility of malnutrition in children aged 6-59 monthsSpecifically, under this project the sub-objectives are:ForAfrika Mozambique* improved the access to safe, clean water for vulnerable people (including IDPs and host communities) in Cabo Delgado province. * improved access to adequate and appropriate sanitation and hygiene facilities, including solid waste management in Cabo Delgado Province. * improved the availability of nutritious food for food-insecure households in the Montepuez district of Cabo Delgado province.SEED Madagascar* improved the capacity of Community Health Officers (ACs) in the project area to be better able to detect, identify, screen and refer children with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM), and mothers and other caregivers are trained to screen their own children for acute malnutrition (using MUAC tapes). * treated Children with Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) and provided children aged 6-24 months with lipid-based micronutrient supplements as part of malnutrition prevention. * provided families of children with SAM and MAM with unprepared food. * increased the technical capacity of 22 CSB medical staff in the project area to treat acute malnutrition and to predict and provide deworming tablets for children aged 6-59 months. * conducted Social Behavior Change (SBC) sessions in the targeted thematic areas (including nutrition, deworming, malnutrition, hygiene, WASH and positive deviance approach) and protocoled the adaptation of community members' behavior.Purpose of this EvaluationAt the end of the funding period of this regional project, humedica is undertaking an End-of-Project Evaluation which marks the end of the current funding phase supported by GFFO. This evaluation is a requirement of the German Federal Foreign Office and humedica. The objective of this process is to determine how effective the implementation through the partner organizations has been in:* building on the findings of the last Midterm External Evaluation that was carried out in Mozambique in November 2024 and * reaching results expected within the objectives of the project proposal and the quality of impact of these results within the project context/environs in Madagascar.The aim of this External Evaluation is to assess general progress achieved, key lessons and experiences, and areas where gaps may still exist in this project’s intervention.The overall purposes of the evaluation are the following:1. In terms of objectives per outcome the evaluation looks at the following criteria: Relevance, Coherence, Effectiveness, Efficiency, Sustainability, Scalability/Replicability, Coordination and Cross-cutting Considerations to examine whether the Programme was successful in its strategies to improve inclusion and participation of the most marginalized beneficiaries. 2. Review of the conducted interventions considering the actual needs of the target population in the project region with the goal to identify potential gaps for further project developments.Findings of this evaluation will help inform humedica, its partners and the funding German Foreign Office key lessons, and strategic trends helpful to improving humanitarian intervention strategies. This should help humedica strengthen areas that may require adjustment in the remaining part of this project, or in any future interventions. In particular, results of this evaluation will be helpful information, providing analysis and direction for improved future interventions.Evaluation ScopeIn addressing the purpose of this assignment, the scope of this evaluation will be limited to determining the status of the partners’ implementation in the following areas:* Assess the overall Programme's performance from planning to implementation, identifying key strengths and areas for improvement; * Evaluate the Programme's relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, coherence and sustainability, with particular attention to gender equality, social inclusion, and child rights; * Document vital lessons learned and best practices for future strategies and interventions; * Evaluate the effectiveness of partnerships and coordination mechanisms in achieving Programme objectives; * Provide actionable recommendations for improving Programme implementation and enhancing impact for the remaining Programme period or for any future interventions. * Review the partners field financial accountability. * Review field leadership/governance in relation to beneficiaries * Assess the intervention in light of actual needs and evaluate the actual needs of the population in the project area (refugees, as well as host community) in light of the implemented activities.The evaluation will be carried out in Montepuez district in Mozambique (Nacate, Napai, Mapupulo sede, Mararange, Mirate sede, Mirige, Nacololo, and Namanhumbir Sede) including ForAfrika's offices in Maputo and in Fort-Dauphin district in Madagascar including SEED-Madagaskar offices in Fort-Dauphin.The evaluation covers the following target groups:* ForAfrika Mozambique Country Office: to make informed decisions about Programme adjustments and improve implementation strategies; * ForAfrika Global Support Office: To gain insights for strategic planning and resource allocation in similar contexts; * Local government partners in Mozambique - District Services of Economic Activities (SDAE) and District Services of Planning and Infrastructures (SDPI): To enhance coordination and support for the Programme's objectives; * SEED project office in Fort Dauphin: to make informed decisions about Programme adjustments and improve implementation strategies; * Local government partners in Madagascar - District Department of Health, Regional Office of Nutrition): To enhance coordination and support for the Programme's objectives; * Beneficiary communities in Mozambique and Madagascar: To provide feedback and influenceMethodologyThe evaluation will provide quantitative and qualitative data through the following methods:Desk study and review of all relevant documents, including project statistics, project documents, progress reports as well as publicly available relevant documents.A qualitative approach will be adopted. Structured and semi-structured, Key Informant Interviews, In-Depth Interviews, and Focus Group Discussions with project beneficiaries and other stakeholders, including governmental institutions, international and national organisations familiar with the project, will be conducted. The consultant will exchange with the ForAfrika Country office and the SEED Fort-Dauphin office to plan the evaluation.The consultant will specifically:1. Develop an evaluation framework/plan to which humedica and the partner organizations can provide feedback if requested by the consultant 2. Draft an Inception Report detailing the evaluation methodology in exchange with the project teams 3. Review available documentation to obtain a general overview of the programme design and progress 4. Hold meetings and interview relevant stakeholders including implementing partners of the programme 5. Visit identified project field sites 6. Conduct data collection and analysis 7. Draft Evaluation reports 8. Incorporate comments of the project teams and key stakeholders, complete and submit the final Evaluation report 9. Consult with the project teams to ensure the progress and the key evaluation questions are covered 10. Assuring the draft and final reports are prepared in accordance with these Terms of Reference, especially the checklist for the assessment of evaluation report 11. Facilitate Evaluation meetings to present the main findings and recommendations 12. Incorporate an outline for adapting key findings in the implementation of the current project in the final report 13. Incorporate the management responses in the final report 14. Provide a final PDF soft copy report in EnglishExpected Outputs of this ConsultancyThe following outputs are expected by the end of the consultancy.1. Inception Report detailing consultancy work-plan and proposed processes 2. Draft evaluation report 3. Final endorsed report incorporating comments from humedica. The final report must include but not necessarily be limited to up to 25 pages and have elements outlined in the quality criteria for evaluation reports. The report however can have several annexes (as required by the Consultant or the Consulting Team**)** 4. Any knowledge products (evaluation brief, etc.) 5. Provide a final PDF soft copy report in EnglishExpertise and Qualifications of the ConsultantThe Consultant or consulting firm will possess a Secondary or Tertiary University Degree plus substantive strong background in evaluation of humanitarian programmes. Focus and/or background in evaluation of WASH & Nutrition projects will be an added advantage.Specifically, the leading consultant should have proven experience and skills in the following areas:* Over 5 years of experience in conducting programme/project evaluations * Sound knowledge and practical experience in humanitarian/development planning and implementation * Extensive research and analytical skills * Excellent writing and oral communication * Facilitation and management skills * Possess leadership skills and be a team player * Knowledge and familiarity in WASH and Nutrition * Independence and impartiality * Experience in the region is an overarching advantageWork Scope during the Contracted PeriodThe assignment includes following tasks:* Preparation, desk review and preliminary consultative meetings with the implementing partner coordination and field teams and online with humedica HQ * Field visits within the project region for field meetings, data review, focus group discussions, direct and indirect observations. * Preparation and presentation of preliminary outline of the Evaluation Report * Preparation of the full report that includes findings, recommendations and management response.The estimated Consultancies chargeable days are between 20 – 25 days and should be carried out (Spread between) any time starting 9th June and ending on or before 20th September 2026.Consultancy Selection Criteria1. Individual consultant or consulting firm profile - Capacity to meet requirements, references and financial standing 2. General strategy/approach - Understanding of objective and results required, risk awareness and mitigation approach 3. Proposed evaluation methodology - Suitability and strengths of the proposed methodology, proposed technical investment and treatment of key issues 4. Proposed organization of the work - Planning, proposed scheduling of activities, availability of required skills and quality assurance 5. Suitability and experience of the Consultant or proposed Consultancy team - Expertise and overall combination of the consultant’s (or consultant team) skills/knowledge proposed: demonstrated knowledge or evaluation strategies and policies, Experience in each of the required tasks above 6. Financial proposal’s suitability - Fees and other cost structure as against the aboveHOW TO APPLYInterested consultancy firms or Consultants are invited to submit a complete proposal in English consisting of the following documents that at minimum covers, theirTechnical Proposal i.e.Company profile and capacity statement (max. 2 pages), including: Legal status and year of establishment, Relevant experience in conducting external evaluations of donor-funded projects (preferably GFFO or comparable public donors…