External Evaluation of TDA’s Programs

BACKGROUNDThe Day After (TDA) is a Syrian civil society organization established in 2012 to support Syria’s democratic transition, promote human rights, justice, and accountability, and strengthen inclusive governance. TDA’s programs cover transitional justice, housing, land and property (HLP) rights, constitutional and electoral reform, judicial reform, and socio-economic development, with a cross-cutting emphasis on youth and gender inclusion.Since 2023, TDA has been supported through multi-year institutional funding from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (DMFA). This support, covering the period 2023–2026 and amounting to approximately 2.84 million Euros, is designed to support core program implementation, enable adaptive and context-responsive programming across its thematic areas, and strengthen TDA’s institutional capacity. These agreements have enabled TDA to implement and scale its programming across transitional justice, HLP, and governance sectors, while strengthening internal systems and operational capacities.In addition, TDA has received complementary funding from other donors during this period. Where relevant, selected programs funded by GIZ, Syria Report, Bahar, Zivik, ICTJ, Madaniya, and ECCA (DRL) may be considered for contextual reference but are not the primary focus of this evaluation.Both SIDA and DMFA emphasize learning, accountability, and adaptive programming. This evaluation is positioned as a learning and accountability exercise focused on assessing program results and informing future programming, rather than reviewing compliance or organizational assessments conducted through separate processes.This evaluation will therefore serve both accountability and learning purposes, and is intended to inform the design of TDA’s new 2026–2029 strategy. The evaluation is commissioned to assess progress achieved under TDA’s institutional funding arrangements and broader programming, identify lessons learned, and ensure that evidence from program implementation informs TDA’s future strategic planning and organizational development. The findings are expected to inform improvements in program effectiveness, organizational systems, and accountability processes.PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVESThe primary purpose of the external evaluation is to assess the results, performance, and added value of programs implemented by TDA under SIDA and DMFA institutional support during the period 2023–2026. Specific objectives are to:1. Assess program results achieved under SIDA/DMFA-supported interventions against stated results frameworks and objectives. 2. Evaluate program-level effectiveness, relevance, efficiency, impact, and sustainability. 3. Capture lessons learned from program design, implementation, and partnerships. 4. Provide actionable recommendations to inform the development of TDA’s new 2026–2029 strategy.The evaluation will maintain a clear distinction between findings related to SIDA/DMFA-supported programming and any contextual references to other donor-funded activities.SCOPE OF WORKThe evaluation will cover:* Timeframe: 1st April 2023 – 31st March 2026 * Funding: * SIDA agreements. * DMFA agreements, including Peace and Stabilization Engagement Document (PSED). * Other donor funding implemented will not be systematically evaluated but may be referenced where relevant for contextual or comparative purposes. * Geographic focus: Program implementation areas within Syria. Data collection may take place remotely and/or, where feasible, through consultations with stakeholders located in Syria.The evaluator will be responsible for undertaking the following tasks:1. Conduct a comprehensive desk review of relevant documentation, including project proposals, donor agreements, progress reports, monitoring data, policy documents, and previous assessments. 2. Develop an inception report outlining the evaluation methodology, work plan, sampling approach, and data collection tools. 3. Design appropriate data-collection tools, including interview guides, survey questionnaires, and focus-group discussion frameworks. 4. Conduct data collection activities with key stakeholders, including semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and, where appropriate, group consultations with TDA management, program staff, donors, implementing partners, and beneficiaries. 5. Analyze programs results against the OECD-DAC evaluation criteria (relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability). 6. Identify relevant organizational and programmatic improvements where evident from program implementation. 7. Identify lessons learned, best practices, operational challenges, and areas requiring improvement. 8. Prepare draft and final evaluation reports incorporating feedback from TDA and relevant stakeholders.The evaluator will be responsible for organizing and facilitating all evaluation activities, including scheduling interviews, preparing data collection tools, and conducting consultations. TDA will facilitate access to relevant documentation, stakeholders, and internal teams. If required, the evaluator will coordinate arrangements related to online consultations, translation, interpretation, or technical tools necessary for data collection.KEY EVALUATION QUESTIONSThe evaluation will be guided by the OECD-DAC criteria (relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability), with emphasis on:1. Relevance & Coherence * To what extent were programs aligned with TDA’s mandate, donor priorities, and the evolving Syrian context? * How did SIDA/DMFA supported interventions complement and leverage other relevant initiatives? 2. Effectiveness * To what extent did TDA achieve its intended results under SIDA/DMFA agreements, and other initiatives within this scope? * What outcomes were achieved at organizational and programmatic levels? 3. Efficiency * How well were resources allocated and used? * Did institutional support strengthen TDA’s operational efficiency? 4. Impact & Added Value * What changes (intended/unintended) have TDA’s interventions contributed to? * How has institutional funding contributed to TDA’s role in Syria’s transition? 5. Sustainability * To what extent are program results likely to be sustained beyond the intervention period? 6. Cross-cutting Considerations * To what extent did programming integrate gender, youth, and inclusivity principles, and what results were achieved as a result of this integration?METHODOLOGYThe evaluator is expected to apply a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative tools. The methodology must clearly define: sampling approach, data sources, triangulation methods, limitations, and ethical considerations (including access constraints and conflict sensitivity).Methods may include:* Desk review of agreements, reports, policies, and evaluations. * Semi-structured interviews with TDA staff, board, donors, and partners. * Focus group discussions with beneficiaries and stakeholders (online/in-person). * Other appropriate tools as justified by the evaluator.The methodology should ensure participation, credibility, and learning.DELIVERABLESThe evaluator will produce the following outputs:1. Inception Report – outlining methodology, workplan, and data collection tools. 2. Draft Evaluation Reports – for internal review and feedback. 3. Final Reports: * One evaluation report on programs supported under SIDA/DMFA agreements (2023–2026), assessing results and performance against agreed frameworks. * One overall evaluation report on TDA’s programs (2023–2025), synthesizing broader organizational performance and lessons for strategy. 4. Validation Workshop – presentation of key findings to TDA management with SIDA/DMFA participation. 5. Strategy Brief – a concise document (5–7 pages) summarizing recommendations for TDA’s 2026–2029 strategy.All reports should be submitted in English in editable Word format and PDF. Presentation materials for the validation workshop should be provided in PowerPoint format.Indicative delivery schedule:* Inception report – within 2 weeks of contract signature * Draft evaluation reports – within 6 weeks of contract start * Final evaluation reports – within 2 weeks after receiving consolidated feedback * Strategy brief – submitted together with the final evaluation reportMANAGEMENT AND GOVERNANCE* Commissioning organization: TDA. * Oversight: TDA’s Executive Director, Finance & Admin Manager, Logistics and Procurement Manager, and Funding & Reporting Manager. * Donor liaison: SIDA and DMFA will be consulted during key stages. * Evaluator independence: The evaluator will operate independently and ensure impartiality.QUALIFICATIONS OF THE EVALUATOR/TEAM* Proven expertise in external evaluations of civil society organizations, preferably in the fields of transitional justice, governance, accountability, or related sectors. * Demonstrated knowledge of Syria and transitional contexts. * Experience with OECD-DAC evaluation criteria. * Familiarity with SIDA and DMFA donor requirements. * Expertise in organizational assessments, governance, and compliance. * Strong analytical, facilitation, and reporting skills. * Fluency in English and Arabic. * Advanced university degree in political science, development studies, public policy, international relations, or a related field. * Minimum of 8–10 years of demonstrated experience in program evaluation (mandatory). * Demonstrated experience conducting evaluations for international donors, preferably the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (DMFA), or comparable bilateral development agencies.TIMEFRAMEThe evaluation is expected to be conducted over two months (May–June 2026). Indicative phases:* Inception phase: 2 weeks. * Data collection: 3-4 weeks (to be conducted remotely and/or in Syria, depending on agreed methodology and feasibility). * Analysis and reporting: 2-3 weeks. * Validation workshop & finalization: 1 week.The expected commencement date is tentatively planned for Q2 2026, subject to agreement with the selected evaluator.EVALUATION CRITERIAProposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:Technical Evaluation (70%)* Relevant experience of the evaluator/team in conducting similar evaluations (30%) * Quality and feasibility of the proposed methodology (25%) * Understanding of the assignment and Syrian context (15%)Financial Evaluation (30%)* Cost-effectiveness and clarity of the proposed financial offer (30%)Only proposals that meet the minimum technical requirements will proceed to financial evaluation.PAYMENT TERMSThe contract will be structured as a lump-sum agreement linked to the successful completion of deliverables.Proposed payment schedule:* 30% upon approval of the inception report * 40% upon submission of draft evaluation reports * 30% upon approval of the final reports and strategy briefLOCATION OF WORKThe assignment will be implemented through a hybrid modality combining remote work and in-country activities in Syria. Desk review, report drafting, and part of the consultations may be conducted remotely. Data collection activities, including stakeholder consultations, interviews, and focus group discussions, are expected to take place both remotely and, where feasible, in Syria. Consultations are expected to cover program implementation areas, including but not limited to the main governorates in Syria, subject to access, security, and logistical feasibility.BUDGETAn indicative budget will be agreed with the evaluator. Proposals should include a financial offer covering professional fees, travel, communication, and other related costs.The financial proposal must be based on a clear breakdown of working days (daily rates and number of days per activity).HOW TO APPLYAPPLICATION PROCESSInterested evaluators/teams are invited to submit:* CV(s) highlighting relevant expertise. * A short technical proposal (methodology and workplan). * Financial proposal with detailed budget. * Proof that the applicant is a registered company with a valid bank account. * At least two references from previous relevant assignments. * Please submit your documents through the link below : https://forms.gle/N2WapxvNGt975x4s6 * If you have any question please contact us : [email protected]