Consultancy for KOBAC Project Baseline Evaluation

BRCiS Consortium KOBAC Project Evaluation Terms of Reference

Formation / Diplômes

Building Resilient Communities in Somalia (BRCiS) is a consortium of national and international organizations – Action Against Hunger (ACF), Concern Worldwide (Concern), GREDO, the International Rescue Committee (IRC), KAALO, Save the Children, and Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) as lead agency. BRCiS’ objective is to work across the humanitarian-development divide, supporting marginalized communities in disaster-prone, rural Somalia to become more resilient to shocks and stressed, including as a result of climate change. BRCiS approach is contextually adaptive, focused on the specific shocks, needs, and priorities of individual communities. BRCiS was established in 2013 and is now implementing projects funded by multiple humanitarian and development donors in more than ten regions of Somalia. The cumulative impact of climate-related disasters, conflict, and poverty has driven widespread displacement in Somalia, where nearly 20% of the population now lives in displacement. In Afgoye and Jowhar districts, displacement-affected communities (DACs) including both displaced persons and host communities face intensifying humanitarian needs and long-term vulnerabilities. In response, the Federal Government of Somalia has developed the National Solutions Pathway Action Plan ( [Click the Apply button below to apply, and Create my CV to build a CV tailored to this offer, professionally] ), a multi-year strategy aligned with its National Transformation Plan ( [Click the Apply button below to apply, and Create my CV to build a CV tailored to this offer, professionally] ) to support one million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in transitioning out of displacement through strengthened government leadership and durable solutions. To build on past EU investments and consolidate government capacity for durable solutions management, the BRCiS Consortium, comprising the Norwegian Refugee Council, Concern Worldwide, and local partners WARDI and HIJRA, has partnered with the Federal Government of Somalia, particularly National Centre for Rural Development and Durable Solutions (NCRDS) to design a government-driven, area-based Action. Funded by the EU, the 36-month KOBAC (Capacity-building Opportunities for the Betterment of Displacement Affected Communities) project will be implemented in Afgoye and Jowhar starting February 2026, aiming to strengthen government forced displacement management capacity and multiply the effects of ongoing and future investments in the region. KOBAC will support DACs alongside local, state, and federal authorities by working closely with NCRDS to achieve three interconnected outcomes: Outcome 1: Relevant national and local authorities coordinate and deliver inclusive urban services that are accountable to displacement-affected communities in secondary cities. Outcome 2: Mandated local authorities collaborate with DACs and the private sector to jointly design, deliver, and maintain sustainable urban infrastructure in high-displacement areas, fostering inclusive growth and long-term resilience. Outcome 3: DACs access livelihood opportunities directly linked to the operation, maintenance, and sustainability of services and urban infrastructure in high-displacement areas. Rooted in a human rights-based approach, the Action places citizens' interests at the centre of Somalia's durable solutions agenda. DACs themselves are the primary target group, with all community members considered final beneficiaries through a non-discriminatory and inclusive approach aimed at delivering social cohesion.

This Terms of Reference (ToR) is designed to engage a qualified consulting firm to lead the performance evaluation for the KOBAC project. The ToR outlines the purpose and objectives of the consultancy, the scope of work, evaluation objectives, proposed methodology, expected deliverables, management arrangements, workplan, and the required qualifications and experience.

• 2. Purpose, objectives and scope of the evaluation 2.1 Purpose

Autres informations

This ToR seeks to engage a qualified consulting firm to develop the KOBAC project's performance evaluation framework, tools, and processes, applicable to the baseline, midline, and endline surveys, and to lead the baseline evaluation cycle under the overall strategic guidance of the NCRDS and BRCiS Consortium Management Unit (CMU). For the baseline phase, the consultant will provide technical support during data collection, conduct data quality assurance, undertake comprehensive analysis and produce the baseline evaluation report, with subsequent midline and endline evaluations to be contracted separately. Additionally, the consultant will co-facilitate the dissemination of baseline findings alongside NCRDS and BRCiS to relevant stakeholders, promoting learning and informing evidence-based decision-making. The evaluation framework will apply a contribution analysis lens—rather than an attribution-focused study design—to assess the project's role in observed results, both intended and unintended, while explicitly accounting for contextual factors that may influence outcomes. Findings are expected to generate robust evidence to support adaptive management and strengthen stakeholder accountability. 2.2. Objectives The primary objective of this assignment is twofold: first, to develop a comprehensive performance evaluation framework, tools, and processes for the KOBAC project — aligned with the NCRDS led National Solutions Pathway Action Plan (NSPAP), EU evaluation requirements, and relevant BRCiS Consortium projects evaluation framework, including AARAN and URBANISE — and applicable to the KOBAC baseline, midline, and endline surveys; and second, to lead the KOBAC baseline evaluation cycle. Under this ToR, the consultant will design the overarching evaluation methodology and all associated measurement tools, while implementation will be limited to the baseline phase. The midline and endline evaluations will be contracted separately, though the framework and tools developed under this assignment will be utilized for subsequent phases to ensure methodological consistency and longitudinal comparability. Baseline Survey Objectives:

Localisation

Establish pre-intervention benchmarks across KOBAC logframe KPIs, disaggregated by location, gender, age, and displacement status (IDP, returnee, refugee, host community), to serve as the foundation for subsequent midline and endline surveys. Given that Outcome 3 participants will not yet be identified at baseline, this phase will focus exclusively on population-level data collection for Impact, Outcome 1, and Outcome 2 indicators. Understand contextual factors and risks that may affect project implementation. Recognizing that major project interventions have been defined through extensive government and DAC consultations during the inception stage, provide actionable recommendations to ensure delivery approaches remain contextually relevant and aligned with project stakeholders' needs from the outset. All KOBAC evaluation tools will be designed to ensure alignment with NCRDS's National Solutions Pathway Action Plan (NSPAP), EU evaluation requirements and standards, and BRCiS Consortium measurement approaches, particularly AARAN and URBANISE projects. These tools will be utilised for KOBAC baseline, midline, and endline assessment frameworks to facilitate seamless integration into subsequent evaluation reports. Throughout the development process, the consultant will consult with NCRDS and the BRCiS CMU to maximize alignment and interoperability with existing measurement tools. Findings from the KOBAC baseline assessment will serve as a critical evidence benchmark for NCRDS, informing the project's contribution to the National Solutions Pathway Action Plan and strengthening government capacity in forced displacement management, while also equipping BRCiS and KOBAC implementing partners with established baseline benchmark and ensure planned activities remain aligned with evidence-based priorities and the prevailing project context

• 3. Evaluation Scope, Framework and Approach The evaluation will cover baseline assessment of the project across project target locations in Afgoye and Jowhar districts. It will engage all relevant stakeholder groups, including displacement-affected communities (displaced persons and host communities), local authorities, state and federal government representatives, NCRDS and implementing partners. Guided by the OECD-DAC criteria, specifically relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability, the evaluation will focus on the project's performance across the following core domains: (i) institutional capacity of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and local municipalities to coordinate, monitor, and deliver inclusive durable solutions, measured via in-depth qualitative rubrics; (ii) self-reliance within displacement-affected communities (DAC), tracking enhanced access to basic services, Housing, Land, and Property (HLP) rights, and economic livelihoods for marginalized groups, alongside meaningful inclusion of youth and women; and (iii) social cohesion and collective action among DAC communities and (iv) the extent to which the project has strengthened the institutional and technical capacity of local authorities to sustainably operate and maintain the project-implemented green urban infrastructures. Baseline Phase: Data collection will focus exclusively on population-level surveys for Impact, Outcome 1, and Outcome 2 indicators, as these measure community-wide changes—such as self-reliance, social cohesion, government capacity, tenure security, and perceptions of municipal inclusivity—that apply to the general population in target locations regardless of direct project participation. Given that Outcome 3 participants (beneficiaries receiving intensive livelihood support, including business groups, food producers, and TVET graduates) will not yet be identified during the baseline phase, Outcome 3 baseline values will not be collected at this stage; instead, they will be captured through the participant registration tool in early Year 2, ensuring that pre-intervention benchmarks are established at the point of entry before any support is provided, thereby maintaining methodological rigor while aligning with the project's implementation timeline and operational realities Cross-cutting themes—including gender equality, disability inclusion, social cohesion, and medium to long-term effects of capacity development initiatives—will be integrated into the baseline.
• 4. Methodology. Building on the guidance provided below, the consultant will propose a detailed performance evaluation methodology in their technical proposal, which will subsequently be refined during the inception phase in consultation with BRCiS, NCRDS and key stakeholders. The evaluation design will be guided by OECD-DAC criteria and grounded in contribution analysis, employing a longitudinal mixed-methods design—combining quantitative household surveys with qualitative key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs)—to systematically track progress against logframe KPIs. The consultant(s) will also review existing NCRDS systems and BRCiS measurement survey tools to maximize consistency and interoperability. The following sections outline the proposed core methodological components that the consultant should incorporate and build upon in their proposal: Desk review of project documents, government frameworks, progress reports and monitoring data will inform all evaluation phases. Quantitative household panel surveys will track the same households over time, comprising: Direct participants (Outcome 3): Households receiving intensive livelihood support. Baseline values for this group will be captured during registration in early Year 2, not during the baseline survey. Indirect participants (Outcomes 1 and 2): Households accessing community-level services (e.g., infrastructure, education, health). Baseline data for this group will be collected during the baseline survey. Qualitative methods will include: Key informant interviews with government authorities, BRCiS partners, donor representatives, and community members. Participatory focus group discussions with displacement-affected communities (displaced persons, host communities, women, youth, persons with disabilities, and community leaders) Qualitative rubrics will assess the project's contribution to strengthening government capacity in leading inclusive durable solutions (KPI 1.1.) All quantitative and qualitative data will be triangulated and synthesized to produce one comprehensive report per evaluation phase (baseline, midline, and endline). The methodology should prioritize adaptive learning, with findings structured to inform real-time program adjustments and future interventions. The final methodology, including any adaptations, will be submitted for approval in the inception report.
• 5. Main Deliverables and Timeline The consultant is expected to be onboarded by September 2026, with an inception report to be submitted by October 2026, followed by the rollout of baseline data collection in November 2026. A draft baseline report is expected by January 2027, and a dissemination workshop is tentatively scheduled for February 2027. Please note that this baseline workplan is provisional and subject to change; final dates will be discussed and agreed upon during the development of the inception workplan and considering post-El Niño flooding impact The consultant will deliver the following key outputs throughout the evaluation lifecycle. The consultant will use relevant BRCiS templates and formats where applicable, and all deliverables will be submitted in English, in editable electronic format (Power Point, Microsoft Word and PDF). October 2026 Deliverable 1: Inception Report A detailed inception report outlining the evaluation methodology, evaluation questions, data collection tools, sampling strategy, fieldwork plan, stakeholder engagement approach, ethical considerations, limitations, a detailed workplan and additional specific measurement methods developed tools and guidance. January 2027 Deliverable 2: Baseline Report A baseline report presenting pre-intervention benchmark data for Impact, Outcome 1, and Outcome 2 logframe KPIs at the population level, disaggregated by location, gender, age, and displacement status. The report will note that Outcome 3 baseline values will be captured separately during participant registration in early Year 2. The report will include analysis of contextual factors and risks, and actionable recommendations for adaptive management Jan/February 2027 Baseline Validation and Dissemination Workshops Co-facilitate baseline validation and dissemination workshop to: (i) present preliminary findings, contextualise and validate findings, and gather stakeholder feedback; and (ii) share final findings, facilitate adaptive management discussions, and identify scalable approaches. Workshops will engage NCRDS, BRCiS, EU, government authorities, and other key stakeholders.

Présentation du poste

A concise PowerPoint presentation summarizing key findings, conclusions, and recommendations for each evaluation phase Note: Timelines are indicative and may be adjusted in consultation with BRCiS to accommodate field realities, security considerations, or emerging project needs.

• 6. Management Arrangements and Workplan Roles and Responsibilities Evaluation Consultant The evaluation consultant will be responsible for the following key tasks: Methodology and Tool Design: Lead the design of the evaluation methodology and all data collection tools, ensuring alignment with NCRDS plans, BRCiS evaluation frameworks and EU requirements, OECD-DAC criteria, and the contribution analysis framework. This includes developing Outcome 3 KPI assessment questionnaires for integration into the participant registration tool. Training and Capacity building: Provide training to BRCiS, NCRDS member staff on evaluation tools and methodologies prior to baseline data collection. Data Collection Oversight: Provide remote supervision of field data collection activities, including technical backstopping, data quality assurance, and oversight of enumerator performance. All field data collection will be led by implementing partners and government focal persons; the external evaluator will not undertake primary data collection in the field. Virtual Key Informant Interviews: Conduct virtual key informant interviews (approximately 8-10) with project stakeholders during the inception period, including NCRDS, BRCiS CMU, EU, Federal Government of Somalia (NCRDS), local authorities, and implementing partners, as part of the inception phase. Analysis and Reporting: Undertake data analysis and produce baseline evaluation deliverables as outlined in Section 5, including the inception report, baseline, and workshop materials. Workshop Facilitation: The consultant will co-facilitate in-person baseline training and final baseline findings validation and dissemination workshop as outlined below: Baseline Training (One Day, Mogadishu): The consultant will lead a one-day in-person training session in Mogadishu to orient NCRDS, implementing partners, and relevant stakeholders on the evaluation methodology, data collection tools, and quality assurance protocols prior to baseline field work. Baseline Validation and Dissemination Workshop (One Day, Mogadishu): The consultant will co-facilitate a one-day in-person baseline validation and dissemination workshop in Mogadishu alongside NCRDS and BRCiS to present preliminary baseline findings to project stakeholders, including government representatives, donors, and implementing partners. The workshop will serve as a platform for validating findings, discussing implications, and generating actionable recommendations for adaptive management. Field-Level Baseline Validation Workshops (Led by Implementing Partners): KOBAC implementing partners will lead separate validation workshops at the field level with project stakeholders, including affected communities and local authorities. These workshops will present baseline findings for contextual validation, gather community and local government perspectives, and capture field-level recommendations. Feedback and recommendations generated from these validation workshops will be systematically integrated into the final baseline report Compliance and Ethics: Adhere to EU, FGS and NRC data protection standards and Do No Harm principles, including NRC's Code of Conduct, Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) policies, and data protection protocols. Relevant policies will be signed during the contracting process. Security and Logistics: The consultant is solely responsible for their own security at all times throughout the assignment. NRC may offer security guidance/briefing only u

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