Evaluation Terms Of Reference For the Leadership, Safety and Inclusion Project AND Sustainable Livelihoods and WASH Project :
- Harare
- Full Time
Job Summary
Methodist Church in Zimbabwe (MCZ)/Methodist Development and Relief Agency (MeDRA) and UnitingWorld
The Methodist Church in Zimbabwe (MCZ) has over 112,000 members in 1,541 local congregations across Zimbabwe. Like other churches in Zimbabwe, where most of the population identify as Christians, the MCZ is active in addressing social issues. The church’s strategic pillars include enhancing Christian Social responsibility, Resourcing the Church for Sustainability and Strengthening MCZ for effective delivery.
MeDRA is the development and relief agency of the MCZ. Its primary goals are to empower communities to build resilience through improved climate change adaptation, WASH and sustainable livelihoods, and to promote social and gender justice, mutual respect and tolerance. MeDRA has been active since 2004 and a registered private voluntary organization (PVO) since August 2009.
UnitingWorld is the international aid and partnerships agency of the Uniting Church in Australia. UnitingWorld collaborates with the global church to address the causes and consequences of poverty, injustice and violence.
UnitingWorld and MCZ/MeDRA have a long history of collaborating on joint programs including sustainable livelihoods and WASH, youth leadership and empowerment, voter education, disaster risk management and institutional strengthening in the areas of safeguarding, disability inclusion, anti-human trafficking, and gender equality.
Together, we are seeking a suitably qualified individual or team to conduct an evaluation of key two projects covering the period 2018-2022.
Project Backgrounds
Name: Sustainable Livelihoods and Wash Project (Handover Phase)
Period: July 2018-June 2021
Location: Muzarabani District and Njelele 2 Ward, Gokwe South District
Budget: USD 247,739 (approximately AUD 359,612 excluding UnitingWorld project management and monitoring)
The Sustainable Livelihoods and WASH Project implemented by MeDRA began in Muzarabani District in 2010 before expanding to include Njelele 2 Ward in Gokwe South District in 2014. A summative evaluation was conducted in 2018, which captured the results of the project, identified learning and made recommendations. Findings directed to the need for MeDRA to provide more support to communities as part of a structured hand over. This handover was due to take place by 30 June 2020, however due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic this was extended to 30 June 2021 to ensure sustainability of outcomes after the end of the project, along with MeDRA’s own institutional sustainability.
Duties and Responsibilities
The primary implementation approach for the health and WASH component during the handover phase was to improve hygiene practices by providing training/refresher training to local health masters and health clubs in Participatory Health and Hygiene Education (PHHE).
The primary implementation approach for the sustainable livelihoods component during the handover phase supported the sustainability of existing livelihood groups engaged in group Income Generating Activities (IGAs) primarily through training on Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCO) and Farmers' Associations. Health clubs were also provided training in Internal Savings and Lending (ISAL). As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic’s economic and social impacts on target groups, the final year of the project included additional inputs to bolster the sustainability of livelihood groups’ IGAs, training in Disaster Risk Management, and the provision of small grains and lean season food assistance. To strengthen project sustainability during the handover phase, Cluster Facilitators were selected. The Cluster Facilitators have an oversight role of the implementation of the project supporting community-based monitoring and community ownership of the project.
The primary implementation approach for the project and organisational sustainability component included a summative evaluation to identify learnings and priorities for sustainability, regular monitoring visits and accompaniment focusing on identifying and resolving barriers to sustainability, stakeholder engagement, leveraging project funds to access funding from other funders, and strengthening the capacity of MeDRA through board support, strategic planning, and staff training.
Qualifications and Experience
– Experience evaluating community development projects including in the livelihoods, WASH and behaviour change sectors is essential.
– Experience evaluating institutional strengthening or church-based projects will be advantageous.
– In-depth understanding of the Zimbabwean context including the role of government and civil society, including in rural development.
– Ability to speak local languages including Shona and Ndebele will be advantageous.
– Team leadership skills and experience, especially if a group of consultants is being proposed
– Excellent writing, communication and facilitation skills.
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