Council For The Blind end of project review Consultancy

Council for the Blind Zimbabwe seeks the services of a consultant to carry out an End of term review for “MYP P-3632” project;

“Strengthening Vision 2020 Eye Care Programmes in the northern provinces of Zimbabwe as well as urban tertiary eye care centres in Harare and Bulawayo” project.

1.0 Background

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The “Strengthening Vision 2020 Eye Care Programme in the northern provinces of Zimbabwe as well as urban tertiary eye care centres in Harare and Bulawayo” project was being implemented in a partnership between Zimbabwe Council for the Blind (ZCfB), Christian Blind Mission (CBM) and the Ministry of Health and Child Care. CBM enjoys a long-standing relationship with Zimbabwe Council for the Blind (ZCfB) spanning over three decades. The project was implemented in 5 out of 10 Zimbabwe`s Provinces reaching out to over 5,751,829 people (2012 National census). The support with primary eye care was being provided in 3 Northern Provinces which are: Sakubva Eye Hospital (Manicaland), Marondera Eye Hospital (Mashonaland East), Norton Eye Hospital (Mashonaland West), while support of tertiary eye care facilities is being provided in 2 additional Provinces namely: Sekuru Kaguvi Eye Hospital (Harare) and United Bulawayo Hospital – Richard Morris (Bulawayo).

Currently there are 3 CBM supported Vision 2020 eye units in the Northern part of Zimbabwe which are: Sakubva Eye Hospital (Manicaland), Marondera Eye Hospital (Mashonaland East) and Norton Eye Hospital (Mashonaland West). All these Provinces share similar features with about 80% comprising a rural population and the rest falling under the urban areas. The support of tertiary centres aims at further strengthening paediatric ophthalmology that was established with support from CBM in both hospitals. The project seeks to increase access to quality adult cataract surgery as well as unveiling affordable eye care services to the overall population.

The overall objective of the programme was to reduce avoidable blindness and visual impairment in all age groups in Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, Manicaland, Harare and Bulawayo provinces. The project aimed at reducing avoidable blindness by providing regular and affordable eye health care services for adults and paediatric clients in Mashonaland West, East, Harare, Manicaland and Bulawayo provinces by 2020.

The programme core result areas, included:

1. Perform 4500 cataract surgeries in Mashonaland West Province

2. Training of eye health personnel in Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West and Manicaland Provinces

3. Perform 2350 cataract surgeries in Manicaland Province

4. Perform 2550 cataract surgeries in Mashonaland East Provinces

5. Support provision of paediatric and adult surgery at SKH

6. Support provision of spectacles to 30 000 clients in Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West and Manicaland Provinces

7. Support provision of low vision services at SKH – children eye unit

8. Support paediatric surgery at UBH – children’s eye unit

9. Support to coordination and administration in 5 provinces

2.0 Purpose, Objectives and Scope of the review

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The purpose of the evaluation is to establish and document the impact and effectiveness of project interventions to render accountability to the donor. The evaluation is expected to provide data on the relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, coherence, impact and sustainability of project interventions. The findings and recommendations will contribute to a learning process which enables CFB to draw lessons from its experience in order to improve the quality of life of persons affected by avoidable blindness and document new knowledge and important topics for further inquiry, action, lobbying and influence.

Expected results and specific objectives

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The evaluation will target the whole implementation of the project from inception (January 2018 to March 2021), all activities implemented and the results achieved in MYP P-3632. Within this period, the evaluation will assess project outcomes at all levels: including all result areas, beneficiaries and project stakeholders. The evaluation will, in particular seek to assess the impact and relevance of the project’s intervention on   contributing to the reduction of avoidable blindness and visual impairment in Harare and Bulawayo.

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Objectives

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The objectives of the evaluation are summarized below:

• To evaluate the project in terms of its effectiveness, relevance, coherence, efficiency, sustainability, and impact, with a priority on assessing the project expected results, objectives and overall goal;

• To identify key lessons and potential best practices for learning;

• To assess the challenge, best practice and document the outcome for future processes.

The evaluation will employ the six specific evaluation criteria for humanitarian action from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development – Development Assistance Committee (OECD-DAC) to guide the study with special emphasize on sustainability. 

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2.0 Evaluation Criteria Lead Questions

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2.2    Evaluation Methodology

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The evaluation should follow a collaborative and participatory mixed methods approach that draws on both existing and new quantitative and qualitative data to answer the evaluation questions. Qualitative data collection (FGDs, KIIs…) will complement and validate the quantitative component and will further explore the perceptions of the targeted beneficiaries regarding the proposed intervention in the targeted areas.

The evaluation should follow a theory-based approach.  It is expected that the consultant will assess the quality of the project’s impact logic and if necessary, to develop a realistic impact logic based upon the interventions; and give due consideration to the information outlined in this ToR to ensure accuracy and rigor. The choice of method must also consider the needs and capacities of the different target groups and stakeholders. The consultant will report to CFB and CBM Zimbabwe following the modalities of communication, feedback

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Desk Review

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Desk review should be conducted by the consultant to inform the methodology and development of the tools. In addition, the conducted desk review should cover the following documents: project proposal, Log frame, MEL plan and existing data collection tools in CFB and CBM Zimbabwe, sampling methodologies, and secondary literature studies related to the measurement of goal and outcome level indicators. The desk review process should serve as a guide for the consultant to continue gathering resources that would enable him/her to carry out development of tools and End of Project planning.

Target population

The end of project evaluation will cover areas where the project activities were implemented. The project targets to reach 105 000 patients in Manicaland, Mashonaland East and Norton Eye Hospital Mashonaland West.

Sample size

The sampling strategy should be identified and described by the consultant and approved by the CFB and CBM Zimbabwe. The overall sample should be representative. It also should be selected from all relevant different settings targeted by the project to ensure representation of all community members from all of the age groups, nationality and gender.

 Sampling process

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 The sampling process should be identified and described by the consultant as relevant to the target groups and different settings in the different project locations taking into consideration the different target population dynamics. Selection should be based mostly on probability approaches. Data will be collected with individual respondents in the settings where project activities will be taking place.

Tools

Tools need to be developed appropriately based on the sampled population. Separate surveys, with different project stakeholders are expected to be developed. Focus Group Discussions guides should include a set of open-ended questions and probes to guide the discussion. All FGDs and KII guides should be developed by the consultant and approved by the CFB and CBM Zimbabwe. All tools will be translated to the local language and should be field tested in the different project locations before its application.

Data Collection, management and quality check:

The consultant will ensure coordination and supervision of data collection at field level supported by CFB and CBM Project Officer who will support the process. Selected participants will be contacted by CFB and invited to participate in the exercise after explaining the purpose of the meeting and ensuring confidentiality of discussions and ideas shared. As for quality assurance, the consultant will identify and describe the process. Quantitative data will be entered in statistical software and cleaned up for analysis whilst qualitative data will be transcribed, coded, and analyzed using qualitative data processing and analysis methodology. The consultant should handover all the different qualitative and quantitative completed datasets and data collection tools.

Ethical considerations

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The evaluation will respect the essential CFB and CBM Zimbabwe ethical guidelines concerning conducting study with project beneficiaries and stakeholders. It is crucial to ensure that the risks of potential harm to participants resulting from the data collection process are minimized and are outweighed by the potential benefits of the outcomes of the study. The consultant is required to abide by the same ethical principles and guidelines developed by CFB and CBM Zimbabwe. Data Interpretation The consultant is expected to present the research the main quantitative and qualitative findings and reflect on the lessons learned and recommendations during an exit interview.

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2.3    Evaluation Timeline

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The evaluation is expected to be for 30days inclusive of fieldwork/interviews and report writing and submission.

3.0 The Consultant’s deliverables

4.1 After collecting all the data and information about the project, the consultant will be expected to analyze and submit the Draft Report which will be discussed with CFB and CBM. Thereafter a final report based on the discussion is expected to be submitted within the time frame.

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3.1    Roles of the Consultant

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• Submit a proposal detailing proposed approach, cost and timelines for the final project evaluation.

• Participate in the inception meeting with CFB and CBM.

• Develop data collection tools in consultation with CFB and CBM.

• Collect data from identified sources.

• Develop and submit final project evaluation report.

3.2    Roles of CFB and CBM

• Finalise TOR for the review, select most appropriate consultant/s, and manage contract and payment.

• Provide relevant literature for desk research.

• Organise appointments for interviews with partners.

• Provide input into the development of final project evaluation tools.

• Approve final report and other deliverables.

4.0 Required Qualifications and Expertise for Lead Evaluator/Entity

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The Evaluator shall have the following expertise and qualification:

• A minimum of a post-graduate University degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Business Administration, Strategic Management or equivalent.

• Good facilitation and presentation skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills.

• Knowledge of disability programming and funding trends will be an added advantage.

• At least five years’ work experience in International Development.

• A minimum of three years consulting experience as a team leader.

• At least three review assignments/evaluations successfully completed.

• At least two years’ experience at managerial level.

• Experience in participatory methods of research, gathering and synthesizing the perspectives of stakeholders.

• Good knowledge of gender mainstreaming and inclusion issues.

5.0 Confidentiality

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The consultant must not disclose any information received during the assignment to the third party without permission of CFB and CBM. Any behavior, public comments, or publication by the contractor considered damaging the reputation of CFB and CBM or other involved partners will lead to the immediate termination of the contract.

6.0 Child safeguarding policy

CBM is a child safeguarding organization, it is committed to prevent and protect children from all forms of abuse, and CBM expects its workers, partners, consultants and all other individuals or persons associated with its work to be committed to ensuring a safe environment for children. Any violation to this policy may result in termination of the whole consultancy contract.

7.0 Copyright

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Any data collected related to this assignment, including draft and report, will be full property and copyright of CFB and CBM, and may not be published or distributed to a third party without explicit permission from CFB and CBM.

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8.0 Mode of Application:

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Interested, qualified and experienced person, group of persons or firms must submit an Expression of Interest dossier by (Date 12/04/2021) to:

The cover letter should be addressed to:

The Director Council for the Blind

The expression of interest should contain: (a) a technical offer and (b) a financial offer, comprising:

A. Technical offer:

• Up to date CV of the lead consultant/evaluator (showing education and expertise).

• Technical proposition detailing proposed methodology and resources needed.

• An example of a report from similar work which demonstrates evidence of the skills and experience required and a list of past evaluation produced by the lead consultant/evaluator.

B. Financial offer:

• Budget for the assignment including professional fees and logistics cost.