The assignment is carried out as the beginning of a new implementation phase approach and in the context of the subsequent renewal of the mechanism, with the intention that its recommendations and findings contribute to the integration of improvements and learning in the following monitoring and reporting framework. The improvement of the M&E system is a priority for the next phase, as well as strengthening the reporting capacity of the Consortium M&E officers to report on impact. A storytelling framework is seen as a possible tool to achieve this.
In response to the needs identified, external support is sought to develop an enhanced monitoring framework to identify and document the program’s results and impact; design the tools for its implementation; and install the required capacities for its operation in the program staff and the M&E officers of the organizations that are part of the Consortium.
OBJECTIVES
Objective 1: Map and review the existing M&E and reporting framework of ProtectDefenders.eu Consortium to identify gaps and opportunities for reporting on impact, based on the log frame proposed for Phase III, proposing specific actions, tools, and recommendations to address them.
Objective 2: Identify key indicators in Phase III linked to impact and suitable for storytelling. Develop an effective, harmonised and collective framework around them and a storytelling methodology with specific tools and processes, designed in a participatory and realistic way and in accordance with efficiency and feasibility criteria.
Objective 3: Establish and conduct a participatory process with the partners’ reporting officers that culminates in a useful face-to-face workshop.
METHODOLOGY
The consultant should use the following methodologies to conduct the assignment:
- Desk review: The desk review should include all available internal documentation.
- Key Informant Interviews (including group calls): Interviews should take place with the Secretariat and with ProtectDefenders.eu implementing Partners.
- In-person training in Brussels.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the overall supervision of ProtectDefenders.eu’s Secretariat, the consultant is expected to:
- Prepare a work plan for the implementation of the assignment;
- Provide an update on the assignment’s progress;
- Deliver the following outputs during the assignment/process:
i. Guidance note and set of recommendations for an enhanced common approach to qualitative outcome-focused reporting and reporting on impact in Phase III
ii. Guidance note, including tools, processes, and eventually templates to develop an enhanced framework for reporting on impact, and a storytelling dimension of reporting around the relevant indicators of the EU HRD mechanism Phase III.
iii. Face-to-face workshop in Brussels for the reporting officers of the EU HRD mechanism to develop and consolidate capacities on the elements mentioned above, with useful and participatory methodologies.
CONTACT POINT
The assignment will be facilitated by ProtectDefenders.eu’s Secretariat and carried out under the supervision of ProtectDefenders.eu’s Board. The Secretariat will provide all necessary material for the desk review and contacts for key informants.
TENTATIVE TIMELINE
The timeline for the consultancy is tentative as follows:
Start of the assignment – ASAP;
- For O1: Completed by end of November 2022;
- For O2: Throughout November and early December, completed shortly after the workshop.
- For O3: Throughout November and early December, with a workshop delivered in Brussels on the week of 12 December
Follow-up: To be discussed
* The final timeline will be agreed upon by the submission of the inception report.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Payments will be scheduled against deliverables:
- Signed Contract – 30% up-front.
- Upon delivery of deliverables i) and ii) – 40%
- Upon completion of the in-person workshop (deliverable iii) – 30%
All deliverables should be provided in English.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Advanced University degree in Human Rights, International Relations, Law, Political Science or related field;
- At least seven years of work or academic experience in a professional capacity in Human Rights, International Relations, Law, Political Science or related field;
- Extensive experience in conducting evaluations of human rights projects’ monitoring and reporting framework, preferably involving multiple partners and the European Union as a donor ;
- Deep understanding of non-governmental organisations, human rights organisations, call for proposals procedures, legal and practical aspects of funding frameworks and Project management;
- Experience liaising with different stakeholders, including individuals, governmental and international entities and civil society;
- Advanced critical thinking, analysis, and synthesis skills required to draw conclusions from several sources of information and data;
- Fluency in written and spoken English. Ability to express clearly and concisely ideas in written materials and presentations; working knowledge of French/ Spanish is an asset.
- Proven skills in interpersonal communication and networking.
SUBMISSION OF OFFERS AND SELECTION CRITERIA
Applicants are requested to send their submissions to recruit@protectdefenders.eu, with the subject “Impact and Storytelling Consultancy consultant” by 20 October 2022.
Applications must include:
- A cover letter
- A statement (3 pages maximum) detailing the understanding of the task, the proposed study methodology, a work plan and the proposed evaluation team (CVs annexed)
- A detailed financial proposal in Euros including consultancy fees and other eligible costs (transport and accommodation for field visits, printing, etc)
- Three samples of abstracts of previous relevant research/work.
The review of the submissions will take into account the following criteria:
- Understanding of the ToRs (10%)
- Suggested methodology (30%)
- Experience of the suggested team (30%)
- Quality of submitted samples (10%)
- Financial offer (20%)
CONFIDENTIALITY
All information presented, obtained, and produced concerning the EU Human Rights Defenders mechanism, the Partners, and beneficiaries during the Evaluation process/Consultancy is to be treated as confidential. The selected consultant will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement upon signing the contract. The selected consultant should also observe the communication and online digital security protocols established for the project, particularly in their interactions with beneficiaries of the project and in the management of sensitive information.
DISCLAIMER
The selected consultant will be contracted upon receiving confirmation of the EU-funding decision and upon the grant contract signature for the EU HRD Mechanism’s formal renewal.
