Consultant -for the final evaluation of the European Union funded Project Supporting disaster risk reduction in Pacific overseas countries and territories

SPC is looking for a consultant to lead the final evaluation of the project “Supporting Disaster Risk Reduction in Pacific Overseas Countries and Territories”. This project, funded by the European Union and implemented by SPC’s Applied Geoscience and Technology Division, is now complete after 5 years of operation. Its main objective was to support the four territories of New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna and Pitcairn Islands in reducing disaster risk.

The EDF 9C Project “Supporting Disaster Risk Reduction in Pacific Overseas Countries and Territories” (thereafter referred to as “the Project”), was designed to address the above key areas. It sought to enhance OCT government capacity to address natural disaster and public health risks through regional collaboration and domestic action. Strategies used were capacity building in data collection, analysis and use for decision-making, support to on-the-ground delivery of risk reduction solutions, regional exchanges and cross-learning.

The Project was designed for a four-year duration and is regional in scope, comprising the four territories of New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna and Pitcairn Islands. This Project represents the first substantial engagement between OCTs and SOPAC (the Applied Geoscience and Technology Division of SPC – the Secretariat of the Pacific Community; when the Project was first initiated, SOPAC was the Applied Geoscience Commission, an independent regional organisation).

The Project, totalling a European contribution of €5,068,100, was implemented on the basis of a Contribution Agreement signed in December 2008 between the European Union and SOPAC. The Project’s operational implementation phase was to lapse in November 2012 and was extended by twelve months following donor approval. Implementation is now complete, leading the donor and implementing agencies to seek lessons learned and extract best practices through the conduct of a final evaluation.

Qualifications of the successful Consultant(s)

The Consultant(s) required should possess and display the following competencies: 

1. Fluent or good working knowledge of both English and French (spoken and written)
2. Expertise and proven experience in Project evaluation including quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods, the Project Cycle Management (PCM) approach, and the use of logical frameworks. 
3. Expertise and/or proven experience in project management, including institutional (EDF procedures), organisational, and financial issues. 
4. Relevant developing country experience, preferably with some gained in the French Pacific territories or Pacific Island Countries.
5. Knowledge and experience in Disaster Risk Management (including hazard assessment) in developing countries, preferably in the Pacific region, including a good understanding of island needs and constraints.
6. Experience in, or exposure to, water resource assessment, water supply and sanitation practices pertinent to Pacific island environments.
7. Experience interacting with governments of small island developing states (including at national level), international organisations, bilateral donors, and civil society representatives. 
8. Proven understanding of the benefits of a regional integration approach.

Objectives and scope of the final evaluation

The objective of the final evaluation is to determine the efficiency, effectiveness and impact of the Project in meeting its objectives, and the sustainability of the outcomes.

The evaluation should provide credible and useful information, enabling the identification of lessons learned for the implementing agency and associated Project stakeholders. The evaluation must be impartial and independent; useful; based on reliable information; and allow the participation of stakeholders and beneficiaries whenever possible.

More specifically the final evaluation will:

1. Assess the degree to which Project activities have achieved the defined goals, objectives and targets of the Project.
2. Review the problems faced and the effectiveness of corrective measures taken.
3. Identify lessons learnt and successes achieved, internally and externally, particularly in relation to the Disaster Risk Management sector and to the planning of future similar multi-country projects.
4. Assess the issue of sustainability (actual and potential) beyond the completion date of the Project.
5. Assess the Project’s sensitivity to cross-cutting issues such as environment, youth and gender, as appropriate.

This final evaluation is an integral part of the design of the Project. It is carried out to ensure transparency and accountability towards Project donors, stakeholders, and the wider public it seeks to serve. It takes place in a spirit of learning and extracting best practices for the donor agency, the implementing organisation and beyond.

Specific terms of reference for the final evaluation: mail issues to be studied

The final evaluation will cover the relevant activities undertaken since the commencement of the Project and should cover the period 2009-2013. The evaluation should take into consideration the relevant reports such as Result Oriented Monitoring (ROM) reports, annual activity/financial reports, the final project report (if available), and products delivered during the implementation period. These will be provided by the Project team during this initial briefing.