Consultants to Conduct Final Project Evaluation

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Helen Keller International (HKI) is an international non-governmental organization. Its mission is to save the sight and lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged by combating the causes and consequences of blindness and malnutrition. We do this by establishing programs grounded in evidence-based research in eye health and nutrition.

Uncorrected refractive errors are a significant cause of avoidable visual impairment, blindness and disability, especially in developing countries. 

Presbyopia is a significant cause of avoidable visual impairment, blindness and disability, particularly among older adults. Vision impairment due to uncorrected presbyopia affects over one billion people worldwide, 98% of whom live in less developed countries. Poor access to eyeglasses and lack of health care professionals to perform eye examinations exacerbate this issue.

With the generous support from Grand Challenges Canada, HKI is implementing the program called “Establishing Vision Entrepreneurs through Community Based Eye Care System in Rural Communities of Hanoi, Vietnam”.

Objectives of program:

1.To develop a replicable service delivery model that improves assess for correction of presbyopia in underserved communities. 
2.Reduce the number of people with uncorrected presbyopia by screening, refracting and providing qualified eyeglasses; thereby contributing to improvement in their quality of life.
3.Improve the knowledge of adults and community members about the importance of maintaining good vision;
4.Improve the capacity of private optic shops in Quoc Oai to provide high quality eyeglasses for those who have refractive errors.

The implementation period of the program was initially 11 months, started in September 2014 and planned to phase out at the end of August 2015. The final evaluation is expected to be conducted in late August 2015. HKI office in Vietnam seeks to recruit highly qualified consultants to conduct the final evaluation.

GOAL OF THE FINAL EVALUATION

This assignment is to assess the progress made towards the achievement of the overall and specific objectives based on project proposal, current data, direct observation, the project achievements, gaps, lessons learnt and provide recommendations and best practice that focus on key components for future projects.

SCOPE OF WORK AND SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

The final evaluation will focus on measuring development results and potential impacts generated by the presbyopia program in Quoc Oai district based on the specific objectives and criteria on this term of conference.

This final evaluation has following specific objectives:

• To assess the outcomes and effectiveness of the program implementation process
• To determine the projects achievements and gaps
• To determine the extent of the direct and indirect impacts of the interventions
• To assess the effectiveness of the co-ordination among stakeholders and areas for improvement
• To provide the best practices/recommendations that may be used in the future programming

The evaluation will mainly entail the following criteria (but not limited to):

• Relevance: how appropriate were inputs and activities as related to the local needs? What value did the intervention add to the local context?
• Effectiveness: Have the objectives led to the achievement of the expected results?
• Efficiency: Did the project use the most efficient process?
• Sustainability: What sustainability mechanisms are in place to ensure the program continues to be maintained?
• Impact: What impact has the program had on the beneficiaries and the project area as a whole?

METHODOLOGY

The evaluation methodology will be defined by consultants, taking into account budget and time constraints. However, HKI requests that the methodology suggested by the consultant incorporates the following principles or approaches:

• The evaluation methodology will include a desk review of the program proposals, reports and other relevant documentation related to the program.
• The evaluation methodology is expected to incorporate mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative), which will include the collection of qualitative information through key informants interviews and focus group discussions.

EVALUATION DELIVERABLES

Inception Report:  This report will propose the methods, sources and procedures to be used for data collection. It will also include a proposed timeline of activities and submission of deliverables.

Draft Final Report: (to be submitted within 15 days after the completion of the field visit). The draft final report will contain the same sections as the final report and will be 20 to 30 pages in length.

Final Evaluation Report: (to be submitted within 10 days after reception of the draft final report with comments). The final report will be 20 to 30 pages in length.

TIMEFRAME:

The detailed time frame will be agreed, however it is expected that the activities take place during August and September 2015 over a period up to 15 working days.

EVALUATION TEAM

The evaluation team will consist of two members. A highly qualified health system consultant will be assigned to lead the Evaluation team. A national technical consultant will be assigned as a team member. Academic qualification and required experience of evaluation consultants are as follows:

The National Health System Consultant (team leader):

Academic Qualification: A master degree or higher in medicine, public health, public policy, social science or related field is a requirement. Further education or a concentration in monitoring and/or evaluation would be an asset. Academic and eye health background is an asset.

Experience: A combination of minimum 10 years of recognized expertise in:

• Conducting or managing evaluations, assessments, audits, research or review of development  projects, programmes, countries or thematic areas; and
• Having thematic expertise in ophthalmology, blindness prevention, especially in Refractive Errors or evaluating international program area.

The National Technical Consultant (team member):

Academic Qualification: A master degree or equivalent in Ophthalmology. Further education or a concentration in Refractive error must be required.

Experience: A combination of minimum 10 years of recognized expertise in ophthalmology, blindness prevention, especially in Refractive Errors.

BUDGET

The fee for consultant will be negotiated and applied following HKI Vietnam regulations.

The consultant or consultancy companies who are interested in taking these consultancy works please submit:

• A letter of interest;
• CV
• Technical proposal indicating the understanding of the TOR, a detailed methodology, and work plan for the final evaluation 
• Financial Proposal;
• Supporting documents (if any)

To:

Helen Keller International
Room 103, B5 building, Van Phuc Diplomatic Compound, 298 Kim Ma, Hanoi, Vietnam
Email: [email protected] ; [email protected] and Cc: [email protected]

The deadline for submitting the application is 17.00, 12 August, 2015.

Only short-listed consultants will be contacted.