Background
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.
Since establishing operations in Timor-Leste in 2007, we have earned a reputation for innovative and high-quality programming. We promote a community-led, market-based approach to addressing key challenges to improved wellbeing through greater resilience, resolved root causes of poverty, and inclusive economic growth so that Timor-Leste is able to thrive beyond oil.
Project Description
Like many countries around the world, Timor-Leste faces the urgent challenge of finding waste management solutions for plastic. Currently, plastic is burned in trash piles, clogs critical drainage infrastructure or washes up on the country’s once pristine beaches, which causes risks to human health and jeopardizes the potential of the nascent, but promising, tourism industry.
Since 2019, the Hamenus Lixu Plastiku (HLP) a four-year program implemented by Mercy Corps with support from the European Union (EU), which aimed to limit the generation of plastic waste and support a Civil Society Organization (CSO)-inclusive circular economy for plastic waste resulting in a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous Timor-Leste and Enhanced CSO and local business capacity to participate in climate change mitigation initiatives through increased participation in political, social and economic initiatives to improve the plastic circular economy in urban Timor-Leste.
Utilizing awareness raising and behavior change approach, the program seeks to increase the demand for plastic recycle products for Timor-Leste small recycling manufacture and create a market for recycled products and expand the employment and entrepreneur opportunities.
HLP’s two parallel and linked interventions include:
Key activities that fall under this outcome of the program are:
Improving coordination between stakeholders in the plastics circular economy with a focus on promoting dialogue between SSE and CSOs. Disseminating information through CSO-inclusive campaigns that increase awareness of climate change and the environment and support the circular economy for plastic waste management.Endline Objective:
As part of HLPs documentation, communication and dissemination efforts, Mercy Corps is looking for a qualified consultant to conduct end line survey for the impact of HLP program intervention in Dili, Timor-Leste. Endline results will also improve its future programming through lessons learned and best practices generated through the program.
The endline will focus on four core objectives of relevance, effectiveness, impact and sustainability, and will include assessment of the market for expansion of the plastic circular economy, gender analysis and impact of HLP program intervention in Dili, Timor-Leste. Endline results will also capture learning and sharing of community practices based on the findings.
Methods
Literature review
The consultancy will begin with a literature review of existing documentation produced by HLP. This will include reviewing relevant program documents and any literature from the previous baseline report. This will also include an analysis that will help to structure both quantitative and qualitative research by determining the key questions, scope, audience, and information needed for the assessments. This analysis will result in an inception report (no more than 4-5 pages).
The aim of this endline collection is to assess and understand ongoing knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the project’s target population in relation to the program’s performance indicators. Endline assessment will be developed and led the consultant in close coordination with Mercy Corps Timor Leste’s Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) team and is expected to include a mix of quantitative measures and open-ended qualitative tools designed to capture project impact.
Note:
The methodology for the review is to be developed through consultation with the Mercy Corps team. The methodology adopted should update the preliminary issues and questions outlined within this SoW, specifying the specific review issues, questions, methods of data collection and analysis that the consultant will undertake. Mercy Corps Timor Leste Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) team will lead the field data collection for quantitative data under the supervision of the consultant.Data sources
The study will utilize both primary and secondary data. The survey will rely on data collection from primary sampling units at the household level and school level from the population within the program targeted areas.
Analysis plan
A detailed analysis plan will be developed during the inception report, using indicator definitions and data collection tools.
Scope of Work for Consultancy
The consultant will be responsible for ensuring the endline study utilizes methodologies that meet quantitative and qualitative research standards. The scope of work must include the following:
Review of secondary sources of information Collect and review relevant data, reports and publications, as part of the overall analysis and reporting Data Collection Tools finalization (in close consultation with Mercy Corps Provide technical support in developing/finalizing questionnaire(s) Assist MERL Team to transfer questionnaire(s) into relevant technological platforms to enable mobile data Assist translation of data collection tools into local language(s) where relevant. Conduct endline surveys Provide ToT to MERL team to train data collectors/enumerators for quantitative data collection Conduct qualitative data gathering Establish mechanisms to ensure data quality Data management, analysis, and reporting Assist MERL team for data cleaning and consolidate findings from the surveys and assessments. Perform data analysis Prepare the Endline report Present Endline resultsMercy Corps MERL Team Support:
Assist determining the sample size and prepare the list of the place where the data collection will take place including list of the stakeholders Assist to develop key research questions Provide relevant data and documents to the Consultant (for a targeted document review) Review and translate interview guides Host presentation and discussion on the study findings Provide data collection training to enumerators Support on the logistic for the data collection Facilitate and Support enumerators for data collection Review the data submission and provide feedback to enumerators Cleaning of the dataLogistic and Administrative Support
Mercy Corps will assist the consultant for travel (international and local) and accommodation arrangements.
Expected Deliverables and Duration of Consultancy
Expected deliverables: Deliverables should be in English. Expected deliverables for theEndline study is as follows:
Inception Report (study design and data analysis plan) ToT for quantitative data collection Submission of report with preliminary study results Submission of draft report (based on feedback provided from initial version with preliminary results) Submission of final report and supporting slide deck -The contents, structure and format of the report should be finalized in close consultation with Mercy Corps Duration of the consultancy: The consultancy will be provided for the duration of 17 working days - Starting from 10 OctoberTimeframe / Schedule:
The endline is scheduled to take place in the month of October 2023 for an estimated 17 working days broken down as follows:
Review of background documentation and preparation of methodology – 2 days Discussion and agreement on proposed methodology with Mercy Corps – 1 dayAssessment of project progress and performance – including field visits and interviews with project partners and key stakeholders – 7 daysAnalysis of findings and production of draft report – 4 days Debriefing - presentation and discussion of findings to project partners – 1 day Finalization/revisions of the report and submission – 2 daysThe Consultant will work closely with
Director of Programs, MERL Manager and Program Manager
Application Procedure
Interested experts are invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) as a team for delivery of the assignment. The EOI should include:
Detailed CV with a full description of the profile and experience, including a list of previous work.Sample of previous relevant consultancy deliverable, such as a final evaluation report.A financial proposal detailing the proposed anticipated costs in undertaking the assignment.The application, written in English, should be submitted to Mercy Corps before 5:00 PM September 29, 2023
Required Experience & Skills:
Five to seven years of experience conducting and leading survey research and assessments, both quantitative and qualitative Graduate degree, from a recognized institution Demonstrated experience in questionnaire development and testing Demonstrated experience in training and managing data collectors/enumerators Experience in Monitoring and Evaluation Excellent knowledge and skills in research methodology and statistical analysis Advanced computer skills Excellent communication skills for training and facilitation,