Evaluator consultant for a Lessons Learned exercise

We are looking for a consultant for the purpose of this terms of reference is to outline the framework for conducting a lessons learned exercise for a multi-CARE project implemented in Ukraine, Romania, Poland, and Moldova.

Timeframe: ASAP until May 10th, 2024

About CARE Nederland

We are CARE Nederland, part of CARE, an international development organisation active in more than 100 countries worldwide. Originating from American food aid to Europe after the Second World War, we have been committed for 78 years to those who need it most.

CARE supports people in the most difficult places in the world in building a better life. We fight poverty by combating inequality. We do this by providing emergency aid, working on equal rights for women and making communities resilient to the effects of climate change and natural disasters by supporting them in building a sustainable livelihood. Our approach is characterised by customisation: in consultation with local partners and residents, we determine what is needed and what works. After all, it is only together that we can achieve sustainable results.

What will you be doing?

CARE Nederland wishes to conduct a lessons learned exercise for a multi-CARE project implemented in Ukraine, Romania, Poland, and Moldova. The programme was developed as the humanitarian response to the military invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022 and financed by more than 20 private and public donors support from France, UK, Netherlands, Austria, Canada as well as CARE Pooled Funds. Multi-CARE (CARE France, Germany, USA & Netherlands) and their core partners I.e. SERA Romania and FONPC, CARE Ukraine/ IRF, CARE Poland/ PCPM , started an immediate multi-dimensional humanitarian assistance response in the line with needs of those refugees who crossed the border and stayed in Romania, Poland and Moldova. They also organized cross-border shipments of food and non-food items.

• Identify key successes, challenges, and lessons learned with reference to inter-agency collaboration and partnerships within CARE and with local partners throughout the implementation of the project.
• Document best practices, strategies, and approaches that contributed to successful outcomes.
• Identify areas for improvement and recommendations for future similar projects.
• Enhance knowledge sharing and capacity building among project stakeholders, through
• Prepare a detailed report outlining findings, including actionable recommendations for future projects and programmatic improvements.
• Present findings to relevant stakeholders and facilitate discussions to ensure shared understanding and learning.

Deliverables:

• Lessons Learned Report: a succinct (10 page) comprehensive report documenting key findings, best practices, challenges, and recommendations emerging from the exercise.
• Presentation: a presentation summarizing the findings and recommendations of the lessons learned exercise to be delivered to project stakeholders.

Timeline:

The lessons learned exercise will be conducted over a period of approx. 2,5 months with the following milestones:

• initial document review — 3 days
• inception report, including methodology and survey questionnaire — 3 days
• assessment phase, review of proposal, 3, 6, 9 and 21 month report and other docs (if relevant), interviews (virtual) and analysis – 15 days
• draft Lessons Learned report — 3 days
• incorporate comments and submit final report — 3 days
• organise feedback and learning session — 3 days

What do you bring to the table?

• Academic work and thinking level; MA in relevant subject required
• Experience with (overseeing) data collection and analysis, and database management
• Experience with MEAL in development programming
• Excellent knowledge of English
• Knowledge of Dutch and French would be an asset
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbally
• Planning and organising skills
• Didactic skills

CARE maintains a zero tolerance policy on sexual exploitation, abuse, and child abuse and takes all concerns and complaints about sexual exploitation, abuse, and child abuse involving CARE staff and related personnel seriously.

What does CARE Nederland offer?

• Proven experience in conducting evaluations, assessments, or lessons learned exercises in the humanitarian or development sector, particularly in Eastern Europe or similar contexts.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to synthesize complex information into clear and actionable recommendations.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with experience in leading interviews, focus groups, and workshops.
• Familiarity with the principles of humanitarian aid, community development, and gender equality.
• Fluency in English

Budget:

The budget for the lessons learned exercise is based on an all-inclusive rate and will cover expenses related to stakeholder consultations, data collection and analysis, report writing, and dissemination activities. The budget is set at 30 days € 500 per day, € 15.000 (home based, total inclusive costs) Total: 30 days & € 500= € 15.000 ex VAT (based on no travel needed) The final lessons learned report will be submitted to CARE Nederland by no later than 10th May 2024.