External Evaluation of Belun’s Early Warning and Response (EWER) Program

External Evaluation of Belun’s Early Warning and Response (EWER) Program

August 2010

Call for Applicants


Background

BELUN is currently seeking a consultant to conduct an annual external evaluation of the Early Warning, Early Response (EWER) conflict prevention system. The EWER program monitors social, economic, political and external trends as well as incidents of violence throughout the country with an aim to increasing early responses to conflict and preventing the escalation of violence at the national and community level.





Assignment Objectives

The EWER program is just completing its 2nd year of implementation and is seeking an independent evaluation to assess the efficacy of the program in achieving its desired objectives and to provide practicable recommendations to the implementing partners for improving its implementation.



The objectives of this evaluation are to review progress on the following objectives:

1. Strengthened programmatic and policy responses to conflict through the establishment of a national Early Warning system

2. Reinforced state and community preparedness and responses to conflict toward preventing the escalation of violence



Length of Assignment and Costs

The assignment is envisioned to be conducted from 26h August – 23rd September 2010. The suggested timeframe can be discussed and adjusted but should not exceed 30 days.



Preliminary Time frame and Workplan

Desk study and background Research: 26 – 31st August

Research and interviews in Dili: 1 – 7th September

Field work (in selected District case-studies): 8 -15th September

Analysis and Reporting: 15-19th September 2010

Pre-Final Report presented to the team for feedback: 20th September

Final Report: 23rd September



Total budget frame: not to exceed USD 10,000

The budget shall cover all costs including consultancy fees, international and national travel, Per Diems, insurances and communication. Printing costs are covered by BELUN





Activities and Responsibilities

1) Review EWER Program documentation including program design documents, previously published monitoring reports, policy briefs and alerts, and results from previous internal and external evaluations;

2) Desk study research on the role and effectiveness of Early Warning Systems Worldwide;

3) Develop methodological guidelines and tools for an external evaluation of the EWER Project;

4) Conduct interviews with EWER Dili and District staff, Volunteer monitors and Conflict Prevention Networks

5) Make recommendations for future changes in the project based on the findings. This may include reference to:

a. The design of the programmatic structure for effective monitoring and effective communication and transfer of monitoring data

b. The sustainability of the relationship with sub-district level monitors

c. The training outcomes of twice-yearly monitor trainings

d. The ability of the mechanism to provide early warning to relevant stakeholders

e. The ability of the Sub-District level Conflict Prevention Networks to design appropriate strategies of intervention and employ existing capacities within the networks for this purpose

f. The program’s potential gender impact through participation of men and women in the system and as beneficiaries across a range of factors using the program’s gender impact assessment framework

6) Prepare a draft evaluation report for discussion with the management team of the EWER program

7) Submit Final Evaluation Report



Reporting and Working Relationships

The consultant will report to and be accountable jointly to the Director at BELUN and Program Manager for CICR. The consultant will work closely with the CICR Program Manager in the design of the evaluation and with Belun’s EWER Program Manager in gaining access to relevant stakeholders in the evaluation, including EWER program staff of both CICR and Belun.



Personal Specifications

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

· Advanced university degree in Social Sciences, International Relations, Statistics, or related fields

· At least 3 to 5 years practical experience in developing and implementing Monitoring and Evaluation activities for Peacebuilding or Community Development projects at the international level, including field work;

· Previous experience working with Early Warning systems, Conflict Prevention or Conflict Transformation activities

· Strong background in conflict sensitive development practices

· Fluency in English

· Fluency in either Tetun or Bahasa Indonesia

· Previous experience working in Timor-Leste, preferably in an NGO context

· Ability to travel extensively in the districts



Preferred Attributes

· Fluency in Tetun

· Applicants currently living or working within Timor-Leste

· Experience working with Early Warning Systems


Application Contact

Interested candidates may submit CV applications or any inquiries to sd2633@columbia.edu by Mon, 16 August 2010.
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Sarah Dewhurst
Program Manager
CICR Columbia University
Belun, Timor-Leste
+670 742 8371