Expression of Interest: External Evaluator Consultancy for Innovations Against Poverty Project in Cambodia, Ethiopia, Uganda and Zambia

Background

SNV is a not-for-profit international development organization, established in the Netherlands in 1965 but rooted in the contexts and societies in the more than 25 countries where we work. And that mission is to strengthen capacities and catalyze partnerships that transform the agri-food, energy, and water systems to enable sustainable and more equitable lives for all. We position ourselves as a learning organization striving for excellence and invest in making knowledge flow to and from the frontline.

SNV was appointed by Sida as the Fund Manager to manage the Innovations Against Poverty (IAP) Challenge Fund from July 2024 until March 2027. IAP challenges the private sector in Cambodia, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Zambia to develop innovative products, services and business models that can contribute to poverty alleviation and environmental sustainability. These innovations should lead to commercial benefits for the private sector and developmental benefits for people living in poverty (PLIP), in terms of job creation, access to basic goods and services, and income increase or cost savings, while protecting the environment.

IAP offers co-funding support and business advisory services to carefully selected companies through a Challenge Fund to implement innovative and inclusive business models.  IAP 3.0 will build on the success of two previous funding rounds, shift to a thematic rather than sector focus, and increase its focus on investment support needs, learning and communications, and engagement with local, regional, and global entrepreneurial investment ecosystems.

The objective of this consultancy is to engage an external evaluator for the life of the IAP 3.0 program to conduct an assessment of the program's effectiveness, efficiency, and impact. The external evaluator is expected to apply evaluation methodologies to objectively measure program outcomes, identify strengths and areas for improvement, and provide actionable recommendations. The consultancy will have several touch points over the life of IAP 3.0, to ensure that while it remains external to the project delivery, it regularly interacts with the project rather than operating a “one and done” model.

This evaluation aims to enhance the credibility of IAP 3.0 among varied stakeholders - Sida, other prospective funders, investors, enterprise development ecosystem actors - by ensuring transparency and accountability in program performance. The insights gained will guide strategic decision-making and continuous improvement efforts, ultimately contributing to the program's success and sustainability.

Timeline

The intended start date of the assignment is 1 November 2024, while the intended end date is 31 January 2027.

The Consultant must have ample experience in conducting remote surveys for social impact measurement:

• At least 10 years’ experience in evaluation development cooperation, and private - public partnerships, or social impact measuring and particularly in conducting remote surveys
• In-depth knowledge of private sector development and specifically grant-based challenge funds
• Basic knowledge of IAP’s thematic areas, Challenge Fund processes, and multidimensional perspectives of poverty.
• In-country network / experience working in at least one of the target countries (Cambodia, Ethiopia, Uganda and Zambia) or an established network of local partners in those countries. Presence or an established network in multiple target countries will be positively evaluated. Consultants may work together to form an association or a sub-consultancy agreement to complement their respective areas of expertise.
• Experience working with for-profit businesses.
• Fluency in written and oral English.

Interested applicants can request a further requirements for the proposal by writing to [email protected]. Final proposal materials in English will be due by 25 September 2024. The application can be submitted via the SmartRecruiters “I’m Interested” link.