TERMS OF REFERENCE
Consultancy Assignment for
End of Project Evaluation of the following project:
Multisectoral aid (health, nutrition and WASH) for conflict- and climate-affected refugees, IDPs, returnees and host communities in Ethiopia, Eastern Sudan and South Sudan
Implemented by ForAfrica in South Sudan, WeDCO in Sudan and humedica Country Office in Ethiopia & Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office
- BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT
humedica e.V. is a German humanitarian organization, established in 1979 with the mandate of responding to medical and non-medical relief and disaster emergencies in the world.
In collaboration with the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO), humedica has implemented the project “Multisectoral aid (health, nutrition and WASH) for conflict- and climate-affected refugees, IDPs, returnees and host communities in Ethiopia, Eastern Sudan and South Sudan” through the partner organizations ForAfrica (South Sudan), WeDCO (Sudan) and humedica Country Office (Ethiopia) since 01.08.2022 with project end of 30.09.2026.
The background of the project is the following:
Ethiopia (Tigray, Amhara, Afar): According to UN OCHA, there is a serious shortage of food and humanitarian relief goods due to the conflict in Tigray. More than 83% of the approximately 5 million inhabitants are in urgent need of help, at least 400.000 of whom are said to be at risk of famine. About 3.9 million people in Tigray need medical assistance. About 10 million people in the Amhara region need medical assistance. There is lack of medicines, medical supplies and equipment to resume basic medical care in the damaged and looted health facilities. In Afar, malnutrition is increasing in the conflict-affected border areas, but humanitarian aid for the new IDP-areas is limited and there is a lack of medical care.
Large-scale looting and destruction of public facilities and infrastructure, including health and education facilities, agricultural land, shelters, and water and sewage systems, and maintenance/rehabilitation of these facilities are reported from all over Northern Ethiopia.
Host communities are under increasing strain, heightening vulnerability and social tensions, while violence has destroyed schools, health centres and religious facilities. Humanitarian needs remain severe, with widespread demand for safe water, sanitation, hygiene supplies and life-saving food assistance. The crisis has intensified gender inequalities, placing women, girls and other vulnerable groups at greater risk of food insecurity and limiting their ability to cope and recover.
Eastern Sudan (Al-Quadaref State, River Nile State, Northern State, El Gazira State, Sennar State, Kassala State, Red Sea State): Eastern Sudan is in both a political and economic crises that is affecting access to social services and social protection systems. The violent clashes and escalations in Sudan in April 2023 caused more than 2 million people to flee their homes, placing further strain as IDPs on the health care system, WASH and food security in Eastern Sudan. Due to the declining economic output, the government´s capacity to support refugees from Tigray, IDPs and host communities is significantly impaired. Water scarcity and lack of clean water have been great challenges for areas hosting IDPs and refugees and they have remained exposed to high risks connected to environmental and human hygiene.
South Sudan (Northern Bahr el Ghazal): Northern Bahr el Ghazal is facing extreme severity of humanitarian needs. The situation has become more worse since start of the civil war in Sudan 2023 when many refugees and returnees entered South Sudan across the border from Sudan. Vulnerable groups need necessity items, nutrition and education support to facilitate self-sustenance, adequate protection due to the insecurity and access to WASH services.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
The outcome of the current project is the improved and wider access to health facilities and services for IDPs, refugees and vulnerable host communities in Tigray, Amhara and Afar and to WASH facilities and services in Tigray in Ethiopia. The outcome will also be improved availability of health, nutrition, protection and WASH services and practices and referral options for refugees, returnees, IDPs and host communities in Al-Quadaref State, River Nile State, Northern State, El Gazira State, Sennar State, Kassala State, Red Sea State in Sudan and in Northern Bahr el Ghazal in South Sudan.
Under this project:
Humedica Country Office Ethiopia
- improved access to high-quality primary and secondary health care including the rehabilitation of facilities, and the provision of medicines and medical supplies,
- provided capacity-building training for healthcare professionals and deployed additional Mobile health and Nutrition teams,
- treated children of acute malnutrition as well as pregnant and lactating women,
- improved access to adequate and appropriate sanitation and hygiene facilities, including solid waste management and training for health extension workers and community leaders,
- improved access to medical care and psychosocial support for victims of sexual violence,
- improved access to psychological first aid to people in need and forwarding cases of serious illness to the services responsible,
WeDCO Sudan
- improved medical services and advanced treatment in health centers in three refugee camps,
- improved nutrition status of IDPs and refugees through distribution of food packages and provision of therapeutic supplementary food to children under 5 years of age,
- improved access to WASH services for IDPs and refugees through rehabilitation of WASH facilities in IDP centers and camps and introducing proper waste management capacities,
- reduced risk of gender-based violence and improved protection through construction and maintenance of latrines and bathrooms separated by gender,
ForAfrica South Sudan
- improved medical services and treatment in two Primary Health Care Units and providing a mobile health outreach team to cover remote areas,
- improved malnutrition statuses through screening of children and pregnant and lactating women and cases will be followed up or transferred to appropriate programs,
- improved access to water through rehabilitation and upgrading of water sources and drilling of boreholes,
- improved access to WASH services through the introduction of proper waste management and disposal,
- reduced risk of gender-based violence and improved protection through construction and maintenance of latrines and bathrooms separated by gender,
- improved access to psychological first aid to people in need and forwarding cases of serious illness to the services responsible,
- provided training on GBV, and training for community management of acute malnutrition and maternal infant and young child nutrition.
2. EVALUATION PURPOSE, OBJECTIVE AND USE
At the end of the funding period of this regional project, humedica undertakes an End-of-Project Evaluation which marks the preliminary end of the current funding phase supported by GFFO. This evaluation is a requirement of the German Federal Foreign Office and humedica, but also important to local and international partners to generate learning for future programming in similar context.
The objective of this process is to determine how effective the implementation through the partner organizations and humedica Country Office Ethiopia has been in reaching results expected within the objectives of the project proposal and the quality of impact of these results within the project context/environs in Ethiopia, Sudan and South Sudan.
The aim of this External Evaluation is to assess general progress achieved, key lessons and experiences, and areas where gaps may still exist in this project’s intervention.
This evaluation is being conducted as per Evaluation Plan approved by humedica e.V.
The overall purposes of the evaluation are the following:
- In terms of objectives per outcome the evaluation looks at the following criteria: Relevance, Coherence, Effectiveness, Efficiency, Sustainability, Scalability/Replicability, Coordination and Cross-cutting Considerations to examine whether the Programme was successful in its strategies to improve inclusion and participation of the most marginalized beneficiaries.
- Review of the conducted interventions considering the actual needs of the target population and communities in the project regions with the goal to identify potential gaps for further project developments.
Findings of this evaluation will help inform humedica, its partners and the funding German Foreign Office about key lessons, and strategic trends helpful to improving humanitarian intervention strategies. This should help humedica strengthen areas that may require adjustment in follow up projects in these regions, or in any future interventions. Results of this evaluation will be helpful information, providing analysis and direction for improved future interventions.
3. EVALUATION SCOPE
In addressing the purpose of this assignment, the scope of this evaluation will be limited to determining the status of the implementation of humedica Country Office Ethiopia, WeDCO and ForAfrica in the following broad areas:
- Assess the overall Programme’s performance from planning to implementation, identifying key strengths and areas for improvement.
- Evaluate the Programme’s relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability, with particular attention to gender equality, social inclusion, and child rights.
- Document vital lessons learned and best practices for future strategies and interventions.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of partnerships and coordination mechanisms in achieving Programme objectives.
- Provide actionable recommendations for improving Programme implementation and enhancing impact for follow up projects or for any future interventions.
- Review the partners field financial accountability.
- Review field leadership/governance in relation to beneficiaries.
- Assess the intervention considering actual needs and evaluate the actual needs of the population in the project area (refugees, returnees, IDPs as well as host communities) considering the implemented activities.
The evaluation will be carried out in Tigray, Amhara and Afar in Ethiopia including humedica Country Office in Addis Ababa and Field Office in Mekele, Al-Quadaref State, River Nile State, Northern State, El Gazira State, Sennar State, Kassala State, Red Sea State in Sudan including WeDCO office in Kassala and Northern Bahr el Ghazal in South Sudan including ForAfrica Country Office in Juba and Field Office in Aweil.
The evaluation covers the following target groups:
- Humedica Ethiopia Country Office in Addis Ababa and Field Office in Mekele: to make informed decisions about Programme adjustments and improve implementation strategies
- Local government partners in Ethiopia – Health Departments in Tigray, Amhara and Afar: To enhance coordination and support for Programme´s objectives
- WeDCO Sudan Country Office in Kasala: to make informed decisions about Programme adjustments and improve implementation strategies
- Local government partners in Sudan – Health Departments in Al-Quadaref State, River Nile State, Northern State, El Gazira State, Sennar State, Kassala State and Red Sea State: To enhance coordination and support for Programme´s objectives
- ForAfrica South Sudan Country Office in Juba and Field Office in Aweil: to make informed decisions about Programme adjustments and improve implementation strategies
- Local government partners in South Sudan – health Department in Northern Bahr el Ghazal: To enhance coordination and support for Programme´s objectives
- Beneficiary communities in Ethiopia, Sudan and South Sudan: To provide feedback and influence
4. EVALUATION QUESTIONS
- To what extent are the Programme’s objectives and activities aligned with the needs of IDPs, returnees, refugees and vulnerable host communities in project areas in Ethiopiam sudan and South Sudan?
- How well has the Programme adapted to changes in the context since its inception?
- How appropriate is the Programme design in addressing the specific WASH challenges in the target communities?
- To what extent have human rights principles, gender equality, and social inclusion been integrated into the Programme design?
- How appropriate is the Programme design in addressing the specific health challenges in the target communities?
- To what extent have human rights principles, gender equality, and social inclusion been integrated into the Programme design?
- How well does the Programme complement other interventions in the area, including those by local government, other NGOs, and UN agencies?
- To what extent has the Programme achieved its planned output and outcome targets for WASH services and health services and GBV interventions?
- How successful has the Programme been in reaching and benefiting the intended target groups, particularly women, children, and other vulnerable populations?
- How timely has the Programme been in delivering its planned activities and outputs?
- What signs and mechanisms are in place to indicate that the benefits generated by the Programme will continue after external support endsß
- Which components of the Programme show potential for scaling up or replication in other areas?
- How effectively has the Programme coordinated with different stakeholders (local authorities, community leaders, other NGOs, UN agencies) in planning and implementing its activities?
- Human Rights-Based Approach: How does the Programme assess incorporated human rights principles in its design and implementation
5. METHODOLOGY
The evaluation will apply a mixed-method design, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a comprehensive and triangulated evidence base. The methodology will be consistent with GFFO evaluation guidance, which requires that evaluation methods be proportionate to the scope and complexity of the project and that primary data collection be complemented by thorough desk review. The approach will be applied consistently across Ethiopia, Sudan and South Sudan, adapted to the operating context of each partner.
The consultant will conduct a comprehensive desk review at the inception stage, covering the project proposal, logical framework, MEAL plan, baseline report, progress reports, financial reports, cluster coordination meeting notes, beneficiary data and any other relevant documentation provided by humedica, ForAfrika, WeDCO and humedica Country Office Ethiopia. The review will also encompass relevant secondary data on the humanitarian context in Tigray, Amhara and Afar in Ethiopia, Eastern Sudan and Northern Bahr el Ghazal in South Sudan. A qualitative approach will be adopted. Structured and semi-structured, Key Informant Interviews, In-Depth Interviews, and Focus Group Discussions with project beneficiaries and other stakeholders, including governmental institutions, international and national organisations familiar with the project, will be conducted.
Primary data collection should use the following methods, including but not limited to:
- End-line household survey using a structured questionnaire designed to measure change in outcome and output indicators against the project baseline. In South Sudan, the survey will compare end-line results against the November 2024 ForAfrika baseline, using the same geographic areas and sampling strategy to ensure comparability.
- Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with project staff, humedica and partner management, GFFO representatives (where applicable), government health and WASH officials, cluster leads and other relevant stakeholders.
- Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with target beneficiaries, disaggregated by sex and age, including separate sessions with women, men, adolescent girls and persons with disabilities.
- Direct observation at health facilities, water points, sanitation facilities and other project sites using a structured observation guide.
All data collection tools, including the household survey questionnaire, KII guides, FGD guides and observation checklists, will be developed by the consultant and submitted to humedica and the implementing partners for review and approval during the inception phase. Tools will be piloted before field deployment.
Quantitative data will be analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods, with pre-post comparisons made against baseline values for all relevant indicators. Disaggregation by sex, age, disability status and beneficiary category (refugee, IDP, returnee, host community) will be applied throughout. Qualitative data will be analysed using thematic analysis, with coding frameworks developed inductively from the data and refined through peer review within the evaluation team.
Findings across methods and data sources will be triangulated to validate conclusions and strengthen the credibility of the evidence. The consultant will assess the extent to which observed changes can be attributed to project activities, applying contribution analysis where full attribution is not possible given the complex humanitarian context. Findings will be structured against the OECD DAC criteria and cross-cutting themes defined in this TOR, and analysed separately for each country (Ethiopia, Sudan and South Sudan) before being synthesised into overall Programme-level conclusions.
The consultant will exchange with the humedica Country and Field Office in Ethiopia, WeDCO Country Office in Sudan and ForAfrika Country and Field Office in South Sudan to plan the evaluation. The consultant will specifically:
- Develop an evaluation framework/plan to which humedica and the partner organizations can provide feedback if requested by the consultant
- Draft an Inception Report detailing the evaluation methodology in exchange with the project teams
- Review available documentation to obtain a general overview of the programme design and progress
- Hold meetings and interview relevant stakeholders including implementing partners of the programme
- Visit identified project field sites
- Conduct data collection and analysis
- Draft Evaluation reports
- Incorporate comments of the project teams and key stakeholders, complete and submit the final Evaluation report
- Consult with the project teams to ensure the progress and the key evaluation questions are covered
- Assuring the draft and final reports are prepared in accordance with these Terms of Reference, especially the checklist for the assessment of evaluation report
- Facilitate Evaluation meetings to present the main findings and recommendations
- Incorporate an outline for adapting key findings in the implementation of the current project in the final report
- Incorporate the management responses in the final report
- Conduct Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with target beneficiaries, disaggregated by sex and age, including separate sessions with women, men, adolescent girls, and persons with disabilities; and direct observation at health facilities, water points and sanitation facilities using a structured observation guide
- Analyse quantitative data using descriptive and inferential statistical methods, with pre-post comparisons against baseline values for all relevant indicators. Qualitative data will be analysed using thematic analysis. Findings across methods will be triangulated to validate conclusions, applying contribution analysis where full attribution is not possible
- Facilitate a Stakeholder Validation Workshop to present and validate preliminary findings with humedica, ForAfrika, WeDCO and key stakeholders before the draft report is finalised
- Provide a final PDF soft copy report in English
6. EXPECTED OUTPUTS
The following outputs are expected by the end of the consultancy:
- Inception Report detailing consultancy work-plan and proposed processes
- Draft evaluation report
- Final endorsed report incorporating comments from humedica. The final report must include but not necessarily be limited to up to 25 pages and have elements outlined in the quality criteria for evaluation reports. The report however can have several annexes (as required by the Consultant or the Consulting Team)
- Any knowledge products (evaluation brief, etc.)
- Provide a final PDF soft copy report in English
7. EXPERTISE AND QUALIFICATION OF THE CONSULTANT
The Consultant or consulting firm will possess a Secondary or Tertiary University Degree plus substantive strong background in evaluation of humanitarian programmes with a focus and/or background in evaluation of WASH & Health projects will be an added advantage.
It is also possible to have a leading management team that cooperates with local teams on site who are familiar with the local conditions.
Specifically, the leading consultant should have proven experience and skills in the following areas:
- Advanced degree (Master or higher) in Public Health, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Monitoring and Evaluation or a related field is strongly preferred
- Over 7 years of experience in conducting programme/project evaluations
- Sound knowledge and practical experience in humanitarian/development planning and implementation
- Extensive research and analytical skills
- Excellent writing and oral communication
- Facilitation and management skills
- Possess leadership skills and be a team player
- Knowledge and familiarity in WASH and Nutrition
- Independence and impartiality
- Proven experience conducting evaluations in South Sudan, Sudan or Ethiopia, or in comparable fragile and conflict-affected contexts
- Experience with mixed-method evaluation designs, including quantitative household surveys with pre-post baseline comparison and qualitative data collection
- Demonstrated ability to apply gender-sensitive and participatory evaluation approaches, including with vulnerable and marginalised groups
8. MANAGEMENT OF THE EVALUATION
Brief description of the respective roles and functions of those involved in managing the evaluation and the actors to be involved during the evaluation.
9. WORKPLAN / CONTRACT PERIOD – Quantity Structure
The assignment includes following tasks:
- Preparation, desk review and preliminary consultative meetings with the implementing partners coordination and field teams and online with humedica HQ
- Field visits within the project regions for field meetings, data review, focus group discussions, direct and indirect observations
- Preparation and presentation of preliminary outline of the Evaluation Report
- Preparation of the full report that includes findings, recommendations and management response
The estimated level of efforts is between 20 – 24 days and should be carried out between June and September 2026.
10. CONSULTANCY SELECTION CRITERIA
- Individual consultant or consulting firm profile Capacity to meet requirements, references and financial standing
- General strategy/approach. Understanding of objective and results required, risk awareness and mitigation approach
- Proposed evaluation methodology. Suitability and strengths of the proposed methodology, proposed technical investment and treatment of key issues
- Proposed organization of the work. Planning, proposed scheduling of activities, availability of required skills and quality assurance
- Suitability and experience of the Consultant or proposed Consultancy team. Expertise and overall combination of the consultant’s (or consultant team) skills/knowledge proposed: demonstrated knowledge or evaluation strategies and policies, minimum of five years of experience required in each of the tasks above
- Financial proposal’s suitability. Fees and other cost structure as against the above
11. TENDER PROCESS
Humedica invites qualified evaluators and evaluation firms to submit proposals for assignment. They must submit their technical and financial proposal separately with cover letter of interest in English by e-mail to the contact address provided in the accompanying procurement notice by the stated deadline.
The technical proposal must include the following:
- Letter of interest demonstrating understanding of the evaluation assignment
- Evaluator or company profile, including organisational history and relevant sector experience
- Evidence of previous experience in similar evaluation assignments
- Technical approach demonstrating a thorough understanding of the TOR, proposed evaluation matrix and methodology, sampling strategy and data management plan
- Proposed detailed work plan and timeline
- Team composition, roles and level of effort for each proposed team member
- At least three references, including contact details, for similar evaluation assignments conducted in comparable humanitarian contexts
The financial proposal must include:
- Professional fees with a breakdown by team member and number of working days
- Travel and logistics costs
- All other operational costs
- A total budget quoted in EUR or USD with applicable taxes clearly separated, in line with the laws of the implementing countries
- , desk review and preliminary consultative meetings with the implementing partner coordination and field teams and online with humedica HQ
- Field visits within the project region for field meetings, data review, focus group discussions, direct and indirect observations.
- Preparation and presentation of preliminary outline of the Evaluation Report
- Preparation of the full report that includes findings, recommendations and management response.
The estimated level of efforts is between 20 – 24 days and should be carried out between June 2026 and March 2027.
How to apply
Interested consultancy firms or Consultants are invited to submit a complete proposal in English consisting of the following documents that at minimum covers, their
Technical Proposal i.e.Company profile and capacity statement (max. 2 pages), including: Legal status and year of establishment, Relevant experience in conducting external evaluations of donor-funded projects (preferably GFFO or comparable public donors), Experience in the respective country/region, Proposed methodology and approach, Proposed team composition, including roles and responsibilities (Estimated level of effort – working days per country).
Financial Proposal that includes the total consulting price in EUR that also indicates breakdown per country (if applicable) and provide a breakdown of Professional fees, Travel costs (if applicable) and any additional costs. All prices must be inclusive of taxes and other charges, where applicable.
Provide supporting documents i.e. CVs of key consulting persons, highlighting: Professional qualifications, Relevant evaluation experience, Contact details (name, email, phone number of the proposed Consultancy Focal Person)
Proposals must be submitted by email only to: eval-jobs@humedica.org with Subject Title as “Multisectoral aid (health, nutrition and WASH) for conflict- and climate-affected refugees, IDPs, returnees and host communities in Ethiopia, Eastern Sudan and South Sudan”
The deadline for submission is 31nd May 2026, at 23:59 CET
Late submissions will not be considered. Only shortlisted firms will be contacted.
