Terms of Reference (TOR)
Consultancy for Intermediary Study Evaluation Youth-Led Combination Prevention Initiative – Lesotho
1. Project Overview
Project Title: Youth-Led Combination Prevention Initiative for HIV Reduction among Cisgender Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYWS) and Sex Workers in Lesotho
Implementing Organization: Sesotho Media & Development (SM&D)
Sesotho Media & Development (SM&D) is implementing a youth-led, film-facilitated social and behavioral change communication (SBCC) initiative aimed at reducing HIV infections among cisgender AGYWs and sex workers in five districts of Lesotho. The project fosters safe spaces, peer-to-peer learning, media engagement, and enhanced linkage to youth-friendly services. It seeks to challenge harmful norms, strengthen community engagement, and increase access to HIV prevention services.
To measure progress and assess effectiveness at midterm, SM&D seeks to engage a consultant or consultancy firm to conduct an intermediary (midterm) evaluation of the project.
2. Purpose of the Evaluation
The purpose of the intermediary study is to:
- Assess progress towards achieving project objectives and outcomes.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of strategies, especially peer-to-peer and media-based approaches.
- Identify successes, challenges, and lessons learned at mid-point.
- Provide evidence-based recommendations to inform adjustments during the remaining implementation period.
3. Scope of Work
The consultant will undertake the following tasks:
3.1. Inception Phase
- Prepare and submit an Inception Report outlining the study design, methodology, tools, timelines, and ethical considerations.
- Conduct desk review of relevant project documents.
3.2. Tool Design and Validation
- Develop appropriate quantitative and qualitative data collection tools (e.g., surveys, interview guides, FGD guides).
- Validate tools in consultation with SM&D and key stakeholders.
3.3. Fieldwork and Data Collection
- Recruit and/or train data collectors if necessary.
- Conduct data collection from AGYWs, sex workers, service providers, and community members in the five target districts.
- Ensure data is collected ethically and inclusively, considering vulnerable and marginalized groups.
3.4. Data Processing and Analysis
- Clean and process collected data for accuracy and completeness.
- Analyze data using appropriate statistical and qualitative techniques.
- Compare findings against the project’s indicators and expected outcomes.
3.5. Reporting and Dissemination
- Develop and present a Draft Evaluation Report including findings, analysis, conclusions, and recommendations.
- Facilitate a validation workshop with key stakeholders.
- Incorporate feedback and produce a Final Evaluation Report.
4. Deliverables
- Inception Report with detailed work plan and methodology.
- Finalized and validated data collection tools.
- Cleaned and analyzed dataset.
- Draft Intermediary Study Evaluation Report.
- Final Evaluation Report with recommendations.
- Presentation of findings to SM&D and partners.
5. Duration and Timeline
The consultancy will be conducted over a period of 1 month, beginning upon signing of the contract.
6. Consultant Requirements
- Master’s Degree in Social Sciences, Policy and Development, Gender Studies, or related field.
- At least 8 years of experience in research, monitoring and evaluation, or related areas.
- Proven experience conducting midterm or final evaluations for community-based HIV/SRHR interventions.
- Strong understanding of youth-led and peer-to-peer behavior change models.
- Familiarity with SM&D Learning Circle methodology is an added advantage.
- Demonstrated commitment to ethical research practices.
7. Cost Proposal
Applicants must submit a detailed financial proposal covering all consultancy-related costs for the full 1-month period, including travel, fieldwork, personnel, and administrative expenses.
8. Submission Guidelines
Interested individual consultants or consultancy firms should submit:
- Cover letter outlining relevant experience.
- Detailed technical and financial proposal.
- Consultant CV(s) or organization profile.
- Sample of previous related evaluation work.
Deadline for Submission: Friday, 16th May 2025 at 13:00 PM
Email Applications to: [email protected]
Subject Line: Intermediary Study – Youth-Led Combination Prevention Initiative
9. Disclaimer
Sesotho Media & Development (SM&D) reserves the right to cancel, modify, or partially fulfill this call for application. Submission of an application does not constitute a commitment to contract.