Consultant - Midterm Evaluation

Job Posting Organization:
The Jamaica Red Cross (JRC) is a humanitarian organization that operates as an auxiliary to public authorities in Jamaica. It plays a crucial role in disaster response and recovery, particularly in the aftermath of natural disasters such as hurricanes. The organization mobilizes its branches, staff, and volunteers to coordinate national responses to emergencies. The JRC has been involved in various humanitarian efforts, including the response to Hurricane Melissa, which caused significant damage in October 202

• The JRC aims to strengthen community resilience and support recovery efforts through various programs, including shelter, health, and livelihoods. The organization has a strong commitment to accountability and community engagement, ensuring that the needs of affected populations are prioritized in their response efforts.

Job Overview:
The Mid-Term Evaluation aims to assess the progress and performance of the Jamaica Hurricane Melissa Emergency Appeal at the midpoint of its implementation. This evaluation is not merely an accountability exercise but is intended to serve as a strategic management and learning tool. It will provide an evidence-based assessment of the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of the operational strategies employed. The evaluation will focus on identifying necessary operational adjustments for the remaining implementation period and will assess how well the operation is strengthening the Jamaica Red Cross as a sustainable and resilient National Society. The findings and recommendations from this evaluation will guide decision-making for the JRC, the IFRC Secretariat, and relevant Movement partners, ensuring that the humanitarian impact is maximized and that the legacy of the Emergency Appeal is sustained beyond its closure.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Mid-Term Evaluation will pursue five strategic objectives: 1) Assess the relevance, coverage, and adaptation of the operation to evolving needs, ensuring that it meets the changing priorities of the community. 2) Evaluate the operational effectiveness, efficiency, timeliness, and value for money, identifying necessary adjustments to improve delivery and maximize results. 3) Assess the transition from relief to recovery and resilience, ensuring that sustainable outcomes are being achieved. 4) Evaluate the localization efforts and the strengthening of the National Society, determining what capacities and systems need further consolidation. 5) Assess the coordination and accountability mechanisms within the IFRC Network, identifying enablers and blockers to effective delivery. The evaluation will utilize a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, and will cover various operational functions, including logistics, finance, and human resources.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidates for this consultancy should possess a strong background in evaluation and humanitarian assistance. The Team Leader should have a master’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience in evaluation, humanitarian assistance, disaster management, international development, social sciences, or a related field. Other team members should have at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in related fields. Additional technical training or certification in evaluation, humanitarian standards, PMER, CEA, PGI, safeguarding, information management, disaster management, shelter, or recovery will be considered an asset. Candidates should also demonstrate strong analytical skills, excellent writing and presentation abilities, and a sound understanding of accountability to affected populations.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the consultancy should have a master’s degree for the Team Leader position, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience in fields such as evaluation, humanitarian assistance, disaster management, international development, or social sciences. Other team members should possess at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in related fields. Additional certifications in evaluation methodologies, humanitarian standards, or disaster management will enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
The consultancy team should collectively demonstrate significant technical experience in designing and implementing evaluations of humanitarian operations, particularly those involving emergency response, recovery, and institutional strengthening. Experience in assessing various programmatic areas such as shelter, cash and voucher assistance, livelihoods, health, and community resilience is essential. The team should also have a proven track record in reviewing operational performance across various functions, including logistics, finance, and human resources, and should be adept at conducting ethical and participatory data collection with affected populations and stakeholders.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as the evaluation reports and communications will be conducted in this language. Strong writing and presentation skills in English are essential for producing concise, evidence-based reports. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the local context may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy will span from December 1, 2026, to February 5, 2027, with the final report due by the latter date. The evaluation will involve a mix of remote and in-person data collection methods, with specific tasks outlined for each phase of the evaluation process. Payment will be made against approved deliverables, with 30% upon acceptance of the inception report and 70% upon approval of the final evaluation report. Application materials should include a CV, a cover letter summarizing relevant experience, a short methodological proposal, a financial proposal detailing the budget, and examples of similar evaluation reports.