Mid-Term Evaluation Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a global humanitarian organization that has been operating in South Sudan since 200

• The organization was established with a mission to alleviate suffering, poverty, and oppression by helping people build secure, productive, and just communities. Since South Sudan's independence in 2011, Mercy Corps has focused on addressing urgent humanitarian needs while laying the groundwork for long-term recovery and resilience. The organization prioritizes security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, peace and good governance, water security, and economic opportunities. Mercy Corps operates in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to empowering communities and fostering sustainable development. The organization collaborates with various donors, including the Swiss Development Cooperation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to support vulnerable populations such as conflict-affected youth, women, internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and host communities.

Job Overview:
The Mid-Term Evaluation (MTE) Consultant will be responsible for conducting an independent assessment of the Strengthening Resilience in Agriculture, Livelihoods and Markets Phase II (STREAM II) program. This evaluation aims to measure the program's progress towards its objectives, including enhancing agricultural productivity, strengthening market systems, promoting inclusive economic opportunities, and improving resilience among smallholder farmers and non-farm enterprises in Greater Mundri, Western Equatoria. The consultant will critically appraise the program's relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and emerging impact, providing actionable recommendations for program adjustment and future design. The evaluation will utilize a mixed-methods approach, integrating both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods to ensure a comprehensive assessment of the program's performance. The consultant will engage with various stakeholders, including program participants, local authorities, and implementing partners, to gather insights and feedback on the program's implementation and outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct a desk review of relevant literature and program documentation to inform the evaluation design.
• Develop an inception report outlining the evaluation methodology, data collection methods, and analysis plan.
• Design and implement household surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews to collect primary data from program participants and stakeholders.
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data to assess program outcomes and identify trends and patterns.
• Evaluate the program's relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and impact based on the OECD DAC evaluation criteria.
• Prepare a draft midline report summarizing findings and recommendations, and facilitate a validation workshop with stakeholders to gather feedback.
• Finalize the midline report incorporating feedback from the validation workshop and ensure it meets the required standards for clarity and actionable insights.
• Ensure ethical standards and data protection protocols are adhered to throughout the evaluation process.
• Collaborate with the Mercy Corps team to ensure logistical support and access to project sites.

Required Qualifications:

• A master’s degree (or equivalent professional experience) in social sciences, research, evaluation, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in international development, including at least 5 years conducting research or evaluations for development programs.
• Demonstrated expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, including panel survey design and analysis.
• Proven experience conducting similar research or evaluation assignments in South Sudan, particularly in Western Equatoria State.
• Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring high levels of quality, accuracy, and consistency in data collection and analysis.
• Strong ability to coordinate and manage evaluation activities remotely, engaging effectively with stakeholders and implementation teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a master’s degree in social sciences, research, evaluation, or a related field. Equivalent professional experience may also be considered.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of experience in international development, with at least 5 years dedicated to conducting research or evaluations for development programs. Experience in South Sudan, particularly in Western Equatoria State, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory. Proficiency in local languages spoken in the project areas would be an advantage.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to begin in November 2025 and conclude by December 30, 2025, with a total estimated effort of 30 working days. The consultant will be compensated based on the actual number of days worked, and all costs related to the consultancy, including professional fees, travel, accommodation, and administrative expenses, must be clearly itemized in the financial proposal. Mercy Corps will provide necessary logistical support, including security clearance and introductions to local authorities. The consultant must adhere to all Mercy Corps security, ethical, and operational protocols while conducting the assignment.