Final Evaluation Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), which is a humanitarian organization established to provide assistance and support to vulnerable communities around the world. The IFRC was founded in 1919 and operates in numerous countries, with a mission to alleviate human suffering, protect life and health, and uphold human dignity. The organization works closely with national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies, including the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS), to implement programs that address various humanitarian needs. The IFRC has a significant presence in Afghanistan, focusing on disaster response, health services, and community resilience. The organization employs thousands of staff and volunteers globally, with a commitment to humanitarian principles and values, including humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality. The IFRC aims to enhance the capacity of local communities to prepare for and respond to emergencies, thereby contributing to sustainable development and recovery efforts.

Job Overview:
The position of Final Evaluation Consultant involves conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the FCDO-funded SHAPE programme in Afghanistan. The primary purpose of this evaluation is to assess the effectiveness and impact of the programme in achieving its intended objectives and to identify key learnings and actionable recommendations for future programming. The consultant will be responsible for employing a mixed-method approach that includes qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. The evaluation will cover the period from September 2025 to March 2026 and will focus on various locations in Afghanistan, including Kabul and selected provinces such as Kandahar, Herat, Nangarhar, Balkh, Kunduz, Paktika, and Parwan. The consultant will engage with key stakeholders, including affected communities, ARCS and IFRC staff, and external partners, to gather diverse perspectives and insights. The evaluation aims to enhance accountability, document best practices, and provide valuable information for strategic decision-making regarding future programming in Afghanistan. The consultant will also be expected to adhere to ethical standards and ensure that the evaluation process respects the rights and welfare of the communities involved.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Final Evaluation Consultant will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Developing an inception report that outlines the evaluation design, methodology, sampling framework, and work plan.
• Conducting a thorough desktop review of relevant organizational and operational documents related to the SHAPE programme and the IFRC's activities in Afghanistan.
• Designing and implementing data collection methods, including surveys, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and field visits to intervention sites.
• Engaging with stakeholders, including ARCS staff, community members, and external partners, to gather qualitative and quantitative data.
• Analyzing collected data to assess the programme's performance, relevance, effectiveness, and coherence.
• Documenting key findings, lessons learned, and best practices to inform future programming.
• Presenting preliminary findings to stakeholders and facilitating validation workshops to ensure consensus on findings and recommendations.
• Preparing high-quality reports and presentations that clearly communicate the evaluation results and actionable recommendations.
• Ensuring compliance with ethical standards and safeguarding principles throughout the evaluation process. 1
• Collaborating with the Evaluation Management Team (EMT) and other stakeholders to ensure the evaluation is conducted effectively and efficiently.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a minimum of a master's degree in humanitarian, development, or related fields. Candidates should have at least 10 years of experience in conducting evaluations or reviews, particularly in protracted or emergency humanitarian contexts. A strong understanding of evaluation methodologies and approaches is essential, along with experience in participatory methods suitable for the local context. Familiarity with the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is required, as well as technical expertise in relevant sectors such as community resilience, climate change, cash assistance, health, livelihood, and protection. Strong analytical skills for synthesizing findings and preparing well-written reports are crucial. Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken, are mandatory, while knowledge of Pashto or Dari is considered an asset. Previous experience working in Afghanistan and the ability to engage with diverse communities are also important qualifications for this role.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Final Evaluation Consultant position must possess a minimum of a master's degree in humanitarian, development, or related fields. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of the complexities involved in humanitarian evaluations and programming. A strong academic foundation in relevant disciplines will enable the consultant to effectively analyze the SHAPE programme's objectives, methodologies, and outcomes, as well as to engage meaningfully with stakeholders throughout the evaluation process.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least 10 years of experience in conducting evaluations or reviews, particularly in contexts that involve protracted crises or emergency humanitarian situations. This level of experience is crucial for understanding the unique challenges and dynamics present in such environments. Candidates should be well-versed in various evaluation approaches and methodologies, demonstrating a proven track record of successfully leading evaluations that inform programmatic decisions and enhance accountability. Experience in participatory evaluation methods that engage local communities and stakeholders is also highly valued, as it contributes to the relevance and effectiveness of the evaluation process.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as the consultant will be required to communicate effectively with stakeholders, prepare reports, and present findings. Strong writing and speaking skills in English are essential for conveying complex evaluation results clearly and concisely. Knowledge of Pashto or Dari is considered an asset, as it would facilitate communication with local communities and enhance the consultant's ability to engage with diverse groups during the evaluation process. Proficiency in these languages would also demonstrate cultural sensitivity and an understanding of the local context, which are important for conducting a successful evaluation in Afghanistan.

Additional Notes:
The evaluation is expected to be conducted over a flexible timeframe of up to 30 working days between April and June 202

• The consultant will work remotely and in-country, with specific activities planned in various locations in Afghanistan. The evaluation will adhere to the IFRC Evaluation Framework 2024 standards, ensuring that ethical considerations, transparency, and stakeholder participation are prioritized throughout the evaluation process. The consultant will be expected to collaborate closely with the Evaluation Management Team (EMT) and other stakeholders to ensure that the evaluation is conducted effectively and that the findings are relevant and actionable. The position may involve travel to multiple locations within Afghanistan, and the consultant must be prepared to navigate the complexities of working in a challenging security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security environment.