Background: The Independent Evaluation Unit of ITC (IEU) plans to conduct a midterm evaluation of the ITC its ‘Youth Empowerment Project in The Gambia’.  The purpose of this call for expression of interest is to identify a qualified national evaluation consultant to conduct this midterm project evaluation.  Therefore, individuals are invited to apply for this assignment. 

The main evaluation process, including the preparation of the midterm evaluation, designing the approach, data collection, report writing and communication, is expected to take place in the timeframe from July to September 2019.  

Description of the programme:  The overall objective (impact) of the ITC ‘Youth Empowerment Project’ is to increase job opportunities and income prospects for youth in The Gambia.  More specifically, the project outcome is to tackle the root causes of irregular migration through increased job opportunities and income prospects for youth in The Gambia.  Specific outputs/components of the project include three results:  (R1) improved employability and self-employment opportunities for youth; (R2) increased employment opportunities along selected value chains; and (R3) promote the concept “Tekki Fii – Make it here”: Make it in The Gambia.  The project takes a market-led approach to improving the skills and employability of potential and returning migrants according to demands of the job market and simultaneously creating employment opportunities along value chains. 

Objectives of the evaluation: In particular, the midterm evaluation will: • Assess to what extent the project has progressed towards achieving its intended outcomes and provide an indication of the extent to which it has contributed to the intended impact (summative component); • Serve as a basis for solving any problems identified during the evaluation by providing recommendations for remedial actions where the project might not be on track (formative component); • Provide lessons learned and identify good practice; and • Build trust and legitimacy among stakeholders and ensuring accountability towards partners and funders by verifying the project’s relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, potential for impact and potential sustainability. Scope of the evaluation:  The midterm evaluation will cover the project activities from its start date, 1 January 2017 to 30 June 2019.  All locations in The Gambia where the project is being implemented will be included in the evaluation.

Application process:  To apply, please send your expression of interest to evaluation@intracen.org, indicating in the title ‘EOI for Midterm Evaluation of YEP in The Gambia’. Short-listed candidates will then be contacted for an interview. The application should include an updated CV and 2-3 exemplary reports. In addition, applicants are encouraged to address the following questions in their cover letter: • Why are you interested in this evaluation? • What expertise and experience do you have that qualifies you for this specific evaluation? • What are the daily rates that would apply? The terms of reference for this consultancy are attached in Annex of this document.  

--- The closing date for this call is Friday, 19 July 2019 ---

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