Evaluation Consultant: Afghanistan (MDRAF007) Thematic Evaluation of the Earthquake Response

Organizational Context

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian network, supporting local Red Cross and Red Crescent action in more than 191 countries. With over 16 million volunteers, the IFRC acts before, during, and after disasters and health emergencies to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people. Guided by Strategy 2030, the IFRC is committed to saving lives, changing minds, and enabling healthy and safe communities worldwide.

The ARCS was established in 1935 and admitted to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in 1957. Since its formation, the Afghan Red Crescent has established extensive local networks across the country, enabling it to reach vulnerable populations in all areas of the country, including remote and
underserved areas. The National Society has 122 branches or local units, including one national headquarters, seven regional or zone offices, 34 provincial branches and dozens of district assemblies. The National Society is supported by 3,909 staff and 24,000 volunteers, of whom 6,700 are female (IFRC’s Federation-wide Databank and Reporting System). The National Society has a long history and expertise of humanitarian interventions during disasters and crises.

The IFRC has been active in Afghanistan since 1990 where its country delegation is accorded recognition as an International Organization by virtue of a status agreement. The delegation operates as a technical support and collaboration platform to support ARCS development and out reach, with a strong focus on improving coordination
and developing cooperation with the Movement.

IFRC supports the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) in collaboration with both Red Cross Red Crescent (RCRC) Movement and non-Movement actors. This support aligns with global strategic priorities, focusing on emergency response, disaster risk management, and health initiatives. IFRC also integrates themes such as climate change adaptation, women empowerment, quality and accountability and community engagement to enhance ARCS’s capacity to respond effectively to crises in Afghanistan.

Job Purpose

The thematic evaluation aims to evaluate the Afghanistan Red Crescent Society’s (ARCS) earthquake response operations within the Federation-wide MDRAF007 appeal, as well as its preparedness for the next major disaster, with a focus on its role and work compared to other actors in the country. It will provide clear recommendations on transition and sustainability strategies for 2025 and beyond, while documenting lessons learned to support the replication of best practices in similar humanitarian contexts.

To narrow the scope and focus of the Humanitarian Crisis Appeal (MDRAF007), the evaluation will be thematic, spotlighting the Khost, Paktika and Herat Earthquake Operations that sit within the broader appeal. The evaluation will focus on addressing two key interconnected evaluative questions:

1. How effective and relevant is the ARCS as a humanitarian actor in the earthquake response through the Federation-wide operations, particularly when considered alongside the current regime and other humanitarian organizations active in Afghanistan?
2. To what extent did the earthquake response affect ARCS capacity to address future disasters, and what investments are needed to improve the National Society’s preparedness for effective response?

Job Duties and Responsibilities

The thematic evaluation will focus on the ARCS earthquake response in Khost, Paktika, and Herat. The objectives are to evaluate:

• The relevance, appropriateness, reach, and quality of ARCS humanitarian action and service delivery within Afghanistan’s humanitarian system, when considered alongside other actors, such as the de-facto government and international/national organizations.
• The relevance and appropriateness of the Federation-wide earthquake response interventions in meeting the diverse needs and cultural contexts of the affected population amidst the country’s rapidly changing conditions, while upholding key Fundamental Principles and the do-no-harm approach.
• The effectiveness of the Afghanistan humanitarian crisis emergency operations in achieving their intended outcomes, with a specific focus on the Federation-wide Khost, Paktika, and Herat earthquake responses.
• The effectiveness of and improvements to ARCS preparedness, using the preparedness for effective response (PER) framework for analysis, and identifying investments to be prioritized by ARCS and the IFRC network.
• The effectiveness of the Federation-wide and Movement support to ARCS in coordination, resource mobilization, resolving operational challenges, and delivering humanitarian assistance for the earthquake responses amid ongoing sanctions/restrictions.
• The extent to which lessons learned from the Khost and Paktika Earthquake Response were applied to the Herat Earthquake Response Operation.
• The extent learning and recommendations from the Mid-term Review continue to apply to the ARCS, the IFRC network and future emergency operations.

Job Duties and Responsibilities (continued)

Key Responsibilities

1. Inception Report: Develop a detailed evaluation framework, methodology, and data collection plan in consultation with the Evaluation Management Team (EMT), covering both qualitative and quantitative approaches.
2. Data Collection and Analysis: Employ a combination of qualitative and quantitative data collection methods, as outlined in the inception report, to gather insights from diverse stakeholders.
3. Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitate debriefing sessions with ARCS, IFRC, and partners to present and validate preliminary findings, integrating feedback before finalizing the report.
4. Reporting: Produce a comprehensive evaluation report with findings, lessons learned, and actionable recommendations for future responses.

Education

• Minimum Education: Master’s or PhD in humanitarian, development, or related fields.

Experience

• At least 10 years of experience in conducting evaluations, especially in protracted or emergency humanitarian contexts, with strong knowledge of evaluation approaches and methodologies.

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

• Red Cross Red Crescent Movement : Understanding and experience with the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement is required.
• Technical Expertise: Technical expertise in relevant sectors (e.g., cash assistance, health, WASH, protection) is an advantage.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical skills for synthesizing findings, drawing conclusions, and preparing well-written reports.
• Communication Skills: Excellent English communication skills (writing and speaking).
• Language Skills: Knowledge of Pashto/Dari is an asset (can be fulfilled by the local consultant).
• Regional Experience: Previous experience in Afghanistan and ability to engage with diverse communities.

Competencies, Values and Comments

Submit the following by 7 December 2024 to complete your application as per the TOR requirements. In addition to the application package submission, please fill in your basic details on the form here: CONSULTANT APPLICATION – Afghanistan (MDRAF007) Thematic Evaluation: Earthquake Response

• CV and cover letter
• Technical proposal (maximum 3 pages) including approach, methodology, and timeline
• Financial proposal (all-inclusive rate, including estimated data collection and travel costs)
• Three professional references
• Two recent evaluation reports authored by the consultant

Note: Experienced international consultants applying with a local consultant pairing will be preferred. Nationalities with favourable visa considerations with the country will also be prioritized. Application materials are non-returnable, and we thank you in advance for understanding that only short-listed candidates will be contacted for the next step in the application process and the selection panel does not have the capacity to respond to any requests for application feedback. Please take note that incomplete applications will be rejected.

Available documents

• TOR AF Thematic Evaluation – Earthquake Response FINAL.pdf