TERMS OF REFERENCE IMPACT AND LEARNING CONSULTANCY

INTRODUCTION

Solidaridad Network is a global solution-oriented civil society organization, operating through 8 regional expertise centres to transform markets and foster sustainable, inclusive economies. Among these centres, Solidaridad East & Central Africa (“Solidaridad”), headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, leads efforts in the East and Central Africa region.

Our work brings together diverse supply chain actors, engaging them with innovative solutions to improve production systems and support the transition to sustainable and inclusive economies. By facilitating capacity building, creating enabling environments for local economies, and improving market access, Solidaridad champions long-term, impactful development. We place producers at the centre of our approach, promoting sustainable land use, better working conditions and livelihoods, food security, and dynamic producer organizations. Our programs emphasize fair and transparent trade, corporate social responsibility, and conscious commodity sourcing and consumption practices, ensuring holistic sustainability across sectors.

Our success in East and Central Africa stems from robust partnerships with farmers, miners, workers, producer organizations, parastatals, government bodies, research institutions, universities, financial institutions, impact investors, civil society organizations, and both public and private sector actors. These collaborations drive innovative solutions and sustainable growth in the region.

PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The assignment aims to establish a robust learning and impact measurement system for Solidaridad. This includes:

• Co-creating a regional Learning Framework/ Agenda aligned with our mutli-annual strategic plan (MASP).
• Proposing evaluation methodologies to address the key learning questions and develop strategic learning products.
• Building internal capacity to generate, analyze, and disseminate actionable insights.
• Enhancing knowledge management, communication, and stakeholder engagement.

SCOPE OF WORK

The Impact and Learning Consultant (“the Cosultant”) will:

1. Audit and Analysis: Conduct a comprehensive audit of existing PMEL (Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning) systems and processes to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities
2. Learning Framework Development: Co-create a Regional Learning Framework/Agenda with clear learning questions, aligned with the MASP objectives and regional priorities. Propose and pilot outcome-based evaluation methodologies to improve programmatic decision-making.
3. Capacity Building: Train key teams (Management, Country Managers, Program, Innovation, M&E, HR, and Communications) on the Learning Framework and research methodologies. Identify and train internal and external learning champions to support the operationalization of the framework.
4. Knowledge Management: Revise and enhance the Knowledge Management Framework to ensure effective storage, access, and use of organizational knowledge. Co-develop a plan for producing learning products (e.g., papers, case studies) and ensure at least one product is developed during the consultancy.
5. Learning Dissemination: Develop a strategy for organizing learning events (in-person and online) to share thematic insights. Ensure at least one learning event is delivered during the consultancy. Strengthen impact communication, including: a) reviewing Solidaridad’s communication collateral for our website to communicate impact effectively; and b) enhancing stakeholder pitch decks, fact sheets, and pamphlets with data-driven insights.
6. Sustainability: Develop strategies to ensure learning systems and practices are sustained and scaled beyond the consultancy period.

KEY DELIVERABLES

1. Audit Report: Comprehensive review of PMEL systems.
2. Learning Framework/Agenda: Document with learning questions and methodologies.
3. Training Materials and Report: Detailed training modules and post-training assessment report.
4. Evaluation Plan: Pilot-tested outcome-based learning methodology.
5. Knowledge Management Framework: Revised framework with actionable recommendations.
6. Knowledge Products: At least one learning product (e.g., case study or paper).
7. Learning Event Plan and Execution: Plan for events and delivery of one event.
8. Impact Communication Report: Strategies for website, pitch decks, and other communication tools.

DURATION

This assignment is expected to take up to six (6) months, starting 27th January 2025, with staggered activities to ensure thorough engagement and implementation.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Interested consultants and firms must submit the following:

1. Technical Proposal: Outline a phased approach with key outputs to deliver the assignment (maximum 15 pages, excluding CVs).
2. Financial Proposal: Detailed budget with cost breakdowns, including relevant taxes (maximum 5 pages). This should be detailed and clearly showing key cost items. Payments will be made in installments based upon key outputs of the services specified in the TOR. This will be agreed upon during contracting.
3. Team Structure: Include the roles, qualifications, and experience of team members.

Payments will be made in phases based on the completion of agreed deliverables.

How to apply

a) Submission details

The consultant/ firm is required to submit the EOI detailing the approach and methodology, budget, and work plan by 10th January 2025 at 5:00pm (EAT).

Subject reference: Impact and Learning Consultancy – [insert firm/contractor name]

Email: Submissions are by email to procurement.eca@solidaridadnetwork.org while addressed to:

Attn: Managing Director

Solidaridad Eastern and Central Africa Expertise Centre

Kilimani Business Centre, Kirichwa Road,

P.O. Box 42234 – 00100 GPO

Nairobi

b) Evaluation assessment

Proposals will be assessed on the following:

• Technical Expertise: Demonstrated understanding of PMEL, learning systems, and capacity building
• Relevant Experience: Evidence of similar assignments completed successfully.
• Financial Feasibility: Cost-effectiveness and clarity of the budget.
• Team Composition: Adequacy of team expertise and resources

Note: Canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification and only the successful candidate will be contacted.