1. Background

The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) is a coalition of civil society organisations engaged in the education sector in Zambia. It was formed in 2001 to lobby and advocate for the Education for All (EFA) agenda in Zambia. This followed Zambia’s participation at the Dakar EFA forum in 2000 and a need to respond to the challenge. ZANEC’s mandate later broadened to focus on national, regional and international educations goals and commitments made by the Zambian government. ZANEC’s intention is therefore to work with its members to enhance their capacity to participate in the achievement of education goals in Zambia. 

ZANEC is looking for a suitably qualified consultant to conduct an evaluation of the impact of its Strategic Plan. The first evaluation of ZANEC was undertaken in 2010 under the 2008-2011 Strategic Plan and was commissioned by the Irish Aid, then ZANEC’s main institutional donor. The second evaluation was conducted in 2015 for the 2012-2015 Strategic Plan. Therefore, this evaluation is intended to among other things, inform stakeholders on how the Coalition has grown since the last evaluation and its achievements over the 2016-2020 strategic period.

2 Purpose and Objectives of the Evaluation

The purpose of the evaluation is to assess the progress and performance of the ZANEC programmes and activities under the current Strategic Plan; identify factors that contribute to the organisation’s successful implementation of the Strategic Plan; identify the nature and magnitude of constraints that affected the effective implementation of the ZANEC programmes and activities; inform stakeholders including cooperating partners whether or not ZANEC is making a significant contribution towards quality education service delivery; and to make appropriate recommendations for the future growth focus of ZANEC.

Evaluation Objectives

The objectives of the evaluation are:

i. to assess the performance of ZANEC over the last 5 years since the commencement of the current Strategic Plan, including defining its strengths and weaknesses and providing recommendations to consolidate the strengths and mitigate the weaknesses;

ii. based on the recommendations, to define clear objectives concerning the strengthening of ZANEC within the context of the changing operating environment in Zambia; and

iii .to identify the necessary human resources (profiles, etc.) in order to operationalise the objectives and provide proposals for an improved organisational structure.

3. Scope of the Evaluation

The scope of the evaluation includes all ZANEC programmes and activities implemented from 2016 to date. The evaluation should assess the organisation as a whole and address the aspects outlined in the annex to these terms of reference (“Specific Aspects to Be Addressed”)and make appropriate recommendations. 

4. Expected deliverables

The expected outputs to be delivered by the evaluator(s) are:

4.1 Inception/concept report;

4.2 Evaluation instruments prepared by the Evaluator(s);

4.3 Selected field visits relevant to ZANEC’s programmes and activities;

4.4 Draft evaluation report, including findings from field visits by the Evaluator(s);

4.5 Final analytical report including:

• Executive Summary with key findings, conclusions and recommendations;
• Clearly identified findings and conclusions;
• Recommendations for ZANEC’s future operations;
• Key achievements and Lessons learned;
• Appropriate Annexes.

4.6 The total length of the report should be a maximum of 30 pages for the main report, excluding annexes; additional annexes can provide background and details on specific components of the ZANEC evaluation. The report should be submitted as one complete document.

4.7 All drafts and final outputs, including supporting documents, analytical reports and raw data should be provided both in paper copy and in electronic versions compatible for Word for Windows. 

4.8 Ownership of data from the evaluation rests with ZANEC. The copyright of the evaluation report will rest with ZANEC. Use of the data for publication and other presentations can only be made with the written agreement of ZANEC. Key stakeholders can make appropriate use of the evaluation report in line with the original purpose and with appropriate acknowledgement. 

5. Methodology

5.1 The review will be carried out using relevant documents (desk review) and selected stakeholder consultations and interviews. 

5.2 At the end of the desk review period, the Evaluator(s) will prepare a brief inception/concept document indicating the Evaluator(s)’ understanding of the assignment; the proposed methodological approach for the evaluation; the evaluation instruments; and the work plan and budget, to be discussed and approved by ZANEC prior to the commencement of the field trips.

5.3 The evaluation instruments prepared by the Evaluator(s) will indicate further selected specific aspects to be addressed. The evaluation instruments should identify the priority aspects to be addressed in the evaluation.

5.4 The Evaluator(s) will work to the highest evaluation standards and codes of conduct.

6. Competencies of Evaluator(s)

The profile of the Evaluator(s) should include:

• Relevant background in social and/or economic development;
• Experience in working on education issues in Zambia;
• Experience in working on civil society issues in Zambia;
• Experience in the designing, management and evaluation of development programmes and activities, in particular with policy level work, institution building and local development projects;
• Fluency in English.

7.Management of the Consultancy

7.1 The consultancy will be overseen by the ZANEC Secretariat. The Secretariat will meet with the Evaluators at mutually agreed intervals, depending on the work plan that will be agreed with ZANEC. The Secretariat will also be available to respond to queries as they arise.

7.2 Payment details will be indicated in the contract to be signed between ZANEC and the Evaluator(s).

All proposals must be submitted through email or hand delivered to the address below by Monday, 4^th May, 2020.

The Executive Director,

Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC),

Baptist Fellowship Building,

Plot 3061/2 Corner Makishi and Great East Road,

P.O. Box 30774,

Lusaka-Zambia,

Email: infoHR@zanec.org.zm

Annex: Specific Aspects to Be Addressed

The following are among the aspects and questions that should be addressed in the evaluation:

1. Implementation (Effectiveness and Impact)
   1. 1Assess whether ZANEC achieved its objectives and intended outputs and outcomes as envisaged in the Strategic Plan. 
   1. 2 How would you rate the quality and relevance of the information and reports produced by ZANEC?
   1. 3 In what ways is Government, specifically MoGE and MoHE, involved with ZANEC and how would you assess its level of support for ZANEC work?
   1. 4 Is the entire target population being reached? 
   1. 5, What mechanisms are in place for organisational monitoring?
   1. 6. Assess the quality and use of work plans and monitoring plans.
   1. 7 How do factors outside the control of ZANEC affect objectives and programme and activity implementation and how does ZANEC deal with these external factors?
   1. 8 How effectively does ZANEC deploy resources?
   1. 9 Assess the effectiveness of ZANEC’s overall management arrangements.
   1. 10 Assess the effectiveness of ZANEC’s financial management.
   1. 11Assess the participation of the various relevant actors in ZANEC’s programmes and activities. How do these actors participate in programme and activity implementation?  How does this participation affect the outcomes of the programmes and activities?

• 2 Organisational Structure
• 2.1Is ZANEC’s organisational structure appropriate, feasible and realistic for achieving its objectives?
• 2.2 Are the linkages between objectives, inputs, activities and outputs clear and logical (i.e. according to a logic model)?
• 2.3 Is the organisational structure relevant to the national education situation and the needs of the target groups?
• 2.4Is the organisational strategy gender sensitive and does it recognise and respond to the vulnerabilities of girls and women?
• 2.5 Does the organisational strategy correspond to national priorities and development of policies?
• 2.6 Does the organisational strategy correspond to the current and changing aid environment?
• 2.7 To what extent does the structure take into account the capacity of ZANEC and the commitment of stakeholders, especially the Ministry of Education?
• 2.8 Examine the capacity constraints of ZANEC and the commitment of stakeholders, and how this impacts on the implementation of programmes and activities.
• 2.9 Does the Secretariat adequately support the Sub-sector Committees? What capacity gaps are evident in the Secretariat and Sub-sector Committees?
• 2.10 To what extent were external factors and assumptions identified at the time that the organisational structure was put in place? How have these been addressed since?
• 3 Relevance
  • 3.1 Assess the choice of strategies that ZANEC adopted. Were they relevant to the problems it was aiming to address? Did the results of ZANEC’s programmes and activities solve the problems, as intended?
  • 3.2 Do the problems and needs that gave rise to the stipulated strategic plan priorities still exist or has the situation changed? If so in what ways?
  • 3.3 How does ZANEC know whether it is responding to the real needs of the beneficiaries in its strategic plans?
  • 3.4 Assess the validity of ZANEC’s approach and strategies and their potential to upscale.
  • 3.5 What changes are taking place in the educational environment that are not taking place in ZANEC?

• 4 Efficiency
  • 4.1 Examine the delivery of ZANEC’s outputs and outcomes in terms of quality and quantity. Are they being delivered in a timely manner?
  • 4.2 Assess the efficiency of ZANEC, i.e. compare the allocated resources with results obtained. Do the results obtained justify the costs incurred?
  • 4.3 Are there more efficient ways and means of delivering more and better outputs with the available inputs?
  • 4.4 Adequacy of available resources to effectively implement the strategic plan activities.
• 5 Sustainability
  • 5.1 Are there future activities or commitments of ZANEC and its partners that will help to ensure sustainability?
  • 5.2 What contributions is ZANEC making to strengthen the capacity and knowledge of the members and national stakeholders?
  • 5.3 Are lessons learned being documented? What are the possibilities for replication of good practices?

• 6 Gender
  • 6.1 Has a gender analysis been carried out of ZANEC’s target groups during the strategic plan implementation?
  • 6.2 Has gender planning been used in addressing the different vulnerabilities and needs of men and women in the target groups?
  • 6.3 Are the benefits of ZANEC’s programmes and activities accruing equitably to men and women in the target groups?
  • 6.4 Assess the progress of ZANEC’s gender mainstreaming activities.

• 7 Causality
  • 7.1 What particular factors or events have affected ZANEC’s results?
  • 7.2 Are these factors internal or external to ZANEC?

• 8 Unanticipated Effects
  • 8.1 Are ZANEC’s programmes and activities having any significant (positive and/or negative) unforeseen effects?
  • 8.2 What could be done to either enhance or mitigate them so that ZANEC has a greater overall impact?

Evaluation of the Zambia National Education Coalition Strategic Plan 2016-2020

1. Background

The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) is a coalition of civil society organisations engaged in the education sector in Zambia. It was formed in 2001 to lobby and advocate for the Education for All (EFA) agenda in Zambia. This followed Zambia’s participation at the Dakar EFA forum in 2000 and a need to respond to the challenge. ZANEC’s mandate later broadened to focus on national, regional and international educations goals and commitments made by the Zambian government. ZANEC’s intention is therefore to work with its members to enhance their capacity to participate in the achievement of education goals in Zambia. 

ZANEC is looking for a suitably qualified consultant to conduct an evaluation of the impact of its Strategic Plan. The first evaluation of ZANEC was undertaken in 2010 under the 2008-2011 Strategic Plan and was commissioned by the Irish Aid, then ZANEC’s main institutional donor. The second evaluation was conducted in 2015 for the 2012-2015 Strategic Plan. Therefore, this evaluation is intended to among other things, inform stakeholders on how the Coalition has grown since the last evaluation and its achievements over the 2016-2020 strategic period.

• Purpose and Objectives of the Evaluation

The purpose of the evaluation is to assess the progress and performance of the ZANEC programmes and activities under the current Strategic Plan; identify factors that contribute to the organisation’s successful implementation of the Strategic Plan; identify the nature and magnitude of constraints that affected the effective implementation of the ZANEC programmes and activities; inform stakeholders including cooperating partners whether or not ZANEC is making a significant contribution towards quality education service delivery; and to make appropriate recommendations for the future growth focus of ZANEC.

Evaluation Objectives

The objectives of the evaluation are:

1. to assess the performance of ZANEC over the last 5 years since the commencement of the current Strategic Plan, including defining its strengths and weaknesses and providing recommendations to consolidate the strengths and mitigate the weaknesses;
2. based on the recommendations, to define clear objectives concerning the strengthening of ZANEC within the context of the changing operating environment in Zambia; and
3. to identify the necessary human resources (profiles, etc.) in order to operationalise the objectives and provide proposals for an improved organisational structure.

• Scope of the Evaluation

The scope of the evaluation includes all ZANEC programmes and activities implemented from 2016 to date. The evaluation should assess the organisation as a whole and address the aspects outlined in the annex to these terms of reference (“Specific Aspects to Be Addressed”)and make appropriate recommendations. 

• Expected deliverables

The expected outputs to be delivered by the evaluator(s) are:

• Inception/concept report;

• Evaluation instruments prepared by the Evaluator(s);

• Selected field visits relevant to ZANEC’s programmes and activities;

• Draft evaluation report, including findings from field visits by the Evaluator(s);

• Final analytical report including:
• Executive Summary with key findings, conclusions and recommendations;
• Clearly identified findings and conclusions;
• Recommendations for ZANEC’s future operations;
• Key achievements and Lessons learned;
• Appropriate Annexes.

• The total length of the report should be a maximum of 30 pages for the main report, excluding annexes; additional annexes can provide background and details on specific components of the ZANEC evaluation. The report should be submitted as one complete document.

• All drafts and final outputs, including supporting documents, analytical reports and raw data should be provided both in paper copy and in electronic versions compatible for Word for Windows. 

• Ownership of data from the evaluation rests with ZANEC. The copyright of the evaluation report will rest with ZANEC. Use of the data for publication and other presentations can only be made with the written agreement of ZANEC. Key stakeholders can make appropriate use of the evaluation report in line with the original purpose and with appropriate acknowledgement. 

• Methodology
  • The review will be carried out using relevant documents (desk review) and selected stakeholder consultations and interviews. 

• At the end of the desk review period, the Evaluator(s) will prepare a brief inception/concept document indicating the Evaluator(s)’ understanding of the assignment; the proposed methodological approach for the evaluation; the evaluation instruments; and the work plan and budget, to be discussed and approved by ZANEC prior to the commencement of the field trips.

• The evaluation instruments prepared by the Evaluator(s) will indicate further selected specific aspects to be addressed. The evaluation instruments should identify the priority aspects to be addressed in the evaluation.

• The Evaluator(s) will work to the highest evaluation standards and codes of conduct.

• Competencies of Evaluator(s)

The profile of the Evaluator(s) should include:

• Relevant background in social and/or economic development;
• Experience in working on education issues in Zambia;
• Experience in working on civil society issues in Zambia;
• Experience in the designing, management and evaluation of development programmes and activities, in particular with policy level work, institution building and local development projects;
• Fluency in English.

• Management of the Consultancy
  • The consultancy will be overseen by the ZANEC Secretariat. The Secretariat will meet with the Evaluators at mutually agreed intervals, depending on the work plan that will be agreed with ZANEC. The Secretariat will also be available to respond to queries as they arise.

• Payment details will be indicated in the contract to be signed between ZANEC and the Evaluator(s).

All proposals must be submitted through email or hand delivered to the address below by Friday, 17^th April, 2020.

The Executive Director,

Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC),

Baptist Fellowship Building,

Plot 3061/2 Corner Makishi and Great East Road,

P.O. Box 30774,

Lusaka-Zambia,

Email: admin@zanec.org.zm

Annex: Specific Aspects to Be Addressed

The following are among the aspects and questions that should be addressed in the evaluation:

1. Implementation (Effectiveness and Impact)
   1. Assess whether ZANEC achieved its objectives and intended outputs and outcomes as envisaged in the Strategic Plan. 
   1. How would you rate the quality and relevance of the information and reports produced by ZANEC?
   1. In what ways is Government, specifically MoGE and MoHE, involved with ZANEC and how would you assess its level of support for ZANEC work?
   1. Is the entire target population being reached? 
   1. What mechanisms are in place for organisational monitoring?
   1. Assess the quality and use of work plans and monitoring plans.
   1. How do factors outside the control of ZANEC affect objectives and programme and activity implementation and how does ZANEC deal with these external factors?
   1. How effectively does ZANEC deploy resources?
   1. Assess the effectiveness of ZANEC’s overall management arrangements.
   1. Assess the effectiveness of ZANEC’s financial management.
   1. Assess the participation of the various relevant actors in ZANEC’s programmes and activities. How do these actors participate in programme and activity implementation?  How does this participation affect the outcomes of the programmes and activities?

• Organisational Structure
  • Is ZANEC’s organisational structure appropriate, feasible and realistic for achieving its objectives?
  • Are the linkages between objectives, inputs, activities and outputs clear and logical (i.e. according to a logic model)?
  • Is the organisational structure relevant to the national education situation and the needs of the target groups?
  • Is the organisational strategy gender sensitive and does it recognise and respond to the vulnerabilities of girls and women?
  • Does the organisational strategy correspond to national priorities and development of policies?
  • Does the organisational strategy correspond to the current and changing aid environment?
  • To what extent does the structure take into account the capacity of ZANEC and the commitment of stakeholders, especially the Ministry of Education?
  • Examine the capacity constraints of ZANEC and the commitment of stakeholders, and how this impacts on the implementation of programmes and activities.
  • Does the Secretariat adequately support the Sub-sector Committees? What capacity gaps are evident in the Secretariat and Sub-sector Committees?
  • To what extent were external factors and assumptions identified at the time that the organisational structure was put in place? How have these been addressed since?

• Relevance
  • Assess the choice of strategies that ZANEC adopted. Were they relevant to the problems it was aiming to address? Did the results of ZANEC’s programmes and activities solve the problems, as intended?
  • Do the problems and needs that gave rise to the stipulated strategic plan priorities still exist or has the situation changed? If so in what ways?
  • How does ZANEC know whether it is responding to the real needs of the beneficiaries in its strategic plans?
  • Assess the validity of ZANEC’s approach and strategies and their potential to upscale.
  • What changes are taking place in the educational environment that are not taking place in ZANEC?

• Efficiency
  • Examine the delivery of ZANEC’s outputs and outcomes in terms of quality and quantity. Are they being delivered in a timely manner?
  • Assess the efficiency of ZANEC, i.e. compare the allocated resources with results obtained. Do the results obtained justify the costs incurred?
  • Are there more efficient ways and means of delivering more and better outputs with the available inputs?
  • Adequacy of available resources to effectively implement the strategic plan activities.

• Sustainability
  • Are there future activities or commitments of ZANEC and its partners that will help to ensure sustainability?
  • What contributions is ZANEC making to strengthen the capacity and knowledge of the members and national stakeholders?
  • Are lessons learned being documented? What are the possibilities for replication of good practices?

• Gender
  • Has a gender analysis been carried out of ZANEC’s target groups during the strategic plan implementation?
  • Has gender planning been used in addressing the different vulnerabilities and needs of men and women in the target groups?
  • Are the benefits of ZANEC’s programmes and activities accruing equitably to men and women in the target groups?
  • Assess the progress of ZANEC’s gender mainstreaming activities.

• Causality
  • What particular factors or events have affected ZANEC’s results?
  • Are these factors internal or external to ZANEC?

• Unanticipated Effects
  • Are ZANEC’s programmes and activities having any significant (positive and/or negative) unforeseen effects?
  • What could be done to either enhance or mitigate them so that ZANEC has a greater overall impact?

Evaluation of the Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) Strategic Plan 2016-2020

ZANEC is looking for a suitably qualified consultant to conduct an evaluation of the impact of its Strategic Plan. The evaluation is intended to among other things, inform stakeholders on how the Coalition has grown since the last evaluation and its achievements over the 2016-2020 strategic period.

1. Purpose and Objectives of the Evaluation

The purpose of the evaluation is to assess the progress and performance of the ZANEC programmes and activities under the current Strategic Plan; identify factors that contribute to the organisation’s successful implementation of the Strategic Plan; identify the nature and magnitude of constraints that affected the effective implementation of the ZANEC programmes and activities; inform stakeholders including cooperating partners whether or not ZANEC is making a significant contribution towards quality education service delivery; and to make appropriate recommendations for the future growth and focus of ZANEC.

Evaluation Objectives

The objectives of the evaluation are:

1. To assess the performance of ZANEC over the last 5 years since the commencement of the current Strategic Plan, including defining its strengths and weaknesses and providing recommendations to consolidate the strengths and mitigate the weaknesses;
2. To define clear objectives concerning the strengthening of ZANEC within the context of the changing operating environment in Zambia; and
3. To identify the necessary human resources (profiles, etc.) in order to operationalise the objectives and provide proposals for an improved organisational structure.

• Scope of the Evaluation

The scope of the evaluation includes all ZANEC programmes and activities implemented from 2016 to date. The evaluation should assess the organisation as a whole and address the aspects outlined in the terms of reference (for detailed ToRs go to the ZANEC website www.zanec.org.zm  or the ZANEC facebook page). 

• Methodology
  • The review will be carried out using relevant documents (desk review) and selected stakeholder consultations and interviews. 
  • At the end of the desk review period, the Evaluator will prepare a brief inception/concept document indicating the Evaluator’s understanding of the assignment; the proposed methodological approach for the evaluation; the evaluation instruments; and the work plan and budget, to be discussed and approved by ZANEC prior to the commencement of the field trips.
  • The evaluation instruments prepared by the Evaluator(s) will indicate further selected specific aspects to be addressed. The evaluation instruments should identify the priority aspects to be addressed in the evaluation.
  • The Evaluator will work to the highest evaluation standards and Code of Conduct.

•  Expressions of Interest

All applicants must source the detailed Terms of Reference from the ZANEC website www.zanec.org.zm and the Zambia National Education Coalition facebook page. All Expressions of Interest must respond to the following:

• Credibility/track record/experience;
• Understanding and interpretation of assignment/requirements;
• Quality assurance;
• Time frame for delivery;

Proposed budget with a breakdown

• 5.           Competencies of Evaluator

The profile of the Evaluator should include:

• Masters’ degree in education, research, Monitoring and Evaluation or relevant field;
• Experience in working on education issues in Zambia;
• Experience in working on civil society issues in Zambia;
• Experience in the designing, management and evaluation of development programmes and activities, in particular with policy level work, institution building and local development projects;

All proposals must be submitted through email or hand delivered to the address below by Friday, 17^th April, 2020.

The Executive Director,

Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC),

Baptist Fellowship Building,

Plot 3061/2 Corner Makishi and Great East Road,

P.O. Box 30774,

Lusaka-Zambia,

Email: infoHR@zanec.org.zm

Email:admin@zanec.org.zm

Call for Expression of Interest

Evaluation of the Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) Strategic Plan 2016-2020

ZANEC is looking for a suitably qualified consultant to conduct an evaluation of the impact of its Strategic Plan. The evaluation is intended to among other things, inform stakeholders on how the Coalition has grown since the last evaluation and its achievements over the 2016-2020 strategic period.

1. Purpose and Objectives of the Evaluation

The purpose of the evaluation is to assess the progress and performance of the ZANEC programmes and activities under the current Strategic Plan; identify factors that contribute to the organisation’s successful implementation of the Strategic Plan; identify the nature and magnitude of constraints that affected the effective implementation of the ZANEC programmes and activities; inform stakeholders including cooperating partners whether or not ZANEC is making a significant contribution towards quality education service delivery; and to make appropriate recommendations for the future growth and focus of ZANEC.

Evaluation Objectives

The objectives of the evaluation are:

1. To assess the performance of ZANEC over the last 5 years since the commencement of the current Strategic Plan, including defining its strengths and weaknesses and providing recommendations to consolidate the strengths and mitigate the weaknesses;
2. To define clear objectives concerning the strengthening of ZANEC within the context of the changing operating environment in Zambia; and
3. To identify the necessary human resources (profiles, etc.) in order to operationalise the objectives and provide proposals for an improved organisational structure.

• Scope of the Evaluation

The scope of the evaluation includes all ZANEC programmes and activities implemented from 2016 to date. The evaluation should assess the organisation as a whole and address the aspects outlined in the terms of reference (for detailed ToRs go to the ZANEC website www.zanec.org.zm  or the ZANEC facebook page). 

• Methodology
  • The review will be carried out using relevant documents (desk review) and selected stakeholder consultations and interviews. 
  • At the end of the desk review period, the Evaluator will prepare a brief inception/concept document indicating the Evaluator’s understanding of the assignment; the proposed methodological approach for the evaluation; the evaluation instruments; and the work plan and budget, to be discussed and approved by ZANEC prior to the commencement of the field trips.
  • The evaluation instruments prepared by the Evaluator(s) will indicate further selected specific aspects to be addressed. The evaluation instruments should identify the priority aspects to be addressed in the evaluation.
  • The Evaluator will work to the highest evaluation standards and Code of Conduct.

•  Expressions of Interest

All applicants must source the detailed Terms of Reference from the ZANEC website www.zanec.org.zm and the Zambia National Education Coalition facebook page. All Expressions of Interest must respond to the following:

• Credibility/track record/experience;
• Understanding and interpretation of assignment/requirements;
• Quality assurance;
• Time frame for delivery;

Proposed budget with a breakdown

• 5.           Competencies of Evaluator

The profile of the Evaluator should include:

• Masters’ degree in education, research, Monitoring and Evaluation or relevant field;
• Experience in working on education issues in Zambia;
• Experience in working on civil society issues in Zambia;
• Experience in the designing, management and evaluation of development programmes and activities, in particular with policy level work, institution building and local development projects;

All proposals must be submitted through email or hand delivered to the address below by Friday, 17^th April, 2020.

The Executive Director,

Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC),

Baptist Fellowship Building,

Plot 3061/2 Corner Makishi and Great East Road,

P.O. Box 30774,

Lusaka-Zambia,

Email: infoHR@zanec.org.zm

Email: admin@zanec.org.zm

Terms of Reference

Evaluation of the Zambia National Education Coalition Strategic Plan 2016-2020

1. Background

The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) is a coalition of civil society organisations engaged in the education sector in Zambia. It was formed in 2001 to lobby and advocate for the Education for All (EFA) agenda in Zambia. This followed Zambia’s participation at the Dakar EFA forum in 2000 and a need to respond to the challenge. ZANEC’s mandate later broadened to focus on national, regional and international educations goals and commitments made by the Zambian government. ZANEC’s intention is therefore to work with its members to enhance their capacity to participate in the achievement of education goals in Zambia. 

ZANEC is looking for a suitably qualified consultant to conduct an evaluation of the impact of its Strategic Plan. The first evaluation of ZANEC was undertaken in 2010 under the 2008-2011 Strategic Plan and was commissioned by the Irish Aid, then ZANEC’s main institutional donor. The second evaluation was conducted in 2015 for the 2012-2015 Strategic Plan. Therefore, this evaluation is intended to among other things, inform stakeholders on how the Coalition has grown since the last evaluation and its achievements over the 2016-2020 strategic period.

• Purpose and Objectives of the Evaluation

The purpose of the evaluation is to assess the progress and performance of the ZANEC programmes and activities under the current Strategic Plan; identify factors that contribute to the organisation’s successful implementation of the Strategic Plan; identify the nature and magnitude of constraints that affected the effective implementation of the ZANEC programmes and activities; inform stakeholders including cooperating partners whether or not ZANEC is making a significant contribution towards quality education service delivery; and to make appropriate recommendations for the future growth focus of ZANEC.

Evaluation Objectives

The objectives of the evaluation are:

1. to assess the performance of ZANEC over the last 5 years since the commencement of the current Strategic Plan, including defining its strengths and weaknesses and providing recommendations to consolidate the strengths and mitigate the weaknesses;
2. based on the recommendations, to define clear objectives concerning the strengthening of ZANEC within the context of the changing operating environment in Zambia; and
3. to identify the necessary human resources (profiles, etc.) in order to operationalise the objectives and provide proposals for an improved organisational structure.

• Scope of the Evaluation

The scope of the evaluation includes all ZANEC programmes and activities implemented from 2016 to date. The evaluation should assess the organisation as a whole and address the aspects outlined in the annex to these terms of reference (“Specific Aspects to Be Addressed”)and make appropriate recommendations. 

• Expected deliverables

The expected outputs to be delivered by the evaluator(s) are:

• Inception/concept report;

• Evaluation instruments prepared by the Evaluator(s);

• Selected field visits relevant to ZANEC’s programmes and activities;

• Draft evaluation report, including findings from field visits by the Evaluator(s);

• Final analytical report including:
• Executive Summary with key findings, conclusions and recommendations;
• Clearly identified findings and conclusions;
• Recommendations for ZANEC’s future operations;
• Key achievements and Lessons learned;
• Appropriate Annexes.

• The total length of the report should be a maximum of 30 pages for the main report, excluding annexes; additional annexes can provide background and details on specific components of the ZANEC evaluation. The report should be submitted as one complete document.

• All drafts and final outputs, including supporting documents, analytical reports and raw data should be provided both in paper copy and in electronic versions compatible for Word for Windows. 

• Ownership of data from the evaluation rests with ZANEC. The copyright of the evaluation report will rest with ZANEC. Use of the data for publication and other presentations can only be made with the written agreement of ZANEC. Key stakeholders can make appropriate use of the evaluation report in line with the original purpose and with appropriate acknowledgement. 

• Methodology
  • The review will be carried out using relevant documents (desk review) and selected stakeholder consultations and interviews. 

• At the end of the desk review period, the Evaluator(s) will prepare a brief inception/concept document indicating the Evaluator(s)’ understanding of the assignment; the proposed methodological approach for the evaluation; the evaluation instruments; and the work plan and budget, to be discussed and approved by ZANEC prior to the commencement of the field trips.

• The evaluation instruments prepared by the Evaluator(s) will indicate further selected specific aspects to be addressed. The evaluation instruments should identify the priority aspects to be addressed in the evaluation.

• The Evaluator(s) will work to the highest evaluation standards and codes of conduct.

• Competencies of Evaluator(s)

The profile of the Evaluator(s) should include:

• Relevant background in social and/or economic development;
• Experience in working on education issues in Zambia;
• Experience in working on civil society issues in Zambia;
• Experience in the designing, management and evaluation of development programmes and activities, in particular with policy level work, institution building and local development projects;
• Fluency in English.

• Management of the Consultancy
  • The consultancy will be overseen by the ZANEC Secretariat. The Secretariat will meet with the Evaluators at mutually agreed intervals, depending on the work plan that will be agreed with ZANEC. The Secretariat will also be available to respond to queries as they arise.

• Payment details will be indicated in the contract to be signed between ZANEC and the Evaluator(s).

All proposals must be submitted through email or hand delivered to the address below by Friday, 17^th April, 2020.

The Executive Director,

Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC),

Baptist Fellowship Building,

Plot 3061/2 Corner Makishi and Great East Road,

P.O. Box 30774,

Lusaka-Zambia,

Email: admin@zanec.org.zm

Annex: Specific Aspects to Be Addressed

The following are among the aspects and questions that should be addressed in the evaluation:

1. Implementation (Effectiveness and Impact)
   1. Assess whether ZANEC achieved its objectives and intended outputs and outcomes as envisaged in the Strategic Plan. 
   1. How would you rate the quality and relevance of the information and reports produced by ZANEC?
   1. In what ways is Government, specifically MoGE and MoHE, involved with ZANEC and how would you assess its level of support for ZANEC work?
   1. Is the entire target population being reached? 
   1. What mechanisms are in place for organisational monitoring?
   1. Assess the quality and use of work plans and monitoring plans.
   1. How do factors outside the control of ZANEC affect objectives and programme and activity implementation and how does ZANEC deal with these external factors?
   1. How effectively does ZANEC deploy resources?
   1. Assess the effectiveness of ZANEC’s overall management arrangements.
   1. Assess the effectiveness of ZANEC’s financial management.
   1. Assess the participation of the various relevant actors in ZANEC’s programmes and activities. How do these actors participate in programme and activity implementation?  How does this participation affect the outcomes of the programmes and activities?

• Organisational Structure
  • Is ZANEC’s organisational structure appropriate, feasible and realistic for achieving its objectives?
  • Are the linkages between objectives, inputs, activities and outputs clear and logical (i.e. according to a logic model)?
  • Is the organisational structure relevant to the national education situation and the needs of the target groups?
  • Is the organisational strategy gender sensitive and does it recognise and respond to the vulnerabilities of girls and women?
  • Does the organisational strategy correspond to national priorities and development of policies?
  • Does the organisational strategy correspond to the current and changing aid environment?
  • To what extent does the structure take into account the capacity of ZANEC and the commitment of stakeholders, especially the Ministry of Education?
  • Examine the capacity constraints of ZANEC and the commitment of stakeholders, and how this impacts on the implementation of programmes and activities.
  • Does the Secretariat adequately support the Sub-sector Committees? What capacity gaps are evident in the Secretariat and Sub-sector Committees?
  • To what extent were external factors and assumptions identified at the time that the organisational structure was put in place? How have these been addressed since?

• Relevance
  • Assess the choice of strategies that ZANEC adopted. Were they relevant to the problems it was aiming to address? Did the results of ZANEC’s programmes and activities solve the problems, as intended?
  • Do the problems and needs that gave rise to the stipulated strategic plan priorities still exist or has the situation changed? If so in what ways?
  • How does ZANEC know whether it is responding to the real needs of the beneficiaries in its strategic plans?
  • Assess the validity of ZANEC’s approach and strategies and their potential to upscale.
  • What changes are taking place in the educational environment that are not taking place in ZANEC?

• Efficiency
  • Examine the delivery of ZANEC’s outputs and outcomes in terms of quality and quantity. Are they being delivered in a timely manner?
  • Assess the efficiency of ZANEC, i.e. compare the allocated resources with results obtained. Do the results obtained justify the costs incurred?
  • Are there more efficient ways and means of delivering more and better outputs with the available inputs?
  • Adequacy of available resources to effectively implement the strategic plan activities.

• Sustainability
  • Are there future activities or commitments of ZANEC and its partners that will help to ensure sustainability?
  • What contributions is ZANEC making to strengthen the capacity and knowledge of the members and national stakeholders?
  • Are lessons learned being documented? What are the possibilities for replication of good practices?

• Gender
  • Has a gender analysis been carried out of ZANEC’s target groups during the strategic plan implementation?
  • Has gender planning been used in addressing the different vulnerabilities and needs of men and women in the target groups?
  • Are the benefits of ZANEC’s programmes and activities accruing equitably to men and women in the target groups?
  • Assess the progress of ZANEC’s gender mainstreaming activities.

• Causality
  • What particular factors or events have affected ZANEC’s results?
  • Are these factors internal or external to ZANEC?

• Unanticipated Effects
  • Are ZANEC’s programmes and activities having any significant (positive and/or negative) unforeseen effects?
  • What could be done to either enhance or mitigate them so that ZANEC has a greater overall impact?

    INTRODUCTION

The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) is a network of Civil Society Organizations registered by the Registrar of Societies Act No. 119 of the Laws of Zambia on 3rd July, 2002 under certificate number ORS/102/35/2581. The organization currently has seventy-five member organizations comprising of Community Based Organizations, Faith Based Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations and Teacher Trade Unions. The member organisations work in different parts of the country and in different sub-sectors of education. ZANEC’s mandate is to coordinate civil society advocacy for quality, equitable and inclusive education for all Zambians. 

ZANEC’s vision is to have ‘a sustainable and inclusive education system that responds to national aspirations and fosters an environment for self-fulfillment. The mission of the Coalition is to promote quality and inclusive education for all, through influencing of policy, building consensus, holding duty bearers accountable, and strengthening the capacities of stakeholders in the education sector.

ZANEC in collaboration with its Norwegian Partner, the Students’ and Academics’ International Assistance Fund (SAIH), are in the process of recruiting two new exchange participants through the Norwegian Exchange (Norec) Youth Program. Through this exchange program, successful students will have the opportunity to work as a volunteer at SAIH, as well as join various Norwegian activists fighting for human rights and academic freedom of students and academics. 

Information

ZANEC is looking for two persons (one male, one female) between the ages of 20 – 25 with a background of student/youth organizing and/or leadership, and with keen interest in the field of higher education, students’ rights and academic freedoms. Through this youth exchange, you will have the role as a full-time volunteer. You will be based in Oslo (Norway) and working in the SAIH Office, while also collaborating closely with other organizations and activists in Norway. The exchange will start with 2 weeks of preparatory placement at ZANEC and a 2 week introductory course in August, before the placement in Norway starts. You will stay in Norway for 10 months, and return to Zambia at the end of July 2021. After your return you will be committed to spend 4 weeks (full time) carrying out follow-up work, with a focus on sharing the experiences and knowledge you will have gained with ZANEC and fellow Zambian activists and youths.  ZANEC has been implementing this programme for the last 2 years and therefore this call is for the third round of the project.

Selection Pool:

• Freshly completed certified university or college graduate
• Student Organisations, Student Unions or Student Parliaments.
• Gender balance, male and female

Location:   Oslo (with follow-up activities in Lusaka)

Remuneration:  Pocket money, transport (return air ticket to Oslo and local transport while in Norway) and accommodation will be covered.

Contract Length:  Twelve (12) composed of 1 Month Preparatory work (composed of 2 weeks experience with ZANEC and 2 weeks preparatory course) + 10 months placement in Norway + 1 Month follow-up work.

Key working relationships: The volunteer will be working closely with the other NOREC participant travelling from ZANEC and ZANEC designated staff for both feedback and mentorship, with activists in SAIH and other Norwegian NGOs. The supervisor will be the Coordinator at SAIH.

Key Responsibilities

• Hold   and attend workshops and presentations
• Catalogue and organize cases of human rights violations against students.
• Update social media content for SAIH’s blog and Facebook.
• Organize and facilitate meetings
• Contribute to the production of alerts, news articles and press releases about academic freedoms, human right violations against students and academics, and equitable higher education etc.
• Work with other volunteer organizations in Norway connected to higher education 
• Develop information material on Higher Education
• Contribute to SAIH’s external and internal events and campaigns.

Person specification

Professional experience

• Fresh university or college graduate
• Experience from a student/youth organization or NGO
• Experience with making presentations and workshops
• Competency in Social Media, Facebook, Instagram, Blogging
• Good writing and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication skills (including in English).
• Competent in Office
• Must have a valid passport

Personal qualities

• Proactive approach to work on tasks with minimal supervision  
• Flexible and open to change 
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to engage with people from different cultures and contexts.
• Be able to take initiative and work independently. 
• Ability to take on challenges and adjust to a new environment of working/living.
• Positive, outgoing and social.

Send application with a motivation letter of not more than two pages (typed in font 12 Times Romans) on how the placement will help the applicant’s professional advancement and contribute to Zambian youth empowerment.

Applications must be addressed to:

The Executive Director,

Zambia National Education Coalition,

Baptist Fellowship Building,

Plot 3061/2 Corner Makishi Road and Great East Road,

P.O. Box 30774,

Lusaka-Zambia,

Email: admin@zanec.org.zm

Application deadline:            Friday, 3rd April, 2020

Only shortlisted applicants will be called for interviews

we hope the CoronaVirus situation will have improved by August 2020, as this has a direct impact on the program according to the prevailing Corna Virus  situation in all the partner countries.