[TimorLesteStudies] Evaluation Consultant for the Early Warning and Response (EWER) Program

[Bu Wilson]

External Evaluation of the Early Warning and Response (EWER) Program
 
Conducted in partnership by NGO Belun and Columbia University's Center for International
 
Conflict Resolution
 
January 2013



 
Call for Applicants
 
Background
 
NGO Belun and Columbia University's Center for International Conflict Resolution (CICR) are
 
currently seeking a consultant to conduct the annual external evaluation of the Early Warning, Early
 
Response (EWER) conflict prevention system. The EWER system monitors social, economic,
 
political and external trends as well as incidents of violence throughout the country with an aim to
 
increasing early responses to conflict and preventing the escalation of violence at the national and
 
community levels.
 
Assignment Objectives
 
The EWER program is just completing its 4th year of implementation and is seeking an independent
 
evaluation to assess the efficacy of the program in achieving its desired objectives and to provide
 
practicable recommendations to the implementing partners for improving its implementation.
 
The objectives of this evaluation are to review progress according to the program results framework
 
towards the following objectives:
 
1. Strengthened programmatic and policy responses to conflict through the establishment of a
 
national Early Warning system;
 
2. Reinforced state and community preparedness and responses to conflict toward preventing the
 
escalation of violence
 
Length of Assignment and Costs
 
The assignment is envisioned to be conducted from mid-February – mid-March 2013. The suggested
 
timeframe can be discussed and adjusted but should not exceed 30 days.
 
Preliminary Time frame and Workplan
 
Desk study and background Research: 3 days
 
Research and interviews in Dili: 7 days
 
Field work (in selected District case-studies): 9 days
 
Analysis and Reporting: 7 days
 
Pre-Final Report presented to the team for feedback: 1 day
 
Preparation of Final Report: 3 days
 
2
 
Total budget frame: not to exceed USD 7,000
 
The budget shall cover all costs including consultancy fees, international and national travel, Per
 
Diems, insurances and communication. Printing costs are covered by Belun.
 
Activities and Responsibilities
 
1) Review EWER Program documentation including program design documents, previously
 
published monitoring reports, policy briefs and alerts, and results from previous internal and external
 
evaluations;
 
2) Desk study research on the role and effectiveness of Early Warning Systems Worldwide;
 
3) Develop methodological guidelines and tools for an external evaluation of the EWER Project;
 
4) Conduct interviews with EWER Dili and District staff, Volunteer monitors and Conflict
 
Prevention Networks;
 
5) Make recommendations for future changes in the project based on the findings. This may
 
include reference to:
 
a. The design of the programmatic structure for effective monitoring and effective
 
communication and transfer of monitoring data;
 
b. The sustainability of the relationship with sub-district level monitors;
 
c. The training outcomes of twice-yearly monitor trainings;
 
d. The ability of the mechanism to provide early warning to relevant stakeholders;
 
e. The ability of the Sub-District level Conflict Prevention Networks to design appropriate
 
strategies of intervention and employ existing capacities within the networks for this
 
purpose;
 
f. The program’s potential gender impact through participation of men and women in the
 
system and as beneficiaries across a range of factors using the program’s gender impact
 
assessment framework;
 
g. The need for adaptation of the design and structure in order to strengthen the capacity of
 
EWER system to monitor and report in situations of heightened tensions, specifically in
 
relation to the upcoming electoral period;
 
6) Prepare a draft evaluation report for discussion with the management team of the EWER
 
program;
 
7) Submit Final Evaluation Report.
 
Reporting and Working Relationships
 
The consultant will report to and be accountable jointly to the Director at Belun and Program
 
Manager for CICR. The consultant will work closely with the CICR Program Manager in the design
 
of the evaluation and with Belun’s EWER Program Manager in gaining access to relevant
 
stakeholders in the evaluation, including EWER program staff of both CICR and Belun.
 
Personal Specifications
 
Qualifications, Skills and Experience
 
· Advanced university degree in Social Sciences, International Relations, Statistics, or related
 
fields
 
· At least 3 to 5 years practical experience in developing and implementing Monitoring and
 
Evaluation activities for Peacebuilding or Community Development projects at the
 
international level, including field work;
 
3
 
· Previous experience working with Early Warning systems, Conflict Prevention or Conflict
 
Transformation activities
 
· Strong background in conflict sensitive development practices
 
· Fluency in English
 
· Fluency in either Tetun or Bahasa Indonesia
 
· Previous experience working in Timor-Leste, preferably in an NGO context
 
· Ability to travel extensively in the districts
 
Preferred Attributes
 
· Fluency in Tetun
 
· Applicants currently living or working within Timor-Leste
 
· Experience working with Early Warning and Response Systems
 
Application Contact
 
Interested candidates may submit CV and applications to sarah.belun at gmail.com by Monday, 4th
 
February 2013

--
Dr Bu V.E. Wilson


T: Vanuatu +678 598 2646 (mobile); +678 22626 (landline)
T: Australia +61 (0) 407 087 086
T: Timor-Leste +670 770 22887
E: buvewilson at gmail.com
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