Terms of reference for documenting the SIDA Program Based Approach Value Added

1.     Background

Action Against Hunger (ACF), a humanitarian and development leader combating hunger, has served Somalia for three decades. Action Against Hunger provides lifesaving malnutrition treatment, creates innovative solutions to hunger, and partners with communities to foster resilience and lasting change. Our Multisectoral hunger prevention programs increase access to water, sanitation, and hygiene, strengthen health systems, improve livelihoods, and empower women. In Somalia, we have been on the frontlines of treating and preventing malnutrition for three decades. We respond to humanitarian crises, meeting the urgent humanitarian and development needs of the most vulnerable sections across the country in the three main sectors of health and nutrition, WASH and Food Security and Livelihoods.

In 2023 Action Against Hunger reached 2.6 million people in Somalia in 28 (38%) of the districts in the country with lifesaving support. Our main donors are the World Bank, the UN, Global Affairs Canada, GFFO, FCDO, EU and Sida. Sida in particular has a multiyear commitment and funds ACF through the Program Based Approach (PBA). According to Sida, PBAs “were introduced, in order to move from scattered ‘islands’ of support, to support to a whole sector programme, a thematic programme or an organisation’s overall programme”. Essentially, the PBA operates on trust rather than control and provides implementing agency flexibility in the application of the funding without the need for Sida’s approval

ACF has been using the PBA funding model for the last five years and is now interested in reviewing its application, hence the need for external technical assistance to lead this process. Sida's PBA, a multi-year trust-based funding model, has fostered a unique partnership. To optimize effectiveness and accountability, a comprehensive evaluation of the PBA's value added is crucial.

2.     Purpose of the assignment

The main purpose of the assignment is to document ACF Somalia’s experience and the value added of the PBA approach in delivering life-saving assistance in the country. Specifically, the following questions will be answered

• To assess how the PBA facilitates the implementation of ACF's strategic pillar 1 beyond other funding streams.
• To identify and analyze key successes and achievements directly attributable to the PBA approach.
• To evaluate how the PBA addresses challenges or shortcomings inherent in existing funding modalities.
• To critically examine the benefits and limitations of the PBA in the context of Somalia's complex humanitarian and development landscape.
• To capture and distill key lessons learned and missed opportunities during the PBA implementation process.

3.     Proposed methodology

The consultant will be required to propose an appropriate methodology, however, some of the following could be considered:

• Deep Dive: Extensive desk review of program documents, proposals, strategies, and internal PBA reports.
• Community Voices: Focus group discussions with ACF staff and community beneficiaries.
• Stakeholder Insights: Key informant interviews with partners, and local government representatives.
• Project Scrutiny: In-depth case studies of selected PBA-funded projects to showcase strengths and areas for improvement.
• Data-Driven Analysis: Utilizing quantitative and qualitative techniques to draw meaningful conclusions.

 This is an onsite assignment. The consultant will be expected to interface with the targeted communities, getting their perspective on the PBA approach.

4.     Expected deliverables.

In the process of delivering the assignment, the following outputs will be expected:

• Workplan Blueprint: A detailed inception report outlining methodology, data collection tools, and analysis framework.
• Midpoint Insights: Interim progress report summarizing key findings and power point presentation for the team on the preliminary recommendations.
• Comprehensive Evaluation: Final report presenting analysis, findings, conclusions, and actionable recommendations. The final evaluation report will:

§  Provide a clear overview of the PBA framework, its objectives, and implementation context.

§  Present a detailed analysis of the PBA's impact on ACF's strategic pillar 1 implementation, highlighting successes and potential areas for improvement.

§  Offer a comprehensive assessment of the PBA's effectiveness in addressing challenges and shortcomings of other funding modalities.

§  Critically examine the benefits and limitations of the PBA approach in the context of Somalia, considering factors like flexibility, accountability, and long-term sustainability.

§  Distill key lessons learned and missed opportunities during the PBA implementation process, including recommendations for future optimization and collaboration.

§  Present clear and actionable recommendations for both ACF and Sida regarding the PBA's future direction and potential enhancements

• Engaging Dissemination: Clear and engaging presentation summarizing key insights for stakeholders.

5.     Duration and timelines

This assignment will be conducted within 21  days. The Consultant will be expected to submit the draft report by the 25th of April 2024.

• Proposal and inception report: A detailed workplan outlining the methodology, data collection tools, and analysis framework with the application and CV.  
• Interim progress report: A summary of key findings and preliminary recommendations shared at the halfway point of the assignment by 12th day.
• Presentation of findings: A clear and engaging presentation summarizing the evaluation's key insights for dissemination to ACF's Somalia Coordination Team, Sida focal point, and relevant stakeholders delivered by 21 day.
• Final evaluation report: A comprehensive document presenting the analysis, key findings, conclusions, and actionable recommendations in a clear and concise manner shared by 25th of April 2024

6.     Consultant management

The consultant will report directly to the Program Director but will work together with the heads of department, MEAL and other staff as appropriate.  

1.     Person specifications

Action Against Hunger is looking for a suitable individual with the following skill set and experience to support in this assignment.

·         A minimum of 10 years’ experience in humanitarian and development program delivery in fragile contexts, experience with Somalia will be an added advantage.

·         Experience managing donor relationships, and experience with Sida will be an added advantage.

·         Experience implementing the PBA approach will be an added advantage.

·         Experience conducting reviews and evaluations in development contexts.

·         Willingness to travel to Somalia (if out of the country) and work with communities.  

Interested and qualified persons should send applications to [email protected] by the 18th of March 2024

The application should include:

1.     Technical proposal detailing the methodology for delivering the assignment.

2.     Consultant’s CV

3.     Financial proposal