Consultancy “Impact Evaluation of the Fire Smart Landscape Governance Approach for the prevention of wildfires in the Tropics”

Download and read the full Terms of Reference (ToR) here
Deadline to apply: July, 19

The Assessment

Objective

The objective of this consultancy is to conduct a comprehensive impact assessment of the Fire-Smart Landscape Governance programme implemented by Tropenbos International (TBI). The assessment aims to evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes of the programme's four components: improved policies and practices, empowered communities, shared governance, and collective learning in the pathway 1 of the Theory of Change.

Phases of the assessment

The assessment will be carried out in four phases (1) Identify and agree with Network Partners a set of indicators; (2) Reconstruct the baseline; (3) Conduct the assessment and analyze the results; and (4) Report on the outcomes.
These phases will encompass the following key activities aligned with the objectives of the assessment:

1. Indicator Identification and Agreement

• Collaborate with Tropenbos International (TBI) Network Partners to identify and agree upon a set of indicators based on the programme's Theory of Change and the four components of the Fire-Smart Landscape Governance approach.
• Ensure that the selected indicators accurately reflect the intended outcomes and impact pathways outlined in the programme's Theory of Change, with a focus on Pathway 1.

An impact assessment is the opportunity to measure the changes in knowledge, skills, and risk-reducing behaviors. The principle difference between an impact and an outcome measure is the difference between short-term and long-term results. This may involve surveys, questionnaires, direct observation, group discussions and focus groups.

These impact indicators can be used to assess the effectiveness and outcomes of the Fire-Smart Landscape Governance programme. These indicators should be feasible to measure and time and cost-efficient. See Box 1 for possible indicators.

2. Baseline Reconstruction

• Reconstruct the baseline data to establish a reference point for measuring changes and progress over the course of the programme.
• Gather relevant data and information related to the programme's implementation, target landscapes, and key stakeholders involved in Pathway 1 activities.

3. Conduct the assessment and analyze the data

• Review all the documentation regarding the programme, reports, outcome harvesting, publications, news in webpages and others
• Conduct the impact assessment of the Fire-Smart Landscape Governance programme, focusing on the effectiveness and outcomes of the four components: improved policies and practices, empowered communities, shared governance, and collective learning. This impact assessment should be carried out with the active participation of the 5 network partners. A suitable methodology to work online should be developed.
• Utilize the agreed-upon indicators to collect and analyze data on the implementation and outcomes of Pathway 1 activities.
• Engage with TBI Network Partners, local stakeholders, and other relevant actors to gather input and insights into the programme's impact.
• Analyze the data collected to assess the extent to which the programme has achieved its objectives and contributed to reducing wildfire risks and improving landscape governance in the target landscapes.

4. Report on the outcomes

• Produce a comprehensive report that presents the findings of the impact assessment, including an analysis of the programme's effectiveness, outcomes, and impact on reducing wildfire risks and improving landscape governance in Pathway 1.
• Present these findings in presentation to TBI and other relevant stakeholders to present the findings of the impact assessment and facilitate discussion.

Expected outputs and deliverables

Based on the scope outlined for the consultancy, the following outputs and deliverables can be identified:

Indicator Set Agreement Document:
Document outlining the agreed-upon set of indicators based on the programme's Theory of Change and the four components of the Fire-Smart Landscape Governance approach.

Baseline Reconstruction Report:
Report detailing the baseline data collected and analyzed to establish a reference point for measuring changes and progress over the course of the programme.

Impact Assessment Report:
Comprehensive report presenting the findings of the assessment

Workshop Presentation:
Delivery of a workshop presentation to TBI and other relevant stakeholders to present the findings of the impact assessment and facilitate discussion.

Timeline

The consultant will be contracted by TBI for the duration of July to November 2024, with a total of 70 working days.

Inputs

During the contracting period, TBI will:

• Provide secretarial and logistical support (in consultation and within reason), including relevant contacts
• Keep consultant informed of all activities and documents relevant to the performance of his/her duties.

Throughout the assignment, there will be close working relation with the Project Coordination Team composed of Rosalien Jezeer and Humberto Gómez.

Procedure

We seek to receive the following information from the candidate:

• A brief proposal and planning of the assignment, including the delivery of the products;
• Budget
• CV

Awarding

The contract will be awarded to the “economically most advantageous tender”. Criteria to be applied are:

• Quality of the proposal
• Competence of the candidate
• Price

Tropenbos International reserves the right to cancel the procurement procedure, without candidates being entitled to claim any compensation. Publication of this procurement notice does not commit Tropenbos International to implement the programme or project announced.

Deadline and contact details

Proposals from candidates should be submitted by Friday, 19 July 2024 EOD CEST for the attention of Humberto Gómez (humberto.gomez@tropenbos.org).

Download and read the full Terms of Reference (ToR) here