1.0. Introduction

The purpose of this Terms of Reference (ToR) is to outline the objectives, scope, methodology, deliverables, and timeline for the Terminal Evaluation of the Democracy Strengthening in Zambia (DSZ) Project. As the project approaches its completion date of 31 December 2023, it is crucial to conduct a comprehensive assessment to evaluate its performance, achievements, and overall impact.

The DSZ Project, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with government and civil society organizations, has been working towards strengthening democracy and electoral processes in Zambia. This Terminal Evaluation aims to provide an independent and systematic assessment of the project’s outcomes, outputs, activities, and strategies. It seeks to generate evidence- based findings, conclusions, and recommendations that will inform future programming and decision- making in the field of democracy strengthening in Zambia. The evaluation will adhere to international evaluation standards, ensuring rigor, impartiality, and transparency throughout the process. Qualified consultants or consultancy teams with expertise in democracy strengthening, electoral processes, and evaluation methodologies are invited to submit proposals in response to this document. The selected consultant or consultancy team will work closely with the project’s implementing partners, stakeholders, and UNDP to ensure a comprehensive and accurate evaluation.

The Terminal Evaluation will involve the collection and analysis of relevant data, including project documents, reports, and stakeholders’ perspectives. It will also encompass site visits, interviews, surveys, and other appropriate methods to gather comprehensive and reliable information on project impact. The evaluation findings will contribute to assessing the project’s impact, identifying areas of success and challenges, and providing recommendations for future project implementation and similar initiatives.

2.0. Project Background and Information

The Democracy Strengthening in Zambia (DSZ) Project is a comprehensive initiative implemented from 2020 to 2023 to address the challenges associated with democratic governance and elections in Zambia. The project was designed based on the recommendations of the UN Electoral Assistance Division’s Needs Assessment Mission conducted in 2018. It is aligned with and supportive of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2023-2027), UNDP Strategic Plan (2022-2025), and UNDP Zambia Country Programme Document (2023-2026). The project has transitioned from the 7th National Development Plan (2017-2021)1 to the 8th National Development Plan (2022-2026).

• The project aims to strengthen democracy, electoral processes, and peacebuilding in Zambia through a two-pronged approach:
• Strengthening electoral institutions and processes and programming for peace. By focusing on these areas, the project seeks to enhance the institutional capacity of key electoral stakeholders, improve the legitimacy and procedural certainty of the electoral process, and promote peace and stability.

The DSZ Project involves collaboration and partnership with a range of state and non-state actors across selected 116 districts and 10 provinces. State actors include institutions such as the Electoral Commission of Zambia, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security, National Assembly, Zambia Police Service, Zambia Law Development Commission, Judiciary, Human Rights Commission, Department of National Registration, Passport and Citizenship, and Zambia Correctional Service. Non-state actors

1 The project was designed and mostly implemented under the framework of the 7NDP.

include political parties, media organizations, civil society organizations (including community and faith- based organizations), and other relevant stakeholders.

To achieve its objectives, the DSZ Project focuses on several key areas, including inclusive and participatory decision-making, strengthening responsive and accountable institutions, promoting transparency and access to information, improving the technical and organizational capacities of national electoral stakeholders, fostering credible and legitimate institutions with integrity, and enhancing conflict prevention and mitigation mechanisms. Further, financial support for the DSZ Project is provided by the European Union, France, Germany, Ireland, Sweden, United Kingdom Agency for International Development (UKAID), US Agency for International Development (USAID), and UNDP.

As the project nears its completion, an end of project evaluation is planned to assess its performance, achievements, and impact. This evaluation will provide valuable insights and recommendations for future programming and decision-making in the field of democracy strengthening in Zambia, ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of efforts to promote transparent, inclusive, and peaceful electoral processes in the country.

3.0. Objectives of the Terminal Evaluation

i) Assess the relevance of the DSZ Project in relation to the needs and priorities of Zambia’s democratic processes and electoral system. The evaluation will examine the alignment between the DSZ Project’s objectives and interventions and the identified needs and priorities in the context of Zambia’s democratic development.

ii) Determine the extent to which the DSZ Project has achieved its intended outcomes, focusing on both effectiveness and efficiency. This includes assessing the efficiency of resource utilization, timeliness of activities, and cost-effectiveness of interventions. Analyze the project’s impact on democracy, electoral processes, and peacebuilding in Zambia.

iii) Assess the sustainability of the DSZ Project’s outcomes and impacts beyond its project duration. Evaluate the potential for project achievements to endure and continue contributing positively to Zambia’s democratic development in the long term.

4.0. End of Project Evaluation Approach and Methodology

The end-term evaluation of the DSZ Project will follow an approach and methodology in line with international evaluation standards and best practices, as recommended by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The evaluation team will consist of an International Consultant and a National Consultant, combining local context knowledge with international expertise to ensure credible and reliable findings. The International Consultant will serve as the Lead Consultant, overseeing the evaluation process and ensuring the achievement of deliverables, while the national consultant will support the lead consultant.