Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Restoring Children’s and Young Peoples Lost Aspiration, Integrity and Mental well-being (ReCLAIM) Project Evaluation

1. Summary

Purpose:
A summative evaluation to assess the extent to which the ReCLAIM Project objectives were met. This will include assessing the project’s outputs and outcomes, exploring strengths, weaknesses, and providing recommendations for future programming.

2. Background

REPSSI (Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative) is a renowned pan-African organization that has been supporting governments and non-governmental organizations in providing holistic psychosocial care and support to children and their families in East and Southern Africa (ESA) for over 20 years. REPSSI’s programs aim to enhance the psychosocial and mental well-being of girls, boys, youth, their families, and communities, enabling them to respond to challenges such as HIV/AIDS, conflict, poverty, climate change, environmental disasters, and social strife. REPSSI also integrates psychosocial support (PSS) through opportunities in education, health services, and Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH).

With funding from Comic Relief, REPSSI is currently implementing the ReCLAIM Project in Zambia, focusing on enhancing the capacity of community structures to be responsive and offer support to children and young people with or at risk of developing mental health issues.

2.1 Project Description

The ReCLAIM Project, launched in 2020 and funded by Comic Relief, aims to enhance community support for children and youth (ages 5–24) who are at risk of or already facing mental health challenges. The project is implemented in the following regions of Zambia: Chipata, Katete, Livingstone, and Kazungula, located in Zambia’s Eastern and Southern provinces.

2.2 Objectives of the Project

The main objectives of the ReCLAIM Project are:

• To build the capacity of community structures to support mental health.
• To strengthen the resilience of children and youth at risk.
• To improve access to mental health services.
• To enhance the policy environment for youth mental health.

2.3 Key Project Deliverables

• Outcomes:
  • Enhanced knowledge and skills of beneficiaries.
  • Increased mental health awareness.
• Outputs:
  • Service provider mapping and care pathways.
  • Development of training curricula, manuals, and IEC materials.
  • Sessions and home visits conducted.
  • Referrals and linkages established.
• Activities:
  • Train core teams, peer educators, and parents.
  • Develop and distribute resource materials.
  • Conduct community sessions, home visits, and establish linkages.
  • Develop district-level referral systems.
  • Raise awareness among civic and traditional leaders.

3. Purpose and Objectives of the ReCLAIM Project Evaluation

The evaluation will assess the extent to which the ReCLAIM Project’s objectives were met. Key questions to explore include:

• To what extent were the project objectives achieved?
• Were the project activities appropriate for the context and beneficiary needs?
• Did the project effectively address referral pathway gaps?
• How aligned were the project interventions with Ministry of Health policies?
• Were there any unintended results arising from the project activities?
• What lessons can guide future programming in mental health?

4. Methodology for Evaluation

This is a summative evaluation, and consultants may propose methods such as qualitative techniques (document review, interviews, field observations) and any other suitable data collection, analysis, and reporting methods. The evaluation methodology should be comprehensive, detailed, and context-specific. A proposed methodology will be reviewed by REPSSI’s Evaluation Review Team (ERT).

5. Duration of Consultancy – 4 Weeks

The consultancy is expected to be completed within 24 calendar days from the date of contract signing.

6. Deliverables

The consultant will be responsible for delivering the following reports:

• Inception Report (5 days): Detailed evaluation design, methodology, and tools.
• Draft Report (15 days): Comprehensive evaluation report for stakeholder review.
• Final Report (30–50 pages): Analytical report with findings, lessons, recommendations, and an executive summary.

7. Site Coverage

Evaluation activities will cover the following locations:

• Chipata Correctional Facility (1) and Schools (3)
• Katete Correctional Facility (1) and Schools (3)
• Kazungula Correctional Facility (1) and Schools (2)
• Livingstone Correctional Facility (1) and Schools (3)

8. Payment Schedule

The payment will be based on the following schedule:

• 30%: Upon adoption of the Inception Report.
• 30%: Upon submission of the Draft Report.
• 40%: Upon approval of the Final Report.

The payment is a lump sum, inclusive of all expenses.

9. Reporting

The consultant(s) will report directly to the Programs Manager for all aspects of the assignment.

10. Expertise and Qualifications

The consultant(s) should have:

• Master’s degree in public health, psychology, social work, or a related field.
• At least 8 years’ experience in evaluating international donor-funded projects, especially in health, capacity-building, and mental health programs.
• Expertise in program formulation, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Proven ability to conduct qualitative evaluations, particularly in health and psychosocial support programs.
• Fluency in English, with excellent writing and reporting skills.

11. How to Apply

Consultants meeting the above qualifications and experience should submit the following to zambia@repssi.org (addressed to the Country Director):

• A cover letter explaining their suitability for the assignment.
• A Curriculum Vitae (CV), including detailed work experience. If more than one consultant will be involved, clearly identify the overall lead consultant and responsible persons, along with their CVs.
• A brief proposal, including methodology, timeline, and budget.

12. Submission Deadline

All applications must be received by 7th January 2025, 17:00hrs.

13. Selection Criteria

Evaluation of candidates will be based on the following criteria:

Selection Criteria

TOTAL | 100% | 100 Points