MONITORING, EVALUATION & LEARNING CONSULTANCY FOR ROAD TO GROWTH PROJECT IN MEXICO TERMS OF REFERENCE

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1 MONITORING, EVALUATION & LEARNING CONSULTANCY FOR ROAD TO GROWTH PROJECT IN MEXICO TERMS OF REFERENCE July

2 1. About us The Cherie Blair Foundation for Women (the Foundation) supports women entrepreneurs in developing and emerging economies to access the skills, technology, networks and financial services they need to become successful small and growing business owners. We are driven by our vision of a world where women have equal opportunities and the capability, confidence and capital necessary to create thriving enterprises and have a stronger voice in their societies. Working in collaboration with our non-profit, private and public sector partners, we have supported over 140,000 women from 100 countries across our Enterprise Development, Mentoring and Mobile Technology programmes. To find out more, visit 2. Background The Foundation is looking to contract a consultant to design a monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) plan for the Road to Women s Business Growth project in Mexico (Road to Growth), as well as conduct an independent evaluation of the project. Road to Growth uses technology to build the business skills of women entrepreneurs using a blended learning approach, combining in-class training with a custom-built online learning tool. It is designed to increase women s access to financial services and markets, and empower them to grow profitable and sustainable businesses, ultimately promoting their long-term economic independence. Specific objectives include: Deliver business management and financial literacy training to 500 women entrepreneurs using a bespoke blended learning approach. This will give women the knowledge, skills, and tools they need to gain better access to finance and move their business to the next level of growth. Provide intensive business support to 100 of the 500 women entrepreneurs through tailored business advisory sessions, advanced business workshops, mentoring, networking and links to financial services, investment, and markets. Project targets include: 500 women trained in financial literacy and investment readiness 400 women (80%) enhance their business skills 400 women (80%) increase their confidence 400 women (80%) increase their awareness and understanding of formal financial services 50 women (10%) open a savings account or access loans or other financial services 50 women (10%) sustain or increase their number of employees through business growth Road to Growth was piloted in Nigeria in This is the second iteration in a new economy. The project is funded by the ExxonMobil Foundation. 3. Purpose of the evaluation The purpose of this consultancy is to design the project s monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) plan and provide an independent assessment of the extent to which the project meets its goal of 2

3 empowering women owners of small businesses in Mexico to access the necessary finance to grow their business and prosper. The primary focus of the evaluation is on learning and understanding the changes resulted from the project, reflecting on progress and achievements, and highlighting recommendations for scale-up and replication. Specifically, the consultant will be responsible for: 1. Designing the project s MEL plan, including developing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and a detailed MEL framework to track progress and achievements in line with the Foundation s guidelines. The plan produced by the consultant should ensure stakeholder (especially beneficiary) engagement. 2. Developing the methods and tools to conduct data collection as well as a simple management information system for data compilation and processing. 3. Conducting evaluative activities during the course of the project to collect direct feedback from beneficiaries, and make recommendations for any corrective actions needed for improvement. 4. Conducting a final evaluation of the project. This will include designing the evaluation methodology and tools, conducting data collection and analysis, and producing a report to present findings and recommendations. The main audiences for this evaluation are the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, ExxonMobil Foundation, partners and stakeholders, as well as the women entrepreneurs themselves. The evaluation will be used by the Foundation and ExxonMobil Foundation to inform future strategy and programming, and contribute to the global discussion on women s economic empowerment. 4. Evaluation scope and key learning questions The Cherie Blair Foundation for Women and ExxonMobil Foundation are committed to working towards creating economic opportunities for women. We are interested in focusing on this project s contribution to building skills for women owners of small businesses and linking them to finance. The consultant will work in close collaboration with the Foundation and our local implementation partner in Mexico. To guide the scope of the evaluation, the consultant will seek to respond to the questions below as well as conduct an assessment in line with the OECD-DAC criteria. These questions are intended to be a guiding framework, and will be refined in conjunction with the Foundation and the implementation partner. Key questions that drive our learning agenda around this work include: What models effectively equip women entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge and tools they need to grow their business and prosper? To what extent can financial literacy and investor readiness training lead to successful access to finance? What are the most effective and sustainable models for connecting women entrepreneurs 3

4 with financing opportunities? How can financial institutions be more meaningfully engaged in women s entrepreneurship? What is required to effectively scale-up and replicate models that work well? The following specific questions are to be addressed in the evaluation. Relevance: To what extent are the objectives of the project valid? Is the approach used (i.e. training via blended learning, coaching, linkages to financial institutions, networking) the most effective way to achieve the desired outcomes of the project? Effectiveness To what extent are the project objectives, outputs and outcomes set out in the project proposal being met? What are the major factors influencing the achievement (or lack of) of the project outcomes? How effective are the various components of the project (training, coaching, linkages to financial institutions, networking) in meeting the project outcomes? To what extent do the project components maximise the capability of the women to access finance? Efficiency To what extent do the project methodology, approach and mode of delivery provide value for money when achieving the desired impact of the project? What alternative approaches, if any, can be considered for this project in relation to the project outcomes (successful access to finance)? Impact What happens as a result of the project? What are the short-term and long-term (expected) outcomes of the project on the women, their business and their life? What real difference does the project make to the women? Sustainability To what extent are the benefits of the project likely to continue after the end of the funding cycle? What are the major factors which may influence the achievement or non-achievement of sustainability of the project? Lessons learnt What are the key lessons learned from the development and implementation of the project? Recommendations for future projects Based on the lessons learnt and the evaluation of the project against intended objectives and outcomes, what are the key recommendations for future scale-up and replication? We acknowledge that it may not be possible to answer all of the questions within each area above, and will refine these in conjunction with the consultant during the inception phase of the evaluation. 4

5 5. Methodology We seek the most robust evaluation approach that is appropriate for the scope of the evaluation, the resources allocated, and the intended audience. Evidence shall use both quantitative and qualitative data. The proposed methodology will employ (but not be limited to) the following approaches: Review of project documents, including the original proposal, training needs assessment findings, and any other relevant documents Desk research on women s entrepreneurship and economic empowerment in Mexico Consultations with implementation partners and stakeholdersprimary data collection using quantitative and qualitative methods as relevant e.g. surveys, focus group discussions, interviews 6. Deliverables The following deliverables are expected during and at the end of the consultancy: Initial kick-off meeting with the Foundation and implementation partner to discuss/ agree the scope of the evaluation Detailed work plan outlining proposed activities and when they will take place. MEL plan describing the project s entire MEL system, including KPIs, MEL framework, data collection tools and a simple management information system for data compilation and processing Baseline study, and periodic data collection thereafter to assess progress and achievements Mid-term evaluation report (including draft) and presentation outlining progress and achievements and preliminary findings Inception report detailing the work plan and methodology for conducting the final project evaluation. Final evaluation report (including draft) and presentation, including: findings, lessons learnt, conclusions and recommendations It is the aim of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women and ExxonMobil Foundation to publish the final evaluation report. The due dates for all deliverables will be finalised by the consultant with the Foundation prior to submission of the work plan. In addition to the above, regular check-in calls between the consultant and the Foundation will be held to update on activities and debrief on emerging findings. 7. Scoring criteria for consultant selection Criterion Details Weight 5

6 Experience of designing and delivering research and evaluations on women s economic empowerment projects Experience in financial inclusion, especially as related to women Proposed methodology Financial proposal A record of designing and executing monitoring, evaluation and learning systems, including record of delivering rigorous research and evaluations in English. Previous experience of working on women s entrepreneurship projects. Sound knowledge and understanding of the entire project cycle and the ability to monitor and evaluate the quality of each project stage. Competencies in data collection and analysis related to socio-economic variables, quantitative and qualitative research. Sound knowledge and understanding of the context and key issues related to women s entrepreneurship in developing and emerging economies, especially in Mexico. A thorough understanding of the key issues related to women s financial inclusion in developing and emerging economies, especially in Mexico Good command of Spanish is required. Experience of Mexico desirable. The consultant must work in consultation with the Foundation to develop the methodology. The consultant must display the ability to identify gender-specific approaches and indicators relating to women entrepreneurs and design/develop adapted methods to the local context. The most economical proposal that meets the expectations of the work will be selected. All the costs related to this consultancy, including travel, must be included in the proposal. 35% 20% 35% 10% 8. Timeframe The consultancy is expected to commence in September 2017 and run through December Payment terms The payment terms will be agreed with the consultant prior to contracting. 6

7 The consultant is expected to provide her/his own office space and working equipment. In addition, the consultant is expected to cover the cost of insurance, travel, communication and any expenses associated with the consultancy within the available budget. 10. Instructions for submission All submissions must be sent to by 9:00 am BST on July 31, Please use Road to Growth in Mexico as the subject title to your application. Prospective consultants are expected to submit technical and financial proposals in English using the following format: Profile of consultant/firm, clear demonstration of previous experience in conducting external evaluations Understanding of the Terms of Reference Approach and methodology Work plan Proposed budget in USD and inclusive of VAT Appendices to the proposal must include: CVs of the evaluation team Three references from similar projects undertaken by the consultant(s), including contacts and phone numbers Questions and clarifications regarding the Terms of Reference should be sent by July 18, :00 am BST to: 7

MONITORING, EVALUATION & LEARNING CONSULTANCY FOR ROAD TO GROWTH PROJECT IN NIGERIA TERMS OF REFERENCE

MONITORING, EVALUATION & LEARNING CONSULTANCY FOR ROAD TO GROWTH PROJECT IN NIGERIA TERMS OF REFERENCE August 2018 1. About us The Cherie Blair Foundation for Women (the Foundation) supports women entrepreneurs