Terms of Reference. Baseline Study of the African Children s Charter Project-Phase II (ACCP II)

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1 Terms of Reference Baseline Study of the African Children s Charter Project-Phase II (ACCP II) April 208

2 .0 Background The African Children s Charter Project, (ACCP) Phase I was funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) from 20 to 204, with a three-year bridge period between 205 and 207. The second phase of the African Children s Charter Project (ACCP Phase II) will be implemented from 208 to The second phase proposal was submitted by Plan International Sweden and Save the Children Sweden. Plan International Sweden is the main applicant. The project is being implemented by a consortium consisting of five child and human rights focused organizations including; the African Child Policy Forum (ACPF), the Dullah Omar Institute (DOI) of the University of estern Cape, the Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA), Save the Children International, and Plan International. In addition the project has been developed in consultation with the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and elfare of the Child (ACERC) and the African Union Commission (AUC). The project seeks to enable the Consortium Members to consolidate, sustain and continue their important contribution to the implementation of the African Charter on the Rights and elfare of the Child (ACRC) and contribute to the improved realization of the rights of all children in Africa. 2.0 The African Children Charter Project logic The overall goal of the project is to ensure Children s rights are realized and their lives improved through facilitating and promoting the implementation of the African Charter on the Rights and elfare of the Child (ACRC). The specific Objectives are ) To strengthen the capacity of the ACERC to implement its mandate. 2) To promote the integration of children s rights in the decisions and actions of the AU bodies, institutions and mechanisms with particular focus on the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights (ACHPR), African Court on Human and Peoples Rights (AfCHPR), the African Union Commission (AUC), Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and the Peace and Security Council ( PSC). 3) To support civil society to engage with the AU mechanisms, especially the ACERC, to promote and protect children s rights and welfare. Strengthening of the ACERC as a regional body for the promotion, advancement and protection of child rights is key for the realization of child rights in the region. Being the centerpiece at the regional level, a well-functioning, strategic and respected ACERC has a positive bearing on child rights at the Pan-African level as well as being a catalyst for the enhancement and protection of child rights at the national level. Linking ACERC to other AU institutions that have impact on child rights and advocating for the inclusion of a child rights approach within institutional regulatory frameworks and day-to-day work, makes for a broader impact for child rights across important parts of AU institutions that apply to the regional level and have an indirect impact at the national level. This is further elaborated upon in the sub-paragraph on target groups below. Additional to contributing to the capacity strengthening of the ACERC and the inclusion of child rights by other AU institutions, the project facilitates the interaction with civil society organizations as an important actor and agent of change for shaping an effective regional system for child rights. Civil society is also imperative in development of a robust accountability system through the strategic engagement of the different regional and sub-regional mechanisms. Bringing regional institutions and civil society together means bringing the different actors that work for child rights in Africa together towards a common goal as translated by the project goal while maintaining the different mandates and roles of regional mechanisms as monitoring bodies, and civil society organizations as watch-dogs responsible for holding duty bearers to account. It ensures a holistic approach

3 to advancing and protecting child rights in the region while also connecting to ensuring that child rights priorities are advanced at the national level. Both the involvement of different actors and the connection between the regional and national level was highlighted as good practice by a recent The Expert Group for Aid Studies (EBA) report "Support to regional cooperation and integration in Africa hat works and why?". 3.0 Project target groups and beneficiaries: The project targets the following strategic actors in order to achieve the goal and specific objectives established. African Committee of Experts on the Rights and elfare of the Child (ACERC) ACERC is the main target group of the project as its mandate as envisaged in Article 42 of the ACRC is to promote and protect the rights and welfare of the African child and to monitor the implementation of the Charter of the African Union. However, the ACERC is not the only institution with a mandate in relation to child rights. Different AU bodies, institutions and mechanisms are responsible for sub-sets of advancing and promoting child rights in Africa. Therefore, in order to improve the child rights situation in Africa and to promote the realisation of children s rights, collaboration needs to occur between ACERC and other relevant AU departments and bodies of these, regional mechanisms, the project will specifically target the following: African Court of Human and Peoples Rights (AfCHPR) and African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights (ACmHPR) African Union Commission (AUC) and the Permanent Representative Council (PRC) Regional Economic Community (RECs); Economic Community of estern African States (ECOAS), Southern African Development Community (SADC), East African Community (EAC), and the Central Regional Economic Community (ECCAS) Peace and Security Council (PSC) Civil Society Organizations, including children CSOs play an important role in furthering the work of ACERC and in demanding accountability of both regional bodies and national governments. The project will target CSO coalitions engaging with the ACERC and ACmHPR. The project will also target national coalitions in Central Africa on capacity building initiatives and support to their sustainability. The second phase of the project also specifically focuses on the meaningful and active engagement of children with the Committee. In view of this, children will be targeted in the development of the child participation strategy and encouraged to engage and participate with the Committee and other AU institutions. Based on this background, the consortium members of the African Children s Charter project seek to engage the services of qualified consultant/consultants to conduct a baseline survey of the ACCP Phase II project. 4.0 Objective/Justification of baseline survey The overall objective of the baseline survey is to establish benchmarks for effective project planning and implementation, as well as form the basis for the progressive monitoring of the achievement of the planned outputs and results, through the collection of quantitative and qualitative facts, figures and indicators of the

4 situation at the beginning of the project. Furthermore, it will provide information on the specific issues and needs of stakeholders in the project area. The specific objectives of the baseline survey a) Gather data for the specific objectives and intermediary outcomes in the results framework of the project in terms of indicator or progress markers, both quantitative and qualitative, while making use of the sources of verification listed in the results framework, assessing the situation up until 3st December 207. b) Investigate if there is room for improvement in relation to primarily the indicators and progress markers, and if there are sources of identification that should be added or changed, and if this is the case then make concrete suggestions for improvements. A core area to look into the results framework from a gender perspective and analyze how gender could be better captured. Thus, the baseline study will establish benchmark indicators - based on the project results framework- to inform its monitoring and evaluation plan and form a platform for establishing targets that can be used for measuring project outcomes, and where necessary inform the project implementation strategies to be used by Consortium members, project partners and other stakeholders involved in the project. 5.0 Scope of the baseline study The consultant/consulting firm with support of the ACCP Project Manager and Plan M&E Manager will lead the baseline assessment process for the project. It is intended that the baseline assessment will provide: a) Baseline data for the program as benchmarks for performance evaluation; b) Recommended targets for performance Evaluation c) Information that will assist in updating the result framework The consultant/consultant firm will be required to lead on the following tasks in consultation with the Project Manager; who will regularly liaise with the M&E Manager for support. Develop a baseline methodology for the assessment Hold inception meeting with ACCP program team and conduct a desk review of key relevant documents and understanding the project design and contextual framework Design tools/questionnaire and methodology for data collection of both qualitative & quantitative data. Carryout data collection (through desk review, interview and stakeholder visit) Analyse and synthesize data; and prepare report Submit data analysis and draft report for feedback Incorporate, compile and submit final report (maximum of 30 pages) along with o Baseline data for the program as benchmarks for performance evaluation; o Recommended targets for performance Evaluation Plan Pan-Africa Office (in consultation with ACCP consortium members) will be responsible for: Identifying and contracting the consulting; Initial communication and ongoing coordination with the stakeholders; Reviewing and approval of data collection tools; Assistance in accessing Plan International documentation and monitoring data;

5 Approval of the final report. 6.0 Approach and Methodology The consultant/consulting firm is expected to lead and coordinate this exercise in close collaboration with Plan International staff and consortium members involved in the implementation of the project. The adopted methodology by the consultant must use processes and methodologies of good technical quality, and systematically use reliable information from multiple sources that support relevant analysis and correspond to the stated goals and objectives of the programs. The study will preferably adopt mixed methodologies based on a mixed qualitative and quantitative descriptive survey design. The consultant will be appreciated for using Participatory Tools and Techniques for data collection, which may include but not be limited to, in-depth interviews, key informant interviews, focus group discussion with all five Consortium members project steering and management staff, partners and other stakeholders in the project, which mainly includes CSOs, but also selected informants from AU human and child rights mechanisms as well as the Regional Economic Communities. Comprehensive desk review of all relevant documents i.e. review related reports, plans, records and various AU strategy papers such as Agenda 2040 and Agenda The Consultant/Consulting firm will interact with both Plan International staff and partners and others potential stakeholders. 7.0 Sources of information Consultants/Consulting firm are expected to use some documents listed in annex and to interview a strategic sample of the stakeholders 8.0 Proposed work plan 8. Activity Timeframe Major Activities April 208 May 208 June 208 July 208 Finalize TOR Advertise /call for consultancy service Appraise the technical & financial proposal submitted (by consultancy firm) Negotiation & signing agreement with selected consultancy firm Review of TOR + relevant documents Development of inception report including methodology and tools Review of tools by Plan Review of secondary information + finalization of tools by the consultant team Conduct primary data collections Agenda 2040: Fostering an Africa fit for children.

6 Draft and submit baseline survey report Comments from stakeholders ( Plan & partners) (possibility of holding a validation workshop will be explored) Finalization and submission of the final report 8.2 Time frame and budget The baseline is expected to take place between April and June 208 lasting for a period of about 2 months, beginning the date of commencement. It will be coordinated by the Plan AU Liaison and Pan Africa Program Office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The estimated financial proposal/ proposed budget for the baseline study should include: Consultancy fees Travel expenses and accommodation within Addis Ababa (estimated) for country visits Communication costs (internet connection, mobile credit) Tax and any other relevant cost related to and required for the proper conducting of the baseline. The validation meeting for presentation of the preliminary results will be organized and separately paid for by the Plan AU Liaison and Pan Africa Program Office. 9.0 Reporting and Presentation/Expected Deliverables Output : The consultant /consulting firm will submit a comprehensive baseline survey report in both electronic version and signed hard copy. The document should be very precise and address each specific objective. The consultant /consulting firm will submit the following:. Inception report on the execution of the assignment within ONE () week of the commencement of the consultancy. 2. Share questionnaire and field test result before finalizing the questionnaire 3. Draft comprehensive report within 35 days and the report including at least the following: o Executive summary (2-3 pages) o Introduction o Methodology o Limitation of the methodology o Rational of the assessment o Findings o Conclusion, Implications for program implementation and recommendations. Output 2: The consulting firm/bidder will produce an updated Results Framework with baselines, indicators and targets and deliver with final report. This will be done in consultation with ACCP consortium members. Output 3: The consulting firm/bidder will also deliver a high quality Power-Point presentation showing the critical preliminary baseline findings, before finalizing the report. Following the validation process, the consulting firm/bidder will be expected to update and submit a final PowerPoint presentation (0 slides) together with the final baseline report (30 pages). 0 Expertise and Experience of the consultant The consultant should consist of at least 2 persons representing the following skills: Extensive and advanced baseline survey and evaluation skills and experience in programme monitoring and evaluation in related fields.

7 Demonstrated technical expertise, methodology and tools in measuring and evaluating advocacy results\outcomes Very good understanding of main concepts of the project. Familiar with participatory and partnership approaches, empowerment of civil society. Advanced knowledge of English. Knowledge of French language would be an asset. In-depth understanding of child rights monitoring and advocacy at national, regional/sub-regional, international and pan African levels and previous work in the field of pan-african advocacy is an asset. A team coordinator must be appointed. The team coordinator will be responsible for the whole work and all deliveries; s/he will also act as the contact person with the Project manager at Plan. The suitable person must have a minimum of a Master s degree in the fields of Social Sciences, International Human Rights, Statistics, Demography, Research Methodologies, Development Studies, Law, Education and any other related fields. The person should have a minimum of 5 years prior work experience with a development organization, and has a minimum demonstrable experience of undertaking desk reviews, as well as rapid assessments & or evaluations. The consultant should have strong and demonstrable knowledge and experience in the field of gender equality and gender mainstreaming and familiarity with gender analysis tools and methodologies in the specific area of intervention. The consultant should have a significant experience of collecting and analysing quantitative data from small scale sample surveys. The consultant should mention previous works in regard/ relation to quality assessment/evaluation processes in their proposal and give reference to previous clients. Experience of working within a dispersed team, remaining self-motivated, using initiative and responding appropriately to constructive feedback. Able to reliably access the Internet, as well as relevant national policy/planning documents and surveys. Additional knowledge and experience on networks will be of great importance. Submission of the proposal The proposals for this baseline study will include two submissions; as electronic files (in Pdf format) delivered in separate files with a heading Baseline of the African Children Charter Project (ACCPII) as follows: i. A technical proposal, containing; Technical proposal to conduct the baseline survey, based on the project background, project logic and results framework (Impact-Project Goal-Outcomes-Activities- indicators) with the following (minimum) information: o Plan for the baseline information should be collected o Review of the proposed data and hat sources are needed for the information identified o The understanding of the TOR, the main goals and tasks of this baseline study and of, the proposed study questions, methodology, team, detailed timetable, and steps for the baseline. Sample of previous work in similar consultancy work (assessment/survey/baseline assessment) (Initial). The CV of the proposed consultants (education background, expertise and experience in relation with the scope of the baseline study and the geographical location); with a description of why

8 ii. experience is relevant to the task and using a matrix indicate how the proposed team complements each other as well as how they correspond to the profile; and A financial proposal based on activities/ requirements of the Consultant All proposals must be submitted to the Plan International African Union Liaison and Pan Africa Program Office to the following address: AULiaisonOffice@plan-international.org no later than Friday at May, 208 at 700hrs (GMT+3). 2 Safeguarding Children and Young People Throughout the process, compliance with Plan s Safeguarding Children and Young PeoplePolicy and standards must be assured. Plan s Safeguarding Children and Young People policy can be obtained from Plan International African Union Liaison and Pan Africa Program Office. 3 Annexes Annex: proposition of documents to be reviewed Project proposal, theoretical framework and other relevant project document Project results framework ACERC Reports to the AU Summit and ACERC Session reports, research and evaluation work carried out by CSOs, the AU and UN mechanisms Annex 2: List of the key stakeholders involved in the intervention Plan PAO, RESA and ARO offices Project partners at Pan-African, regional/sub-regional level. These are: African Children Policy Forum (ACPF), The Dullah Omar Institute (DOI) of the University of estern Cape, Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA), Save the Children International Offices in Eastern and Southern Africa, est and Central Africa, and Save the Children s AU Liaison and Pan Africa Office in Addis Ababa Key target groups and beneficiaries (AU mechanisms) African Committee of Experts on the Rights and elfare of the Child (ACERC) and its Secretariat African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights (ACmHPR) and its Secretariat Economic Community of est African States East African Community Southern Africa Development Community Civil Society Organizations, CSO forum CSO networks & coalitions at country level (e.g. Nigeria, Malawi)