Summary
Date Posted: Tuesday, August 03, 2021 , Base Salary: Not Disclosed

JOB DETAILS:
1. Background and Context
1.1 National Context
Zambia’s Seventh National Development Plan also known as the Vision 2030, identifies Decentralisation as one of the key strategies for its successful delivery. The Seventh National Development Plan acknowledges that the inability to implement the Decentralisation Policy (DP) effectively has contributed to economic and social inequalities in Zambia, where it says, ‘The contributing factors that have led to inequalities include the inability to effectively implement the Decentralisation Policy to an extent that resources and decision -making have precluded people lower levels from effectively participating in the planning and implementation process’’(Government of Zambia 2017:91). Decentralisation has been a policy of successive Zambian administrations since 1980. According to Simutanyi 2007, successive decentralisation policies had not been successfully implemented due to centralized power and authority structures; informal power relations that pervade legal-rational rules and lead to elite capture; and the lack of local-level participation in decision-making. In 2013, the Government of Zambia launched the Revised Decentralisation Policy and Implementation Plan.

The Revised Decentralisation Policy and Implementation Plan, whose main objective is to promote effective and efficient service delivery and citizen participation in local governance and development provide a comprehensive policy and procedural framework for the implementation of the government decentralisation agenda. The Decentralisation agenda is a critical component of the Seventh National Development Plan Implementation Plan (2017), due to the centrality of service delivery and citizen participation in the policy’s successful delivery. The Revised Decentralisation Policy and Implementation Plan seeks to address the policy and legislation; institutional, financing and capacity challenges faced by local government to efficiently and effectively deliver its mandate. Challenges facing local government include limited policy and legislative clarity on the roles and responsibilities of local government; limited resources for capital expenditure; lack of capacity to fulfil the basic administrative mandates such as planning, budgeting, procurement.

To facilitate the implementation of the Revised Decentralisation Policy, Circular No 10 of 2014 was issued. The Circular outlined the implementation of the policy and formally announced the commencement of the devolution process, including the creation of Ward Development Committees to facilitate citizen participation. Further, the Local Government Equalisation Fund (LGEF), which would help fund local authorities, was also introduced through the Local Government Amendment Act of 2014. Also, in 2016 a Constitutional Amendment 2016, which reemphasised the government’s intention to strengthen decentralisation by clearly outlining the functions of land central governments. Further, the Public Finance Management Act seeking to strengthen the legal framework for transparency and accountability in managing public resources was enacted; the Decentralisation Secretariat was moved to the office of the Secretary to the Cabinet and the Intergovernmental Fiscal relations unit the budget office of the Ministry of Finance was established.

In 2017, the Government of Zambia set a target of decentralising 15 mandates to local authorities by 2020 against a baseline of 7 mandates as stated in the Seventh National Development Plan Implementation Plan. In addition, sector Ministries such as Health, Social and Education developed their devolution plans to guide the devolution process. To date, the government of Zambia has piloted the transfer of health and education in one district called Chibombo and lessons learnt through the process will inform the devolution process.

1.2 Summary of the Action
Given the Government of Zambia’s intention to expand the mandates of local authorities, the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF), in partnership with the Local Government Association of Zambia (LGAZ) and the Ministry of Local Government (MLG), identified three critical areas requiring support for the implementation of the Revised Decentralisation Policy to be delivered successfully. The three areas are as follows: 1) local authorities capacity to effectively and efficiently deliver on their expanded mandates as well as strategically engage citizens (men and women) in local governance and development, 2) citizens’ capacity and empowerment to effectively participate and claim their rights in local governance and development, and 3) the Association of Local authorities capacity to represent and support the local government sector in the decentralisation process.

Against this background, the Enhancing Local Government Capacity for Development Project in Zambia was designed. The project is funded by the European Union (EU) and the Foreign and Commonwealth and Development Office, formerly the UK Department for International Development (DFID). The project aims to enhance local governance for effective and efficient inclusive service delivery and development in 11 local authorities in Lusaka, Copperbelt and Northern provinces. Specifically, the project is targeting the following local authorities: Luanshya, Masaiti, and Ndola (Copperbelt Province); Chongwe, Kafue, Rufunsa (Lusaka Province) and Kasama, Luwingu, Lupoposhi, Mporokoso, and Mpulungu (Northern Province).

Project Title: Enhancing Local Government Capacity for Development in Zambia
Budget: €2120 000 (€1908,000 EU funding, € 212 000 DFID funding)
Timeframe: 1 February 2018 to 31 July 2021
Project Intervention Logic: The Action seeks to contribute to enhanced local governance for effective, efficient and inclusive service delivery and development through local government capacity building, inclusive development planning and implementation of Local Economic Development (LED) and Primary Health Care planning as well as by supporting the LGAZ to effectively represent and support its members in executing their Constitutional mandate.

To achieve the project’s impact, the project’s expected outcomes are as follows:
Outcome 1: Improved leadership, institutional and operational capacities of local authorities for enhanced local governance.
Given the Government of Zambia’s intention to expand local government mandates from 7 to 15, a capacity assessment to establish the existing capacities and set the baseline at individual and organisations levels would be undertaken. The assessment outcomes would be used to develop a capacity development plan to build capacity at individual and organisational levels. Capacity building would be delivered at individual and organisational levels including through training, mentoring and backstopping. The target for the individual and organisational capacity building efforts is a 40% improvement on the average score of local authorities’ capacity against the baseline.

Outcome 2: Enhanced capacity of local authorities to plan and implement inclusive service delivery and promote local economic development.
To facilitate the effective participation of citizens in the planning and implementation of service delivery in line with the Revised Decentralisation Policy, the Government of the Republic of Zambia introduced the Integrated Development Planning. The project sought to enhance the capacity of ten local authorities to develop and implement Integrated Development Plans. The target for this outcome is the implementation of five out of ten Integrated Development Plans developed under the project.

Outcome 3: Increased capacity for the LGAZ to represent and support the local government sector in the decentralisation process in Zambia.
To enhance the local government operating environment and therefore enable successful implementation of decentralised functions, the LGAZ would be supported to 1) develop a stakeholder engagement and advocacy strategy; 2) build coalitions with like-minded organisations; and 3) engage in structured dialogue with central government, Parliament and development partners such as the European Union Delegation to Zambia. The target for this outcome is a 20% improvement on the average score of the Local Government Association Zambia member’s satisfaction with its services.

Mainstreaming the Sustainable Development Goals-The project is also expected to contribute to the successful implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as follows: a) SDG5, which promotes gender equality, b) SDG 8, which seeks to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth full and productive employment and decent work, c) SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, d)SDG 16, which seeks promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, and e) SDG17, which aims to strengthen the means of SDGs implementation including revitalising global partnerships for sustainable development.

Assumptions
At the time of designing, the project’s key assumptions were as follows:
• The decentralisation process does not stall.
• Local authorities are willing to develop their capacities to assume devolved functions.
• The existence of leaders in post.
• The commitment of individuals to learn.
• The existence of critical personnel such as planners within local authorities.
• The willingness of local authorities to embrace integrated development planning and LED.
• Ongoing support from the MLG and government for LED and IDP process.

2 Objectives of the Evaluation Assignment
2.1 Evaluation Objectives
The main objectives of this Evaluation are to provide:
• An overall assessment of the past performance of the Enhancing Local Government Capacity for Development Project, paying particular attention to its results measured against its expected objectives; and the reasons underpinning such results;
• Key lessons learned, conclusions and related recommendations to improve current and future interventions
The Evaluation will assess the Intervention using the six standard DAC evaluation criteria
• Relevance: the “extent to which the intervention objectives and design respond to beneficiaries’, global, country, and partner/institution needs, policies, and priorities, and continue if circumstances change.”
• Coherence: the “compatibility of the intervention with other interventions in a country, sector or institution.”
• Effectiveness: the “extent to which the intervention achieved, or is expected to achieve, its objectives, and its results, including any differential results across groups.”
• Efficiency: the “extent to which the intervention delivers, or is likely to deliver, results in an economic and timely way.”
• Impact: the “extent to which the intervention has generated or is expected to generate significant positive or negative, intended or unintended, higher-level effects.”
• Sustainability: the “extent to which the net benefits of the intervention continue or are likely to continue.”
Additionally, the evaluation team shall consider whether gender, environment, climate change, disability and other development issues were mainstreamed as outlined in the project proposal and if the project addressed the SDGs principles of leaving no one behind, partnership and the rights-based approach to development.

2.2 Issues to be Addressed
The evaluators will propose Evaluation questions with specific value judgment criteria and indicators and the relevant data collection sources and tools in their inception report, which will be contractually binding. The following are the proposed indicative issues to be addressed by the Evaluation:
• How effective were the proposed activities, outputs, outcomes in ensuring local government capacity to effectively and efficiently deliver services in line with their mandate?
• To what extent did the capacity building initiatives had a measurable impact on improved leadership, institutional and operational capacities of local authorities?
• To what extent did the implementation of the developed plans and strategies promote inclusive service delivery and local economic development?
• What are the differentiated satisfaction levels of LGAZ members with their representational role and articulation of key local government issues?
• What are the key lessons to be learned from the project approach regarding the partnership approach to implementing the project, changes in project design and project implementation, problems encountered, and adaptation to change?
• To what extent is the project design replicable nationally and regionally?
• How has the project enhanced gender, environment, climate change, disability and other development issues?
• How can the project benefits be sustained after project completion?
• What innovations and lessons can we learn from the project?

3 Required Expertise
Qualifications and Competencies of the evaluator or evaluation team
The evaluation team is expected to possess the following qualifications and competencies:
• A minimum of a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Local Government or Development Studies or any other relevant fields,
• At least 10 years’ experience in public administration and management and international development, particularly in local government,
• At least 10 years demonstrable experience in conducting external evaluations, particularly in local government and development projects,
• Advanced knowledge in participatory appraisals and interviewing and reporting skills,
• Proven experience in projects with a focus on the strengthening of the capacity of local governance,
• Demonstrated understanding of local government, Decentralisation and development in Zambia,
• Strong communication and analytical skills, including communicating with various stakeholders, ensuring that the Evaluation is understood and fully utilised, and
• Commitment to delivering timely, high-quality results, ensuring the evaluation report is credible to all stakeholders.

4 Duration & Reporting
The Evaluation is expected to be undertaken within 45 days.

5 Further Information
Any request for clarification on the assignment must be sent in writing by standard electronic communication to nyasha.simbanegavi@clgf.org.uk.

6 Submission of Proposals
Interested consultants are requested to submit a technical and financial proposal in response to this RFP as follow:
A. Technical Proposal comprising:
• A technical proposal outlining: i) the consultant’s understanding of the assignment, ii) proposed evaluation design and methodology, iii) evaluation work plan,
• A summary of recent experience on assignments of a similar nature demonstrates evidence of the experience and skills required.

B. Financial Proposal
• The daily consulting rate in Euros and the number of days required to complete the assignment
• Per diems, travel and subsistence fees including accommodation

C. Curriculum Vitae
• CV(s) detailing past experience on similar assignments and at least two client references
Proposals are to be submitted by email (all documents in PDF form) to Project.evaluation@clgf.org.uk not later than 16:30hrs, on 20 August 2021. The submission should be referenced as, ‘’Enhancing Local Government Capacity in Zambia Project.”

7 Tender Evaluation Criteria
An offer is responsive/compliant/acceptable if it scores a minimum of 70% on the criteria outlined below and fully meets the qualifications and competency requirements.

Criteria Maximum
A. A total score for Organisation and Methodology 50
• Understanding of ToR and the aim of the services to be provided 15
• Overall methodological approach, quality control approach, the appropriate mix of tools and estimate of difficulties and challenges 25
• The organisation of tasks, including timetable 10
B. The score for the expertise of the Evaluator 50
• Relevant Qualifications 10
• Experience in the Evaluation, including at the international level 25
• Experience in local government and capacity development 10
• Experience in local government and development in Zambia 5
Overall total score 100

8 Payment Schedule
All payments concerning this assignment shall be in €. Payment for the expected deliverables will be made upon the endorsement of work by the Project Executive Team.
The proposed payment schedule is as follows:
12.1 Inception Report – 20%
12.2 First draft of the evaluation policy – 40%
12.3 Final Evaluation report -40%
The winning bidder will receive all relevant background information of the project upon signature of the contract.

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: 120

Level of Education: Postgraduate Degree

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Job application procedure
Note:
This RFP is only an invitation for Proposal, and no contractual obligation on behalf of CLGF whatsoever shall arise from the RFP process unless and until a formal contract is signed.
CLGF reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals received, to revise the RFP, to request clarifications or to cancel the process in part or whole.
Full ToRs can be accessed via this link.
To apply for this job email your details to Project.evaluation@clgf.org.uk

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