The project team requires a consultant to undertake a comprehensive baseline study to
benchmark the project and collect primary data for each of the project indicators that will be used
to monitor and evaluate the progress of the project; update the project’s MEAL framework and
inform any needed revision of key project documents as accurately informed by the baseline
findings.
3. Specific objectives of the Consultancy
a. To assess the project’s theory of change, identify, and clarify the priority needs of the
communities within the context of the project.

To develop baseline information for all the indicators in the log frame that will be used
as a benchmark in project monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning.
c. To support the development of an effective and a robust MEAL plan for the project.
d. To update the project log-frame and MEAL matrix with accurate baseline data; and to
standardize all progress indicators.
e. To generate a high-quality baseline survey report that will provide an accurate
reference framework for both mid-term and end-term evaluation.
f. Identify conflict hotspots in Kidepo GR and document the main drivers of communal
conflicts, their pattern, seasonality and typology.
g. Identify other peacebuilding initiatives, if any, and main challenges faced.
4. Scope of work
The scope of the baseline survey is limited to collecting data and generating information that will
be used to assess the performance of the project against key indicators at various stages. The
geographic focus will be all the named project locations in Kidepo GR and Lantoto NP. The
scope of the work to be undertaken includes desk review of key base documents, meetings with
the project team, key stakeholders and partners as well as EU staff directly involved in the
action. The consultant will also propose appropriate data collection tools ensuring accuracy and
reliability of baseline data collected. The consultant will also generate a stand- alone set of
project baseline data as well as updated versions of the logical framework (with authentic
baseline indicators built in) as well as MEAL plan updating in close liaison with the project
team.
5. Proposed methodology
An appropriate mix of qualitative and quantitative methods will be used to gather and analyse
primary data/information to obtain accurate perspectives of the existing baseline situation; and,
concurrently, promote broad participation of different groups of stakeholders. Data triangulation
is required to ensure the credibility and accuracy of data/ information gathered through various
tools. In addition, the consultant/ team must provide a well-articulated sampling plan to ensure
the required thresholds are met for accurate inferences, conclusions and recommendations to be
generated.
The final detailed baseline methodology will be developed in close consultation with the project
team.
While preparing the application for submission, the consultant team is expected to propose a
well-thought-out methodology and survey plan for this baseline study. The same will be
approved by the project team led by VSF Germany’s Country Programs Manager for the

Resilience component of the project and EF Project Coordinator for the Peace component of the
Project.
6. Key Tasks and Outputs
Baseline assessment will consist with three key phases namely a) Inception, b) data collection
and c) report writing and submission
a) Inception phase:
– Consultant team will have a kick off meeting together with the project team to ensure
complete understanding of the project and to collect all the required reference docs.
– Read and understand the project documents, which include; project proposal narrative,
theory of change, project budget, EU guiding documents, approved project log-frame.
– The consultant team shall submit an electronic copy of the draft inception report.
– Before finalizing the inception report, the consultant shall engage with the client to agree
on the assessment methodology, sampling frame, field itinerary, survey tools, etc.
– The draft inception report should include a detailed methodology including tools,
baseline framework along with tools to be used to gather data/information, quality
assurance mechanism of data /information collection, sampling, pilot testing, roles and
responsibilities of proposed team members, key milestones and detailed work plan.
– The consultant team will be asked to make an oral presentation of their proposed
methodology and instrumentation.
– The inception report and draft survey tools will be approved by the client (VSF
Germany’s Country Programme Manager and EF Project Coordinator) before
commencement of field work/ data collection.
b) Data collection phase:
– The consultant team will be facilitated by the project team to undertake all the required
field work in various locations.
– The field teams will arrange various interviews, meetings, etc. in line with the duly
approved field itinerary
– The consultant will be wholly responsible for ensuring that all interviews are conducted
as scheduled
c) Report writing
– Presentation: the preliminary results of the baseline assessment to be shared for validation
by the project team after completion of data/information analysis by the consultant team.
The venue will be mutually agreed between the project partners.
– The preliminary results will be presented to the client in the form of an Aide Memoir vide
a workshop setting.

After that, the consultant will work on and submit a Draft Baseline Survey Report which
will be shared after incorporating feedback provided during the workshop presentation.
– After receiving the draft final baseline assessment, the project team will provide feedback
to the consultant
– The consultant will prepare a Final Baseline Survey Report based on several iterations as
outlined above; ensuing that the highest quality standards are appropriately met.
– The Final Report format will be agreed during the inception phase and the specs included
in the inception report.
7. Outputs.
The following outputs will be produced:
a) Draft inception report clearly outlining the agreed survey approach, methodology, tools and
analytical framework. The report will also include the baseline survey report format
b) Both soft and hard copy of the final inception report including final translated survey tools,
sampling, methodology and analytical framework;
d) Draft soft copy of the final baseline survey report including data sets. The final baseline report
should not exceed 30 pages, excluding annexes. If necessary, the baseline report should also
provide concrete recommendations for project re-adjustment.
e) A stand-alone summary of conflict hotspots in Kidepo GR and document the main drivers of
communal conflicts, their pattern, seasonality and typology
f) A revised log-frame with indicators that are SMART-er and gender specific. A stand-alone
pull-out of log-frame indicators, with baseline data fully built in; and
g) A brief report on the revised/ updated MEAL system
8. Time Frame
Considering the vastness of project area and the poor infrastructure, it is expected that the
assignment will take approximately 28 days, broken down as follows: 4 days of travel, 1 day to
review the project documents, 18 days in the field to collect data, meet stakeholders, and produce
the draft report, and 5 days to produce the final report. It is also expected that the consultant will
deploy different teams to work concurrently in the different project locations to ensure the entire
baseline survey in conducted and reported on within the stated time period.
9. Qualifications and experience of the consultant
A multidisciplinary team is required with proven delivery of high-quality baseline surveys
preferably in the context of South Sudan. It is foreseen that the following mix of skills will be
needed:
a) Postgraduate degree in statistics, economics or applied statistics

Postgraduate degree in either socioeconomics, agribusiness, pastoralism, conflict
resolution/ security studies, natural resources management, development studies or
anthropology/ sociology
c) Specialized training in survey techniques, MEAL, etc.
d) Excellent understanding of PRA techniques
e) Superior skills in research, analytical thinking as well as critical thinking
f) Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
g) Ten (10) or more years’ experience undertaking baseline surveys, outcome mapping,
results- based monitoring, participatory MEAL, statistical analysis, etc.
h) Evidence of similar studies (comparable magnitude and clientele) undertaken over the
last ten (10) years in South Sudan and similar landscapes