The key purpose of this evaluation is to review and document the experience of implementation from the past two years to inform future strategic decision making. Sightsavers is seeking a consultant to conduct a comprehensive evaluation aimed at understanding the models and approaches that demonstrate effective pathways towards inclusive employment, contributing to the evidence and knowledge base of Sightsavers’ economic empowerment portfolio. The evaluation will place a particular emphasis on how the design and delivery of programmes might be enhanced for future programmatic work including a deep dive into two specific project approaches, IT academies and agriculture.

The consultancy will be expected to evaluate the project level data and materials as well as primary data collected and consider if and how the projects have contributed towards the programme theory of change.

Responsibilities
The consultancy will evaluate:

If the purpose of the unrestricted portfolio has been achieved

What models or approaches demonstrate improvement in economic inclusion of people with disabilities

What partnership models are effective in providing leadership on inclusive employment

What prevents or motivates the provision of a full range of products and services by financial institutions to people with disabilities. How we can use this knowledge to drive greater financial inclusion

Timeline

The consultancy is expected to be conducted between December 2024 to the end of August 2025.

Sightsavers will welcome expressions of interest from qualified independent evaluators or consultancy companies. An individual or team with members located in the relevant countries (Malawi, Kenya, Nigeria) would be preferred. The consultant and team members should have the following core competencies and experience.

Key Deliverables

 Inception report drafted and finalised

Desk review document/data review and analysis

IT academy case study

Malawi agriculture project case study

Discussion of desk review and case study findings at the programme workshop

Theory of Change reviewed at the programme workshop

Consolidated evaluation report drafted

Consolidated evaluation report completed

Skills and Experience
Depth of knowledge conducting evaluations of economic empowerment programmes

Previous experience working in West and East African countries, particularly Malawi, Nigeria and / or Kenya

A proven track record of working on disability inclusion

Previous experience developing and evaluating Theories of Change

Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research methods

Ability to conduct comprehensive desktop summaries and case studies

First class production of high-quality evaluation reports

Understanding of the labour markets, socio-economic and cultural contexts of the programme countries

Understanding of issues related to people with disabilities

Strong project management skills, including planning, execution, and reporting

Flexibility to conduct required data collection in Malawi, Kenya and/or Nigeria