Jobs and Careers

JOB DESCRIPTION : 

The purpose of this final evaluation is to provide an overall assessment of the project’s performance in relation to achievement of the intended results and in terms of how they have been delivered. The evaluation will identify key lessons and propose practical recommendations that will enable PIN, its partners and other stakeholders to enhance the impact of future, similarly focused projects. The evaluation will look over the whole life of the project’s delivery period, 01 March 2018 - 30 September 2020, and assess the intended direct results and also consider some of the indirect benefits brought about through the projects work. Specifically, it will focus its scope around the following workstreams:
a) Establishment and management of the wool factory;
b) Direct employment;
c) Viability and competitiveness of the supported SMEs;
d) Public-Private-Partnerships established; and,
e) Advisory support provided to SMEs and the Factory.
The Evaluator will conduct their work primarily in Shirak region, with the focus in the main activity area of Amasia. Some aspects of the evaluation will be required to be undertaken in Yerevan. The Evaluator will be responsible for developing the evaluation design and methodology in order to meet the above stated goal and objectives. The methodology should be informed by the Development Assistance Criteria (DAC) of Relevance, Effectiveness, Efficiency, Impact and Sustainability and use a mix of qualitative and quantitative research methods to answer the questions articulated in this TOR. Both qualitative and quantitative methods should be used: document review, field research, etc. It is expected that the evaluator uses participatory methods including key informant interviews and focus group discussions as well first-hand direct observations. Desk-based review of key project documents including the project proposal, logframe workplans, reports and procurement documents. A list of key stakeholders that the evaluator will be expected to consult with is provided under Annex A.
Applicants to this assignment are requested to outline the methodology and approach they will use to undertake this evaluation, in their submitted proposal.

RESPONSIBILITIES : 

The Evaluator will be required to undertake the following tasks:
- Design and finalise the evaluation methodology, tools and workplan, detailing the resources and support need to complete the evaluation to time and quality, and agree with PIN;
- Undertake the evaluation activities in the field;
- Analyse the data and present findings to PIN and project partners;
- Prepare first draft of the Final Evaluation Report for review by PIN;
- Finalise the Final Evaluation Report considering the feedback provided by PIN.
The report must provide clear, evidence-based and analytical answers to all evaluation questions. It should contain all the necessary raw data information used in the process of data collection and analysis, and any other necessary annexes and references used. Final Evaluation Report template is provided in Annex B. More information on the Methodology of the evaluation, Assignment deliverables and proposed timeframes, DAC questions, budget, and more can be found here: https://bit.ly/36vfrZj .

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS : 

- At least 10 years of professional experience in conducting development project evaluations;
- Experience of evaluating small scale market systems and SME development projects;
- Proven experience and knowledge of conducting quantitative and qualitative research;
- Excellent analytical skills;
- Significant practical experience in report writing and formulation of recommendations;
- Excellent skills in spoken and written English language.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience in evaluating EC-funded projects;
- Understanding of project management principles;
- Previous experience with results‐based monitoring and evaluation methodologies;
- Knowledge of Russian language.

Please note that most targeted beneficiaries and stakeholders do not speak English, so relevant translation services need to be considered in the proposed price of the work and organised by the Evaluator in case of foreign evaluators.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES : 

All interested candidates who meet the above requirements and are confident that their background and experience qualify them to implement Final Evaluation, should e-mail their complete application packs in English language to: hr.armenia@peopleinneed.cz mentioning “Final Evaluation: EU4Shirak Project” in the subject line of the e-mail.
Application package should include:
- Curriculum vitae highlighting relevant experience (max. 4 pages);
- Cover letter stating how your experience and competencies can best deliver the assignment (mas.1 pages);
- 2 samples of previous similar work;
- Clear and concise proposal outlining the methodology and questions to be asked (max. 4 pages);
- Assignment Budget (in EUR) broken down by:
a) Personnel Service fees;
b) Direct evaluation activity costs;
c) Anticipated logistics, travel and subsistence costs.
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. The final decision will be made after the interview, considering candidates relevant experience, qualification and cost efficiency of the offer.

Please clearly mention in your application letter that you learned of this job opportunity through Career Center and mention the URL of its website - www.careercenter.am, Thanks.

OPEN TO/ ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA : 

Experts only with no less than 10 years of professional experience

ABOUT : 

“European Union for Shirak: Wool for Jobs” (EU4SWJ) is a 2.5-year EUR 540,000, EU funded Action that was initiated in March 2018. The overall objective (impact) of the Action is to increase employment and economic competitiveness in the crafts sector in Shirak region. PIN, in partnership with Women Development Resource Centre Foundation (WINNET), Shirak Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI), and Amasia Municipality has worked to achieve this through the establishment of Amasia Wool Factory, disbursement of grants to SMEs or wool craft start-ups, and skills training to support job seekers to meet the evolving demands of the emerging business sector. The project has applied a value chain development approach. Through these initiatives the Project has worked towards achieving the following Specific Objectives:
a) Creation of sustainable jobs for people in Shirak: 60 new FTE, 12 of which are quality jobs;
b) Increased competitiveness of SMEs working along the wool value chain in Shirak: 6 SMEs supported.
As of 30 September 2020, all project planned initiatives have completed and the contractual implementation phase has closed. In line with the objectives of the Project: Amasia Wool Factory is operational and under the management oversight of Amasia Foundation, of which PIN, WINNET, and SCCI are represented as Founding Partners. The supported SMEs and start-ups remain operational and relationships with project beneficiaries remain open and accessible. The project underwent an internal mid-term evaluation in August 2019 and identified its strengths and weaknesses and provided recommendation for the remaining implementation period. The selected Evaluator will be provided with the mid-term evaluation, all official donor reports and other key documents to inform the successful completion of this assignment.