Terms of Reference for HRF-III Mid-Term Review

Terms of Reference for HRF-III Mid-Term Review
Introduction:
The Asia Foundation (the Foundation) is implementing Human Rights Fund (HRF) III with the support of
the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (EKN), in Pakistan. It began in November 2012 and will
continue for a period of three years.
The goal of HRF III is to increase the protection and promotion of rights of expression, assembly,
association and thought (REAT) including religious freedoms in Pakistan, especially at the provincial level
and in targeted districts where rights are most at risk
A national network of civil society organizations working for the promotion of freedom of religion of
religious communities has been established namely Rights of Expression, Association, Assembly and
Thought (REAT) Network.
HRF III will achieve its objective through the following two strategic interventions:
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The establishment of a network of civil society and private sector organizations dedicated to the
promotion and protection of REAT with specific attention to freedom of religion;
Increased public awareness of and support for the promotion and protection of REAT, with specific
attention to freedom of religion
Objectives of the Consultancy:
The Asia Foundation seeks to hire a consultant to conduct the mid-term review (MTR) of the Human Right
fund III project.
Tasks to be undertaken:
The REAT Network was established in 2013, with the aim of working for a pluralistic and just society that
guarantees rights, respect and dignity to all individuals as enshrined in the Constitution. REAT through its
member organizations across the country promote and protect the rights, particularly of religious minorities.
The midterm review (MTR) is a formative review process designed to identify concrete recommendations
as to where mid-course corrections or improvements at intervention level may be required and also gauge
the impact of the HRF-III intervention in selected districts of Pakistan. The findings of review will assess
and give direction to guide HRF-III team and its implementing partner to improve its strategies for
achieving specific objective of the project.
1. The review shall provide recommendations on improving strategies with reference to project
objectives.
2. Analyze the extent to which project interventions remained successful in promotion and protection
of rights of expression, assembly, association and thought (REAT) including religious freedoms in
Pakistan.
3. Draw key lessons learnt and comment on continuous learning processes.
4. Extract best practices and recommend to further capitalize on them.
5. Assess the quality and timeliness of inputs, the reporting and monitoring system and extent to which
these have been effective.
To do this the consultant will need to conduct the following activities with time line:
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Desk review of all material/documents regarding REAT Network and HRF-III project. Review
reports like baseline report, annual report, quarterly narrative reports of partners and budget
allocations. (2 days)
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Review the composition, role and effectiveness of Steering Committee along with roles
and responsibilities of Program Technical Committee of HRF III. (1 day)
To meet with members of REAT Network to assess the partners understanding for this
project, to meet with potential beneficiaries i.e. minority groups in the target districts
to understand their expectations from the Network, to meet with key stakeholders i.e.
district level local administration, police, lawyers, CSOs etc. and get their feedback and
suggestions, to study early warning system in program districts and review the role and
mandate of human rights defenders. Advocacy campaign of HRF III (with CSOs,
Media, district and provincial level) should also be assessed. (13 days)
Briefing and de-briefing meetings/ presentation of key finding to TAF and donor (2
days)
Submission of draft report to TAF (4 days)
Incorporation of feedback and comments of TAF and submission of final report (2
days)
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Guidelines for deliverables:
 Preliminary findings: The consultant will share the questionnaire designed in consultation
with the HRF-III relevant staff and will present the preliminary findings of the review to
the HRF-III staff.
 MTR results: A draft report will be submitted to the HRF-III team after the field research
and above mentioned presentation for review and after incorporation of comments
provided by the team, sign-off will be granted after second round of review.
 Short presentation of preliminary summary of consolidated MTR report findings and
discussion with key stakeholders of HRF-III project.
 Final version of consolidated MTR Report: After receiving the HRF-III comments on the
draft report, the Consultant will submit the final version of the evaluation report.
 The report should be clearly written and employ proper attribution and citation of sources
consulted.
 To fulfill this role the consultant will actively participate in discussions of the report with
REAT, TAF and HRF III staff, work with them to finalize action plan, this could include
identifying potential areas for future planning.
Deliverables:
The MTR report should be clear and concise (not more than 45 pages, but preferably less) in
English, excluding annexes and executive summary.
The MTR report should include the following elements:
o An executive summary that can be used as a stand-alone document
o The objectives of the MTR
o The MTR questions, Outline of the methodology and approaches used to carry out the
MTR with specific reference to the involvement of minorities and women.
o A justification of the methods and techniques used, with a justification of the
selections made (e.g. counterparts, resource persons).
o An indication of any perceived limitations of the MTR.
o Presentation of the findings and their analysis (including unexpected, relevant
findings).
o Conclusions. Here the focus is on responding to the various MTR questions. The
conclusions must be based on findings and must be well reasoned.
o Recommendations must result directly and completely from the conclusions and must
be well reasoned.
The appendices of the report should include:
o The MTR proposal
o MTR instruments such as questionnaires and interview guides
o MTR program/work plan (main features of data and activities carried out)
o A list of interviewees (name, function and working environment), places visited and
corresponding dates.
Consultancy Duration:
Duration of the consultancy is 23 working days.
 Submit all deliverables within 45 days of award contract
 Submit final report by 15th October, 2014
Request for proposal:
The Asia Foundation is inviting Technical and Financial Proposal in hard copy for the aforementioned
consultancy. The proposal should be sent in a sealed envelope with two inner sealed envelopes (one
envelope with technical and the other with financial proposal). The proposal must be accompanied with
following documents:
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A short proposal for conducting this assignment including a comprehensive work plan with
clear timelines.
CVs of Team Lead and other team members with clear role and responsibilities
Detailed Profile of firm/organization/individual consultant
Who can apply?
1. Individual Consultant/firm with proven track record of relevant experience of similar work.
2. Experience of working with donors and familiarity with donor reporting requirements
3. Ability to deliver quality work on time
Deadline for Proposal Submission:
The proposal must reach at following address by the close of business on 08 August, 2014.
Country Representative
The Asia Foundation
House No.7, Street 58,
F-7/4, Islamabad, Pakistan
Proposals submitted after the deadline shall not be entertained. The sealed envelope must clearly mention
the title of the consultancy. The hard copy will be considered as final. For further queries write to Mr. Abrar
Ahmed (Senior Program Officer-HRF-III) on email address: [email protected].
Note: only shortlisted consultants will be contacted.

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