Reforestation expert evaluation team leader- PMSPL II Livelihood In Forestry FINAL Performance Evaluation

Social Impact is a global development management consulting firm. We provide monitoring, evaluation, strategic planning, and capacity building services to advance development effectiveness. We work across all development sectors including democracy and governance, health and education, the environment, and economic growth. Since 1997 we have worked in over 100 countries for clients such as US government agencies, bilateral donors, multilateral development banks, foundations, and nonprofits.

Position Description:

In September 2018, LiF Activity was launched through the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The activity is a three-year $5 million program implemented by the LRI NGO through a Cooperative Agreement.

The Livelihoods in Forestry Activity (LiF) is implemented by LRI NGO registered at the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities under no. 1186 on 18 June 2014. LRI's mission is to restore Lebanon's native forests and to instil commitment to reforestation and wildfire prevention and response, through capacity building of local communities and organizations.

A final performance evaluation is scheduled to a) examine how and to what extent has the activity achieved planned/contractual results, and the factors (internal or contextual/Economic/COVID-19/Beirut blast) that contributed to the achievement or non-achievement of the results?.  B) note how the reforestation sector progressed since USAID started its support in 2010 and what were the major factors/changes that impacted the reforestation sector since then.

The evaluation will be conducted within the context of SI’s Evaluation Quality Use and Impact (EQUI™) approach, processes and protocols.  EQUI processes are designed to achieve a quality evaluation that incorporates learning and utilization. 

SI is seeking an expert with at least 15 years of work experience in any of the following fields of natural resource management, social reforestation, silviculture, or other related fields. Knowledge, skills and work experience in more than one of the previously mentioned fields is an advantage. The period of performance is from March 2021 to May 2021. The expected Level of Effort is 35 days approximately.  

Responsibilities:

• Provide technical expertise and lead efforts in the evaluation design, methodology and data collection instruments;
• Provide leadership for the team and coordinate activities as necessary;
• Conduct a detailed desk study of relevant documents on the evaluated project and other documents on reforestation sector in Lebanon. The desk review will provide the basis toward formulating the final set of questions as well as determining the evaluation methodology.
• Kick off meeting with USAID: Meet with USAID to initiate the work on the evaluation, provide quick briefing on the evaluation timeline, discuss initial questions and objectives. 
• Develop and submit the inception report: The inception report should contain the final approved evaluation questions derived from the Scope of work and other relevant technical tools as needed. The Report should also include clear descriptions of the  work plan and methodology for all phases, including its fieldwork approach, such as information on stakeholder interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs if needed), and other data collection methods the contractor will utilize, and first drafts of interview/FGD questionnaires.
• Conduct selected KII with project’s and reforestation sector stakeholders.
• Facilitate a virtual learning event with relevant stakeholders to discuss the situation of the sector.
• Preliminary findings presentation:  Conduct Mid-point briefing with USAID during the course of the evaluation whereby preliminary findings will be presented.
• Final briefing: Lead the preparation and presentation of the key findings and recommendations to USAID/Lebanon.
• Draft Evaluation report: Taking into consideration feedback from interim findings and final briefing presentations, the Team Leader is responsible for writing the draft evaluation report;
• Final Evaluation report: The Expert/ Team Leader is responsible for responding to USAID comments on the draft report and submitting a final report to USAID/Lebanon;
• Other responsibilities, as assigned by the PMSPL II Chief of Party.

Qualifications:

The local expert should have at least 15 years of experience in any of the following fields of natural resource management, reforestation, environmental preservation, silviculture or other related fields.

He /She should have good understanding of the current structure, strengths and challenges facing the reforestation/natural resource management sector in Lebanon.

He/ She must hold a Masters or Engineering degree in any of the above mentioned fields; Ph.D. is an advantage, but not a requirement.

He/ She should have demonstrated ability to undertake needed analysis.

He/ She should preferably have knowledge of USAID and other international donors that provide support to the reforestation sector.

He/ She should be fluent in Arabic and English

He/ She is expected to work closely with the PMSPL II team on the evaluation.

Come join our energetic and innovative team!  We offer you the opportunity to play a leading role in the growth of our company, work as part of a creative and committed team, and make a difference in the well-being of our world.