مُقيِّم خارجي

Background and Context


The Day After (TDA) is implementing the project “Bridges to Democratic Transition: Engaging Syrian Communities for Reconciliation and Democratic Transition” with the support of IFA’s ZIVIK Programme and funding from the German Federal Foreign Office.


The project aims to empower Syrian youth and community-based organisations (CBOs) to promote reconciliation, civic engagement, and inclusive governance within the framework of Safe, Calm, and Neutral Environments (SCNE) as outlined in UN Security Council Resolution 2254.


The six-month project (July–December 2025) includes a series of youth dialogues, cross-community workshops, a public opinion survey, dissemination and advocacy activities, and a final SCNE Conference in Damascus. The project’s ultimate goal is to contribute to Syria’s democratic transition by fostering dialogue, social cohesion, and inclusive participation in post-conflict governance structures.


This external evaluation will provide an independent assessment of the project’s relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability, in line with ZIVIK’s reporting and accountability standards.


Purpose of the Evaluation


The purpose of the external evaluation is to:

• Assess the extent to which the project achieved its planned outcomes and contributed to its intended impact.
• Evaluate the relevance and effectiveness of the project’s design, implementation, and M&E framework.
• Identify key achievements, lessons learned, and challenges.
• Provide actionable recommendations for TDA and ZIVIK to strengthen future programming and similar interventions in transitional contexts.

Evaluation Objectives and Key Questions


The evaluation will focus on the following five OECD-DAC criteria:


1. Relevance

• Were the project’s objectives and activities aligned with the needs and priorities of Syrian youth and communities in the post-conflict transition phase?
• How relevant were the SCNE principles and project approach to the broader democratisation and reconciliation context?

2. Effectiveness

• To what extent were the planned outputs and outcomes achieved within the project period?
• How effectively did the project engage key actors (youth, CBOs, international stakeholders)?
• What internal or external factors facilitated or hindered the achievement of results?

3. Efficiency

• Were resources (financial, human, time) used efficiently in achieving results?
• Were project management, coordination, and M&E systems adequate to ensure timely and quality implementation?

4. Impact

• What changes in attitudes, behaviours, or relationships among youth, communities, and institutions can be attributed to the project?
• Did the project contribute to broader processes of reconciliation, peacebuilding, and democratisation?

5. Sustainability

• To what extent are the results and benefits likely to continue beyond the project period?
• How have local ownership, partnerships, and institutional linkages contributed to sustainability?

Scope of Work


The evaluation will cover the entire implementation period (July–December 2025) and all project components, including:

1. Nine Youth Dialogue Sessions (across 9 governorates)
2. Four Cross-Community Dialogue Workshops
3. Public Opinion Survey (2,250 participants)
4. Dissemination and Media Outreach
5. Final SCNE Conference in Damascus

It will assess both qualitative and quantitative dimensions, focusing on the project’s outcomes and alignment with TDA’s theory of change and ZIVIK’s peacebuilding objectives.


Methodology


The evaluator will propose a detailed methodology consistent with international evaluation standards. It should include, at a minimum:

• Desk Review: of project documents (proposal, GTA, reports, financial plan, M&E data, publications, etc.)
• Key Informant Interviews (KIIs): with TDA staff, youth participants, CBO representatives, international partners, and ZIVIK focal points.
• Focus Group Discussions (FGDs): with youth and community representatives.
• Survey Analysis: review of quantitative data collected during the public survey and monitoring reports.
• Triangulation: of findings across data sources to ensure validity and reliability.

Gender, inclusion, and conflict sensitivity must be mainstreamed throughout all evaluation activities.


Deliverables and Timeline:


1. Inception Report: Detailed methodology, evaluation matrix, work plan, and data collection tools for zivik’s review and approval. Due on December 1st 2025


2. Data Collection Phase : Field visits, interviews, focus group discussions, and desk review of project documentation. Due between December 2nd - 15th , 2025


3. Draft Evaluation Report : Preliminary findings, analysis, and recommendations submitted to TDA and zivik for comments. Due on : December 17th 2025


4. Validation Meeting : Presentation of main findings and discussion of feedback with TDA and zivik. Due on : December 20th 2025.


5. Final Evaluation Report : Revised final report incorporating comments, submitted in English (max. 20 pages, excluding annexes). Due on : December 24th 2025


The final report shall include an evaluation summary (2 pages) in English, with recommendations clearly linked to each evaluation criterion.


Roles and Responsibilities


Evaluator(s):

• Conduct the evaluation in line with this ToR.
• Ensure methodological rigour, impartiality, and ethical standards.
• Maintain confidentiality and data protection in accordance with GDPR principles.

TDA:

• Provide access to all project documentation, monitoring data, and stakeholders.
• Facilitate communication and logistics with participants.
• Review and provide feedback on draft reports.

ZIVIK / IFA:

• Approve the ToR and methodology.
• Participate in validation and final review of deliverables.

Qualifications of the Evaluator


The external evaluator (or team) should possess:

• Advanced degree in peacebuilding, political science, international development, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in evaluating peacebuilding, governance, or civil society projects.
• Proven experience with donor-funded evaluations (preferably EU, UN, or German-funded).
• Strong familiarity with Syrian context and transitional governance.
• Excellent command of English (Arabic is an asset).
• Demonstrated ability to deliver concise analytical reports under tight deadlines.

9. Ethical Considerations


The evaluation must adhere to the principles of independence, impartiality, informed consent, confidentiality, and “do no harm”.
All data collected must remain confidential and be used exclusively for evaluation purposes.


Reporting and Submission


All deliverables shall be submitted electronically in English to TDA and ZIVIK.
The evaluation report must include:

• Executive Summary (2 pages)
• Introduction and Methodology
• Key Findings per Evaluation Criterion
• Conclusions and Recommendations
• Annexes (List of documents, tools, interviews, etc.)

Budget and Payment Terms
Payment will be made in two instalments:

• 40% upon approval of the inception report.
• 60% upon submission and acceptance of the final evaluation report.
• All applicants must have an active bank account, as all payments will be processed through Bank transfer (ACH)