SUMMARY

Type of assignment

The final external project evaluation of the “Sustainable Plastic Recycling in Mongolia (SPRIM)” project (contract no. ACA/2020/415-173) implemented by the Caritas Czech Republic in Mongolia (CCR), Ecosoum, Mongolian Sustainable Development Bridge (MSDB), Environment and Security Center of Mongolia (ESCM), and T. G. Masaryk Water Research Institute (WRI) between May 2020 and December 2024.

Expected duration of assignment

One and a half months (preparatory work, 15 days (about two weeks) of field data collection in Mongolia in Bulgan province, Khishig-Undur soum, and Ulaanbaatar, report drafting).

Purpose of the evaluation

Final external evaluation is requested by the main donor of the project (European Commission).

PROJECT INFORMATION

Project title

“Sustainable Plastic Recycling in Mongolia”

Lead Implementing Organization

Caritas Czech Republic (CCR)

Implementing partners

Ecosoum

Mongolian Sustainable Development Bridge (MSDB)

Environment and Security Center of Mongolia (ESCM)

T. G. Masaryk Water Research Institute (WRI)

Donors

European Union, Local Administration of Khishig-Undur Soum, Czech Embassy in Mongolia, French Embassy in Mongolia, Australian Volunteers Impact Programme, and Caritas Czech Republic

Project total budget

2,000,000 EUR (the final spending will be lower)

Project Period

May 2020 – December 2024 (56 months)

Project Background

The overall objective is to contribute to economic prosperity and poverty reduction in Mongolia, support the development of a green economy, and transition towards a low-carbon, resource-efficient, and circular economy.

The specific objective is to promote sustainable production (development of less polluting and more resource-efficient products, processes and services) and sustainable consumption patterns and behaviour in Mongolia through the principles of the 3Rs in waste management.

Expected results

ER1: Recycling MSMEs have a better access to plastic waste through efficient plastic waste collection, sorting and classification system on 3 different levels (Ulaanbaatar, Bulgan Aimag and Khishig-Undur soum);

ER2: Plastic recycling MSMEs (among them women-led MSMEs) have access to appropriate advanced equipment and technologies;

ER3: Plastic recycling MSMEs have increased the number of their customers;

ER4: Conditions for scale-up and replication of the project package tool are in place (gender mainstreaming).

Target groups & Final beneficiaries

(i) MSMEs in plastic recycling sector

(ii) Central, municipal, district, aimag and soum administrations

(iii) Actors involved in plastic waste collection (collection points, landfills, waste disposal companies and informal waste collectors)

(iv) Local communities’ members & households (both in the city and countryside)

(v) Waste producers (supermarkets, restaurants, etc.)

(vi) General population of Ulaanbaatar, Bulgan aimag, and Khishig-Undur soum

Organizational Context

1. Caritas Czech Republic (CCR) is a non-governmental organization that provides development and humanitarian assistance in developing countries in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. CCR has been working in Mongolia since 2006. It has dedicated its work to agriculture, education, health care, social work, restoring livelihoods, humanitarian assistance, mitigating risks from natural disasters, green development, waste management and plastic recycling, and environmental protection.

Assignment Information

Description of deliverables

A selected evaluator will conduct a final external evaluation of the given project and develop an evaluation report in English based on the findings.

The evaluation report shall have 35 -50 standard pages (1 800 characters/page). Its structure shall be as follows:

• Summary
• Context
• Methodology applied
• Findings (as per the structure below)
• Conclusion and recommendations
• Annexes (lists of interviewees and informants, questionnaires, photos etc.)

The evaluation shall focus mainly on the topics and questions below (the list is not exhaustive)

Project relevance

• Relevance of the project objectives and expected results to the needs of the country, target groups and beneficiaries;
• Relevance of the project objectives and expected results to the expectations of the main stakeholders;
• Complementarity of the project to other actions in the field of waste management and recycling in Mongolia;
• The ability of the project management to adjust the project to the changing context in the given sector.

Efficiency

• Efficiency of the financial resources needed to achieve the existing outputs/results
• Efficiency of the human resources needed to achieve the existing outputs/results

Effectiveness

• Progress made towards the achievement of results;
• Fulfilment of the project objectives, indicators, and results;
• Reasons for delay in achieving project objectives and results (if applicable).

Impact of outcomes

• Impact of the project on target groups, beneficiaries, local partners and other local stakeholders;
• Changes and progress of beneficiaries in the three outcome areas;
• Contribution of the project to the achievement of relevant national development strategies;
• Changes in policy environment attributable to the project;
• Any other positive/negative impacts prompted by the project activities.

Sustainability of outcomes

• Potential of continuing activities and results after the completion of the project.

Project management and organisation

• Appropriateness of the division of roles between CCR and other project partners;
• Effectivity of the communication between CCR, project partners and other stakeholders;
• Level of local stakeholders (including beneficiaries, government and the local partners) participation in project implementation;
• Visibility of the project and its funding (does it meet respective donors´ requirements, is it sufficient or not);
• Arrangement and transparency of project documents (documents proving implementation of activities, achievement of results and objectives, financial documents);
• Effectiveness of CCR internal project monitoring mechanisms (monitoring partners´ performance, project events, measurement of training’s impact, etc.).

Criteria and requirements:

The selection will be determined by a) the submission of an eligible and comprehensive proposal with supporting documents and b) meeting financial criteria (25%) and weighted technical criteria (75%), where:

• Alignment of the proposed work plan and methodology with the requirements specified in the terms of reference (0-40)
• Expertise and qualifications of the evaluators responsible for the service (0-60)

The evaluator should meet the following requirements:

Compulsory:

• At least 5 years of experience in evaluating development projects (verifiable list of evaluations conducted in the past required);
• Experience in evaluating EU-funded projects;
• Excellent written and spoken English and the ability to edit texts;
• Demonstrated excellent analytical skills (evidence required);
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and comfortable working across cultures;
• Demonstrated understanding of the development sector in waste management (verifiable information on relevant experience required).

Recommended:

• Expertise in the waste management and recycling sectors;
• Experience working in Mongolia.

Required materials:

Bidders will be evaluated based on the inclusion of the following information in their bids:

1. Technical proposal that provides an evaluation plan, specifies methodology and tools, describes tasks, includes a work schedule, proposes the evaluation report structure, and describes relevant expertise and experience;
2. Financial proposal with a budget breakdown (total price shall not exceed 10,000 EUR);
3. Brief introductions of similar works performed, including copies of supporting documents and contacts to persons/institutions that can provide reference
4. CVs of evaluators engaged in the service, outlining their responsibilities, and accompanied by relevant certificates;
5. References from previous clients for similar assignments.

Terms of assignment

CCR will subcontract the selected evaluator to produce the deliverables specified above;

The contract is to be concluded between CCR and the selected evaluator (the draft can be shared before signing);

The evaluation plan and candidate proposal must be submitted by 10 AM (GMT+8) on 29 November 2024;

The maximum price to be paid for the delivery is 10.000 EUR;

The agreed-upon price will cover the evaluator´s remuneration, all costs incurred by the evaluator related to the assignment, and all taxes and fees required by law. The price will be final and cannot be increased under any circumstances. CCR will provide the evaluator with all information and documents needed to conduct the evaluation.