Consultant for theTerminal Evaluation of Sustainable Rural Biomass Energy (SRBE) Project

Bhutan is known to have one of the highest per capita domestic fuel wood consumption in the world, at almost 1.17 tonnes per person per year.  With 70 percent of its population living in rural Bhutan, and fuel wood being the main source of energy for cooking, heating and lighting in the rural areas, there is constant and increasing pressure on the forests of Bhutan. The inefficient fuel wood consumption is contributing to deforestation/forest degradation, indoor air pollution and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

To address the above problem, the Sustainable Rural Biomass Energy (SRBE) Project was established in 2013 with the support of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and other funding partners. The project is focused on the promotion and efficient use of biomass energy resources to enhance energy services, primarily in rural areas, and to reduce GHG emissions in Bhutan.

The SRBE project will conclude in December 2016. In accordance with UNDP and GEF monitoring and evaluation policies and procedures, all full and medium-sized UNDP-GEF projects are required to undergo a terminal evaluation upon completion of implementation. These terms of reference (TOR) sets out the expectations for a Terminal Evaluation (TE) of the Bhutan Sustainable Rural Biomass Energy (UNDP PIMS# 4181).

Objective and Scope:

The Terminal Evaluation (TE) will be conducted according to the guidance, rules and procedures established by UNDP and GEF as reflected in the UNDP Evaluation Guidance for GEF Financed Projects. 

The objectives of the evaluation are to assess the achievement of project results, and to draw lessons that can both improve the sustainability of benefits from this project, and aid in the overall enhancement of UNDP programming.  

The evaluation team is expected to deliver the following:

• Inception report - The evaluator provides clarifications on timing and method;
• Presentation of initial findings;
• Submit draft final report;
• Submit the final evaluation report.

The evaluation should include a mixed methodology of document review, interviews, and observations from project site visits, at minimum, and the evaluators should make an effort to triangulate information. The evaluators are expected to frame the evaluation effort using the criteria of relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and impact, as defined and explained in the UNDP Guidance for Conducting Terminal Evaluations of UNDP-supported, GEF-financed projects.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in evaluation;
• Experience with UNDP and/or GEF-financed projects is an advantage;
• Should have prior experience in evaluating similar projects.

• A post-secondary/advanced degree (Masters level or higher) in climate change mitigation, renewable energy, environmental sciences, evaluation, or a related subject;
• Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience in climate change mitigation and energy;
• Previous experience with results-based monitoring and evaluation methodologies;
• Previous experience with gender-sensitive analysis.

The evaluation team will be composed of 1 international evaluator and 1 national evaluator.The consultancy team are invited to submit applications along with a cover page and the technical proposal with their CV for these positions. The team leader, International Consultant is required to collaborate with a National Consultant through a signed letter of association to form the consultancy team and submit the proposal together.