Jesuit Refugee Service SEE / Renovabis
Terms of Reference for Evaluation of the project "Enhancing Hospitality in the Western Balkans" MOE 23815A
1. Background
The project, titled "Enhancing Hospitality in the Western Balkans" is a humanitarian initiative led by three of JRS South-East Europe (JRS-SEE) offices: JRS Bosnia and Herzegovina, JRS Kosovo, and JRS Serbia. The project aims to provide support and assistance to migrants and refugees in the Western Balkans, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups such as single women, children, youth, and families. Additionally, it seeks to promote integration, education, and advocacy efforts in the region. Context:
The Western Balkans have been a significant transit route for migrants and refugees, particularly since the onset of the European migrant crisis in 2015. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Serbia have remained key countries on this migration route. The region has witnessed the arrival of thousands of refugees and forced migrants fleeing conflict, persecution, and economic hardship in the Middle East, Asia,and Africa.
JRS SEE, with its established presence in the Western Balkans, has been actively engaged in providing support, assistance, and advocacy for the rights of refugees and migrants. The project builds upon JRS SEE's experience, expertise, and network of volunteers and collaborators in the region.
The project's specific objectives are multi-faceted, addressing various aspects of the refugee and migrant experience:
Renovabis has been a consistent supporter of our projects since 2011, with the current project commencing on November 1, 2022. The evaluation was initiated at the donor'srequest, with a primary focus on the first year of the current project, MOE 23815A, spanning from November 1, 2022, to October 30, 2023. Additionally, it will encompass an examination of the two preceding projects, MOE
23815 and the Interim project MOE 23815B, to emphasize the evolution of activities and learning and provide a broader medium-term perspective. Primary purpose of the evaluation is to assess the relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and impact of the project "Enhancing Hospitality in the Western Balkans" MOE 23815A. This evaluation will provide valuable insights into the project's achievements and areas for improvement, contributing to informeddecision-making and the continued support of refugees and asylum seekers in the Western Balkans. It will also help inform future initiatives and strategies for addressing the needs and challenges faced by refugees and migrants the region.
1. Objectives and goals of the Evaluation:
1.1. Assess effectiveness and impact:
Evaluate the performance of JRS offices in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Serbia in executing the "Enhancing Hospitality in the Western Balkans" project. Measure the project's effectiveness in achieving its goals and assess its impact on the integration and well-being of migrants and refugees, particularly vulnerable groups.
1.2. Identify strengths, weaknesses, and relevance:
Identify strengths and weaknesses in project design, implementation, and management. Assess the project's continued relevance amid changing migration dynamics and evolving refugee and migrant needs in the Western Balkans.
1.3. Inform futuredecision-making:
Provide evidence-based insights to inform future decision-making related to refugee and migrant support efforts in the Western Balkans. Guide strategic priorities and actions of JRS SEE three offices.
1.4. Enhance accountability:
Ensure accountability by evaluating project outcomes and resource utilization, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources, and fulfilling commitments to stakeholders and beneficiaries.
1.5. Facilitate learning and sustainability:
Serve as a learning tool for JRS SEE three offices, promoting a deeper understanding of successful strategies and areas for improvement in humanitarian efforts. Offer recommendations to enhance project sustainability.
1.6. Support informed decision-making:
Provide findings and recommendations that assist in resource allocation, project management, and decision-making at various levels, ensuring well-informed judgments.
2. Scope of Work:
The boundaries of the evaluation for the project "Enhancing Hospitality in the Western Balkans" are defined as follows:
2.1. Inclusions(Aspects to Be Covered):
2.1.1. Relevance:
In this section, the evaluation should assess the project's sustained relevance considering changing migration patterns in the Western Balkans. This entails determining if the project's goals correspond to the needs and priorities of migrants and refugees right now. The following questions should be answered by the evaluators:
2.1.2. Coherence:
The evaluation will focus on the effectiveness of advocacy and awareness-raising activities in promoting a more positive and accepting perception of refugees in the Western Balkans. It will assess the impact of media coverage, workshops, and other initiatives. Did the project's advocacy and awareness-raising activities align with broader regional or national strategies and initiatives related to refugee and migrant support?
2.1.3. Effectiveness:
Determining the project's success in attaining its stated objectives will be the main focus. This involves assessing how much the initiative has enhanced the integration and general well-being of immigrants and refugees in the Western Balkans. The following questions should be answered by the evaluators:
2.1.4. Efficiency:
The following questions should be answered by the evaluators:
2.1.5. Sustainability:
The evaluation will look at various aspects of a project's long-term viability. It will investigate whether the project has laid the groundwork for sustainable improvements in the lives of beneficiaries. The following questions should be answered by the evaluators:
2.1.6. Impact:
All aspects of the project impact produced by the project (intended or unmittened, positive or negative) will be observed.
Policy Analysis:
The evaluation won't go into detail about any lobbying initiatives or analyses of international migration or protection policies. It won't perform in-depth legal assessments, though it might briefly mention the system of international protection.
Political Context:
While acknowledging the importance of the political context in the Western Balkans, the evaluation will not engage in a deep political analysis of the region. It will focus primarily on the project's humanitarian aspects, and whether JRS’s efforts are align with national strategies, complementary to the activities of other actors in the sector/country, and whether there are synergies with other initiatives.
Previous Projects:
The evaluation will not extensively cover the historical projects of the JRS SEE three offices, except where relevant for context. The primary focus is on the specific activities and outcomes of the "Enhancing Hospitality in the Western Balkans" project.
Specific Areasof Focus:
The evaluation will seek to answer specific questions and address areas of focus, including but not limited to:
Economic and social integration (effectiveness/impact):
Well-being and social inclusion (impact):
Access to services and healthcare (effectiveness):
Role of youngpeer volunteers (efficiency and social inclusion):
Influence on media narratives and public attitudes (coherence and effectiveness):
Challenges and recommendations (efficiency and effectiveness):
Methodology:
The evaluation of the "Enhancing Hospitality in the Western Balkans" project will employ a mixed- methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative research methods to gather comprehensive data and insights. The methods and approaches to be used are as follows:
Reporting and deliverables:
The evaluation process will begin in November 2023, and conclude in March 2024, and the final report is expected to be ready in March 2024. All documents are to be delivered via email. A kick-off workshop and a debriefing workshop are foreseen at the beginning and at the end of the process, after sending the final report.
Expected Deliverables and Timeline:
Kick-off workshop
Inception report:
Interim progress update:
Draft evaluation report:
Stakeholder presentation:
Final evaluation report:
Expected language:
Submission of all raw data:
Post-evaluation consultation:
Ethical Considerations:
Informed consent:
Informed consent will be obtained from all individuals participating in surveys, interviews, and focus groups. Participants will be provided with clear information about the purpose of the data collection, how their information will be used, and their rights to withdraw from the process at any time. Ensure that they understand the purpose of the evaluation, the data collection methods, and their rights regarding participation. Consent should be voluntary and documented.
Confidentiality:
All data collected, including personal information, will be treated with strict confidentiality. Data will be anonymized and stored securely to prevent unauthorized access.
Findings and reports will present aggregated data to ensure that no individual can be identified. Any direct quotes or personal stories used in the report will be anonymized.
Data security:
Data security measures will be implemented to protect the integrity and confidentiality of collected data. This includes secure data storage, password protection, and encryption of sensitive information.
Cultural sensitivity:
The evaluation team will be culturally sensitive and respectful of the diverse backgrounds and beliefs of participants. Efforts will be made to avoid any behavior or language that could be perceived as disrespectful or offensive.
Minimize harm:
The evaluation will prioritize the well-being of participants and aim to minimize any potential harm. Questions and discussions will be conduction a non-intrusive and supportive manner.
If any participant expresses distress or appears to be emotionally affected by the evaluation process, appropriate support and referrals to relevant services will be provided.
Beneficence:
Strive to maximize the benefits of the evaluation for both the project and the participants. Ensure that the findings and recommendations contribute positively to the project's goals and the well-being of beneficiaries.
Transparency:
The evaluation process, including its objectives, methods, and potential impacts, will be transparently communicated to stakeholders and participants. This transparency fosters trust and understanding.
Feedback mechanisms:
A mechanism for participants to provide feedback or raise concerns about the evaluation process will be established. This ensures that any issues can be addressed promptly.
Respect for autonomy:
Participants will have the autonomy to decline participation or withdraw from the evaluation at any point with outfacing negative consequences.
Evaluation team qualifications:
A competent and diverse evaluation team is crucial for the success of the evaluation process. Each team member should posses specific qualifications and expertise relevant to their roles and responsibilities. Here is an outline of the qualifications and roles:
Lead evaluator:
Support evaluators:
Contact information and deadline:
Offers deadline:
Total costs of evaluation
JRS South-East Europe Zagreb, 5 October, 2023
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