1. Background
In May 2011 Mercy Corps began implementing the three-year Energy for All programme (E4A) funded by the European Commission, addressing the issue of energy poverty in Timor Leste. The objective of the programme is to facilitate access to alternative sources of energy and renewable sources of fuel in three rural and peri-urban districts of Timor-Leste through sustainable market-driven approaches. To achieve this objective, the programme is focusing on two main technological solutions: solar power for lighting and electricity generation; and fuel-efficient stoves to reduce firewood use.
In August 2011, Mercy Corps conducted the baseline assessment for the programme. At this half-way point of the programme, Mercy Corps is seeking a consultant to undertake the programme mid-term evaluation.
The purpose of the mid-term evaluation is to assess the progress and achievements of the E4A programme to-date. To achieve this, the consultant will need to address the following two specific objectives:
Objective 1. Obtain mid-line measurements and assess progress against key programme indicators
Key programme indicators that requirement measurement are defined in the monitoring plan for the programme, and summarised below.
Objective #
Indicator
Overall
1. 4,500 families have access to alternative sources of energy
Overall
2. Renewable sources of fuel wood available for 15 communities in three districts of Timor Leste
Specific
1. # of households, institutions and businesses procuring and utilizing alternative energy technologies
Specific
2. # of communities in target areas with a clearly defined strategy being practiced for sustainably managing new and existing forest resources
ER 1
1. Fifteen Energy Management Committees and community energy plans established in fifteen communities
ER 1
2. At least 30% of EMC members are female
ER 1
3. 50% improvement in knowledge of sustainable energy solutions and deforestation among participants in community awareness-raising activities
ER 1
4. 4,500 households have access to renewable alternative energy products in the target areas
ER 1
5. Fifteen community-level institutions (health, education, business cooperative etc) have access to off-grid renewable electricity
ER 1
6. Six Alternative Energy Centres are operational and selling and maintaining alternative energy technologies
ER 1
7. Individuals from 15 communities have access to loans to procure alternative energy products.
ER 1
8. At least 6 loans provided to businesses from MFIs to support procurement of alternative energy technologies
ER 2
1. Fifteen forestry nurseries established
ER 2
2. Fifteen communities planting renewable community forest plots for fuel
ER 2
3. 750 individuals trained in sustainable forest management techniques
ER 2
4. 150 hectares and 45,000 fast growing fuel wood trees planted in target areas
ER 2
5. Fifteen communities practicing sustainable forest management techniques
ER 3
1. Ten SEPE staff trained in the importance and application of alternative energy technologies
ER 3
2. Ten SEPE staff are providing training and educating community members in alternative energies throughout Timor Leste
ER 3
3. A national SEPE strategy developed for promoting alternative energy throughout Timor Leste
ER 3
4. At least six communities implement alternative energy projects following the E4A model and outside the E4A target areas
Other
Average monthly savings on energy expenditure for households accessing alternative energy products
Other
Total reduction in household consumption of kerosene as a result of the E4A programme
Other
% of community / household alternative technologies ‘correctly installed and utilised’
Other
% reduction in use of fuel wood for households procuring fuel-efficient stoves
Other
Average reduction in hours per household per week spent collecting firewood
Other
# of households receiving MFI loans for energy products
Other
% of households with MFI loans to purchase alternative energy products that maintain perfect repayment record
Other
# of households reached through marketing campaign
Other
% of households whose energy situation is ‘greatly improved’ as a result of purchasing alternative energy technologies
Other
AEC return on start-up investment
Other
# of jobs created in AECs or other businesses in target areas as a direct result of the E4A programme
Other
# of non-AEC businesses selling alternative energy products as a result of the E4A programme
In consultation with Mercy Corps, the consultant will be responsible for developing an appropriate methodology and all necessary tools for gathering the required information. This is likely to include:
- Review of programme files / data
- Household surveys
Objective 2. Assess programme strategy and progress, and make recommendations for activities going forward
The consultant will be expected to assess the E4A strategy, and make recommendations for activities going forward. This will in part be informed by the outcomes of Objective 1, but will also require additional activities to be built into the methodology and tools. For example, in assessing Mercy Corps’ marketing strategy to promote solar and businesses, household survey questions should be included that give insights into the reach of campaign activities to-date helping to inform future marketing efforts.
Other likely methods of information gathering the consultant will need to utilise are:
- Interviews with Mercy Corps staff
- Business interviews
- Meetings with key implementation partners and other stakeholders
The consultant will be expected to lead the evaluation process, but in close consultation with Mercy Corps E4A team members.
Mercy Corps will identify a programme team member or a local consultant to provide translation and support the consultant activities in Timor-Leste. Mercy Corps and local NGO partner staff, and/or temporary enumerators, will be available to conduct surveys and complete data entering.
Mercy Corps will organise all logistics for the consultant while in Timor-Leste.
The consultant will be expected to provide the following deliverables:
- Methodology for achieving objectives of the mid-term evaluation
- Methodology tools (e.g. household survey)
- Final evaluation report (draft reports will be required for review by Mercy Corps E4A team members)
- Final tabulated data
The consultancy is expected to require a maximum of 18 days, as follows:
Task
Location
Duration
Dates
Preparation and development of methodology
Remote
2
Early-February
Travel
-
2
Late-February
Data-gathering and interviews
Timor-Leste (Dili and travel to districts)
10
Late-February / early March
Report write-up
Remote
4
Mid-March
The consultant will be paid based on actual days worked as approved by the E4A programme manager.
Mercy Corps invites application from interested individuals. Applications should be submitted in English and should include: a letter of interest (including description of previous relevant experience); CV; and daily rate.
The deadline for submitting applications is Friday 4th January 2013. Offers received after this time will not be considered.
. Mercy Corps is an AA/EOE.
