Terms of Reference (TOR) Procurement of Accessible Information and Communication Materials

Consortium of Ethiopian Human Rights Organizations (CEHRO) 

TOR for Consultancy Call for Consultancy: Endline Assessment of the Project “Connecting the Links: Promoting CSOs-Media Collaboration for an Advocacy Campaign”

Background of the Organization

The Consortium of Ethiopian Human Rights Organizations (CEHRO) is a consortium of 27 civil society organizations working on human rights, democracy, and sustainable peace in Ethiopia. CEHRO works to strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations, promote evidence-based advocacy, and contribute to an enabling environment for civil society through collaboration, coordination, and engagement with relevant stakeholders.

CEHRO’s strategic priorities focus on capacity development, policy advocacy, and the promotion of civic space. Through its work with member organizations and other stakeholders, CEHRO seeks to strengthen the role of civil society in promoting human rights, democratic governance, accountability, and sustainable peace in Ethiopia.

For further information, please visit https://cehro.org/.

1. Context and Project Background

Local and grassroots civil society organizations (CSOs) in Ethiopia face challenges in effectively engaging with media organizations to communicate their work, raise public awareness, and advance advocacy priorities. Limited organizational capacity, weak collaboration between CSOs and media, and challenges in accessing media platforms can constrain the visibility and influence of civil society initiatives, particularly those addressing human rights, democratic governance, and the concerns of marginalized and vulnerable groups.

In response to these challenges, CEHRO, in partnership with Welthungerhilfe (WHH) and with financial support from the European Union under the Capacity Development Program for Local and Grassroots Civil Society Organizations (CDP-Lg CSOs), has been implementing the project titled “Connecting the Links: Promoting CSOs-Media Collaboration for an Advocacy Campaign.” The project focuses on strengthening collaboration between local and grassroots CSOs and media organizations to enhance advocacy, improve access to information, and promote public engagement in democratic processes.

The project targets the Afar, Amhara, Benishangul-Gumuz, and Oromia regions, alongside national-level stakeholders. It is intended to contribute to three key outcomes: enhanced engagement and capacity of local and grassroots CSOs in democratic processes and policy advocacy through media channels; increased access to information on democratic governance and CSO-sector legal and political reforms; and the achievement of context-driven policy or development reforms through CSO-media advocacy.

As the project approaches completion, CEHRO intends to conduct an endline assessment to measure the results achieved against the baseline, project targets, and logical framework. The assessment will examine changes in CSO capacity and media engagement, the effectiveness of CSO-media collaboration and coordination platforms, and the extent to which the project has contributed to its intended outcomes. It will also identify achievements, challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations to inform future programming and the sustainability of the results.

CEHRO is therefore seeking a qualified consultant to undertake the endline assessment and provide an evidence-based assessment of the project's overall performance and results.

1. Objectives

3.1 General Objective

To assess the results and overall performance of the project “Connecting the Links: Promoting CSOs-Media Collaboration for an Advocacy Campaign” by measuring progress against the baseline, project targets, and logical framework, and documenting the changes, lessons learned, and recommendations emerging from implementation.

3.2 Specific Objectives

The specific objectives of the assignment are to:

• Measure changes in the capacity and engagement of local and grassroots CSOs in media relations, digital communication, democratic processes, and policy advocacy.
• Assess the extent to which the project has strengthened collaboration between CSOs and media organizations, including through the four regional CoPs and the national-level CSO-Media platform.
• Assess the extent to which CSO-media collaboration and media-based advocacy have contributed to local policy reforms, development initiatives, or other demonstrable advocacy outcomes.
• Verify achievement of the project's outcome and output indicators against the approved logical framework, baseline values, and targets.
• Identify the key factors that facilitated or constrained the achievement of results, including implementation challenges and contextual factors.
• Document good practices, lessons learned, and recommendations for sustaining the results and informing future CSO-media collaboration and advocacy interventions.

1. Scope of Work

4.1 Geographic Focus

The assessment will cover the project’s four target regions: Afar, Amhara, Benishangul-Gumuz, and Oromia, as well as relevant national-level stakeholders and the national CSO-Media platform in Addis Ababa.

The consultant shall propose an appropriate sampling approach that captures the experiences of stakeholders across the four regions and the national-level platform.

4.2 Thematic Focus

The assessment will examine the results of CSO-media collaboration within the project’s focus areas, with particular attention to advocacy engagement, access to information, and policy or development changes. It will also consider the key factors that supported or constrained the achievement of these results.

4.3 Target Groups and Stakeholders

The assessment shall engage relevant project participants and stakeholders, including:

• Local and grassroots CSOs participating in project activities across the four target regions.
• Media organizations, journalists, and other media practitioners engaged through the project.
• Members and representatives of the regional CSO-Media CoPs and the national-level CSO-Media platform.
• Relevant government institutions and regulatory bodies engaged through project activities, where appropriate.
• CEHRO project staff and other individuals with direct knowledge of project implementation and results.

The consultant shall propose a sampling strategy that ensures adequate representation of the different stakeholder groups and captures diverse experiences, including those of women and other underrepresented participants where feasible.

4.4 Indicator Verification

The consultant shall assess the project's results in line with the approved logical framework, including the following outcome and indicators and the outputs under each outcome indicator which will be shared upon contracting:

• Outcome Indicator 1.1: Number of local and grassroots CSOs actively participating in at least two media-based policy advocacy campaigns.
• Outcome Indicator 2.1: Percentage of members of the CSO-media CoPs and forums who report increased access to information on democratic governance and legal and political reforms.
• Outcome Indicator 3.1: Number of local policy reforms or development initiatives influenced as a direct result of media-driven advocacy campaigns by grassroots CSOs.

The consultant shall use the approved logical framework and baseline assessment to verify the relevant baseline values and targets. Any discrepancies in indicator definitions, reported figures, or supporting evidence shall be clearly documented and discussed with CEHRO.

1. Methodology

The consultant shall propose a clear and practical methodology for conducting the endline assessment. The methodology should be appropriate to the project’s objectives, available baseline information, indicators, geographic coverage, and implementation context.

5.1 Overall Approach

The assessment shall use a results-oriented approach to compare endline findings against the baseline values and approved project targets. It should examine both the quantitative results achieved and the qualitative changes experienced by participating organizations and stakeholders.

Where comparable baseline data and endline data are available, the consultant shall identify and analyze changes over the project period. Where direct comparison is not possible, the consultant shall explain the limitations and use other available evidence to assess progress.

5.2 Data Sources

The assessment shall draw on primary and secondary data sources.

Primary data sources may include interviews, surveys, consultations, and discussions with participating CSOs, media representatives, CoP members, national platform participants, relevant stakeholders, and CEHRO project staff.

Secondary data sources shall include, as relevant:

• The approved project proposal and logical framework.
• The baseline assessment and mapping report.
• Project progress and monitoring reports.
• Training, coaching, mentorship, and dialogue documentation.
• CoP and national platform meeting reports, attendance records, and action points.
• Social media monitoring reports, media products, and available engagement data.
• Advocacy documentation, policy dialogue reports, and evidence of policy or institutional responses.
• Other relevant project records and supporting documents.

5.3 Data Collection Methods and Tools

The consultant shall develop appropriate data collection tools to measure the project's indicators and assess changes in the targeted outcomes. Methods may include:

• Structured or semi-structured questionnaires for selected CSOs, media representatives, and platform members.
• Key informant interviews with relevant project stakeholders and representatives of participating organizations.
• Focus group discussions, where appropriate, to explore changes in collaboration, access to information, and advocacy practices.
• Desk review and analysis of project records, baseline findings, media products, monitoring data, and documented advocacy outcomes.
• Case examples illustrating changes in CSO-media collaboration, media engagement, or advocacy outcomes.

The tools shall be reviewed and agreed upon with CEHRO before data collection begins.

5.4 Sampling Techniques and Sample Frame

The consultant shall clearly explain the sampling method, sample size, respondent selection criteria, and distribution of respondents across the four regions and national-level stakeholders.

The sample should reflect the diversity of participating CSOs, media organizations, CoPs, and other relevant stakeholders. The consultant shall justify the proposed sample size and explain how the selected sample will support reliable assessment of the project’s results.

Where the baseline used a defined sample or respondent group, the consultant should seek to maintain comparability where feasible. Any changes in the sample, respondent coverage, or data collection approach should be documented.

5.5 Data Analysis

The consultant shall propose appropriate methods for quantitative and qualitative data analysis.

Quantitative analysis shall include the calculation of indicator values, achievement against targets, relevant percentages, and comparison with baseline values where comparable data are available.

Qualitative analysis shall identify recurring themes, stakeholder experiences, perceived changes, enabling factors, challenges, and lessons learned.

The analysis should provide a clear assessment of each relevant outcome and output indicator, supported by verifiable evidence. Findings should distinguish between activities completed, outputs delivered, outcomes observed, and broader changes to which the project may have contributed.

5.6 Data Quality Assurance

The consultant shall ensure the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of collected data through appropriate measures, including:

• Reviewing and aligning data collection tools with the approved logical framework and baseline indicators.
• Checking collected data for completeness, consistency, and accuracy.
• Triangulating information from different respondents and documentary sources.
• Verifying reported achievements against available supporting evidence.
• Discussing preliminary findings with CEHRO to clarify any factual discrepancies and obtain feedback before finalizing the report.

5.7 Ethical Considerations

The consultant shall adhere to appropriate ethical standards throughout the assessment. This includes obtaining informed consent, protecting the confidentiality of respondents, securing collected information, and ensuring that participation is voluntary.

Given the project's human rights and civic space context, the consultant shall take appropriate precautions to avoid exposing respondents or participating organizations to unnecessary risks. Sensitive information shall be handled carefully, and findings shall be presented in a manner that respects the safety, privacy, and dignity of participants.

1. Deliverables

The consultant shall submit the following deliverables:

1. Inception report: A concise report outlining the understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology, sampling strategy, data collection tools, document review plan, analytical approach, quality assurance measures, and work schedule.
2. Finalized data collection tools: Questionnaires, interview guides, focus group discussion guides, and any indicator verification templates required for the assessment, finalized in consultation with CEHRO.
3. Draft endline assessment report: A comprehensive draft report presenting the methodology, findings, indicator-level results, comparison with baseline values and targets, assessment of outcomes, lessons learned, conclusions, and recommendations. The draft shall be submitted for CEHRO's review and feedback.
4. Final endline assessment report: A revised report incorporating CEHRO's consolidated feedback and providing a clear, evidence-based assessment of the project's performance and results.
5. Supporting data and documentation: Cleaned quantitative datasets and relevant qualitative data summaries, source references, and other agreed supporting documentation. The consultant shall submit the underlying data in an organized and usable format, subject to confidentiality and data protection requirements.

The final report shall include an executive summary, background, objectives, methodology, findings, indicator performance, conclusions, lessons learned, recommendations, and relevant annexes.

1. Expected Tasks and Coordination

7.1 Tasks of CEHRO

CEHRO shall:

• Provide the consultant with the approved project proposal, logical framework, baseline report, monitoring reports, and other relevant project documentation.
• Facilitate communication with project participants and relevant stakeholders, as appropriate.
• Provide technical guidance and clarify project indicators, targets, and reporting requirements.
• Review the inception report, data collection tools, preliminary findings, and draft report, and provide consolidated feedback.
• Coordinate with the consultant on the assessment schedule and arrangements for stakeholder engagement.

7.2 Specific Tasks of the Consultant

The consultant shall:

• Review the project proposal, logical framework, baseline report, monitoring records, and other relevant documents.
• Develop an inception report and detailed assessment plan.
• Design and finalize data collection tools aligned with the project's outcomes, outputs, and indicators.
• Conduct stakeholder consultations and data collection across the four target regions and at the national level, using appropriate in-person or remote methods.
• Analyze the collected data and compare endline findings with baseline values and project targets, where comparable data are available.
• Verify reported achievements against supporting evidence and calculate indicator values accurately.
• Identify factors contributing to or constraining the achievement of project results.
• Present findings to CEHRO and incorporate the feedback received.
• Prepare and submit the draft and final endline assessment reports and the presentation of major findings.
• Submit the agreed datasets, indicator calculations, and supporting documentation while maintaining confidentiality and data protection standards.

1. Timeline

The assignment is expected to be completed within 20 working days from the signing of the consultancy agreement, subject to an agreed schedule with CEHRO.

The proposed schedule is presented below and may be refined during the inception stage in consultation with CEHRO.

The consultant shall propose a detailed work schedule in the technical proposal and confirm the final submission dates with CEHRO upon contract signing.

Background

IRIF is a climate-resilient, AI-powered agricultural advisory solution being deployed by Birrama Digital Commerce PLC in partnership with Farm Africa, with funding from Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals (P4G) and cost-share contributions. IRIF combines low-cost soil and micro-climate sensor capsules with satellite data and AI-generated advisories, delivered by SMS/USSD to smallholder farmers in Oromia Regional State, to improve irrigation decisions, input use and yields.

Objective

To produce two short, clear policy products: a briefing note on the enabling systems needed for digital climate-smart agriculture services such as IRIF, and a policy brief with recommendations for government and partners.

Scope of work

• Briefing note (Knowledge Product 1). Four to six pages on the systems IRIF needs to work and scale: connectivity, data governance, extension linkages, financial inclusion and regulation.
• Policy brief. Two to four pages with evidence-based recommendations aligned to the policy gaps found in the desk review.
• Evidence. Use the desk review findings, IRIF project data and short stakeholder consultations arranged with Birrama.
• Style. Plain language for senior decision-makers, with a clear message, evidence and recommended actions.
• Layout. Print-ready layout following project visibility guidelines. Translation is procured separately.

Standards and expectations

• Recommendations must be specific, realistic and linked to evidence.
• Every claim has a source and statistics are checked before use.
• Documents follow P4G and Birrama visibility guidelines and use accessible design.

Contract management and reporting

The successful applicant reports to the IRIF Project Manager at Birrama Digital Commerce PLC and attends regular progress meetings. A contract is signed with Birrama, and payment is made in instalments set out in the contract once Birrama accepts the completed work, less any tax required by Ethiopian law. All work products, data and materials belong to Birrama and the IRIF project. The applicant must keep project and farmer information confidential.

Background

IRIF is a climate-resilient, AI-powered agricultural advisory solution being deployed by Birrama Digital Commerce PLC in partnership with Farm Africa, with funding from Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals (P4G) and cost-share contributions. IRIF combines low-cost soil and micro-climate sensor capsules with satellite data and AI-generated advisories, delivered by SMS/USSD to smallholder farmers in Oromia Regional State, to improve irrigation decisions, input use and yields.

Objective

To help Birrama act on investor due-diligence recommendations and set up a basic environmental, social and governance (ESG) approach for IRIF so that it is ready for impact investors.

Scope of work

• Recommendations. Review and categorise the due-diligence recommendations shared by Birrama by priority, cost and responsible person.
• Implementation support. Help implement selected recommendations, such as reporting practices or governance procedures, agreed with Birrama.
• Tracking. Set up and use simple internal reporting tools to track ESG and due-diligence progress.
• ESG document. Draft a basic ESG commitments document suitable for sharing with investors.
• Orientation. Deliver two half-day ESG orientation sessions for staff and partners.

Standards and expectations

• The ESG document must be realistic and proportionate to IRIF’s size and stage. Avoid commitments Birrama cannot keep.
• Progress tracking must be simple enough for staff to maintain after the assignment.
• Information received is confidential and shared only with Birrama.

Contract management and reporting

The successful applicant reports to the IRIF Project Manager at Birrama Digital Commerce PLC and attends regular progress meetings. A contract is signed with Birrama, and payment is made in instalments set out in the contract once Birrama accepts the completed work, less any tax required by Ethiopian law. All work products, data and materials belong to Birrama and the IRIF project. The applicant must keep project and farmer information confidential.