Responsibilities

Displaced and Refugee youth Enabling Environment Mechanism (DREEM) project

• Through the DREEM project (2020-2025), we engage national and local government representatives, academic institutions, private sector actors, refugee-led organizations, local and international NGOs, and refugee youth to share knowledge and identify opportunities to advance the inclusion of refugee youth in national, local, and institutional priorities. Our three pillars drive us to build change and advance the inclusion of refugees and displaced youth, especially young women, in education, employment and entrepreneurship. We believe that through this work and engaging diverse stakeholders from varied sectors and geographies, we will form new strategic partnerships, build momentum and mobilize to advance refugee and displaced youth inclusion.
• One of the three pillars of the DREEM project is Strengthening Economic Opportunities for Refugees (SEOR), providing refugee and host community entrepreneurs in Kakuma and Kalobeyei with a fund that combines financing and business development services access to micro and small enterprises. Business development services entails tailored mentorship and coaching, capacity building and market linkages to ensure that businesses have the right expertise and support to generate revenue and jobs.

Objectives of the Innovation Fund

• To stimulate the innovation and growth of micro and small enterprises in refugee and host communities
• To enhance the capacity of businesses to serve as job creators and create employment opportunities for youth in their communities
• To extend financing opportunities to marginalized refugees (especially women) for improved household livelihoods and economic growth

Objective and scope of work

WUSC is seeking an Evaluation and Learning Partner to support the assessment, analysis, and documentation of the impact and effectiveness of our Innovation Fund. The primary objectives of the Evaluation and Learning Partner are as follows:

The Evaluation and Learning Partner will undertake the following tasks:

Evaluation

• Conduct a thorough evaluation of enterprises funded by the Innovation Fund, including an analysis of the efficiency and effectiveness of design and implementation processes of the fund, as well as the outcomes;
• Identify and analyze the challenges and successes encountered during the fund’s design and implementation;
• Gather feedback (through a mixed methods approach) and input from project leaders, clients, and other stakeholders through surveys, interviews, and/or focus group discussions.

Learning and knowledge sharing

• Document key lessons learned, best practices, and innovative approaches from both the Fund implementation process and the funded businesses;
• Facilitate knowledge-sharing sessions with the WUSC and Mastercard Foundation teams, and other stakeholders, to promote cross-learning;
• Develop case studies and success stories to highlight the impact of the Innovation Fund.
• Prepare a comprehensive report summarizing the evaluation findings and lessons learned.

Recommendations and strategy development

• Provide actionable recommendations for improving the design and management of the Innovation Fund for both the current and future programs
• Assist in the development of suitable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for future fund cycles.
• Collaborate with the WUSC team to integrate evaluation findings into work plans..

Deliverables

The Evaluation and Learning Partner will be expected to deliver the following:

• An inception report, inclusive of a detailed work plan, data collection tools, and data analysis plan;
• An interim progress presentation or workshop that outlines preliminary findings to WUSC and the Foundation;;
• A comprehensive final report summarizing the evaluation findings, conclusions, and recommendations;
• Case studies from the funded projects;
• Presentations and a summative learning event (involving tools such as a data walks, etc.) for WUSC’s stakeholders.

Qualifications:

WUSC invites experienced individuals or organizations with the following qualifications to apply:

• Demonstrated experience in conducting evaluations of similar innovation fund programs;
• Demonstrated experience leading programs focused on/undertaking evaluations of SME business performance;
• Expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methods and data analysis (including Qualitative Comparative Analysis);
• Proven ability to facilitate knowledge sharing and learning among diverse stakeholders;
• Strong communication and reporting skills;
• Familiarity with WUSC’s sectors of focus and mission is an advantage;
• Previous experience working in displacement contexts or Kakuma camp and Kalobeyei settlement is desirable;
• Ethical and transparent approach to evaluation and data collection.

Reporting and travel

• The Partner will report directly to the DREEM Deputy Project Director throughout the assignment. Regular meetings will be scheduled to discuss progress updates, address any issues or concerns, and provide feedback on deliverables. The consultant will also collaborate closely with the project team and other relevant stakeholders.
• The Partner will also be expected to conduct periodic travel to Kakuma and Kalobeyei in Turkana County over the course of the assignment.