The present assignment concerns the following elements:

• Design of the 2022-2026 evaluation framework

• Validation and complementation of the 2022 baseline

• Lead the implementation of the DGD mid-term evaluation in 2024 (for 21 outcomes)

• Lead the implementation of the DGD end-line evaluation in 2026 (for 21 outcomes)

For this assignment Rikolto is looking for an international team of evaluators that will design with us a new evaluation framework for the 2022-2026 programme period in line with the organisation's key guiding principles, and to implement this framework in collaboration with a team of local evaluators.

This assignment comprises of the following components:

• Design of the 2022-2026 evaluation framework

• Validation and complementation of the 2022 baseline

• Lead the implementation of the DGD mid-term evaluation in 2024

• Lead the implementation of the DGD end-line evaluation in 2026

1. Design of the 2022-2026 evaluation framework

The evaluator team shall work out a methodological evaluation framework suitable to capture lessons from Rikolto’s programme implementation, adjust and improve strategies, meet our main donors’ accountability requirements and provide relevant findings that allow us to position Rikolto’s work in relevant global spaces and to new donors.

For the design process, we expect the evaluators to:

• Consult with internal Rikolto stakeholders (selected people from senior management, global and local programme teams, global support staff, international board)

• Study Rikolto’s global 2022-2026 strategy, global programme strategies (Sustainable Rice, Cocoa & Coffee and Food Smart Cities programmes) and a selection of country programmes

• Review the latest evaluations (2019, 2021) and their methodological setup

• Study relevant aspects of Rikolto’s M&E system (the global common indicators, programme management toolbox and evidence for impact toolkit) and assists with potential adjustments to current data collection tools (specifically the design of a farmer survey)

• Integrate accountability requirements of 4 major donors: DGD, EU, USAID, UNEP

2. Review and complement the 2022 baseline

After validation of the evaluation framework by DGD, the evaluators shall review the 2022 baseline:

• Review existing baseline data (mostly from the 2021 end-line assessment)

• Identify gaps and propose data collection processes (possibly via the existing programme management toolbox)

• Coordinate with local country teams and evaluators the additional data collection

• Validate the complete baseline data

• Present baseline reports per country and programme assessing the baseline data in light of the 2022-2026 strategy ambitions and the main evaluation questions, including points of attention and recommendations for strategy and regular monitoring practices

3. Lead the implementation of the DGD mid-term evaluation

In 2024/5, the evaluators shall set up and conduct the mid-term evaluation of the DGD programme per outcome (see overview of DGD outcomes below):

• Review the proposed evaluation focus in light of on-the-ground evolution of implementation and the latest organisational priorities and submit for internal and donor approval (at the latest 1 month prior to the expected start of activities)

• Assemble a team of local evaluators for the in-country work

• Supervise the data collection process and validate all relevant data and documentation

• Supervise the local sense-making processes

• Write up findings and answers to the evaluation questions (in collaboration with local evaluators), including recommendations for strategy adjustment and for exit-strategies

• Hold de-briefings with relevant teams

4. Lead the implementation of the DGD end-line evaluation

In 2026/7, the evaluators shall set up and conduct the endline evaluation of the DGD programme per outcome (see overview of DGD outcomes below):

• Review the proposed evaluation focus in light of on-the-ground evolution of implementation and the latest organisational priorities and submit for internal and donor approval (at the latest 1 month prior to the expected start of activities)

• Assemble a team of local evaluators for the in-country work (ensuring continuity wherever possible)

• Supervise the data collection process and validate all relevant data and documentation

• Supervise the local sense-making processes

• Write up findings and answers to the evaluation questions (in collaboration with local evaluators), including recommendations for strategy adjustment

• Hold de-briefings with relevant teams