3B Project Baseline Assessment Consultancy

https://www.crs.org/about/bid-opportunity Please visit the CRS.org website for the full scope of work and attachments.

In an effort to improve food security, reduce the incidence of hunger, and improve literacy and primary
education and contribute to more self-reliant, productive societies in Lesotho, CRS in partnership with subrecipient
American Institutes for Research (AIR) and funding from the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA), is implementing a five-year US $28.5 million McGovern-Dole (MGD) project that will be
implemented from October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2027.
Purpose and Scope of Evaluation
CRS Lesotho is seeking an experienced individual consultant or a research consulting firm to lead its external
performance evaluation process for the baseline (2023), mid-term (2025), and endline (2027) to measure
progress of the 3B project in meeting its objectives related to literacy, health and hygiene behaviors as
outlined in the Results Framework (Annex A) and detailed in the Theory of Change (Annex B). As part of
baseline evaluation, the consultant will benchmark data for two Special Studies (1 and 2) that the project
will be undertaking. The midterm and final evaluation contracts will depend on the satisfactory completion
of the baseline assessment. The midterm and final evaluations will be re-requisitioned if the baseline is not
deemed to have been completed in a manner that CRS or USDA considers satisfactory. The methodology and
sampling detailed below may require revision by the consulting entity based on the results of the baseline
and recommendations from the consultant.
The purpose of each evaluation is detailed below:

(1) Baseline Evaluation: 1) to establish baseline values and measure the status of performance
indicators; 2) to ensure that annual target values are applicable and realistic to measure project
outcomes; and 3) to establish questions to test the project’s theory of change (USDA/Foreign
Agricultural Service (FAS) Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Policy, 2019).

(2) Midterm evaluation: 1) to review the project’s implementing experience and the implementing
environment; 2) assess whether beneficiaries are receiving services as expected; 3) assess whether
the project is meeting its stated goals and objectives; 4) review the project-level results frameworks
and assumptions; 5) document initial lessons learned; and 6) discuss mid-course corrections that
may be necessary to meet goals and objectives (USDA/FAS M&E Policy, 2019) and 7) assess efforts
being made towards project sustainability.

(3) Final evaluation: 1) to assess whether the project has achieved the results outlined in the project level
results framework and 2) to assess efforts being made towards sustainability of project
activities.

(4) Special study 1: The purpose of this Special study is to understand the differences in educational
outcomes from school meal programs between malnourished or undernourished children and those
who are not. This study will examine the nutritional status and educational performance of primary
school students in targeted schools. Using a longitudinal cohort design, the study will answer the
question: What is the relationship between nutritional status and academic performance in primary
school students in Lesotho?

(5) Special study 2: This study will assess how educational outcomes are linked to school meal
interventions among preschool children. CRS will conduct a pilot study on a cohort of primary school
students participating in select MGD programs over a period of 5 years, with the view to ascertain
the benefits of early childhood development (ECD) activities in student performance in primary
school.

Each evaluation will be completed in line with the academic calendar in Lesotho with data collection taking
place in February of the evaluation year (2023 for baseline, 2025 for midterm, and 2027 for endline) with
final reports due in May of the same year. The Baseline, Midterm and Final Evaluations will also include
reflection events with key stakeholders to review and analyze preliminary evaluation findings. The review
meeting will bring together stakeholders including school and community representatives for deeper
insights and perspectives on evaluation findings, confirming the results as well as contribute to drawing up
workable recommendations.