South Sudan: Midterm Project Evaluation Consultancy: Fostering Peace and Natural Resources Governance (FOPNAG) Project

Aug 5, 2025 (Deadline: 2025-08-22) | Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Germany
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The FOPNAG project, funded by the European Union, aims to contribute to an inclusive and peaceful society in South Sudan that respects the rule of law and human rights, through enhanced social cohesion, reconciliation, and sustainable management of natural resources. The action specifically promotes peace and enhances resilience in NaturAfrica-supported landscapes, namely Kidepo Game Reserve and Lantoto National Park.

The project adopts a holistic approach, linking non-violent conflict resolution and peacebuilding with livelihood recovery and economic opportunities to foster sustainable peace and social cohesion. It seeks to reduce food insecurity by diversifying livelihoods and providing economic opportunities as "peace dividends." Concurrently, it strengthens social cohesion through the inclusion of marginalized groups, advocacy, and capacity building for improved inter- and intra-community relations, with active participation of community members in peacebuilding activities through peace committees and dialogues.

Purpose and Objectives of the Midterm Evaluation

The overall purpose of this midterm evaluation is to assess the progress made towards achieving the expected outputs, outcomes, and initial indications of impact of the FOPNAG project. Aligned with the provision of the OECD-DAC criteria, it will identify and document lessons learned, highlight best practices, and provide actionable recommendations to improve project implementation for the remaining duration. The evaluation will also inform future programming and strategies.

Specifically, the evaluation will aim to:

• Appraise and establish the relevance of the project: By assessing the extent to which the project's objectives and design remain appropriate and aligned with the needs of the target communities, national priorities, EU strategic frameworks, and the evolving socio-political context in South Sudan.
• Determine the level of efficiency of project implementation: Analyse how effectively project resources—financial, human, and material— are utilized to produce the intended outputs and outcomes. This includes evaluating the cost-effectiveness of activities and the timeliness with which implementation milestones are achieved.
• Determine the effectiveness of project implementation: Evaluate the extent to which the project has achieved its stated outputs and is progressing towards its specific objectives (outcomes) as outlined in the Logical Framework.
• Assess the project's coherence with other relevant initiatives: Evaluate its early indications of impact, and determine the extent to which it is laying the basis for sustainability.
• Determine the project quality: Assess the overall quality of project design, implementation, and monitoring processes including how well these elements adhere to best practices, stakeholder engagement, and adaptability to changing conditions.
• Identify and document lessons learned: Capture key successes, challenges, and unexpected findings that can inform ongoing project adjustments and future interventions.
• Formulate actionable recommendations: Provide concrete, practical, and forward-looking recommendations for improving the project's performance, strategic direction, and sustainability for the remaining implementation period.

Target audience

• The European Union delegation to South Sudan: The mid-term evaluation shall provide the donor, EU with information on how the project is performing towards finally contributing to the final objectives of the program and what follow-up actions may be necessary to ensure the desired outcomes and project re-designing to suite the context dynamics.
• VSF Germany and Enjojo Foundation: The mid-term evaluation shall provide VSF and its partner’s opportunity to critically assess technical arising issues and mechanisms and meticulously focus on the recommendations to improve the pathways and potential of FOPNAG to achieve expected outcomes and objectives within the project timeframe.
• Beneficiaries and stakeholders: The mid-term evaluation process will accord beneficiaries and stakeholders opportunity to participate in the review process, build the capacity for effective participation in reviews, and enhance ownership and accountability of the implementing partners. The exercise will enable improvement of the relevance of the project to the needs of the beneficiary and priorities of the stakeholders.

Scope of the Evaluation

The evaluation will cover all project activities implemented from the project start date in 2024 up to the point of the midterm evaluation (approximately 15 months into the project). It will encompass all geographical areas of intervention: Kidepo Game Reserve (Ikotos and Budi counties) and Lantoto National Park (Yei and Maridi Counties).

The evaluation will assess all three-project outcomes along with their associated outputs and activities as outlined in the Logical Framework:

• Outcome 1: Local initiatives/mechanisms for conflict resolution, reconciliation, and trauma healing
strengthened.
• Outcome 2: Community resilience is strengthened through increased economic opportunities and
sustainable livelihoods.
• Outcome 3: Communities, including women, youth, and disadvantaged groups, are empowered and increasingly able to meaningfully participate in local and broader political, peace, and security processes.

The evaluation will also consider crosscutting themes such as gender equality, protection, disability mainstreaming, environmental sustainability, and conflict sensitivity in relation to project implementation and outcomes.

Methodology

The consultant(s) will propose a detailed methodology in their technical proposal. The methodology should be robust, participatory, and utilize a mixed-methods approach (quantitative and qualitative data collection). It should include, but not be limited to:

• Desk Review: Review of all relevant project documents, including the Grant Application Form (Description of Action), Logical Framework, progress reports (narrative reports), financial reports,
baseline survey report, M&E plans, communication and visibility plans, and any other relevant studies or
assessments.
• Key Informant Interviews (KIIs): With VSF Germany and Enjojo Foundation staff (management, project
teams, MEAL), EU Delegation representatives, local government officials, traditional leaders, police, SSWS, and other relevant stakeholders (e.g., Catholic Church, other NGOs).
• Focus Group Discussions (FGDs): With diverse groups of direct and indirect beneficiaries, including
women, youth, PLWDs, peace committee members, CAHWs, VSLA/VICOBA members, producer group
members, and community members in both Kidepo and Lantoto project areas.
• Field Visits and Direct Observation: On the ground visit to project sites in Kidepo Game Reserve (Ikotos and Budi) and Lantoto National Park (Yei and Maridi) to verify activities and observe changes. Due consideration must be given to security protocols.
• Data Analysis: Quantitative data analysis (e.g., against project indicators in the approved Logframe) and
qualitative data analysis (thematic analysis of interviews/FGDs).
• Validation Workshop: A workshop with key stakeholders (VSF Germany, Enjojo Foundation, EU Delegation, relevant local authorities, and community representatives) to present preliminary findings and
gather feedback.

The consultant(s) must ensure that the methodology is conflict-sensitive, gender-responsive, and inclusive, actively capturing the perspectives of all target groups—especially marginalized and vulnerable populations.

How to Apply

VSF Germany invites interested consultants or firms to submit:

Technical Proposal:

• Understanding of the ToR.
• Proposed detailed methodology, work plan, and timeline.
• Team composition and roles (if a team).
• Relevant experience of the consultant(s)/firm.
• CV(s) of the proposed evaluator(s).

Financial Proposal:

Detailed breakdown of costs (daily rates, travel, per diems, other expenses).
Interested consultants may send their questions to juba@vsfg.org until 3rd August, 2025. The program team will answer questions related to the expression of interest by 11th August, 2025 and will send the responses to all consultants who submitted their expression of interest. After 3rd August, 2025 consultants can still participate and hand in an offer and ask for the answers given, but no further questions will be admitted.

Application Deadline: August 22, 2025

Submission Method: All applications shall only be received via this Google Form: https://forms.gle/p5FiroieAxo2jgEK8 (if you have problem opening this link when you click on it, copy it and paste it to your browser). 

Please find the complete Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Midterm Evaluation and how to apply from the link: https://www.vsfg.org/jobs-career/ on our VSF Germany website.