TERMS OF REFERENCE

CONSULTANCY TO FINALIZE REFRESH LEARNING AGENDA

Background Information

Restoring Fisheries for Sustainable Livelihoods in Lake Malawi (REFRESH) is a five-year (2019–2024) project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission in Malawi and implemented by a Pact-led consortium that includes core partners University of Rhode Island (URI) and TechnoServe (TNS), and local/regional partners Community Initiative for Self-Reliance (CISER), Find Your Feet, and African Parks.

The purpose of the REFRESH activity is to conserve the freshwater biodiversity of Lake Malawi by restoring the natural fisheries productivity in the lakeshore districts of Karonga, Rumphi, Likoma, Nkhata Bay, Nkhotakota, Salima, Dedza, and Mangochi. The project’s sub-purposes are that the:

• Targeted Lake Malawi aquatic habitats are healthy and well-managed.
• Endemic fish populations of targeted parts of Lake Malawi are healthy and self-sustaining.
• Fisheries in the targeted parts of Lake Malawi are managed sustainably by 2024.

Purpose of the Assignment

The REFRESH project collects and utilizes multi-faceted strategic information- not only for the purpose of measuring project results, but also to expand the evidence base on what works well and what does not in fish biodiversity conservation in Malawi and similar environments. To this end, a targeted learning agenda was developed which focuses on improving fisheries biodiversity outcomes and better understanding the linkages and tradeoffs between an ecosystem approach to fisheries management and economic development. The REFRESH learning agenda and corresponding learning questions which were co-created with key stakeholders at project startup through rigorous analysis of the project’s Theory of Change (ToC) and expected results. The learning questions were identified and prioritized with the aim of:

• Addressing gaps in the existing evidence base.
• Testing assumptions underpinning the project TOC.
• Bringing attention to essential contextual changes that may be critical to project success by testing the causal linkage between subsequent results.

Thirteen learning questions comprise the REFRESH learning agenda (see Annex 1). Several steps are needed to respond to each learning question: 1) data collection, 2) data analysis and triangulation, 3) interpretation and reporting. Appropriate methods for data collection were identified during development of the learning agenda; and quantitative and qualitative data have been collected through mixed methods at various frequencies since the first year of the project. The extent of completion of each step (1-3 above) varies from question to question: some questions require further data collection and/or analysis while some questions have been fully answered.

 As REFRESH is in its final year of implementing, Pact seeks a qualified consultant to support the finalization of the learning agenda and the development of relevant products for dissemination.  Specifically, the objective ofthis consultancy is to ensure the learning agenda has been adequately responded to in a high-quality manner through complete data collection using appropriate methods, rigorous analysis and triangulation, and thoughtful summarization and interpretation of results into clear findings and actionable recommendations for the implementing organization and donor agency.

Key Activities of the assignment

The consultant will carry out the following specific activities to meet the expected outcomes and produce a comprehensive report:

1. Conduct a desk review of REFRESH learning questions and the data that has previously been collected and analyzed as well as any existing documents reporting previous findings including quarterly and annual reports, pause and reflect event reports, others, as provided by REFRESH.
2. Based on desk review, create a Learning Agenda Framework which depicts the status of the learning agenda: noting which questions are fully answered and where there are gaps in terms of learning questions still needing additional data collection, analysis and/or interpretation. The framework should clearly identify methods fit-for-purpose to complete any primary data collection needed, including collection activity, target group(s), tools needed and timeline.

*Data collection should use previously developed methods and tools wherever relevant.

1. Where primary data collection is needed: coordinate with REFRESH staff to collect data in line with the Learning Agenda Framework developed in step b above.
2. Compile, triangulate, and analyze data using appropriate methods (qualitative data analysis using inductive and deductive coding)
3. Share preliminary findings with REFRESH team through a workshop to validate and expand upon consultants proposed interpretations and recommendations.
4. Author a high-quality report which summarizes results from data analysis for each question along with summary of findings and interpretation of findings into actionable recommendations for both the implementing organization and the donor for improving future programs.

Deliverables

The following are the expected deliverables for the assignment.

• Learning Agenda Framework which depicts the status of the learning agenda: noting which questions are fully answered and where there are gaps in terms of learning questions still needing additional data collection, analysis and/or interpretation The framework should clearly identify methods fit-for-purpose to complete any primary data collection needed, including collection activity, target group(s), tools needed and timeline.
• PowerPoint presentation to REFRESH team which summarizes initial findings and proposed interpretations and recommendations to validate and expand on these.
• Learning Agenda Report (first draft to be submitted for review by REFRESH team, final draft to be finalized based on feedback) which summarizes results from data analysis for each question, along with summary and interpretation of findings into actionable recommendations for both the implementing organization and the donor for improving future programs.
• Supervision of the Assignment

The team of consultants will work under the direct and overall supervision of the REFRESH MERL Specialist. The consultant will also work with REFRESH project’s Senior Technical Members to fully understand the different thematic areas of the project in relation to the Learning Agenda. Pact DC’s LEAP point of contact will provide reviews and feedback on deliverables.

Qualifications and Experience of Consultants

The shortlisting criteria are:

1. Relevant experience in similar assignments
2. Expertise in qualitative data analysis.

The Consultant lead member must possess a minimum of Master of Science in Development, Natural Resources, or any related field. The successful applicant will be expected to work for a maximum of 25 working days.

Submission of Proposals

Interested Consultants, consortiums or institutions are required to submit their technical and financial proposalsvia email to the following address.

Pact Malawi

1st Floor, Amina House

P.O. Box 1013,

Lilongwe Malawi

infomw@pactworld.org.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the deadline for receiving technical and financial proposals is31^st May 2024.