Team Leader Mid term evaluation of the Zimbawe Agricultural Growth Programme

Following years of economic crisis, the Zimbabwean economy rebounded between 2009 and 2012 with an annual average GDP growth of 11%. Although deceleration started soon after, some good agricultural harvests in 2014 and 2017 as well as the hope of a political change have maintained a positive outlook at least up to the end of the ‘honeymoon period’ that followed the election of 2018.

Under the 11th European Development Fund, the European Union and Zimbabwe formulated the Zimbabwe Agricultural Growth Programme (ZAGP).

The evaluation of the programme will assess the Intervention using the six standard DAC evaluation criteria, namely: relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability and early signs of impact.

Systematic and timely evaluation of its programmes and activities is an established priority of the EC. The focus of evaluations is on the assessment of achievements, the quality and the results of Interventions in the context of an evolving cooperation policy with an increasing emphasis on result-oriented approaches and the contribution towards the implementation of the SDGs.

The main objectives of this evaluation are to provide the relevant services of the EU, the
interested stakeholders and the wider public with:

  • An overall independent assessment of the past performance of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Growth Programme (ZAGP), paying particular attention to its intermediate results measured against its expected objectives; and the reasons underpinning such results;
  • Key lessons learned, conclusions and related recommendations in order to improve current and future Interventions.
Qualifications: 
  • Diploma in a relevant sector wit at least 3 years higher education

General professional experience:

  • At least 10 years experience of in the area of evaluation
  • Sound practice of development interventions in the sector of agriculture intensification demonstrated by long-term involvement in value chain support projects;
  • Excellent writing and editing skills in English

Specific professional experience:

  • Participated in the evaluation of at least one multi component/contracts programmes;
  • Sectoral experience in the areas covered by the ZAGP: extensive and intensive livestock value chains, animal disease control, food safety, agricultural research, education and extension;
  • Long term assignments related to sustainable intensification of livestock would mean an asset;
  • Experience in value chain governance and profit sharing between the different actors would mean an asset;
  • Experience in the aggregation of input/services and output markets (production groups, cooperatives, agri-hubs, etc.) would be an asset;
  • Experience in support to the administration and the regulatory framework in the agricultural sector;
  • Experience in the establishment of public private partnership in the agricultural sector would be an advantage ;
  • Knowledge and experience of unstable macro-economic environment and knowledge and experience of the political and economic situation in Zimbabwe would be an advantage;
  • Knowledge and experience of EU procedures and modalities would mean an asset:
  • Cumulative experience of at least 5 years in the monitoring or support of grants.
Start / Duration: 

The indicative start date for the evaluation is 31/10/2021 and the period of implementation of the contract will be 240 days from this date (indicative end date: 28/06/2022).

The input of the team leader is 40 working days

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