ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
Internews is seeking an External Evaluator to lead an evaluation of the Environmental Journalism in Iraq (EJI) project. The evaluator will design and develop the overall evaluation approach, methodology, and data collection strategy, and will be responsible for ensuring the evaluation’s objective implementation. The evaluator should be fluent in Arabic and English and have experience conducting evaluations in difficult country contexts, particularly for USG donors.
LOGISTICS
This is a remote-based role, and candidates based in Iraq, Jordan, Tunisia & United Kingdom will be considered.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so candidates are encouraged to apply soon.
This is a limited-duration position, with an expected end date of January 2025.
OUR COMMITMENT TO FOSTERING A CULTURE OF BELONGING
We are an organization of dynamic, mission-driven individuals who are passionate about our core values and about supporting positive change in the world. We pride ourselves on our commitment to innovation and flexibility. We believe that diverse teams are strong teams and work to support an ethic of belonging, dignity, and justice for all people. Our current team includes a mix of genders, parents and non-parents, and people of multiple races, nationalities, ages, sexual orientations and socioeconomic backgrounds. We are an EEO employer and encourage candidates of all races, genders, ages, orientations, ethnicities, and national origins to apply, and welcome those with alternative backgrounds and experiences.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
As Iraq faces an unprecedented environmental crisis, Iraqi communities’ needs and perspectives, especially those of marginalized populations, must be at the center of responses to environmental destruction and climate change. Yet local media and environmental defenders lack many of the skills, access, and resources to provide inclusive, constructive and solution-based content that can promote better environmental governance and accountability.
Internews, in partnership with three local partners in Iraq, implemented the EJI project, from October 2022 until October 2024. The project goal was to improve Iraq citizens’ access to information they need to engage in civic action, make informed decisions and hold power to account; contributing to improved environmental governance and accountability. The project supported two objectives: 1) Support independent media to produce inclusive, fact-based and solutions-oriented content on the impacts of climate change and 2) Journalists and CSOs collaboratively promote public access to information on climate change and environmental issues in Iraq.
The project is designed based on a robust Theory of Change:
IF the capacity of Iraqi journalists is built to safely produce more high quality, evidence driven, and solution-oriented content addressing climate change and environmental protection, AND IF networking and collaboration opportunities are fostered between journalists, CSOs, and environmental defenders, AND IF journalists and CSOs increase public awareness of climate change and environmental issues across the country, particularly those disproportionately affecting marginalized groups; THEN Iraqi citizens will have access to information they need to engage in civic action, make informed decisions, and hold power to account, AND FINALLY Iraqi media and citizens can contribute to improved environmental governance and accountability.
EVALUATION PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this final evaluation is to assess the performance and potential success of the project against expected outcomes and impact, suggesting ways of improving where relevant. It should also look at signs of the potential impact of project activities on beneficiaries and the sustainability of results.
Specific objectives of the evaluation include:
The key audiences for this evaluation are the Internews Iraq Team, local partners, participants of the project activities, and relevant stakeholders.
EVALUATION SCOPE AND EVALUATION QUESTIONS
The success of this evaluation is contingent on close collaboration with Internews at every stage of the process, including the design of the methodology, the crafting of the inception report, and the development of the final report and other relevant materials.
In line with the evaluation purpose and objective, the following key evaluation questions are proposed for the final evaluation. However, these can be expanded upon, narrowed down, and modified by the evaluator in consultation with Internews.
EVALUATION APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY
The evaluator has the freedom to utilize any evaluation approach that is appropriate with robust research methods, either quantitative or qualitative, that would fulfil the purpose and objectives of the evaluation and respond to the evaluation questions. A blend of both primary and secondary data is recommended. The evaluator should include a defense of why the methodology is the most appropriate for this specific evaluation.
The evaluator should, at a minimum, in their methodology, include the following data collection methods:
The methodological approach and design of the evaluation will be developed and agreed between Internews and the evaluator. The evaluator will then be responsible for its objective implementation.
TIMELINE:
Activity |
Timeframe |
Comments |
Launch of ToR and bids reception |
Deadline for applications: November 20, 2024 |
|
Appointment of evaluator and initial briefing |
Appointment: by November 2024 Briefing: as soon as possible upon appointment. |
The consultant is expected to have initial meetings with staff to inform the inception report. |
Inception report |
By December 2024 |
Relevant documentation will be made available, and the inception report will include: Literature review Draft methodology Evaluation Matrix and Data collection tools Outline of final report structure |
First draft report |
By December 2024/January 2025 |
Internews staff will review the draft for further clarification, comment and structure |
Final draft report |
By January 2025 |
|
PowerPoint presentation and debrief with Internews staff and partners on the evaluation findings and recommendations |
By January 2025 |
|
We anticipate around 25-35 full working days will be needed to conduct this evaluation in a flexible working manner as follows:
The draft and final reports should be presented in English with no longer than 5 to 7 pages (excluding any relevant annexes) and contain a concise executive Summary of core findings and recommendations, the latter being specific and action‐oriented, and tailored to all relevant stakeholders.
QUALIFICATIONS WE’RE LOOKING FOR:
Required
Preferred
Note: Candidates who do not have these preferred qualifications, but who are interested and willing to learn, are encouraged to apply.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications should include the following documentation: