Request for Consultancy Services

Terms of Reference (ToR) for an External Consultant to conduct a Midterm Review (MTR) of the Family Development Initiatives (FDI) 2022–2028 Strategic Plan.

1. Background

Family Development Initiatives (FDI) is a faith-based non-governmental organization (NGO) committed to fostering sustainable communities through interventions in Health, Governance and Social Accountability, Climate Change Resilience, and Rural Enterprise Development. In 2022, FDI launched its Strategic Plan (2022–2028) to guide its development programming, institutional growth, and impact delivery over seven years.

To ensure effective implementation, the FDI seven-year strategic plan is divided into three phases namely the start-up phase (2022-2024), scale-up phase (2025-2026) and stretch phase (2027-2028). After the completion of each of the three phases, the organisation has undertaken to undertake reviews to inform the next phase. Three years into implementation and after the completion of the start-up phase, FDI seeks to conduct the first mid-term review (MTR) of the plan to independently assess progress, identify challenges, and make recommendations for course correction. The MTR will be undertaken by an external consultant to provide objective and credible insights into the implemrntation of the activities in the stat-up phase of the plan.

2. Purpose of the Midterm Review

The purpose of this review is to evaluate the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and strategic alignment of FDI’s interventions and institutional direction as outlined in the 2022–2028 Strategic Plan. It will inform the recalibration of priorities and enhance organizational performance especially for the scale up phase which is the next phase of the strategic plan.

3. Objectives

The specific objectives of the MTR are to:

• Assess Relevance: Evaluate whether the strategic goals and interventions remain relevant in light of evolving internal and external contexts.
• Evaluate Progress: Determine the extent to which planned outcomes, outputs, and milestones have been achieved across thematic areas.
  Assess Organizational Capacity: Analyze whether institutional structures, systems, and resources are adequately supporting implementation.
• Identify Enablers and Barriers: Highlight success factors, implementation bottlenecks, emerging risks and opportunities.
• Draw Lessons and Make Recommendations: Document key learnings and provide actionable recommendations to guide strategic focus and operational efficiency for the remainder of the strategy period.

4. Scope of Work

The MTR will cover:

All four strategic pillars:
a. Health
b. Governance and Social Accountability
c. Climate Change Resilience
d. Rural Enterprise Development

• Cross-cutting issues: Gender, youth, inclusion, faith-based engagement, partnerships, and sustainability.
• Institutional development: Governance, human resources, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), financial management, and resource mobilization.
• Geographical focus: All programmatic districts/areas where FDI is implementing interventions.

5. Key Evaluation Questions

The MTR will address, among others, the following:

• Are the strategic goals and interventions still relevant and aligned with community needs and national/international development frameworks
• What progress has been made toward achieving the expected results?
• What are the key internal and external factors influencing implementation
• Are current structures, staffing, and systems adequate for delivering strategic priorities?
• How effective are the partnerships and collaborations in delivering impact?
• What improvements are needed to enhance performance and sustainability?

6. Methodology

The consultant is expected to propose a robust and participatory methodology that includes:

1. Desk review of key documents (strategic plan, M&E data, annual reports, financial statements, previous evaluations).
2. Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with FDI leadership (Board and SMT), staff, partners, and stakeholders.
3. Online Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with DIfCSEJ.
4. Organizational self-assessment tools and benchmarking.
5. Field visits to selected project sites.
6. Stakeholder validation workshops (Organized by FDI).

The methodology must be gender-sensitive, inclusive, and contextually grounded.

7. Deliverables

The consultant will be expected to deliver the following:

1. Inception Report – including detailed methodology, work plan, and data collection tools.
2. Draft Midterm Review Report – summarizing findings, analysis, and initial recommendations.
3. Validation Presentation – to share preliminary findings with FDI leadership and stakeholders for feedback.
4. Final Midterm Review Report – incorporating feedback and structured around key thematic and evaluation questions.
5. Executive Summary and Action Plan Matrix – highlighting key findings and prioritized recommendations.

8. Duration and Timelines

The consultancy is expected to last 6–8 weeks from contract signing.

9. Required Qualifications and Experience

The consultant or consultancy firm should have:

• Advanced degree in Development Studies, Strategic Management, Public Health, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Proven experience in conducting strategic reviews or evaluations for NGOs or development programs.
• Sound understanding of faith-based development programming and community empowerment.
• Strong analytical, facilitation, and report-writing skills.
• Knowledge of the Zambian development context is highly desirable.

Management and Coordination

The consultant will report to the Team Leader and work under the guidance of the Midterm Review Task Force, which will comprise representatives from FDI’s Senior Management Team, the Strategic Information Department, and Program Managers.

FDI will provide:

• Access to relevant documentation
• Support in organizing field visits and interviews
• Logistical and administrative support where required

11. Budget and Payment Terms

The consultant is expected to submit a financial proposal along with the technical proposal. Payment will be made in traunches, based on the satisfactory delivery of outputs

Eligible candidates must send their applications, detailed Curriculum Vitae, qualifications, technical proposal and budget to [email protected] and copied to [email protected] by close of business on Friday 30th April 2025 addressed to Human Resource and Administration Lead.

On the subject, clearly indicate that you are applying for “Consultant to conduct MTR of FDI’s Strategic Plan”

Please note that FDI is an equal opportunity employer and reserves the right to accept any application. Also note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted to attend interviews.