Background
Equitas seeks an external Consultant with experience with monitoring and evaluation tools and processes as well as with accompanying organizations to select appropriate IT solutions, in order to support the selection and implementation of a monitoring and evaluation solution appropriate for Equitas. Equitas is currently using Microsoft Excel for managing all of its Program data.
Equitas is Canada’s most recognized and active human rights education organization. We work for the advancement of equality, social justice and respect for human dignity through transformative education programs. We empower people to address inequalities and discrimination, and to work to build more inclusive and rights-respecting communities.
Objectives
The overall objective of this consultancy is to advise Equitas on the selection of a digital monitoring & evaluation (M&E) solution to collect, store, manage and retrieve data from all programs as well as organizational processes. The digital solution must allow for multiple users and off-site access. The intention is to pilot a solution with one of Equitas’ programs first before scaling up to the entire organization.
Scope of work
The scope of work for the Consultant will include but not limited to:
- Support Equitas to clearly articulate needs and criteria for a comprehensive M&E solution that responds to current and projected use.
- Gather functional requirements for an M&E system and make recommendations for 3 shortlisted vendors.
- Coordinate up to 3 demos with software vendors and facilitate decision-making on final selection of an M&E system.
- Provide roadmap for implementation of the chosen solution.
Expected deliverables
- Work plan covering the assignment: will describe how the work is to be carried out, bringing refinements, specificity, and elaboration to these terms of reference. It will act as an agreement between the parties as to how the work will be conducted.
- 1 requirements table of M&E system user stories.
- 1 presentation deck on shortlisted vendors
- 3 x 1.5-hour software demos
- 1 presentation deck summarizing business case and rationale for decision on M&E system
All written outputs of the consultancy are expected to be delivered in English or French, with a slight preference for English. The Consultant will follow the format, structure and length defined by Equitas. The quality of the outputs will be assessed by the Equitas Programs Manager.
Duration and location
This assignment is expected to be conducted between May and September 2021.
The assignment is expected to be home-based with all meetings to be connected virtually. The Consultant will supply and is responsible for all necessary equipment required to fulfill the mandate (ex: computer, phone, internet, etc.).
Management arrangements
The Consultant will report directly to the Programs Manager, Katie Corker. Equitas will provide relevant background documents necessary for the assignment. The Consultant will be expected to work closely with the Equitas project team, comprised of the Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting Advisor (MERA), the Programs Manager and IT Manager.
Proposed timelines
• Start date: May 15th, 2021
• Functional requirements for M&E system and recommendation for short list of M&E systems: End June 2021
• Demos of M&E Systems: July 2021
• Selection of M&E system: August 2021
• Support during set up of M&E system : September 2021
Qualifications of the consultant
The Consultant should have the following experience, skills, and knowledge:
- Demonstrated experience working in human rights or international development with non-profit and/or charitable organisations in Canada;
- Evidence of having undertaken similar assignments;
- Demonstrated experience in M&E processes for medium sized organizations and/or organizations managing complex, multi-country programs;
- Strong knowledge of M&E approaches, methods, and tools;
- Works well in a team to advance the goals of Equitas, including openness to constructive feedback and focus on results for the client;
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage the available time and resources;
- Ability to communicate orally, and read and understand documents, in both of Canada’s official languages (English and French) is preferred.