Sample Terms of Reference
Sample Terms of Reference:
CONSULTANCY SUPPORT
TO
JOINT VENTURE ON MANAGING FOR DEVELOPMENT RESULTS
SUPPORTING CAPACITY ASSESSMENT PILOT ACTIVITIES
Post Title :
MfDR Capacity Assessment Consultant
Project :
Joint Venture on Managing for Development Results
Locations :
Various
Languages Required :
English and French or other
Application Deadline :
Starting Date :
Duration of Contract :
Background
Managing for Development Results (MfDR) means evidence-based decision making in the pursuit of
human development. It is a strategy that uses sound information for policy making; it involves practical
tools for planning, risk management, monitoring and evaluation. In partner countries and donor agencies
MfDR delineates a shift from focusing on inputs and immediate outputs to performance and achievement
of outcomes and long-term impacts.
At the Paris High-Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness (2005), 60 partner countries and 60 donor agencies
endorsed the Paris Declaration, committing to specific action to further country ownership,
harmonization, alignment, managing for development results, and mutual accountability for the use of
aid.
The OECD/DAC Joint Venture on Managing for Development Results supports the work of partner
countries and donor agencies to implement results-based approaches. It focuses on country capacity to
build up results systems, guidelines for agency effectiveness and mutual accountability frameworks.
The Joint Venture on MfDR is committed to managing the development and testing of a set of tools to
assess country capacity to manage for development results by September 2008. The JV recognizes that
individual bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors have already developed, and are in some cases already using,
tools of their own. This initiative seeks to elaborate a framework under which existing tools can be
organized and packaged and a process for assessing country capacity for MfDR can be defined, tested and
further refined.
The approach developed by the JV anticipates a preliminary self assessment of MfDR capacity by
countries as a first step, where capacity assessments will be conducted within the framework of the five
central pillars of MfDR: Leadership; Evaluation and Monitoring; Accountability & Partnerships; Planning
& Budgeting; and Statistics. To facilitate this process the JV have developed a tool and methodology that
countries can employ to conduct such an assessment.
The preliminary assessment, known as an MfDR Capacity SCAN, is expected to be a short, focused,
exercise that leverages the knowledge of key informants within government to provide a high-level snap
shot of capacity gaps and constraints. Over a short period of time, this preliminary assessment will
generate an action plan which will include a set of steps to drive change in areas prioritized for
improvement. The action plan could include a variety of tasks including identification of MfDR
website: www.mfdr.org/CAP-Scan.html | Email: [email protected]
dimensions that require further specialized, technical assessment using other capacity assessment tools
already in existence (e.g., PEFA if planning and budgeting is identified as a priority area).
This TOR defines the need for a bilingual French-English consultant experienced in results–based
methodology and assessments to work with members of Joint Venture on MfDR to pilot the SCAN
capacity assessment tool in two countries. The specific purpose of the assignment is for the consultant to
prepare for and facilitate and/or co-facilitate SCAN capacity assessment activities at the country level in
two countries, where activities in at least one country will be conducted in French.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the secretariat of the Joint Venture on MfDR, and indirectly to the
Agency Partner Project Manager for the National Implementation Capacities project, the consultant will
assist the MfDR team in the following efforts:
1. Draft a conceptual framework including instructions and a checklist to evaluate pilots
2. Revise as appropriate the draft self-assessment tool with stakeholders within each pilot country
3. Develop a strategy and approach for pilot testing the SCAN self-assessment tool
4. Prepare for and conduct pilot tests in-country
5. Write a summary report for each pilot
6. Update the guidelines for the self-assessment tool based on pilot experiences
7. Revise the self-assessment tool, and capacity assessment approach and framework as necessary
based on findings of pilot tests
8. Prepare a packaged toolkit of guidelines, approach, and tools for future self-assessment use
9. Develop a strategy for sharing results in the Aid Effectiveness High Level Panel meetings in
Accra in September 2008
Additional support to the MfDR team relating to preparing for, conducting, and analysing the SCAN selfassessment may be required depending on need, to be mutually agreed with the consultant, to form the
basis of possible alterations and/or extensions to the work.
Deliverables
The consultant will be expected to produce the following deliverables:
1. Updates to improve the MfDR SCAN self-assessment tool, based on pilot testing
2. Updates to the guidelines and approach to conducting the SCAN pilot, based on pilot testing
3. A report providing an analysis of the pilot testing of the SCAN tool for each country pilot;
including pilot test results, action plans, analysis, and recommendations
4. A presentation summarising SCAN pilot results and recommendations suitable for external
audiences
Timeline & Payment Arrangements
The consultant will be paid for work performed over the contract time period based on a negotiated daily
rate, which represents a full 8-hour work day. Payment arrangements to be within the policies and
procedures of the Agency Partner.
Competencies

Capacity to work within tight deadlines

Ability to work independently, set aggressive schedules, and take initiative

Ability to work as part of a team and think creatively
website: www.mfdr.org/CAP-Scan.html | Email: [email protected]

Strong analytical and reporting skills

Strong written communications skills

Strong facilitation skills

Ability to speak and write clearly, articulately, and fluently in both English and in French
Required Qualifications

Understanding of, experiences in, and proven competencies in results-based management and
managing for development results in the context of developing countries

Proven experience in conducting research, assessments, reviews, and analyses

Experience in working with multi-lateral and/or bi-lateral aid organisations and agencies

At least 5 years of experience in the development field, with field-based experiences in
francophone countries

A Master’s degree in social sciences, economics or other relevant field
website: www.mfdr.org/CAP-Scan.html | Email: [email protected]