Independent Evaluation of The VCP- Equality in Action in Jordan

Oxfam • Contract • Amman, JO • 5d ago

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Independent Evaluation of the Volunteer Cooperation Program (VCP) – Equality in Action in Jordan

RFQ-JOAMM-26-0012

Oxfam is a global movement of people who are fighting inequality to end poverty and injustice. Across regions, from the local to the global, we work with people to bring change that lasts.

OVERVIEW Title and brief description of the requirement Independent Evaluation of the Volunteer Cooperation Program (VCP) – Equality in Action in Jordan OIJ (Oxfam in Jordan) is seeking an independent consultant/firm to conduct a mixed-methods evaluation of the VCP – Equality in Action Program. The evaluation will assess program design, progress toward results, volunteer/advisor delivery arrangements, and the effectiveness of governance and internal support systems (HR, finance, safeguarding, compliance). It will generate evidence-based findings and actionable recommendations to strengthen accountability, duty of care, fiduciary controls, and stakeholder confidence, and to inform future program decision-making. Delivery location Amman – Jordan Contract start date Feb 16, 2026 How to apply Interested candidates, including consultancy firms and individual consultants, are invited to submit the following: A technical proposal in full compliance with the requirements outlined in the (TOR). A financial proposal providing a detailed breakdown of the total cost. All mandatory supporting documents, as specified in the TOR. Please refer to Section 6: Application Process. Deadline for submission of offers Feb 12, 2026 – 5 PM Amman time Specific considerations

Background and context

1.1 Oxfam in Jordan and the VCP – Equality in Action Program

Oxfam in Jordan (OiJ) has been implementing the Volunteer Cooperation Program (VCP) – Equality in Action as part of Oxfam’s global VCP initiative for the period 2020–2027, funded through Global Affairs Canada and coordinated with Oxfam Québec. The VCP is a long-term partnership and capacity-strengthening program designed to reinforce the performance, sustainability, and influence of civil society organizations (CSOs) working to advance gender justice, inclusive governance, and social change.

The program puts local partners as central actors in shifting power, strengthening accountability, and influencing systems and norms. Rather than focusing on short-term service delivery, the VCP emphasizes organizational development, feminist partnership approaches, peer-to-peer learning, and influencing capacity as pathways to sustainable impact.

VCP TOC and Results Framework

The program is structured around two interlinked result levels:

Intermediate Results (Systemic Change)

Partner organizations demonstrate improved performance, governance, and sustainability, and are increasingly able to:

Contribute to gender equality, women’s rights, and inclusive governance outcomes Influence policies, social norms, and public discourse Engage effectively in alliances, coalitions, and accountability mechanisms

These results reflect partners’ strengthened role as credible, autonomous, and strategic social change actors.

Immediate Results (Capacity and Practice Change)

Partners and volunteers show measurable improvements in:

Organizational leadership, governance, and management systems Program quality, MEAL, learning, and adaptive management Feminist, gender-transformative, and inclusive practices Influencing, advocacy, and evidence-based engagement Financial management, compliance, safeguarding, and risk management

Progress is tracked through capacity assessments, performance reviews, and qualitative learning processes, complemented by quantitative indicators where appropriate.

The VCP in Jordan operates within a complex and dynamic context, characterized by civic space constraints, heightened safeguarding and duty-of-care considerations, and increasing donor scrutiny regarding governance, risk management, and accountability.

1.2 Rationale

The proposed independent evaluation of the VCP – Equality in Action Program in Jordan is commissioned to provide a credible, neutral and evidence-based assessment of program performance, governance arrangements, and supporting systems. The evaluation is an integral part of Oxfam Jordan Senior Management Team’s commitment to evidence-based learning, accountability, and continuous improvement. In addition, the evaluation shall be designed to address potential concerns and area of improvements including

Volunteers Management, Care Support, and compliance with agreed procedures. Communication and Governance in program oversight: transparency & information sharing Financial and fiduciary control Key stakeholders engagement and confidence, including partners, donors , and gov’t

Accordingly, the evaluation will generate clear evidence on what worked well, what did not work, and what must be strengthened to ensure compliance with minimum requirements for safe and accountable program implementation. Findings will provide a basis for organizational learning, risk mitigation, and decision-making.

An independent evaluation is required to:

Assess the extent to which VCP systems and practices align with required standards, commitments, and donor expectations ( as put forth in VCP Result Framework , Program Implementation Plan , and other documents ) and identify strengths , gaps, and root causes affecting delivery and risk management Generate actionable recommendations to strengthen governance, oversight, duty of care, and fiduciary compliance Support Oxfam Jordan in responding stakeholders in a transparent and evidence-based manner

1.3 Objectives

Overall, the evaluation aims to independently assess the relevance, effectiveness, coherence, governance, and risk management of the VCP – Equality in Action Program in Jordan, and to generate clear, actionable recommendations to inform organizational decision-making, accountability, and learning.

Specific Objectives

A. Programmatic

Assess the design, relevance, and operationalization of the VCP in Jordan against the Results Framework and Theory of Change Examine progress toward intended immediate and intermediate results, including capacity strengthening, partnership quality, and influencing outcomes Review the effectiveness of volunteer and advisor engagement, including recruitment, role clarity, performance management, and value addition.

B. Governance, Systems, and Risks

Examine the adequacy and coherence of governance, management, and oversight mechanisms supporting VCP implementation Assess internal systems (HR, Finance, Logistics, Security, Safeguarding) in relation to duty of care, fiduciary risk, compliance, and accountability Analyze communication, coordination, and decision-making arrangements between Oxfam Jordan, Oxfam Québec, and other stakeholders.

C. Learning and Accountability

Identify key lessons learned, good practices, and systemic gaps Develop prioritized, realistic, and time-bound recommendations Support Oxfam Jordan’s response to concerns raised by Oxfam Québec and external stakeholders

SPECIFICATION OF GOODS OR SERVICES REQUIRED

Oxfam in Jordan is seeking an independent evaluation consultant or form to deliver the following services and deliverables.

Service Required

Design and execution of an independent evaluation of VCP in Jordan Facilitation of an inclusive consultation process during the evaluation and sharing the results of the evaluation Thorough analysis of program performance, governance and systems in place for VCP Developing clear and actionable recommendations Facilitate the presentation of the findings and recommendations to intended audience (OIJ, OQC, and OGB Produce final Evaluation Report

KEY DELIVERABLES

Inception Report (evaluation matrix, methodology, sampling plan, tools, workplan) Desk Review Summary + emerging issues and risks Debriefing Note / Preliminary Findings Presentation (PowerPoint + short memo) Draft Evaluation Report (full report) Validation Workshop (agenda, slides, participants list, summary of inputs) Final Evaluation Report including: Executive summary Findings by scope area Conclusions Prioritized recommendations proposed management action plan template

METHODOLOGY

3.1 Scope

The evaluation will cover two major dimensions: (1) Programmatic scope, and (2) Governance and systems, with specific attention to areas linked to duty of care, accountability, and risk management.

Programmatic Scope Program Design and Operational Planning Assess alignment of the program design with the VCP TOC and Results Framework, including assumptions, risks, and mitigation measures Assess the plausibility and functionality of the VCP Theory of Change in the Jordan context, including key causal pathways linking volunteer support → partner practice change → organizational performance → influencing/sustainability outcomes.” Assess the clarity and relevance of intended results at intermediate and immediate levels, and coherence with Jordan context Examine how targets and partner priorities were defined and whether baseline/midline assessments informed planning Assess whether program design and planning effectively incorporated learning and adaptation, including from mid-term review findings and emerging risks

Progress, Results and Effectiveness Review progress against VCP targets, including capacity strengthening, partnership quality, influencing outcomes, and learning processes Identify results achieved, gaps, and explanatory factors (internal/external) Assess whether the program effectively strengthens partner capacity and sustainability in line with the Results Framework Examine the adequacy of monitoring practices and whether evidence supports reported progress Assess the sustainability and institutionalization of capacities strengthen through VCP, partners preparedness to continue without VCP support and Key sustainability risks and mitigations options

C. Volunteer and Advisor Delivery Model

Assess demand-driven placement processes needs identification, recruitment, role definition, induction, and supervision Assess the quality and effectiveness of accompaniment, coaching, mentoring, and peer-learning practices embedded in volunteer engagement, beyond delivery of technical outputs. Assess the effectiveness of performance management, mandate follow-up, and support mechanisms Examine duty of care practices, volunteer wellbeing, and responsiveness to volunteer concerns Assess clarity of roles across Oxfam Jordan, Oxfam Québec, partners, and volunteers Review compliance with agreed procedures and operational standards as part of volunteer management and oversight

D. Coordination and Engagement between OiJ – OQC – Partners

Review coordination and communication arrangements, information sharing, decision-making, and follow-up mechanisms Assess whether governance arrangements enable adequate oversight and timely responses to emerging risks

3.1.2 Governance and Systems

A. Governance and Oversight

Review governance and oversight effectiveness across program implementation Assess escalation mechanisms, internal accountability, and decision-making processes Review whether roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and operationally functioning

B. Risk Management

Assess duty-of-care measures and their consistency, including complaint handling and follow-up systems Review risk registers and mitigation practices (programmatic + operational) Assess compliance with donor expectations and readiness to respond to external inquiries

Financial Management and Fiduciary Controls Review financial controls, segregation of duties, compliance systems, and fund tracking mechanisms Review actions taken and safeguards strengthened in response to fraud case and related risks Identify systemic weaknesses affecting financial accountability and program integrity

D. Support Functions (Systems Readiness)

Assess coherence and adequacy of support functions (HR, Finance, Logistics, Security, Safeguarding) to enable safe and compliant program implementation.

Methodological Approach

The evaluation will adopt a mixed-methods and participatory approach, designed to ensure rigor, neutrality, transparency, and utility of findings. The consultant will ensure systematic triangulation across data sources, including documentation, stakeholder consultations and evidence verification.

The evaluation methodology must include:

A. Inception Phase

The consultant will develop:

An evaluation matrix aligned with objectives and scope, including evaluation questions, data sources and methods A clear purposive sampling plan ensuring representation across: Oxfam Jordan program and support departments VCP partners (diverse size and capacity) volunteers/advisors Oxfam Québec GAC Jordan delegation A risk and ethical management plan, including safeguarding and confidentiality procedures

B. Desk Review

A focused desk review will be conducted focusing on both programmatic performance and governance, including but not limited to:

Program planning documents, annual plans, reports, and monitoring frameworks Baseline/midline and partner capacity assessments, and how they informed adaptation Communications and correspondence relevant to decision-making, coordination and oversight Documentation relevant to volunteer management procedures and follow-up Financial compliance documentation relevant to fiduciary controls and risk management

C. Primary Data Collection

The consultant will conduct:

Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) (senior management, VCP team, HR/Finance/Safeguarding, partners, volunteers, OQC) Partners direct field visit and online survey- including confidential narrative survey with partners and advisers

D. Analysis and Triangulation

Findings must be evidence-based and triangulated (desk review + interviews + cross-checking across groups) The report must clearly separate: verified findings perceptions/opinions gaps in evidence and limitations

E. Facilitating Validation and Utilization of Learning

The consultant will:

Present preliminary findings to Oxfam Jordan SMT and relevant stakeholders Facilitate a structured validation workshop including, OIJ, Oxfam Québec and OGB The evaluation should explicitly distinguish between design and implementation, and resourcing and oversight in presentation strengthens and weakness , and what worked well and what didn’t work & ensure accurate conclusions and actionable recommendations. A senior MEAL /program quality staff from other MENA country office could also be involved in supporting the consultant during the validation process, and during the consultation process.

TIMEFRAME AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Activity / Milestone Outputs or Deliverables Estimated days Timeline Contracting and kick-off meeting Kick-off meeting completed; agreement on scope, stakeholders, data access, timeline 1 Feb 16, 2026 Desk review and document mapping Desk review summary + evidence map (key documents, gaps, initial issues list) 2 Feb 18, 2026 Inception design and evaluation matrix, development of tools Inception report including evaluation matrix, sampling plan, ethics & safeguarding approach, workplan 6 Feb 26, 2026 Stakeholder scheduling and logistics, and data collection Completed KIIs/FGDs; field notes/transcripts; attendance lists 12 March 8, 2026 Preliminary findings, debrief, and draft report short debrief memo + draft report 5 March 15, 2026 Validation workshop and final report Validation workshop delivered; final evaluation report + external summary brief 5 March 19, 2026, Total Consultancy working days 30

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Remuneration is based on submission of final deliverables according to the schedule below.

No. Deliverables or Documents to be delivered Estimated Dates % Payment 1 Inception Report (evaluation matrix, sampling, tools, workplan, ethics/safeguarding) Feb 26, 2026 25% 2 Draft Evaluation Report + Preliminary Findings Presentation March 15, 2026 35% 3 Final Evaluation Report + External Summary Brief + Validation Workshop completion March 24, 2026 40% TOTAL 100%

EXPERIENCE OR PROFILE REQUIREMENTS

OIJ seeks an experienced consultant or firm with strong expertise in program evaluation, governance and systems review, and demonstrated ability to produce high-quality analytical reports with actionable recommendations.

Required Qualifications

Minimum 7–10 years of experience in evaluations, reviews, or assessments of international development/humanitarian programs. Demonstrated experience conducting mixed-method evaluations, including evaluation matrix development, sampling strategies, triangulation, and validation processes. Proven expertise in assessing at least two of the following areas: Civil society capacity strengthening / partnership models volunteer cooperation / technical assistance programming Governance, internal controls, and accountability systems Risk management and compliance reviews Strong understanding of results-based management, including assessing progress against results frameworks and learning loops. Excellent report-writing and facilitation skills, including delivering stakeholder validation workshops. Proficiency in English

Desirable

Experience working with Oxfam, INGO confederation structures, or multi-affiliate programs Experience with Global Affairs Canada (GAC) funded programs and donor compliance expectations Prior work in Jordan / Middle East region, including understanding of civic space, security constraints, and partnership ecosystems Demonstrated experience reviewing: volunteer management systems (recruitment, onboarding, supervision, performance management) financial risk controls, fraud prevention, and fiduciary compliance Arabic language a plus

6.APPLICATION PROCESS

Submission instructions

Quotations and applications must reach Oxfam no later than Feb 12, 2026 – 5 PM Amman time .

Responses must be submitted in English, electronically or by hand to: tabuhatab@oxfam.org.uk

The subject of the mail should be: Independent Evaluation of the Volunteer Cooperation Program (VCP) – Equality in Action in Jordan - RFQ-JOAMM-26-0012

Any questions, remarks or requests for clarification can be sent up to 7 days before the submission deadline (before 5 February 2026, 5 PM Amman time) in writing. The (anonymised) questions will be answered to all applicants.

Administrative requirements

To be shortlisted for evaluation against the award criteria, the following documents must be submitted with this application:

Documents to be submitted Importance 1 Supplier Quotation/Proposal (description of the goods/services/works provided as per the specification, including any details of quality, brand and a clear indication of pricing • All prices must appear in [Currency], with unit prices, total price and with a breakdown of applicable taxes (specify the VAT rate if applicable) • For works, the total budget, which must include a detailed breakdown of costs by [deliverables / day / working hours]. • Date and validity of quote must be included Mandatory 2 Proof of registration: The bidders also must include a copy of their registration at the relevant Chamber of Commerce and / or document showing self-employed tax registration. Mandatory 3 Evidence of previous work / references [if required] [List of similar publications or any other documents proving similar experience and technical and thematic knowledge] Mandatory

Evaluation and award criteria

The technical and financial proposal shall be weighed with a proportion 70 and 30 Points respectively. Technical proposals only scoring above 50 points of the 70 will be included in the evaluation of the financial offer

Technical Criteria Maximum point Technical criteria Completeness of proposal 5 Valid legal certifications/registration 5 Proven example of similar works ( up to 3) 10 Technically sound methodology, feasible and comprehensive plan Method of involving and engagement, and triangulation of data sources (10) Adequate, tailored & relevant tools, data collection mechanisms, and analysis plan (10) Validation approach, and tailoring for constructive engagement (10) 30 CV/s 20 TOTAL: 70 Financial criteria Financial offer: Total cost of the offer, all services included (without added tax) 30 TOTAL: 100

Financial Evaluation

Evaluation of financial Proposals shall be done only for those companies meeting a minimum score for the technical proposal of at least 50 points

Thirty (30) points shall be the maximum total score given to the financial component (price).

• Upon opening all the financial proposals, the maximum score is given to the lowest price proposal. All other price proposals from interested consultants shall be allocated scores in inverse proportion to the lowest price.

Oxfam withholds the right to conduct interviews with one or more potential suppliers before an award decision is made. The purpose of the interview is to seek further clarification on the submitted quotations and learn more about the background and previous experiences of the potential suppliers and their teams.

7.OTHER CONDITIONS

Conditions for participating in the procurement process are detailed in the Terms & Conditions of Bidding

8.CODE OF CONDUCT

Oxfam is committed to integrity in its operations and supply chains and ensuring high ethical standards. Complying with all laws and regulations and ensuring fair competition are fundamental to this commitment. We actively promote these principles and standards and expect all Oxfam suppliers to demonstrate commitment towards them.

All consultants/applicant are required to agree and adhere to the Oxfam Supplier Code of Conduct, whereas individuals (including consultants) must sign the Oxfam Non Staff Code of Conduct[1]. These Codes of Conduct set out the specific standards and principles in the areas of human and labour rights, environmental impact and anti-corruption that suppliers must follow.

9.ANNEXES

Conflict of interest declaration form for 3rd parties Safeguarding policy (If applicable) Oxfam child safeguarding policy (Edit and use if applicable) Example privacy notice

[1] Non-Staff Code of Conduct applies for any self-employed individuals or contracted employees of suppliers who are working on Oxfam sites, or who have access to Oxfam materials, or who may represent Oxfam in any manner but are not part of Oxfam’s legal entity)