Ethiopia: Evaluation of Maternal Newborn and Child Health Project Ethiopia

Evaluation of Maternal Newborn and Child Health Project in Ethiopia

1. Background

According to the annual health sector performance’s report of 2008 EC (2015/16), Ethiopia is among the countries making good progress in reducing maternal mortality. The Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys (EDHS, 2011) state Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has dropped from 871 per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 412 per 100,000 live births in 2016. Similarly, child mortality has also declined significantly, decreasing the under-five mortality rate from about 205 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 59 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2015. Save the Children Ethiopia is among the partners of Ethiopia government who are contributing to this achievement through supporting the health sector transformation.

Since July 2013, Save the Children has been implementing a Maternal Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) project in three woredas of North Gondar, Amhara region.

The goal of the project is contributing to a reduction in maternal newborn and child mortality in the target districts with three specific objectives:

Objective 1: Improve access to quality maternal and child health services in three districts of North Gondar Zone.

Objective 2: Increase health-seeking behavior among women and girls in project implementation areas.

Objective 3: Strengthen capacity of adolescent girls and families to delay first marriage above the age of 18 years.

2. Purpose of the Evaluation

This end of project evaluation will provide an opportunity to assess the effect of the project on maternal newborn and child health as well as the sustainability and ownership of the project by the partners and beneficiaries, and the lessons learnt will be used to inform implementation of ongoing similar projects and design future programs.

Objectives of the Evaluation:

· To assess the progress made towards the overall goal and objectives of the project based on the project log frame and achievements for each specific result and indicator

· To assess the effectiveness of the project in meeting the needs of boys, girls, men and women in the community

· To identify lessons learnt and good practices from the project which could be applied to future and other on-going projects

The evaluation will address the following specific questions:

Relevance

· Are the activities and outputs of the programme consistent with the overall goal and the attainment of its objectives?

Effectiveness

· To what extent were the objectives achieved / are likely to be achieved for boys, girls, men and women?

· What were the major factors influencing the achievement or non-achievement of the objectives?

· What are the unintended outcomes from the project for boys, girls, men and women?

Efficiency

· Were objectives achieved on time with efficient use of resources?

Sustainability

· What is the likelihood of benefits being sustained for boys, girls, men and women after donor funding ceases?

· What are the major factors influencing the achievement or non-achievement of sustainability of the programme or project?

Cross-cutting

· How well were children involved in the project?

· How effectively did the project meet the needs of the most vulnerable, especially people with disabilities and remote communities?

· How well did the project promote gender equality?

3. Timeframe

The consultant will need to be available to participate in field visits during the month of June.

4. Selection Criteria

The consultant will have the following competencies and experience:

· Proven skills and experience in maternal and newborn health project evaluation

· Excellent skills in data analysis

· A thorough understanding of programme monitoring and evaluation

· Experience of working in a developing country context

· Consultant should be professional in the field of public health

· Excellent written and spoken English skills

· Sound Knowledge and experience in the Ethiopian health system and policy environment

5. Expressions of Interest

Please contact Nami Kurimoto - nami.kurimoto@savethechildren.org.au for a copy of the Terms of Reference

Please contact Nami Kurimoto - nami.kurimoto@savethechildren.org.au for a copy of the Terms of Reference