Working name of the project:      Bosnia and Herzegovina: Market Systems Development in Rural Areas through Systemic Transition (RAST)

Envisaged consultancy for evaluation duration:                         01/11/2025 – 26/11/2025 Envisaged consultancy for pro. proposal duration:                                                                                              10/11/2025 – 30/11/2025. Envisaged number of days:      19 days

Deadline for submission of the final evaluation report                10/12/2025 Deadline for submission of the final project proposal:                                                                                 10/12/2025

Country:                                                                                  Bosnia and Herzegovina

Context

Caritas Switzerland (CACH) has been active in Bosnia and Herzegovina since 1995, implementing pro- jects in the fields of humanitarian aid, reconstruction, agriculture, energy efficiency, and social inclusion. In 2014, CACH decided to focus its work in the Upper Drina Region on agriculture and peacebuilding. The RAST project introduced a major shift in CACH’s approach moving from direct assistance toward systemic and facilitative Market Systems Development (MSD). The project has aimed to promote inclu- sive development in rural areas by enhancing the way poor women and men interact with the markets that provide them with jobs, income, and access to services. RAST has been implemented through a facilita- tive, multi-stakeholder approach involving local governments, private sector actors, and civil society or- ganizations. It has focused on strengthening collaboration and building trust between market actors, pro- moting an enabling environment for rural entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.

As RAST approaches its conclusion, CACH intends to conduct a final evaluation to assess results and ex- tract key learnings for future programming. Based on the evaluation findings, the consultant will also be responsible for drafting the new RAST project (successor phase), ensuring continuity in systemic change, sustainability, and alignment with the CACH Country Programme 2026+.

1. Final evaluation:

1.  Purpose and Objectives of the Final Evaluation

1. General Objective of the Final Evaluation

The evaluation will be carried out by an external and independent consultancy. The purpose of the final evaluation is to analyse the project against its defined systemic objectives, outcomes and results. The final evaluation should assess the project design, activities, and results in terms of their relevance, efficiency, impact, effectiveness, and sustainability, with a specific focus on systemic change achieved through the Market Systems Development (MSD) approach. The evaluation will serve as a learning exercise for CACH, its partners and stakeholders, contributing to institutional learning and informing the planning of the next phase of the RAST project. It should also assess the relevance of the facilitation methods used, evaluate the capacities and performance of partner organisations and institutions, identify challenges faced

during implementation, and provide concrete recommendations for further scaling and systemic consolida- tion in the successor project. Recommendations should include necessary adjustments in planning, part- nership structures, and management mechanisms, in line with CACH’s strategic framework and potential contributions from institutional donors.

1. Time Period and Components Covered

The Consultant will cover the entire implementation period of RAST and all key components of the pro- ject: market system development and facilitation; inclusive local economic development and strengthen- ing local governance and trust-building.

1.3.  Strategic Objective of the Project

The intended impact of the RAST project is to reduce poverty and socio-economic exclusion in rural Bos- nia and Herzegovina by enhancing how poor women and men interact with the markets that provide them with jobs, income, and access to services. Through a facilitative and systemic approach, the project strengthens the enabling environment for small and medium rural enterprises, promotes inclusive value chain development, and fosters cooperation between municipalities, private sector actors, and civil society. By doing so, RAST contributes to inclusive rural development, increased trust in institutions, and sustain- able market systems that continue to function beyond project support.1.4. Scope, Focus and Key Ques- tions for the Consultant

1.4 Scope, Focus and Key Questions for the Consultant Key Questions:

• Has the project achieved its main systemic and developmental objectives?
• To what extent has the RAST approach contributed to improving local market systems and eco- nomic opportunities for rural populations?
• How effectively has the facilitation approach been applied, and what lessons have emerged for future systemic interventions?
• Have the implemented partnerships (public-private-CSO) strengthened local ownership and insti- tutional cooperation?
• What behavioural changes among market actors, institutions, or service providers can be ob- served?
• What were the main challenges in implementing the systemic approach in local contexts, and how were they addressed?
• What lessons can be drawn to ensure the sustainability and scalability of RAST’s results?
• Were the selected indicators and monitoring tools adequate to measure systemic change and inclu- sion? What can be improved in the future MEAL setup?

Evaluations questions (scope and focus):

The Evaluation need to cover all components. Evaluation should be carried out by working from home and in field mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It should include interviews and interactions with all rele- vant actors, stakeholders, authorities, academia community / researchers as well as CACH staff. In partic- ular, the evaluation needs to provide clear and concise answers on next key questions:

I.  Relevance:

The degree to which the objectives are in line with the requirements of the beneficiaries, the needs of the country, the policies of the partners, as well as the policies of the donors.

II.  Effectiveness:

The extent to which objectives have been achieved or are expected to be achieved, considering their rela- tive importance.

III.  Efficiency:

Are resources/inputs (funds, expertise, time, etc.) converted into outputs in an economically viable man- ner?

IV. Outcomes and Impact:

Positive and negative, primary and secondary long-term effects of an intervention, produced directly or indirectly, intended or unintended.

V.  Sustainability:

The continuation of benefits from a development intervention after the main development assistance has ended. The likelihood of continued long-term benefits. The resilience of net benefit flows to risks over time.

1.5.  Methodology and Approach

Regarding the methodology, the consultant will use a standard project evaluation methodology consisting of the following stages:

1.     Preparatory Study

Analysis of all relevant documentation (project proposal, periodic reports of partner organizations, interim reports) to produce a short inception report that details the approach, agenda, methodol- ogy, sample, timeframe for fieldwork and necessary logistical arrangements. At the same time, develop an evaluation matrix that summarizes the key evaluation questions (2 working days).

2.     Field Phase

Data collection from the most important stakeholders – CACH, partner organizations, relevant lo- cal government units (LGUs) – through semi-structured interviews lasting 50–60 minutes with key informants at selected project locations (4 working days).

• The Consultant will prepare and moderate the Final Evaluation Workshop, which will be broadly structured as follows:

• SWOT analysis of the project
  • Checking the alignment between achievements and objectives/outcomes/results
  • Identification of good practices and lessons learned
  • Recommendations for a possible future project
  • Formulation of conclusions

Participants in the final evaluation workshop will be key stakeholders (representatives of partner organisa- tion and the project team) (1 working day).

4.     Data Analysis, Coding and Interpretation of collected evidence

Will be prepared to present a draft of the final evaluation report within 10 days after the workshop Caritas will have two weeks to review the draft of the final evaluation report and provide its con- solidated comments to the consultant. (2 working days).

5.     Finalization of the Final Evaluation Report (1 working day).

1. Results

• Evaluation matrix with key evaluation questions.
• Initial briefing session with CACH staff in Sarajevo before the start of the mission.
• Formulation of conclusions by the consultant.
• Submission of draft report after completion of mission. Caritas will have the opportunity to review and comment on the draft report before its finalization.
• A properly edited final evaluation report in English, presenting the results as defined in the ToR, not exceeding 20 pages. Includes a summary of no longer than 2 pages, presentation of findings, conclusions, lessons learned and recommendations, structured in a logical sequence (recommen- dations derived from conclusions, conclusions based on facts and findings).

1.7 Documentation

The Consultant will receive all relevant documentation, including the project proposal, logical framework and reports.

1.8. Place, Time, Task Duration and Resources

 

The final evaluation of the project will be carried out in the period from 01.11.2025 to 30.11.2025. The total task should be completed within 10 working days, including all field visits covering Herzegovina: Konjic, Jablanica, Prozor-Rama, Mostar, Stolac, Ljubinje and Trebinje

Activities                                             Duration in

days

FROM          TO

Preparatory study	2	01.11.2025 04.11.2025
Field phase	4	05.11.2025 12.11.2025

Final evaluation workshop (including preparation and docu- mentation for follow-up activities)

Data analysis, coding and interpretation of collected evidence, submission of draft final evaluation

1             13.11.2025 14.11.2025

2             17.11.2025 21.11.2025

Finalization of the final evaluation                                                        1              24.11.2025 26.11.2025

II Project proposal writing:

In consultation with CACH BiH and based on evaluation findings and recommendations as well as on the outcomes of a project development workshop to be hosted by CACH BiH, the consultant will draft a pro- posal for a follow-up project. The project will further develop and ensure sustainability of achievement of the RAST project and will be implemented with an applied MSD advanced approach in Herzegovina, en- suring structured support and capacity building in the targeted areas. The project proposal will have to be submitted in English language, not exceeding 20 pages, complying with donors standards, including fol- lowing sections (not exhaustive):

• executive summary (max 1 page)
• background & context analysis, needs assessment
• intervention rationale
• project description & implementation plan per each component
• elaboration on key stakeholders & partners
• risk analysis & risk mitigation
• sustainability
• methods & minimal standards
• monitoring, steering, evaluation plan
• logical framework & activity plan

CACH BiH staff will provide input and will be consulted during proposal drafting. All relevant documents will be provided by CACH BiH.

2.11 Deadlines

The activity on writing the proposal for the new EE project will be carried out in the period from 01.11.2025. until 30.11.2025. The overall task should be completed within 9 working days, including all necessary activities.

2.9 The main activities in the framework of the development of the project proposal:

Activities                                            Duration

(days)

FROM          TO

Initial workshop to prepare project writing (including prepa- 1                   10.11.2025 12.11.2025

ration and documentation for follow-up activities)

Analysis, interpretation and elaboration of collected evalua- tion findings, drafting of project document	4	13.11.2025 19.11.2025
Workshop for presenting draft project	1	20.11.2025 21.11.2025
Finalization of the project document	1	24.11.2025 25.11.2025

Activities                                            Duration

(days)

FROM          TO

Presentation of the project document to CACH management	1	26.11.2025 27.11.2025
Working on corrections after submission (if required)	1	28.11.2025 30.11.2025
Total	9 working days	10.11.2025 30.11.2025

III.  General information

3.1 Documentation

The consultant will get all relevant documentation including reports, proposals and previous estimates;

3.2 Process

• CACH will engage the consultant directly
  • CACH will organize meetings for discussions with the relevant contacts in agreement with the

consultant

• All collected data consultant will analyse. Immediately after field visit and data analyses, the consultant will compose preliminary evaluation report and recommendations.

3.3 Confidentiality

• Documents and data collected during conversation will be consider confidential and used solely for analyses. Respondents will not to be quoted in reports without theirs express permissions.
  • The report and its findings are intellectual property of CACH. It will be used exclusively by CACH, and it will not be published publicly. However, on special request, results of these evalua- tions can be made available to interested third parties.
  • Approval of the final reports is the basis for contracted payment compensation.

4. Mandate

The evaluation and proposal writing needs to be carried out under the mandate of CACH: CACH, Country office Bosnia and Herzegovina

Anna Goos, Country Director

Travnička 1, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Phone: +387 33 210 704

Web: www.caritas.ch / https://www.facebook.com/caritasswitzerlandinBiH

Based on these ToRs, a contract will be concluded between the consultant and CACH. In the exe- cution of this task the consultant will use own resources/materials and computer. The consultant is responsible for the own insurance and safety but adheres to security rules and regulations of CACH in BiH.

6.     Qualifications of the consultant

• Master’s degree or equivalent
  • Proven experience in evaluation in line with OECD/DAC Quality Standards for Development Evaluation and consultancy in relevant fields, particularly MSD and local economic development projects.
  • Strong understanding of systemic change, facilitation principles and inclusive market approaches.
  • Experience with projects involving local governance, private sector engagement and social inclu- sion.
  • Professional background/knowledge in community building, peace building, good governance.
  • Understanding of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s socio-economic context.
  • Experience in integrating gender and social inclusion in MSD approaches and corresponding eval- uations.

• Excellent analytical, reporting skills
  • Excellent oral and written English, knowledge of the local language is an asset knowledge of local language is an asset.

5.1 Selection criteria

These selection criteria aim to ensure rigorous assessment proposal, emphasizing robustness plan and methodology, financial prudence, team expertise, relevant passed experiences and contextual understanding of the economic landscape development in the region.

Weight of the criteria:

Criteria	Weight
Plan and Methodology of the Evaluation	30%
Financial offer	20%
Competency	30%
Previous Experiences in project monitoring (preferably in MSD)	20%

6.  Standards and content of the offer

The evaluation shall be carried out in compliance with the OECD/DAC Quality Standards for Development Evaluation: Evaluation Criteria – OECD

The proposal should encompass the following components:

• Technical proposal: should include comprehensive service details which are offered, stating meth- odology, approach and included activities.
  • Financial proposal: This section should contain information of daily prices, including international travel, accommodation, translation services and every other need necessary for implementation of the evaluations. In addition, it should state banking data and account information for payment. Specify is offer filed by individual or company. Financial offers need to be delivered in KM (Bos- nian convertible brand).
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV): Please deliver biography of individuals or members of the team which will conduct evaluation.
  • Experience in projects funded by international donors (e.g. EU, UNDP, GIZ).
  • Working samples of previous evaluation and analysis related to similar topics need to be included as reference.
  • Additionally, candidates are required to submit Statement of compliance with the exclusion crite- ria, properly filled out and signed, on English or Bosnian language.
  • The proposal needs to be valid during duration of the evaluation, which is expected to take place in the period November 2025. The final version of the Evaluation must be submitted by 26 No- vember 2025, while the final version of the Project proposal needs to be submitted until 30 No- vember 2025.

Please submit your application by sending it to the official Caritas Switzerland email address [email protected], using the email subject line: “RAST – Final Evaluation and Project Writing, no later than 29 October 2025.