UK Blue Carbon Fund end of program independent evaluation

Description

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is seeking a consultancy firm to conduct a comprehensive, independent end-of-program evaluation of the UK Blue Carbon Fund (UKBCF). This assessment will measure the fund's effectiveness in promoting transformational change across blue carbon ecosystems in Latin America and the Caribbean, specifically focusing on climate mitigation, biodiversity, and sustainable livelihoods.

1. Evaluation Objectives and Scope
The evaluation aims to provide evidence-based insights into the program's overall impact and value for money. Key areas of focus include:

Effectiveness and Sustainability: Assessing if the program achieved intended outcomes and identifying pathways for long-term viability.

Socio-Economic Impact: Measuring the fund’s contribution to poverty reduction and its impact on the lives of the poorest and most vulnerable communities.

Community Engagement: Evaluating the role of local participation and community-driven initiatives in project success.

Value Added: Identifying the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)'s distinctive contribution beyond financial resources.

2. Core Assessment Criteria
The selected firm will evaluate the program through several specialized lenses:

Gender and Social Inclusion (GESI): Determining the extent to which gender equity and social inclusion were integrated into program design and execution.

Accountability and Efficiency: Verifying that funds were used efficiently to deliver results and providing a public accounting of performance for the donor (DEFRA).

Lessons from Early Completion: Documenting drivers and lessons learned from projects that completed early to improve future exit strategies and implementation pacing.

3. Key Activities and Methodology
The evaluation will be conducted through a collaborative approach with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB):

Data Collection: Combining desk reviews of program documents with extensive interviews involving program managers, partners, and beneficiaries (ensuring the inclusion of typically marginalized groups).

Collaborative Refinement: Working with the IDB to finalize the methodology and prioritising evaluation questions in coordination with DEFRA.

Reporting Cycle: Presenting preliminary findings for feedback before submitting the formal draft and final evaluation reports.

Note: Interested firms must review the specific registration requirements and list of key documents in the BEO Bidders Portal.