EDA Project Mid Term Evaluation - Building Community Resilience via Transformative Adaptation

NOTE: Any requests for clarification or questions regarding this Terms of Reference should be submitted in writing to procurementofficer@pactbelize.org and edapm@pactbelize.org.

Click here to download complete ToR in pdf: Mid-Term Evaluation - Building Community Resilience via Transformative Adaptation

                                                                                               TERMS OF REFERENCE

GENERAL OBJECTIVE: To improve Belize's long-term capacity to protect communities from climate threats posed
by drought, unpredictable water availability, floods, and improper wildfire management

DURATION: 4 months

BUDGET: BZ $17,000.00

1. Background

Belize, as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), is highly vulnerable to climate change, with projections indicating rising temperatures of up to 3.5°C and declining average rainfall over the next 90 years. Ranked 9th in climate change vulnerability in Latin America and the Caribbean, the country faces threats including floods, sea-level rise, stronger hurricanes, droughts, extreme temperatures, and land degradation. These risks are worsened by high poverty rates, particularly in rural areas such as Toledo District, where poverty reached 58% in 2021.

2. Project Components

The project comprises five interconnected components aimed at strengthening climate resilience in Belize:

1. Forest and Water Resource Protection: Restores watersheds, particularly the Mopan and Macal Rivers, to improve ecological integrity and water quality.
2. Wildfire Management: Reduces wildfire impacts through improved management and community fire brigades.
3. Alternative Livelihoods: Promotes climate-smart agriculture and nature-based businesses to support resilient community livelihoods.
4. Adaptation Finance Capacity: Strengthens national capacity to access and implement climate finance projects through training and technical support.
5. Community Disaster Risk Management: Reduces flood risks through improved drainage systems and flood management infrastructure.

3. Scope of Work

The evaluation will cover the entire project implementation period from project inception (1st October 2023) to the date of the evaluation (30th September 2026). The scope includes:

• All project intervention areas across Belize, including the Belize River Watershed
(Component 1), pilot communities for wildfire management (Component 2), and other
project sites as determined by the call for proposals process.
• All five project components, cross-cutting issues including gender mainstreaming and
environmental and social safeguards, and project management and coordination.
• All direct and indirect beneficiaries, including women, men, youth, indigenous
populations, and vulnerable groups as defined in the project document.
• Review of financial management with International Financial Accounting Standards
(IFRS)budget execution, and compliance with the Adaptation Fund's fiduciary standards.

4. Evaluation Criteria

The Mid-Term Evaluation (MTE) will assess the project against four Adaptation Fund evaluation criteria: Relevance, Coherence, Effectiveness, and Efficiency, selected to support course correction during the remaining implementation period. Gender equality, social inclusion, equity, adaptive management, and sustainability will be considered as cross-cutting themes. Impact and Scalability will be assessed during the Final Evaluation. The evaluator may propose adjustments to the criteria during the inception phase, subject to PACT’s approval.

5. Evaluation Timeline

The evaluation is expected to be completed over a maximum of 4 months. The indicative
timeline is as follows:

Phase                                 Activity                                                                      Timeline     Responsible

1: Inception

Contract signing

Week 0

PACT

Desk review and inception report development

Week 1–2

Evaluator

Submission of Inception Report

Week 3

Evaluator

PACT review and approval of Inception Report

Week 3–4

PACT

2: Data Collection

Stakeholder interviews and focus groups

Week 4–6

Evaluator

Field visits

Week 4–6

Evaluator

3: Analysis and Reporting

Data analysis

Week 6–8

Evaluator

Preparation of draft evaluation report

Week 8–9

Evaluator

Submission of Draft Evaluation Report

Week 10

Evaluator

4: Review and Finalization

Review of draft report by PACT and PSC

Week 11–12

PACT/PSC

Revision of report and submission of Final Report

Week 12–13

Evaluator

Presentation of findings

Week 15

Evaluator

6. Evaluation Management and Quality Assurance

PACT, the PMU, PSC, and independent evaluator will oversee the evaluation through clearly defined management and quality assurance arrangements. Quality assurance will include peer review of the Inception Report, validation of findings, and review of draft reports by PACT and/or the PSC, in accordance with Adaptation Fund guidelines. The process will uphold principles of relevance, credibility, transparency, impartiality, inclusiveness, and adaptability while ensuring efficient use of the evaluation budget. PACT will also establish communication and accountability mechanisms to support effective evaluation outcomes and inform adaptive project management.

7. Qualifications and Experience Requirements

PACT is seeking an individual consultant or consulting firm with the following qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in evaluation, international development, climate change, environmental management, social sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of experience evaluating international development projects, preferably climate adaptation projects.
• Experience conducting mid-term and final evaluations for international donors, particularly the Adaptation Fund, GCF, or GEF.
• Strong understanding of climate change adaptation, particularly within Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
• Familiarity with the project’s thematic areas: watershed management, wildfire management, alternative livelihoods, climate finance, and disaster risk management.
• Expertise in mixed-methods evaluation, including qualitative and quantitative approaches.
• Experience conducting gender-responsive evaluations and integrating social inclusion.
• Knowledge of Belize and/or the Caribbean region is highly desirable.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience with Enhanced Direct Access (EDA) and on-granting mechanisms.
• Knowledge of Belize’s national policies, strategies, and institutional frameworks.
• Familiarity with Adaptation Fund evaluation policies and guidelines.
• Experience assessing project financial performance, budget utilization, and compliance with financial reporting standards

8. Application Procedures

Interested parties are requested to submit a proposal comprising:

Technical Proposal which includes the following:
1. Letter of interest and understanding of the ToR

2. Proposed methodology and approach, including:
        o Data collection and analysis methods
        o Proposed sampling strategy
        o Gender-responsive evaluation approach
        o Quality assurance measures
        o Proposed timeline and work plan

3. Team composition with CVs of key personnel

4. Relevant experience and track record (with examples of similar evaluations)

5. References from at least three previous clients

Financial Proposal which includes the:

1. Detailed budget breakdown, including:
         o Personnel costs (daily rates and number of days)
         o Travel and subsistence costs
         o Data collection and other direct costs
         o Administrative and overhead costs
         o Total cost

Additional Declarations

• The applicant and evaluation team must have no personal, professional, or financial relationships that could create a conflict of interest.
• Any potential conflicts arising during the evaluation must be disclosed to PACT immediately in writing.
• The applicant must sign a formal Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Declaration before starting the assignment.
• Failure to disclose conflicts of interest may result in proposal disqualification or contract termination without penalty to PACT or the Adaptation Fund.

Complete Proposal and the signed Cover Letter that responds to the requirements of this Terms
of Reference, should be submitted by November 24, 2026.

                                                                       **Application deadline is 24 November 2026. **