Project LBR1090 | Measurement of Endline Results and Evidence for the Subsequent Final Evaluation

9 November 2026

1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

Welthungerhilfe (WHH), in partnership with Serving Humanity for Empowerment and Development (SHED), is implementing Project LBR1090, titled Enhancing Production and Consumption of Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato by Adopting a System Strengthening Approach in Liberia.

The project aims to improve household food and nutrition security, agricultural productivity and livelihood opportunities through increased production and consumption of Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP). Implementation covers Bong, Grand Bassa, Margibi and Rural Montserrado Counties.

The intervention adopts an integrated approach combining farmer training and agricultural extension services, demonstration plots, community-based vine multiplication, kitchen gardening, nutrition awareness, food processing and commercialization, Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), and institutional capacity strengthening. As the project approaches completion, SHED, in coordination with WHH, seeks to engage an independent consultant or consultancy firm to conduct an endline assessment. The assessment will establish the project’s final measurable results against approved indicators, assess progress relative to baseline and available midterm findings, and document relevant implementation experiences and contextual factors.

The endline assessment is a distinct assignment from the subsequent final project evaluation. Its primary purpose is to generate credible, independently verified quantitative and qualitative evidence of project results. The findings will provide an evidence base for the subsequent final evaluation, which will examine broader project performance against relevant evaluation criteria, including the OECD-DAC criteria.

Accordingly, the endline assessment shall focus on measuring and documenting project results rather than undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of overall project performance. It shall not make unsupported conclusions regarding impact attribution, overall project efficiency or long-term sustainability.

2. PROJECT OVERVIEW AND INTENDED RESULTS

The project employs an integrated approach to improving OFSP production, household consumption, nutrition and livelihood opportunities. Its principal intervention areas include:

• OFSP farmer training, agricultural extension and improved production practices.
• Establishment and management of demonstration plots and vine multiplication centers.
• Complementary vegetable production through household kitchen gardens.
• Nutrition education, dietary diversity, and increased household consumption of OFSP.
• OFSP processing, value addition, commercialization, and market access.
• Establishment and strengthening of Village Savings and Loan Associations.
• Institutional and organizational capacity strengthening of SHED.

2.1 Indicative project targets and reference figures

The following figures are drawn from available project preparation and implementation references. They are indicative and shall be verified against the signed project agreement, approved results framework, indicator reference sheets and formally approved amendments.

The above figures represent planning and reference targets, not established endline achievements. The consultant shall use the final approved logframe, indicator reference sheets and formally approved amendments as the authoritative basis for measurement and reporting.

3. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE ENDLINE ASSESSMENT

3.1 Overall purpose

The overall purpose of the assignment is to independently establish and document the end-of-project status of LBR1090’s approved output and outcome indicators, compare the findings with baseline and available midterm measurements, and generate credible evidence for the subsequent final project evaluation.

3.2 Specific objectives

The consultant shall:

1. Produce independently verified endline values for each measurable indicator in the approved results framework, with numerator, denominator, unit, source and confidence/limitations.
2. Compare endline results with baseline and available midterm results using consistent tools, recall periods, crop seasons and participant definitions; quantify change and target achievement.
3. Measure changes in OFSP knowledge, adoption, planted area, production, consumption, sales/income, household dietary practices, garden cultivation, processing and VSLA access, as applicable to the approved logframe.
4. Disaggregate results by county, sex and relevant participant groups, and by age/disability or other variables where collected ethically and supported by sample sizes.
5. Verify a defensible sample of intervention sites and beneficiary records, including inactive or unsuccessful examples, and document functionality and current use.
6. Identify implementation exposures, contextual factors, perceived barriers and unintended changes that may help the later final evaluator interpret results.
7. Deliver reusable datasets, analysis syntax, codebook, evaluation evidence register and a structured handover note identifying questions the final evaluation should investigate.

The assessment is not expected to make definitive judgements on overall project efficiency, impact attribution, donor value for money, OECD-DAC ratings or long-term sustainability. Such evaluative judgements are reserved for the separate final evaluation, though the endline may provide pertinent descriptive evidence.

4. SCOPE OF THE ENDLINE ASSESSMENT

The geographical scope covers project implementation communities in Bong, Grand Bassa, Margibi and Rural Montserrado. The assessment shall examine project participation and results over the period from the documented baseline through a clearly stated endline reference date. The exact data-collection window and final implementation cutoff will be agreed at inception to accommodate farming-season comparisons and the December 2026 project closure.

The study population includes registered OFSP producers, kitchen-garden participants, VSLA members, processing groups, beneficiary households and relevant community/institutional actors; people may belong to several categories. The sampling frame shall de-duplicate unique individuals and households and preserve intervention-membership flags. The consultant must intentionally include non-adopters, dropouts and communities/sites reporting weak performance, rather than relying exclusively on mobilized active beneficiaries.

The endline shall cover baseline-compatible quantitative indicators, basic service/asset functionality observation, experiences of participation and barriers, and contextual changes. It shall not duplicate a comprehensive governance, financial, procurement or organizational-efficiency audit.

5. ENDLINE MEASUREMENT DOMAINS AND KEY QUESTIONS

The assessment shall address the following priority measurement domains and questions, linking findings to the corresponding approved project indicators wherever applicable.

For every domain, the consultant must determine the corresponding approved indicator, baseline value, target, method of calculation and required respondent population before tool approval. Questions outside the approved indicator framework may be included only where they materially support contextual interpretation or the future final evaluation.

6. ENDLINE DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

The endline assessment shall employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis to measure project performance, assess progress against established indicators and document changes resulting from project interventions. The assessment shall ensure reasonable consistency with the baseline and midterm methodologies to facilitate comparison, while allowing for methodological adjustments where necessary. The consultant shall develop and present a detailed assessment design, including the proposed methodology, sampling strategy, data collection instruments and analytical framework, in an inception report for review and approval by SHED and Welthungerhilfe (WHH) before commencement of field activities.

6.1 Document and secondary-data Analysis

The consultant shall undertake a comprehensive review of relevant project documentation and available secondary data to establish the implementation context, assess progress against planned results and inform the endline assessment. Relevant documentation shall include, but not be limited to, the approved project proposal and amendments, logframe and indicator reference sheets, baseline and midterm assessment reports, monitoring records, participant databases, implementation reports and other relevant technical and administrative documentation.

6.2 Quantitative Data Collection

The consultant shall conduct a representative household/participant survey to assess changes in key project indicators and determine the extent to which intended results and targets have been achieved across the four project counties. The proposed sampling approach shall be statistically justified and sufficiently robust to support reliable findings, including appropriate disaggregation by sex and other relevant participant characteristics. The consultant shall also assess the feasibility of comparing endline findings with baseline data and propose appropriate measures to ensure consistency and comparability.

6.3 Qualitative Data Collection and Field Verification

Qualitative methods, including key informant interviews, focus group discussions and direct field observations, shall be employed to complement and explain quantitative findings. The assessment shall engage relevant project stakeholders and beneficiaries, including women, farmers, VSLA members, community representatives, service providers and project implementation personnel. Field verification shall also be undertaken to assess the functionality, utilization and sustainability of selected project-supported assets, facilities and interventions.

6.4 Indicator Measurement and Results Analysis

• The consultant shall assess relevant project output and outcome indicators against their established baseline values and approved targets.
• Particular attention shall be given to agricultural production and productivity, household income, food security and nutrition, project reach, beneficiary participation and other relevant performance indicators.
• Indicator measurement and analysis shall follow approved indicator definitions and internationally recognized methodologies, where applicable, to ensure consistency, reliability and comparability of findings.
• Any methodological limitations, deviations or challenges affecting indicator measurement and interpretation shall be clearly documented.

6.5 Data Quality Assurance and Analysis

The consultant shall ensure appropriate quality assurance throughout the assessment, including the use of suitable data collection instruments, enumerator training, field-level quality controls, data validation and systematic analysis. Quantitative and qualitative findings shall be triangulated to strengthen the credibility and reliability of the assessment. The consultant shall maintain appropriate documentation of the data collection and analysis processes and submit the relevant datasets and analytical materials alongside the final assessment report.

7. MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

SHED commissions and owns the assessment process. The WHH MEAL unit provides technical oversight, approves inception methodology and data-collection tools, independently reviews sampling and quality assurance and signs off technical deliverables. SHED facilitates documentary access and local coordination but shall not choose household respondents or be present during private interviews. The consultant retains professional independence in selection, data collection, analysis and reporting. A technical review group consisting of WHH programme/MEAL representatives and SHED technical focal persons may provide factual corrections and access clarification. It must not influence participant testimony, suppress findings or replace independent consultant judgements.

8. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

The consultant and all team members shall comply with SHED and WHH Code of Conducts, safeguarding/PSEAH requirements, informed consent, voluntary participation, confidentiality and secure data management. Interviews must be conducted in safe and culturally appropriate settings. Do not share personally identifying participant records in published products. Anonymize or pseudonymize datasets handed over under agreed access controls. Avoid exposing confidential complaint or safeguarding case material; use official referral/reporting mechanisms for concerns. Seek any required local permissions and obtain consent for photographs.

9. DELIVERABLES AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

The final report should be professionally written, evidence-based and sufficiently concise, with a suggested maximum of 30 pages excluding annexes. The report shall clearly distinguish verified findings, respondent perceptions, analytical observations, and limitations. Negative or underperforming results shall be reported objectively and transparently.

The endline report shall not present an OECD-DAC criterion-by-criterion assessment or identify itself as a comprehensive final evaluation report. Relevant observations concerning functionality and sustainability may be documented as evidence for consideration during the subsequent final evaluation. All deliverables shall be submitted in editable electronic formats, with appropriate supporting documentation, subject to agreed data-protection and confidentiality arrangements.

10. ASSIGNMENT DURATION AND TENTATIVE TIMELINE

The assignment is expected to require approximately 30 working days. The consultant shall propose a detailed workplan indicating key activities, milestones, deliverable submission dates and required review periods.

The schedule shall take into consideration:

• The project closure date of 31 December 2026.
• Agricultural and harvest seasons relevant to OFSP production.
• Accessibility of project implementation communities.
• Availability of project records and relevant stakeholders.

The need to make the endline findings available in time to inform the subsequent final evaluation.

The final implementation schedule shall be agreed with SHED and WHH during the inception phase and incorporated into the consultancy contract.

11. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE CONSULTANT / FIRM

The assignment shall be undertaken by an independent consultant or consultancy firm with demonstrated technical expertise in development research, agricultural livelihoods and results measurement.

The proposed team leader shall possess the following qualifications and experience:

1. At least a postgraduate qualification in Monitoring and Evaluation, Agricultural Economics, Nutrition, Development Studies, Statistics, or a closely related discipline.
2. Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing household surveys, endline assessments and baseline-to-endline comparisons for donor-funded development projects.
3. Relevant experience in nutrition-sensitive agriculture, OFSP or similar root-crop value chains, rural livelihoods, and food security programming.
4. Strong competence in quantitative sampling, statistical analysis, data management and qualitative research methods.
5. Demonstrated experience in applying appropriate statistical software and producing reliable analytical outputs.
6. Experience in gender-responsive and inclusive research methodologies.
7. Strong analytical, report-writing and presentation skills.
8. Proven ability to manage field teams and conduct research across multiple counties in Liberia.
9. Demonstrated independence from the implementation of LBR1090 and the ability to report findings objectively.
10. Familiarity with donor-funded project reporting, safeguarding and research ethics requirements.

The proposed team shall include qualified field researchers and enumerators with appropriate local-language capabilities and experience working with rural farming communities.

12. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Interested individual consultants and consultancy firms shall submit the following:

Technical proposal: Demonstrating understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology, sampling approach, baseline comparability, data quality assurance and workplan; Financial proposal: Providing a detailed and itemized budget, including professional fees, field transportation, enumerator costs, accommodation, data collection, processing and other relevant operational expenses; Curriculum vitae: CVs of the proposed team leader and key technical personnel, highlighting relevant experience; Relevant assignments: At least two samples of previous household surveys, endline assessments or comparable evaluation assignments; Institutional documentation: Company registration and relevant tax documentation, where applicable; Conflict-of-interest declaration: Disclosure of any actual or potential conflict of interest relating to the project, implementing partners or funding organization.

13. PROPOSAL EVALUATION AND CONSULTANT SELECTION

Proposals shall be assessed based on technical competence, relevant experience, methodological soundness, and financial competitiveness.

The selection process shall consider:

• Understanding of the assignment and its endline-only mandate.
• Quality and feasibility of the proposed methodology.
• Soundness of the sampling design and statistical approach.
• Relevant experience in agricultural, nutrition and livelihood assessments.
• Qualifications and experience of the proposed team.
• Quality of previous assessment assignments.
• Realism of the proposed workplan.
• Reasonableness and value for money of the financial proposal.

13.1 Indicative Evaluation Criteria

Proposed evaluation weighting (subject to WHH procurement requirements):

The final selection process and applicable thresholds shall comply with the relevant WHH procurement and contracting procedures.

14. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

Interested and qualified consultants or consultancy firms are invited to submit their technical and financial proposals, together with the required supporting documentation, through the submission channel specified in the consultancy advertisement.

• Submission deadline: November 17, 2026 @ 5:00pm
• Submission email/address: nathan.kpehe@shed-liberia.org and joyce.pajibo@shed-liberia.org
• Subject line: Consultancy – Endline Assessment, Project LBR1090
• Contact for clarification: 0770423035

Only shortlisted candidates may be contacted for further engagement. WHH and SHED reserve the right to accept or reject any proposal in accordance with applicable procurement procedures.