Publication manager jobs in sandwell, west midlands

The Youth Endowment Fund 

Research Lead –Local Violence Prevention

Reports to: Head of Guidance and Reporting

Salary: £55,000

Contract: 2 years fixed term 

Location: Central London, Hybrid* 

Closing date: Tuesday 15th July at 12pm

Interviews: Week commencing 28th July 2025

About the Youth Endowment Fund 

We exist to prevent children and young people becoming involved in violence. We do this by finding out what works and building a movement to put this knowledge into practice.

Last year, 244 people in England and Wales tragically died after being assaulted with a knife. Of these, 32 were children. Every child captured in these numbers is an important member of our community and society has a duty to protect them. Even when violence doesn’t strike directly, we know that the fear of violence has a terrible effect on children’s lives.

At the Youth Endowment Fund, we are working to create lasting change. To succeed, we must build a world-leading body of knowledge on the violence that affects young people and how it can be stopped. This means producing rigorous, relevant evidence — through synthesis, data analysis and in-depth research into young people’s lives. But knowledge alone isn’t enough. We must make it accessible and actionable: showing what works, how services need to change, and how the systems around them must adapt. And we must partner with the people who can make change happen — across policy, practice and local systems — to turn evidence into impact.

About the role

The Research Lead will lead the development of YEF’s research, resources and recommendations in our neighbourhood focus sector.

We focus our efforts on seven essential sectors: education, policing, youth justice, youth sector, children’s services, health, and neighbourhood. “Neighbourhood” refers to our work supporting local partnerships – such as Violence Reduction Units (VRUs), community safety partnerships or the new Prevention Partnerships - and hyper-local approaches like our neighbourhood fund. 

Their primary responsibility will be to develop a series of actionable and evidence-informed guidance and resources for use by local violence prevention partnerships. This will include self-assessment tools for partnerships to assess their effectiveness, tools for understanding the nature of local violence problems and how they could be solved, and resources to support partnerships to identify and safeguard vulnerable children. Creating these resources will require the Research Lead to collect insights and evidence from across YEF’s work and develop YEF positions on fundamental questions about violence prevention. If successful, the Research Lead could have an outsized impact on YEF’s strategy and mission.  

These resources will support YEF colleagues to deliver our new ‘Area Leaders Programme’ (ALP). This is a new programme which you will help form. It helps local multi-agency partnerships to find and implement the best ways to prevent violence. YEF is working directly with partnerships, providing high-quality professional development, tailored advice and support, system mapping, and a national community of practice. The ALP focuses on strengthening five key elements of effective violence reduction:

1. Building strong and accountable partnerships
2. Understanding local patterns of violence
3. Identifying and supporting children most at risk
4. Improving safety in high-risk places
5. Sharing best practice across agencies

Following a pilot in four areas in 2024/25, the programme will expand to 20 more areas over the next two years. This will lay the groundwork for wider national initiatives, such as the Young Futures Prevention Partnerships, and support implementation of the Serious Violence Duty. The Research Lead will develop resources and guidance for the ALP. As the programme is delivered iteratively, they will work closely with YEF programme leads and local partnerships to test, refine, and improve materials before wider rollout.

The Research Lead will be part of YEF’s Research team. The Research team is at the heart of our efforts to learn what works and put it into practice. We do this by developing the YEF’s funding strategy and creating free, highly accessible research summaries and actionable recommendations for policy makers, commissioners and practitioners. We’re a high-performing team which values intellectual rigour and getting to the truth, compassion for children, ambition about what we can achieve and humility about what we know. We love to discuss the latest developments in research methods, but we’re not just interested in research for its own sake. We want research to lead to actual changes in outcomes for children.

Key responsibilities

The Research Lead will develop a portfolio of impactful projects.

· You’ll lead the research team’s work in our local neighbourhoods and partnerships priority sector. You’ll become the YEF’s expert in this area. You’ll make sure we understand the key issues, stay on top of the latest research and are connected to the right people.

· You’ll ensure we produce accessible, evidence-based resources and guidance that local partnerships can use to develop more effective strategies. You’ll work with YEF colleagues to test, refine, and improve materials before wider rollout

· You’ll set the YEF’s research agenda for your sector. You’ll make sure we invest in research that fills important gaps in knowledge and leads to important changes. You’ll ensure that our strategy and decision-making are informed by the best available research. This is a great opportunity to influence large amounts of funding and direct it towards the most impactful projects.

· You’ll develop great relationships with experts and represent YEF in external meetings and events. You’ll promote evidence-based policy and practice by speaking at conferences and events.

· You’ll lead the development of evidence-based recommendations in your focus area. You’ll draw on research and expert insight to identify potential changes to policy and practice. You’ll design and develop innovative and impactful resources which support the application of your recommendations.

· You’ll take on other responsibilities appropriate to your role. This could include leading the publication of YEF’s evaluation reports or writing ad hoc briefings and evidence summaries for the Government and other partners.

About You

You are this sort of person:

· You want to play a significant part in reducing the level of violence affecting young people. You care about having an impact. This might mean you’ve worked directly with young people at risk of becoming involved in crime, for organisations that fund or deliver relevant programmes, or have conducted research on this topic.

· You share our belief that an evidence-based approach is our best hope of preventing violence. You’re fascinated by research, but you’re not just interested in research for its own sake. You want to achieve actual changes in outcomes for children.

· You know a lot about violence prevention, especially local partnerships and structures like VRUs or Community Safety Partnerships. You know the key ideas and debates, recent policy developments and key people. You’re comfortable talking about this topic with experts.  There are many ways to acquire this knowledge. You might have worked in a local authority or local violence prevention organisation, conducted research on them or learnt about them during a degree.

· You’re a confident reader of research and have strong critical appraisal skills. You know when research can be trusted and when it can’t and can confidently articulate your views on the strength of research. You might have gained this expertise through your academic studies, research or professional experience.

· You have at least three years’ experience working in a role that required you to think about research. This could include a range of roles in policy, academia, funding or practice.

· You write in a way that people easily understand. You have that rare skill of writing in plain English. You have experience of translating complex research findings into plain writing that everyone can understand.

· You have excellent project and time management skills. You can work independently, quickly and to a high standard. You have experience of managing contractors or budgets.

· You are good with people. You’re comfortable working with a wide range of people, including senior academics and other research experts, children and their families, practitioners and policy makers. You’re able to provide constructive challenges when required.

· You learn fast but remain humble. You like learning. You’re very good at synthesising information. You know how much you don't know and that you can always learn more.

· You work well in a team. You care more that good things happen than who gets the credit. You support your colleagues to produce excellent work.

· You’re committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. You believe and act in a way that celebrates and encourages a range of experiences, views and values.

While it’s not a criterion, we’re especially interested to hear from applicants who have lived experience of youth violence. 

It’s also important to us that the people we hire do not discriminate. We believe in being inclusive and giving everyone an equal chance to succeed. Applications are welcome from all regardless of age, sex, gender identity, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, race, sexual orientation, transgender status or social economic background. 

Hybrid Working Details  

The office is based in Central London. Those living in and around London are expected to be in the office a minimum of 2 days per week. If you live outside of London and work remotely, you’ll be expected to work from the London office 2 days per month.

As part of our commitment to flexible working, we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.

To Apply 

To apply, please send a CV and cover letter, and complete the monitoring form click on "Apply for this" button by 12:00pm Tuesday 15th July 2025. 

When applying for this role, please ensure that your cover letter, within a maximum of 1000 words, covers the following questions below:

1. A clear example of a situation where you have translated research into actionable resources or recommendations.

2. A clear example of a situation where you’ve supported an external partner or colleague to apply research evidence to an important decision.

Interview Process 

Interviews will take place in the week commencing the 28th July 2025. 

There will be a task to prepare for in advance. 

PLEASE NOTE: We do not sponsor work permits and you will be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK. 

Benefits Include 

• £1,000 professional development budget annually 

• 28 days holiday plus Bank Holidays

• Four half days for volunteering activities

• Employee Assistance Programme – 24hr phone line for free confidential support • Volunteering days - 4 half days per year

• Death in service - 4 times annual salary

• Flexible hours. Core office hours 10am – 4pm

• Financial support including travel and hardship loans

• Employer contributed pension of 5% 

Personal Data   

Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.   

Rosa – the UK fund for women and girls – is looking for a Communications and Marketing Manager to shape
and deliver our communications at a pivotal moment.You’ll lead the delivery of our new 2025–2028 Communications Strategy, driving bold, values-led communications that inspire, influence, and mobilise. From amplifying the voices of grassroots organisations to showcasing fund impact to donors and policymakers, this is a chance to make real
change happen through storytelling, strategy, and connection.

We’re looking for a brilliant Executive Assistant to join our team and play a central role in supporting our Chief Executive and governance functions. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives on organisation, loves working with people at all levels, and wants to make a real impact at the heart of a professional membership body.

The voice of environmental health since 1883, CIEH is the professional body for environmental health representing nearly 8,000 members in the public, private and third sectors. Building on its rich heritage, CIEH ensures the highest standards of professional competence in its members, in the belief that through environmental health, people’s health can be improved. Our vision is “safer, cleaner and healthier environments for the benefit of all”, and this role is key to helping us deliver our vision.

You’ll be the engine behind our Board and Committees, ensuring meetings run smoothly, papers are published on time, and actions are followed up. You’ll also support our governance processes—from elections and inductions to compliance and AGM planning. And as Executive Assistant to the CEO, you’ll manage diaries, coordinate briefings, and help drive forward key projects and events.

If you have strong experience in executive support, brilliant organisational and time management skills and the desire to be a key team member in a professional membership organisation then we would love to hear from you.

• Salary: £40,000 - £45,000
• Contract type: Permanent
• Location: Remote with 1-2 days per month travel to London Office
• Closing date: Thursday 3 July 2025

For more information, please see the job description and person specification.

We are seeking a new Finance and Administration Officer following the upcoming retirement of a long-serving team member. A key member of the SLA central office team, the Finance and Administration Officer plays a vital role in ensuring smooth financial operations and providing essential administrative support for our membership. In addition to administration support, this role is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, book-keeping and effective day-to-day financial operations, producing financial reports using XERO and our CRM.

You will be experienced in financial and administration operations of a charity or similar , with an AAT qualification or matching worked experience. Familiarity with XERO will be an advantage. You will be able to bring understanding of cashflow and financial analysis of figure, working with accountants as required.

You will also have excellent customer service skills and be able to work effectively with all stakeholders from our members, to funders to suppliers. You will be determined and have an excellent eye for financial and administrative detail. Your duties will include general administration and:

Financial operations and record-keeping

• Manage day-to-day financial transactions and maintain accurate records of all SLA accounts and petty cash; book-keeping
• Process and record all incoming payments, including foreign cheques (into bank account)
• Monitor cashflow and expenditure, keeping track of spending
• Pay invoices upon approval and ensure timely monthly payments (e.g. pensions, HMRC)
• Handle creditor and supplier communications and resolve related issues
• Monitor and follow up on overdue payments with a focus on membership payments

Invoicing and income tracking

• Issue and track membership and subscriber invoices and reminders
• Keep office team informed of payment statuses
• Prepare sales, cost, and profit reports for SLA publications
• Conduct annual publications stock take

Payroll and reporting

• Liaise with the accountant on salary payments; process salary BACS payments
• Support year-end financial reporting by providing necessary documentation to accountants
• Produce regular financial reports and analysis as required
• Supporting preparation of budgets, working with accountants as required

 Event financial administration

• Manage financial aspects of SLA events, particularly the annual conference (e.g., exhibitors, sponsors, and delegates)
• Process and record staff/trustee expense claims
• Support with bookings accommodation and travel for Board meetings

To be successful in this role you should demonstrate:

• Strong experience in financial and office administration
• Knowledge of accounting principles  
• Experience of working with XERO or similar
• Experience of using CRM systems (ideally IMIS)
• Experience of working for a small charity and / or membership association
• Accuracy, numeracy, attention to detail
• Ability to manage own workload, prioritise and meet competing deadlines
• Excellent customer service manner
• Being a team player

The Association is a UK wide organisation, working mostly remotely. Working patterns can be negotiated and we welcome applicants from all over the UK. We strongly encourage candidates of all different backgrounds and identities to apply. Each new role provides us with an opportunity for us to bring in a different perspective, and we are always eager to diversify our team. The SLA is committed to building an inclusive, supportive place, where you can do brilliant and rewarding work.

To apply please send a one page covering letter and CV with the job title in the subject line by 11th July.  Applications without a covering letter will not be considered. No agencies please.

Due to the volume of applications we cannot provide individual feedback. We really appreciate your interest. If you haven’t heard from us within one week of the deadline, it means we’ve moved forward with other candidates on this occasion. We encourage you to apply again in the future. Please note we may close recruitment early should the right candidate be identified.

The Ancient Tree Forum (ATF) is seeking a motivated and organised Technical and Engagement Officer to join our small, friendly and flexible team. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a charity dedicated to safeguarding the UK’s ancient and veteran trees, along with their wildlife, heritage and cultural values. 

This role is vital to achieving our strategic outcomes by providing expert technical advice, supporting and collaborating with the Technical Advisory Panel to develop authoritative guidance and publications. You will act as a key contact for public and stakeholder enquiries and contribute technical expertise to ATF’s communications across our website, newsletter, social media and press activity. 

You will engage with sector networks, collaborate with partners and support strategic messaging. This role will help strengthen the charity’s visibility and impact in ancient and veteran tree conservation and protection. 

This is a really diverse and exciting analytical role, you’ll be working on a wide range of data projects for different clients and on our own data products for our values and mission led social enterprise.

Here’s what you need to know:

• You need to be curious, and love data as much as we do. We’re seeking someone with expertise in data engineering and analysis, who can communicate brilliantly with both technical and non-technical people. 
  The ideal person will have expertise in presenting analysis and insights, a strong track record in coding, tools and data management, have expert analytical and problem solving skills, be curious and questioning, with excellent attention to detail.
• But you don’t have to have all the experience and knowledge we’ve listed. As long as you are willing to learn, have the right attitude and values and want to be part of our mission, we’ll consider you. That’s why we’ve advertised the post with quite a wide salary band. 
• Be part of our mission. Data Orchard is a social enterprise with a fantastic team of data specialists who are committed to helping make the world a better place. We support nonprofit organisations to get better with data. Our clients and their causes make our work incredibly fulfilling and rewarding. We work with many fantastic organisations around the UK, and we reach and engage thousands more around the world, through our events, tools and resources, and online communities.
• We welcome diversity. Here at Data Orchard CIC, you’re encouraged to be yourself. We promote and celebrate diversity and welcome applications from people who are neurodivergent, of global majority ethnicity, trans or non-binary, disabled, or however you might identify. We are led by our values: collaboration, respect, openness, quality and honesty.
• Healthy work life balance. We offer flexible working and a 35 hour week, home/remote working and access to a co-working space, learning and career development, 28 days holidays with an increase of a day per year of service (up to 5), and a company pension scheme. New employees are given a contract and full induction.

If this sounds like something you want to be a part of, please check out the full job details and apply via our website.

#analytics #data engineer #data4good #analysis 

About the Role

As Director of Devolved Nations, you will:

• Lead Carers UK’s work in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, driving strategic impact and ensuring alignment with the UK-wide mission.
• Shape and deliver national strategies that bring about real improvements in carers’ lives.
• Collaborate with government, public bodies, the voluntary sector, and other stakeholders to influence policy and secure statutory funding.
• Provide inspirational leadership to the Carers Scotland, Carers Wales, and Carers NI teams.
• Contribute to UK-wide senior leadership and organisational development.

You’ll need to be flexible, with travel across the UK, including overnight stays and occasional weekend work.

About You

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• Significant senior leadership experience in policy, public affairs, or charity leadership.
• A deep understanding of the political and policy landscapes in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
• Strong governance knowledge and experience working with Boards or Committees.
• A track record of building influential relationships across sectors, including with senior government officials and funders.
• Excellent people management skills and the ability to lead dispersed teams.
• Commitment to Carers UK’s values of being Attentive, Ambitious, and Achievers.
• Experience working with or understanding the needs of unpaid carers is highly desirable.

And who:

• Is passionate about caring and can inspire their teams to deliver new and innovative ways to campaign for and support carers as we close our 60th anniversary in 2025 and move towards our strategic review in 2026.
• Will be an active member of the Senior Management team working collaboratively across the organisation, ensuring consistent messaging and support across all four nations.
• Who is able to proactively represent the charity, engaging a wide range of stakeholders.

For more information please download the full job description

What We Offer

• 25 days annual leave (rising to 28 days with long service) + bank holidays
• An additional 3 paid days leave over Christmas and New Year
• Up to 10 days paid care leave
• 6% employer pension contribution
• Life assurance cover (2x salary)
• Flexible and hybrid working
• Free Health Cash Plan with a free, unlimited and confidential 24 hour advice, support and information line; free, unlimited and confidential GP line access; a wellbeing portal and app plus cash back to set limits for dental, optical and therapy treatments, plus kids cover and retail and restaurant discounts
• Paid Special Leave
• Organisational sick pay scheme
• Paid volunteer leave
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion staff network groups
• A recognition scheme including a values winner of the month
• Season ticket, cycle, and technology loans
• A learning and development culture with access to a Learning Management System

We are proud to be a Living Wage Employer, a Carer Confident Employer, a Carer Positive employer, and part of the Happy to Talk Flexible Working scheme. We have signed the Menopause Workplace Pledge and have achieved the Disability Confident Employer (level 2).

Diversity and Inclusion

Carers UK is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects our community. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly from those with lived experience of caring. We are happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

The purpose of this role is to provide leadership, oversight and curation to the FYT Leadership Team, and to lead the smooth running of the FYT Organisation which supports the wider FYT Movement. This will include coordinating the delivery of the strategic plan, leading fundraising, and working closely with the FYT Board to oversee the smooth running of the organisation.

Hours: 22.5 hrs per week
Salary: £24,116 per annum (£40,194 pro rata) + 9% pension
Holidays: 5 weeks plus bank holidays and 3 additional days at Christmas
Location: Working from home, with nationwide travel expected

Key Responsibilities:

1. Lead the FYT Movement – Engage with movement members
   • Listening
   • Inspiring
   • Taking inspiration from
   • Facilitating collaboration and cross-pollination
2. Lead the FYT staff team – supporting, supervising, enabling and encouraging and ensuring appropriate HR functions are carried out. 
3. Lead the fundraising strategy for the organisation, giving attention to securing grants, as well as donor fundraising . Report as necessary to funders.
4. Work with the Finance Officer to manage the budget and finances within the parameters agreed by the Board.
5. Facilitate the effective function of the Leadership Team, enabling the smooth and efficient carrying out of the strategic priorities.
6. Provide Line Management support and supervision to the other members of the Leadership Team.
7. Develop, implement and monitor FYT’s strategic plan in partnership with the FYT team and board
8. Engage in practical theological reflection on FYT’s mission and how it is expressed.
9. Attend and contribute as required to Board meetings, working closely with the Chair and Board to ensure that appropriate issues are raised, and that any agreed action is put into effect.
10. Be an advocate for marginalised young people, the issues they face, and youth workers and projects working with them (pursuing prophetic mischief, provocation, and taking up our unique space in the youth ministry community).
11. Make links with appropriate Christian, voluntary and statutory bodies and to represent FYT in appropriate forums and pursue opportunities for collaborative working.
12. Support the active promotion of the FYT training and resource offer.
13. Lead the monitoring and evaluation (impact assessment) of FYT’s work

Other functions:

1. Meet regularly with Line Manager for supervision.
2. Undertake administration and keep necessary work records.
3. Comply with all FYT policies and procedures.
4. Work collaboratively with the FYT leadership team and Board to ensure that organisational policies are regularly reviewed.
5. Engage in CPD/lifelong learning.
6. Undertake any other tasks that may be requested, commensurate with the nature and level of the post and as may be required by the Board of Trustees.

Additional Information

• The Leadership Team is supported by a contract with Giraffe HR that assists in the day to day running of the organisation, primarily managing the finances of the organisation.
• Engagement in ongoing, regular youth work with marginalised young people is not a requirement of this post, but encouraged. FYT will be flexible where possible in order to facilitate this.

Consultancy work (Afghanistan Programme)

Terms of Reference for a Final Evaluation and Report

ToR

Consultancy work: Final Evaluation and Report

Commencement date

4 July 2025

Duration

c. 8 weeks (subject to change)

Accountable to

CAFOD Afghanistan team – Grace How and Kitty Chevallier

Overview: Conduct a Final Evaluation for a project entitled ‘Provision of humanitarian and livelihood support’, also known as ‘HELA’ (Humanitarian and Economic Livelihoods Assistance’). The 3-year project is funded by Misereor / Katholische Zentralstelle für Entwicklungshilfe (KZE), with co-funding provided by CAFOD. It is implemented by two local partners in Afghanistan, in three provinces, between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2025.

CAFOD has been supporting local organisations in Afghanistan, including the two implementing partners for this project, since the 1980s to help tackle issues of poverty and injustice and to respond to humanitarian emergencies.

Background and Context

Project Brief: This project is a result of partnership and joint work between CAFOD and the consortium members. The project builds on CAFOD’s existing programming in Afghanistan which strengthens the capacity of at-risk households by diversifying their livelihood options. The project focuses on meeting basic needs as well as promoting inclusive development, with the objective of strengthening resilience, particularly for the most vulnerable. As the project approaches the final few months of implementation, CAFOD is seeking to engage an external consultant to conduct a participatory final evaluation for this project. This will evaluate how effectively the project has been implemented, its major impacts and lessons learned, and recommendations for future similar programming. It is expected that the final evaluation will have a particular focus on the consortium partners’ ways of working: the strength of their collaboration, the efficacy and suitability of monitoring and evaluation approaches, and the benefit of learning events and strategies used through the project.

CAFOD and our partners are working with the same target group throughout the duration of the project, not only providing humanitarian and livelihood support, but also raising awareness amongst participants of families' rights from an Islamic perspective. Over the past two decades, much work has been undertaken to empower Afghan households and enable them to exercise their agency. Partners are taking a variety of approaches to further these aims in the project.

Ultimately, the project aims to support and ensure that the rights of poor and vulnerable people in Bamyan, Kabul, and Kunduz provinces are upheld and they have increased agency in their social and economic development.

Directly, the project has been planned to achieve programme outcomes:

1. The basic needs of targeted households are met.
2. Targeted participants have improved resilience through diversified livelihoods.
3. Targeted community leaders and members (male and female) are equipped and empowered with the knowledge and skills to promote and uphold their rights from an Islamic perspective.

Project Target Group and Location: The project will reach a total of 350 participants in three provinces of Afghanistan (Bamyan, Kunduz and Kabul) with a combination of humanitarian assistance, livelihoods training and other activities.

Project Duration: September 2022 – August 2025 (36 months)

Scope of the Final Evaluation:

The purpose of this final evaluation is to assess the overall performance and objectives of the completed project, in relation to the specified objectives, logical framework, and work plans. The evaluation will examine the extent to which project outcomes have been achieved, the quality and sustainability of results, and the relevance and appropriateness of strategies employed and ways of working. This participatory evaluation will analyse not only what has been achieved, but how it was achieved, how it was measured, and what could have been improved. This will include an examination of accountability measures, and how participants and other stakeholders were engaged throughout the implementation process, including how participants were given the opportunity and encouraged to share feedback and help shape the design of the project. The consultant will make and explain recommendations for consideration in implementing future projects of a similar nature.

The evaluation should include a review of the project’s monitoring data, secondary documents, a workshop with staff, and some direct data collection from key stakeholders including targeted participants taking part in the livelihoods training activities, as well as their relatives and community members. Findings of the evaluation will be used to guide and improve future project design and implementation. They should be written up into a final evaluation report (no more than 30 pages) which will be made available to CAFOD, Misereor and both partners.

As well as assessing progress towards logical framework indicators, the evaluation should focus on capturing, documenting and assessing lessons learned to inform future project design and implementation.

The assessment will be conducted in close coordination with CAFOD’s Afghanistan team, including the Country Programme Representative, Programme Officer, and Programme Support Officer.

Objectives of the Final Evaluation:

1. To assess the project and its effectiveness in meeting its three outcomes and supporting targeted Afghan households, through material assistance, livelihoods skill training and associated support, advocacy initiatives, and other activities.
2. To evaluate the strength and appropriateness of the projects MEAL systems:
   1. To what extent did project monitoring and evaluation help track project progress and achievements?
   2. How effectively was participation and accountability built into project design and implementation, and partners’ ways of working with stakeholders?
   3. How effectively were learning opportunities used throughout the project (including peer learning and exchange visits, learning workshops, regular progress workshops, etc.)?
3. To assess and review consortium functionality, partnership dynamics, and collaboration.
4. To capture and assess key lessons learned from the project from various stakeholders including project staff, participants, civil society groups involved in the project, community leaders and other community members.
5. To assess the sustainability and impact of project achievements, including:
   1. Changes in participants’ social and economic agency and participation
   2. Shifts in community attitudes and behaviours
   3. Capacity built among local partners and stakeholders.
6. To produce a high-quality report, no longer than 30 pages, which will be shared with CAFOD, Misereor and implementing partners.

Deliverables and proposed deadlines:

• Develop a short inception report with proposed methodology, plans and tools for collecting data from stakeholders, for the final evaluation (1st and 2nd week of contract), to be discussed and agreed with CAFOD and partners.
• Gather data from relevant stakeholders (3rd and 4th week of contract)
• Submission of draft report (6th week of contract)
• Review and revision of report based on feedback (6th and 7th week of contract)
• Submission of final report (8th week of contract)
• Presentation of report to CAFOD and partners– date to be confirmed.

Methodology:

• The evaluation should adopt a participatory mixed-methods approach, beginning with a desk review before integrating quantitative and qualitative methods to ensure that data collected is triangulated and can be communicated, explained and contextualised.
• It is expected that the consultant will combine surveys/questionnaires with structured interviews, FGDs and KIIs. Note that to enable the open and unrestricted sharing of opinions and information, the data can be anonymised where relevant and appropriate.
• Evaluation team members are encouraged to use innovative methods to collect and analyse data. The qualitative component will allow for more in-depth data gathering to gain more insightful findings from relevant target groups regarding their experience of the project and its impact.
• Data is expected to be gathered from key project stakeholders, including:
  • Targeted participants (in vocational training, first aid training, and Local Leaders Committees).
• The midterm evaluation will be supported by two workshops: an initial developmental workshop in which the data collection methods will be discussed with CAFOD staff and representatives from partners to obtain feedback and input; and a feedback and validation workshop after submission of the draft report, to obtain input on findings and recommendations.
• The consultant(s) are expected to propose the most suitable method of sampling/randomisation and the sample size will be determined in collaboration with CAFOD and partners. Information shall be collected from across specified beneficiaries, partners and stakeholders.
• All data collected during the baseline study will be disaggregated by age, gender, disability, and location.

Ethical Considerations

The below ethical considerations will be adhered to during the midterm evaluation:

• The evaluation will be conducted by an independent and impartial external consultant.
• Quantitative data will be obtained from a randomly selected representative sample. 
• Participation in the study will be voluntary, and individuals must be able to curtail their participation in the study at any time. 
• The safety of participants and implementing partner staff will be paramount.
• Anonymity, confidentiality and safeguarding of study data (both during data collection and for data storage) will be guaranteed. 
• There will be no risks and benefits for individual participants.
• The culture, norms and traditions of study populations will be respected and laws of the country upheld.
• Participation in the evaluation will involve no additional security or safety risks for participants, in light of the current context in Afghanistan.
• The content of the evaluation will be treated confidentially and only shared with CAFOD, partners and Misereor.

Required Competencies:

• A minimum master’s degree in social sciences or relevant field;
• Other training/certifications in thematic areas relevant to the project will be an asset (livelihoods, gender, behavioural change communication etc.);
• Other professional training on Research Methodology, Development Evaluation, and Impact Evaluation from recognised institutes/universities would be an asset;
• A proven track record of an ability to pragmatically apply in-depth knowledge and experiences of issues and practices in the fields of humanitarian, livelihoods and gender in Afghanistan;
• Strong computer and analytical skills with ability to write and review technical documents/ reports, conduct interviews as part of background research.

Demonstrable Skills and Experience:

• Record of publication of social research documents, evaluation reports, survey reports, study reports on livelihoods and rights issues is a strong asset;
• Experience of carrying out mixed-methods studies and evaluations and in producing high quality analytical reports (at least 2 recent reports should be submitted with the RFP);
• Strong background of statistical data analysis skills and strong proficiency with data analysis packages (in Stata or SPSS);
• Member of professional societies/forums (e.g. evaluation society) will be an asset;
• At least 6 years’ experience managing evaluations, baselines and/or assessments for community-based programmes, including since August 2021;
• Experience in delivering high quality assessments, research or evaluations for institutionally funded projects such as FCDO/DFID, EU or USAID;
• Experience working with and/or evaluating the work of national NGOs and CSOs in Afghanistan;
• A gender-balanced team (at all levels) is highly desired;
• Ability to adapt plans and approaches, sometimes at short notice;
• Fluency in English essential; ability to conduct interviews in Dari and Pashto essential.

CAFOD is committed to creating a safe environment for all project participants, especially children, young people and vulnerable adults, and to prevent their physical, sexual or emotional abuse. The consultant will be expected to follow these commitments and sign and adhere to all relevant policies and procedures.

Interested candidates are requested to submit the following by 29 June 2025. Please see CAFOD website to email the documents requested below

• Updated CVs (lead consultant and associates if any)
• Technical proposal with proposed methodology and detailed work plan
• 2 examples of similar assessments, evaluations, research, analytical report writing in English
• Financial proposal: Up to a maximum of USD 14,000. This fee should include all consultancy costs, including data collection costs (travel, accommodation, food etc.) as well as all applicable VAT and Tax.

Submissions will be reviewed and scored according to a) the criteria and considerations listed in this Terms of Reference, b) the suitability of the project plan/method statement and c) value for money.

Management and Reporting Arrangements:

The recruitment and initial briefing to the consultant will be managed by CAFOD, in consultation with the project partners.

Both in-country implementing partners will provide logistical and administrative support and guidance, including supply of relevant documentation, and help with the organisation of meetings and interviews (the financial costs of this will be covered by the consultant). Additionally required costs such as refreshments for FGDs will be paid for by partners. The consultant will be responsible for working with partner staff to arrange interviews and field visits ensuring all relevant stakeholders are available at the place and time agreed; the consultant(s) will provide facilitation of workshops, FGDs, meetings and field visits.

Deliverables will be reviewed, appraised and accepted by members of CAFOD’s Afghanistan staff, in consultation with the relevant partner staff members. 

Summary Timeline (subject to change):

19 – 29 June

Circulation of TORs and Invitation to Submit Quotations

29 June

Closing date for applications

2 July – 3 July

Interviews with short-listed consultants

4 July

Final consultant selection and contract signing

5 July – 4 August

Planning, document review and fieldwork

14 August

Submission of draft report to CAFOD

15 - 23 August

Review, feedback and revision of report

31 August

Presentation of report findings and recommendations to CAFOD, partners, and Misereor.

The selection consultant(s) will be expected to fully agree to comply with all relevant CAFOD policies during the contracted period including the Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct, and provide references.