PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT

LIVESTOCK AND AGRICULTUAL MARKETING PROJECT (LAMP)

REVIEW OF PROJECT INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES TOWARDS CLOSURE

TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)

1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

The Government of Mongolia has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Livestock and Agricultural Marketing Project (LAMP), and intends to apply part of the proceeds for the engagement of services of a consultant to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the LAMP interventions and outcomes towards project closure.

The Project Development Objective (PDO) is to improve rural livelihoods and food security in selected aimags and soums through investments in enhancing productivity, market access and diversification in livestock-based production systems.

To achieve this objective and ensure maximum impact, the project addressed a set of closely linked constraints in market access, price-quality relationships and livestock production (animal health, animal breeding, genetics and nutrition)that need to be treated in an integrated manner. The demonstration of these integrated, market-driven approaches in a small geographic area (pilot) aims to provide successful models that the GOM can replicate through the National Livestock Program (NLP). The project also supports pro-poor income growth and nutrition diversification through the production of horticultural products at the household level.

The project is implemented through three inter-related components. The components are:

COMPONENT 1 – LINKING HERDERS TO MARKETS

The objective of this component is to create productive partnerships by linking producers of livestock products (meat, fiber, milk and horticultural products) to markets and diversifying sources of income and household nutrition. The component will also support traceability of products for participating herder cooperatives.

COMPONENT 2 – RAISING LIVESTOCK PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY

This component aims to ensure productivity increases and quality products for the markets. Support will be provided through extension services in the areas of animal health, nutrition, breed improvement and feeding to improve the productivity of the five traditional species (sheep, goat, cattle/yak) within the semi-nomadic production system through breeding, feeding and animal health.

COMPONENT 3 – PROJECT MANAGEMENT

This component supports the coordination of project activities and the fiduciary functions of the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) established by the MOFALI. The PIU is staffed and equipped to enable it to effectively carry out these activities. The component finances incremental staff, consultants, operating costs, technical assistance, training, M&E activities and impact assessments, information dissemination and annual audits.

The LAMP went through a series of delays, before being approved by the GoM on 28 November 2013 and becoming effective on 5 February 2014. Some key steps in the process were: (i) The World Bank issued a Concept Note in February 2012, which envisaged World Bank board approval for the project in June 2012; (ii) The World Bank developed several drafts of the Project Appraisal Document (PAD) (June and September 2012), before presenting a final draft to MIA at the start of the World Bank Appraisal Mission in November 2012, which, after discussion, was submitted to GAFSP; (iii) GAFSP approved the PAD in late November 2012; (iv) A draft Grant Agreement was signed between the GoM and the World Bank on 15 March 2013, after negotiations between the Ministry of Economic Development (MED), MIA and the World Bank; and (v) The World Bank signed the Grant Agreement on 3 July 2013 and the GoM on 28 November 2013.

Based on the recommendations made at the Midterm Review (MTR), the Government of Mongolia (GOM) made a formal request to the World Bank to restructure the project and extend the project's closing date by 11 months (i.e., up to 31 December 2017).

As the project implementation draws to a close, there is a need to commission a consultant to undertake a review of the project interventions and outcomes to establish that the PDO Outcome indicators are adequate and that, the necessary data and information are available to show that progress has been made and attributable to LAMP interventions.

2. Key Objective

The objective of the assignment isto undertake an overall end of project evaluation of LAMP to inform the preparation of the Implementation Completion Reports and subsequent interventions by the Government, partners and other stakeholders.

This will include:

  • To undertake a review of the project intervention outcomes and impacts on beneficiaries based on the attached Results Framework;
  • Identify intended and unintended outcomes, best practices, challenges, lessons learned arising from Project implementation to inform future interventions in the agriculture and livestock sector.
  • To assess the risks to the development outcome in the future

2.1 Specific Objectives

The following main thematic issues would be assessed:

  • Assessment of the operation’s objective, design, implementation, and operational experience
  • The relevance of the project,
  • Clarity and feasibility of the project objectives (including targets)
  • Clarity of assumptions and risks
  • Review restructuring and its implications on the project implementation
  • Assessment of the outcome of the operation against the agreed objectives
  • Extent to which Project activities and outputs are consistent with the objectives of the project and higher level objectives of the country
  • Gender aspects
  • Social, economic, and environmental impacts
  • Fiscal impact
  • Enabling environment
  • Beneficiary/Stakeholder consultations and involvement
  • Implementation Phase
  • Quality of external relationships, participatory process and support to strengthening local organizations
  • The extent to which the Project interventions addressed the challenges outlined in the PAD, PIM and issues identified after MTR and the degree of success to date.
  • Cost-effectiveness of project implementation
  • Compliance with fiduciary and safeguards policies of the World Bank
  • Review the effectiveness of the M&E system towards the achievement of performance indicators, collating, use and analysis of data, and reporting.
  • Evaluation of the performance of the World Bank
  • Preparation Phase
  • Implementation Phase
  • Project Costs and Financing
  • Issues raised by stakeholders
  • Produce a clear set of lessons learned
  • Proposed arrangement for future operation of the project
  • Prospects for sustainability (quality and adequacy of project strategy)

3. SCOPE OF WORK

The scope of work will cover the Components of the Project andall the project interventions, and all dimensions (i.e. technical design, implementation effectiveness, efficacy and efficiency, safeguards (environment/social) compliance, M&E, financial management/procurement etc.)

The Consultant should summarize key safeguard and fiduciary issues in the operation, compliance with the Bank policy and procedural requirements, and any problems that arose and their resolution, as applicable; record any significant deviations or waivers from the Bank safeguards/fiduciary policies and procedures.

4. EXPECTED OUTPUT

The Consultant shall submit the following reports:

  • Inception Report 1 week after Commencement date of contract.

Inception report should cover but not limited to desk review and clear methodology comprising boththe research and analytical methodology to be used (tools and other data collection instruments) andinitial and planned consultation with Project Stakeholders and revised work plan

  • Interim report 3 weeks after Commencement date indicating but not limited to initial findings made up of activities undertaken based on the key and specific objectives.
  • Draft final report 6 weeks after Commencement date covering all aspect of the scope of work. A workshop will be organized by the Client, on receipt of the Draft final report where the consultant will present the main findings of the study. The consultant will compile all the feedback from the workshop and incorporate them into the final report.
  • Final concise report 8 weeks after Commencement date and after receiving comments on the draft final report at the end of the assignment.

Copies of the reports shall be sent to PIU in Word and PDF formats (on pen drive) as well as ten (10) hard copies.

5. METHODOLOGY

TheConsultant is expected to use a variety of methods to collect and analyze data.The Consultantshould elaborate on both the research and analytical methodology to be used for this assignment.The consultant will propose a detailed plan outlining approach and methodology for data collection, analysis and reporting. The Consultant is expected to work in close consultation with the Client throughout the study.

6. DURATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT AND TERMS OF CONTRACT

The assignment is expected to take Eight (8) weeks. The Contract is a lump-sum inclusive of reimbursables.Proposed payment terms: 25% upon submission and acceptance of Inception Report with detailed work plan, 25% upon submission and acceptance of Interim report, 25% upon submission and acceptance of Draft final report before workshop, and 25% upon submission and acceptance of Final report.

7. QUALIFICATION OF THE CONSULTANT

The Consultant should have relevant previous experience in conducting quantitative and qualitative project evaluations. TheConsultant should have demonstrable experience in undertaking similar work on projects involving similar level of complexity.

7.1SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:

  1. Masters Degree or Higher qualification in relevant discipline
  2. Minimum of 5 years relevant working experience in project management, monitoring and evaluation with analytical skills
  3. Knowledge and understanding of livestock and agricultural systems
  4. Demonstrable experience in conducting quantitative and qualitative evaluation in rural Mongolia
  5. Experience in evaluating project monitoring and evaluation systems, results framework, M&E plans, guidelines, processes and procedures
  6. Track record in developing and conducting baseline and end of project research studies or evaluation using varied approaches.
  7. Work experience in a project environment
  8. Must be fluent in Mongolian and English both oral and written

8. KEY BACKGROUND DOCUMENTATION TO BE PROVIDED WILL INCLUDE:

  • Project Appraisal Document (PAD)
  • Project Implementation Manual (PIM)
  • Grants Manual (GM)
  • Implementation Support Mission (ISM) Aide Memoires
  • LAMP Annual Reports
  • Annual Workplans and Budgets
  • LAMP Progress Reports
  • LAMP Restructuring Papers
  • DIME Baseline Report
  • Mid Term Review Report
  • Audited Annual Account and 'Management Letters'
  • World Bank Financing Agreement
  • Any other relevant documents in the Clients possession

9. COORDINATIONOF THE WORK

The Project Implementation Unit (PIU) led by the Project Coordinator will be responsible for coordination of this assignment. The Consultant shall send all reports to the PIU of the LAMP.

Interested eligible candidates are encouraged to provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the Services and are invited to submit a Cover Letter, CV (Curriculum Vitae), along with two reference letters in a sealed envelopeno later than 11AM on 11 September, 2017, to LAMP PIU, at the following address: Room 301, Sain Compound, 1st Khoroo, Bayanzurkh District, Ulaanbaatar. Tel: 976-70102021.

Only short listed candidates will be invited for interview.

All enquiries and reports shall be sent to the address below:

The Project Coordinator

Livestock and Agricultural Marketing Project

F 4, Sain Construction Building

1st Khoroo, Bayanzurkh District

Ulaanbaatar