The African-Finnish Partnerships on Taxation Capacity in Africa Programme  

Terms of Reference for Mid-Term Evaluation 

1. Background 

The goal of The African-Finnish Partnerships on Taxation Capacity in Africa (AFP-TCA) Programme (2023-2025) is to strengthen the taxation capacity of African governments and pan-African organizations to increase Domestic Resource Mobilization (DRM) through informed policymaking. The programme is funded by the Government of Finland and HAUS Finnish Institute of Public Management is responsible for the overall progamme management.  

The AFP-TCA programme has three outcomes, which are:  

1. Enhanced understanding on best practices of taxation policy and its implementation for improved domestic resource mobilization (DRM) 
2. Knowledge on taxation in the African context is increased through improved African research capacities on taxation 
3. ACBF has increased organizational capacity and tools for capacity building in tax related issues, especially through leadership, digital learning solutions and an improved external communication and advocacy processes 

The rationale for launching the AFP-TCA programme stems from Finland’s Taxation for Development Action Programme. The Programme aims at supporting domestic resource mobilisation and thus contributes to the Action Programme’s two of the three main pillars: “to strengthen the taxation capacity of developing countries” and “to strengthen the position of developing countries in the global tax policy and ensure that the perspectives of developing countries will be better taken into consideration in the international tax policy”. This goal is the rationale for supporting taxation policy design by increasing research, training and education on taxation. 

The overall management of the Programme is assigned to HAUS, also supports, through long-term and short-term technical assistance (TA), the capacity strengthening of African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF). HAUS, with ACBF, will also coordinate activities for dissemination of Programme results and best practices. While HAUS is responsible for Outcomes 1 and 3, VATT Institute for Economic research is responsible for Outcome 2, and contributes to taxation research and enhancing research capabilities with chosen partners in Africa. 

2. Objectives 

The primary objective of the Mid-Term Evaluation is to comprehensively assess the program’s accomplishments and challenges, while evaluating the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of its operations. This evaluation aims to provide valuable insights that will contribute to the refinement of the program and enhance its impact, with findings directly informing the 2025 annual work plan. 

The Mid-Term Evaluation will specifically focus on the following aspects of the program: 

1. Relevance: Assessing the alignment of the programme’s objectives with the needs and priorities of African partners and stakeholders. 
2. Impact: Evaluating the short-term and long-term effects of the programme on beneficiaries and wider stakeholder group and rights-holders. 
3. Effectiveness: Analyzing the extent to which the programme is meeting its intended goals and outcomes. 
4. Efficiency: Reviewing the resource utilization and cost-effectiveness of program implementation. 
5. Sustainability: Examining the mechanisms in place to ensure long-term viability and continuation of benefits post-program. 
6. Coherence: Assessing the extent to which the program aligns with and complements existing interventions and policies in the sector. 

Moreover, the Mid-Term Evaluation is expected to provide a solid foundation for making informed decisions regarding potential program extensions and future collaboration in the sector. 

3. Evaluation questions 

The proposed evaluation questions are the following (to be confirmed during the inception):

• To what extent are the project objectives being met at this stage of implementation? 
• How effectively are stakeholders enagaged in the project activities? 
• How well are resources (financial, human, material) being utilized in the execution of the project? 
• What are the main challenges encountered so far, and how have they been addressed? 
• What measurable impacts or changes can be observed up to this point? 
• What strategies are in place to ensure the sustainability of project outcomes after its completion? 
• How effective are the current monitoring and evaluation processes in tracking progress and outcomes? 
• How has the project contributed to the capacity building and informed policymaking of African stakeholders and partner organisations? 
• How is feedback from beneficiaries and stakeholders being collected and used for project improvement? 
• Based on the current findings, what adjustments or changes should be made to enhance project effectiveness  and reaching mandatory results moving forward?  
• What possibilities are there for potential programme extension or future collaboration in the sector? 

4. Methodology

The proposed methodology includes: 

• Start-up meeting with implementing partners and donor 
• Desk study and interviews in Finland  
• Desk review of relevant documents, including previous work done within the AFP-TCA project  
• Evaluation matrix
• Semi-structured interview questions 
• Self-assessment of implementing partners 
• Questionnaires 
• Key informant interviews and field work 
• A comprehensive Mid-Term Evaluation report 

5. Schedule 

The work starts as soon as possible. Please indicate possible starting date in the application.  

The final version of the Mid-Term Evaluation report must be submitted no later than 15 December 2024. 

6. Deliverables/Expected Outputs 

The consultant is required to produce the following outputs in English: 

• Brief Inception Report 
• Presentation on the field findings 
• A draft and final version of the Mid-Term Review 
• Presentation on the evaluation findings and recommendations 

7. Qualifications and Assessment Criteria 

The chosen expert/expert team should have the following expertise: 

• At least 5 years of experience in conducting similar assignments, especially in the context of Africa; 
• Knowledge of the development sector and Finnish development cooperation principles; 
• Familiarity with the cultural, social, and political dynamics in Africa and programme regions; 
• Proficiency in collecting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and participatory methods; 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English, with the ability to present findings and recommendations clearly; 
• Experience in producing high-quality evaluation reports that provide actionable insights and recommendations; 
• Understanding of project management principles and practices, particularly in the context of international development projects; 
• Expertise in taxation and domestic resource mobilization is considered an added advantage 

The applications for the consultancy will be assessed based on expertise, quality of proposal, and total price.  

 8. Budget 

The maximum budget for the consultancy is 35 000 € (excluding VAT). 

Please indicate a total price for the consultancy and clearly indicate daily rates and other expenses, such as travel, in the proposal.  

 9. Other information 

This consultancy will require traveling to two locations in Sub-Saharan Africa. Potential locations are Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and Harare, Zimbabwe (to be confirmed at the beginning of the consultancy). 

The consultant(s) will have access to the relevant information needed to carry out the tasks involved in this assignment. The consultant is responsible for their own working tools, reliable internet connection and other expenses.  

The evaluation team is entitled and expected to discuss matters relevant to this evaluation with pertinent persons and organizations. However, it is not authorized to make any commitments on behalf of the Government of Finland. 

 10. Submission details

To apply for this fixed-term consultancy, please send your proposal, including a detailed work plan, methodology, daily rate and CV(s) in English by Wednesday October 2nd at 12:00 UTC+3 to Project Leader Lotta Fors (lotta.fors@haus.fi) and Project Specialist Sofia Kankama (sofia.kankama@haus.fi). Any questions relating to the consultancy can be addressed to Ms. Lotta Fors (lotta.fors@haus.fi).

Note:  

Proposals and CVs will be shared among the selection panel. 

The selected evaluation team/consultant will be expected to adhere to the project timeline and deliverables outlined in the terms of reference. Any deviations or challenges should be communicated promptly to the project management team.