Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Consultant

Location: Kingston, Jamaica

Project Title: Caribbean Organizations for a Resilient Environment (CORE) Project

Reports to: Project Coordinator, CORE Project

Status: Consultancy 9 months (April 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025)

Language Requirements: English is essential

INTRODUCTION

The Caribbean Organizations for a Resilient Environment (CORE) Project, funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and implemented by Cuso International in partnership with the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF), aims to strengthen the capacity of National Conservation Trust Funds (NCTFs) in eight Caribbean countries. The project focuses on implementing nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation, with a gender-responsive and results-oriented approach. Cuso International is supporting to build the capacities of participating NCTFs to be better able to track and measure their impact.

Monitoring and evaluation are critical to ensure that the project’s interventions are impactful and meet the intended objectives, especially in the areas of environmental conservation, climate resilience, and social inclusion. The M&E Consultant will provide the expertise required to develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive M&E system for NCTFs who are participating in the CORE Project.

Objectives of the Assignment

The primary objectives of the Monitoring and Evaluation Consultant are to:

1. Develop a robust M&E framework tailored to the operations of each NCTF, ensuring alignment with international best practices.
2. Build the capacity of NCTFs in monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on their programs and projects effectively.
3. Create self-paced learning resources for continuous training in M&E practices.
4. Ensure data-driven decision-making within the project through the effective collection, analysis, and use of relevant data.
5. Facilitate comprehensive training to enhance the capacity of NCTFs in M&E processes.

Scope of Work and Key Deliverables

The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks, working in collaboration with the selected volunteers and project stakeholders, with deliverables submitted based on the timeline agreed upon:

1. M&E Training Manual

• Develop a comprehensive M&E training manual tailored to the needs of environmental conservation NGOs and NCTFs through a consultative process with stakeholders
• Deliverable:
  1. 1. Report summarizing findings of consultations with NCTFs by May 15, 2025.
     2. Draft Manual developed  by May 15, 2025
     3. Final Manual developed by June 30, 2025.

2. Comprehensive M&E Training

• Conduct at least 3 in-depth, in-person and virtual training sessions for all NCTFs on monitoring, evaluation, and reporting practices.
• Deliverable:
  1. 1. Detailed training plan including topics and focus areas for each session
     2. All NCTFs engaged in comprehensive training sessions completed by June 30, 2025. Additional training provided as needed by August of 2025

3. Self-Paced M&E Course

• Develop material for an online, self-paced M&E course for continuous learning and capacity building among NCTF staff.
• Deliverable:
  1. 1. Draft material developed and accessible by September 30, 2025.
     2. Training course finalized with input from graphic designee by November of 2025

4. M&E Framework for Each NCTF

• Collaborate with each NCTF to develop a customized M&E framework that aligns with the CORE Project’s objectives and international best practices.
• Deliverable:
  1. 1. Draft M&E frameworks for all eight NCTFs by July of 2025
     2. Completed M&E frameworks for all eight NCTFs by October 15, 2025.

5. Data Collection and Reporting Tools

• Develop and provide data collection and reporting tools, including templates and guidelines, to ensure accurate and consistent tracking of NCTF Projects and CORE project outcomes.
• Deliverable:
  1. 1. Draft data collection and reporting tools by June 30, 2025
     2. Finalized data collection and reporting tools by August 15, 2025.

6. Workshops and Knowledge Sharing

• Facilitate workshops to promote knowledge sharing on M&E best practices and encourage the use of data in project decision-making.
• Deliverable: At least one knowledge sharing workshop delivered by November 30, 2025.

Timeline of Deliverables

Deliverables                                                                                                                                                  Timeline

Report summarizing findings of consultations with NCTFs                                                                                May 15, 2025

Completed training manual                                                                                                                                  May 30, 2025

All NCTFs engaged in comprehensive training sessions completed. (Training report and Training register)      June 30, 2025 (initial)

Draft data collection and reporting tools.                                                                                                              June 30, 2025

Draft M&E frameworks for all eight NCTFs.                                                                                                         July 2025

Finalized M&E tools.                                                                                                                                             August 15, 2025

Additional training session conducted as needed.                                                                                               August  30, 2025

Draft course material developed and accessible.                                                                                                 September 30, 2025

Final M&E frameworks for all eight NCTFs.                                                                                                         October 15, 2025

Finalized course with graphic design input.                                                                                                          November 30, 2025

At least one knowledge sharing workshop delivered.                                                                                           December 1, 2025

This table outlines the key deliverables and their corresponding due dates for each task.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Advanced degree in monitoring and evaluation, international development, project management, or related fields.
• At least 3 years of experience in developing and managing M&E frameworks, ideally within the context of environmental conservation and/or climate change adaptation and gender mainstreaming projects.
• Strong knowledge of international M&E best practices and results-based management.
• Proven experience in developing training manuals, courses, and facilitating M&E workshops.
• Excellent communication and report-writing skills in English.
• Proficiency in M&E software and tools is a plus.

Reporting and Supervision

The Monitoring and Evaluation Consultant will report to the Cuso International Programme Manager for the CORE Project and will work closely with project stakeholders, including Cuso International, the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, and selected volunteers. Regular meetings will be scheduled to monitor progress on deliverables.

Budget and Payment Schedule

The budget for the consultancy will be based on the consultant’s qualifications and experience. Payment will be made upon submission and approval of deliverables and invoice according to the agreed timeline.

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae to Shanice Bedward at shanice.bedward@cusointernational.org by March 24, 2025.

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