Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Sphere Project Endline Evaluation at Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

Applications are invited for:

Title: Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Sphere Project Endline Evaluation

Ref: NG20581
Locations: Wurno & Wamakko - Sokoto and Koko-Besse LGA - Kebbi
Employment Type: Contract

Company Background
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion, or nationality. In Nigeria, CRS has been implementing humanitarian and development programmes for more than two decades, working alongside government institutions, local partners, and communities to strengthen resilience and improve the well-being of vulnerable populations.

The humanitarian crisis in north-west Nigeria continues to evolve due to recurring communal conflicts, armed banditry, kidnapping, farmer-herder clashes, and climate-related shocks, including flooding. These challenges have resulted in widespread displacement, destruction of livelihoods, and increased humanitarian needs across the region. It is estimated that over 600,000 people have been displaced, while Sokoto and Kebbi States together host nearly 500,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and vulnerable host community members, many of whom face significant protection risks, deepening poverty, and limited access to basic services.

The deteriorating security situation has severely disrupted agricultural production, restricted access to farmlands, weakened market systems, and reduced household purchasing power. Rising inflation, high transportation costs, disease outbreaks, including cholera, flooding, camp closures, and involuntary relocations have further compounded the humanitarian situation, leaving many households unable to meet their basic food and nutrition needs.

According to the World Food Programme (WFP), more than 31 million people across Nigeria experienced acute food insecurity during the lean season. In north-west Nigeria, approximately 9 million people are projected to face IPC Phase 3–5 (Crisis to Catastrophe) levels of food and nutrition insecurity, with Sokoto and Kebbi States accounting for approximately 20% of the affected population. Children under five years, pregnant and lactating women, older persons, and persons with disabilities remain among the most vulnerable groups due to poor dietary diversity, inadequate access to health and nutrition services, and limited livelihood opportunities.

The Strengthening Humanitarian Response for Protection, Emergency Food Security and Nutrition in Emergencies (SPHERE) Project is being implemented by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in partnership with the Bakhita Initiative for Sustainable Development (BISDEV) with funding from Latter-day Saint Charities (LDSC). The project is implemented in Wamako and Wurno Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Sokoto State and Koko Besse LGA of Kebbi State, targeting 800 households (approximately 4,800 individuals), comprising internally displaced persons, returnees, and vulnerable host community members.

The project adopts an integrated humanitarian approach by providing emergency food assistance, WASH, nutrition interventions, market monitoring, protection mainstreaming, accountability to affected populations, and livelihood support. Through these interventions, the project aims to improve household food security, reduce acute malnutrition, strengthen community resilience, and restore the dignity and well-being of crisis-affected populations across the three implementation LGAs.

Target Beneficiaries
The project targeted 800 households as follows: Food Assistance: 4,800 (800HHs), Nutrition 4,000 children with MAM, WASH NFI 400 HH, Hygiene promotion messaging to 20,000 individuals in the communities(IDPs, returnees and host communities).
Table 1: Estimated number of unique participants to be reached in 26 months with multi-sectoral Assistance

Based on this available information, the project intends to carry out a multi-sectoral Endline study in order to measure the project indicators before starting activities.  

Purpose of the Evaluation
Purpose of the Endline 

• The purpose of the Endline is to establish the initial values against which to assess the contribution of project SPHERE towards ensuring the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP), returnees, and host communities in Wamako, Wurno and koko besse LGA improve their lives with respect and dignity and to recovery from the activities of bandits, kidnappers and flood that ravaged communities. 
• CRS and Donor Evaluation Requirements 
• As per CRS MEAL Policies and Procedures (MPP 3.2), a Terms of Reference must be developed for all evaluation events. 

Evaluation Objectives
The Endline will provide initial measurement for Project SPHERE logical framework indicators and comprehensive information on household characteristics. The Endline will also provide initial measurement for resilience-related indicators tracked internally by CRS (Global Results).  

Specific Objectives 
The Endline has three specific objectives: 

• To collect pre-intervention values in order to measure and track outcome indicators and to establish or validate the indicator targets 
• To collect data on household characteristics: demographic characteristics on the household head and each household member, including age, education level attained and health status, livelihood activities, assets, history of shock experience and their impact 
• To assess the knowledge and practices related to WASH, infant and child feeding, the nutrition needs of pregnant and lactating women, as well as identify barriers to consuming local high-quality diets. This information will inform nutrition education activities.

List of Indicators that requires a Endline Value:
Sectors:

• Indicators to be assessed through multi-sectoral Endline survey 

Food Assistance:

• FS02: Mean and median Reduced Coping Strategies Index (rCSI) 
• FS03: Percent of households with moderate and severe Household Hunger Scale (HHS) scores 
• FS01: Percent of households with poor, borderline, and acceptable Food Consumption Score (FCS) 

Nutrition:

• N08: Percent of infants 0–5 months of age who are fed exclusively with breast milk  
• N09: Percent of children 6–23 months of age who receive foods from 5 or more food groups  
• N10: Percent of women of reproductive age consuming a diet of minimum diversity (MDD-W) 

WASH:

• W08: Percent of beneficiary households with soap and water at a handwashing station on premises 
• W10: Percent of people targeted by the hygiene promotion program who know at least three (3) of the five (5) critical times to wash hands 
• W11: Percent of households targeted by the hygiene promotion program who store their drinking water safely in clean containers 
• W33: Percent of households targeted by the WASH activity that are collecting all water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene from improved water sources 
• W35: Percent of households whose drinking water supplies have a free residual chlorine (FRC) > 0.2 mg/L 
• W25: Total number of individuals receiving WASH NFIs assistance through all modalities (without double-counting)

Indicative Evaluation Criteria and Questions

• The Consultant will work with the CRS MEAL and Project Technical Team to co-create an Evaluation Matrix that will inform field data collection, management and reporting for the evaluation. The following is an indicative list of the evaluation questions to guide the design of the study.
• The successful consultant(s) can review, redefine, comment, or adjust the evaluation questions in their proposal where necessary to inform further discussions with CRS MEAL, Technical team, and BHA as part of inception consultation.

SPHERE final Evaluation and question criteria
Evaluation Criteria
Key evaluation questions criteria:
Relevance:

• How relevant were the project activities in addressing the needs of the vulnerable individuals? 
• Did the project activities aligned with the specific needs and vulnerabilities of the target population? Which priorities/needs were not effectively addressed? What are recommendations for future programming?
• What are the contextual, social, and cultural factors affecting selection and participation of vulnerable individuals in project activities? 

Effectiveness:

• How successful were the project interventions in achieving their intended outputs and outcomes in food assistance, WASH and nutrition? 
• What are the positive and negative unintended effects of SPHERE interventions? 
• What factors contributed to the achievement or underachievement of results in FA, WASH, and Nutrition?
• What are the consultants' recommendations to ensure the effectiveness of future programming? 

Efficiency:

• To what extent has the project achieved its results with the resources allocated for each key activity?  
• Were project activities implemented as planned and as described in the approved proposal, logical framework, and detailed implementation plan (DIP)?
• How efficient were the project delivery modalities (in terms of cost, time, and scale of delivery) in meeting the needs of the beneficiaries? 

Coordination and coherence:

• How appropriate were CRS strategies and modalities in coordinating activities in the community with partners, local authorities, and community structures and other CRS’ projects? 
• To what extent did the project interventions adhere to the SPHERE and other humanitarian standards; and what are the implications in cases of non-compliance? 
• How well or not has the SPHERE project aligned with Nigeria HRP and CRS Nigeria CP strategy? 
• To what extent did the SPHERE project foster collaboration and coordination among various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and local community structures?

Indicative sustainability:

• Is there any indication of continuity of change realized in the community if donor aid is reduced and withdrawn? 
• How has the project fostered partnerships with local organizations?
• What strategies or mechanisms have been established to promote the sustainability of the project's outcomes and benefits beyond the project's conclusion, including potential sources of continued support or community ownership?

Methodology
Evaluation Methodology 
The final evaluation will use a mixed method approach: 

• Conduct two participant-based HH surveys, the first amongst registered participants for FA and the second amongst nutrition and WASH participants. The surveys will be designed to detect statistically significant changes for the key indicators.
• Conduct one population-based HH survey for the nutrition and WASH sectors to detect the changes targeted for the sectors’ indicators.
• Hold focus group discussions (FGD) with relevant stakeholders and implementers.
• Hold key informant interviews (KII) with local government stakeholders, local leaders and other community stakeholders. 

Sampling Strategy

• Quantitative approach: The multisectoral surveys will involve a representative sample of heads of participant HHs. The sampling strategy will be based on a one stage simple random sample drawn from participant HHs. Given that HHs will be selected from the registered participant database, the initial participant list will include GPS coordinates to facilitate data collection in the field. 

Following the donor guidance CRS calculated sample size separately for all indicators and using the largest initial sample size (305) based on the following Parameters: (Please check the attached document below).

The initial sample size was further adjusted to 381 to account for an anticipated non-response rate of 20%. 
Based on the types of respondents, each multi-sectoral endline survey will include 373 participants from the following sectors/sector groups 

• FA and nutrition 
• WASH 
• Agriculture

This is to capture an adequate and representative size of the participants of both sectors/groups. The number of registered participants is not equal across the political wards. The calculated sample size for the two sector-based surveys will be proportionally distributed according to the respective population of registered program participants in each ward. The sampling frame will be the total participant population registered in SPHERE’ s database for each sector or sector groups for each survey. The database will provide a unique identification for each HH, including demographic data, contact information, and other information. 

Qualitative approach: KIIs will be conducted with a range of key project’s stakeholders inclusive of local government representatives, (LGA and state levels), community stakeholders, women leaders, sectoral clusters representatives, and project and partner staff to gain expert insights and understand contextual nuances.
CRS will conduct FGDs with groups segregated by gender, male and female, and by age, youths and adults, to facilitate open dialogue among participants, allowing for the exploration of diverse perspectives, experiences, and perceptions related to the program interventions. 

The endline survey will follow the same methodology as the baseline of 2023, ensuring that the data collected are comparable to those collected before. The qualitative approach will employ purposeful sampling techniques to ensure the inclusion of stakeholders who possess valuable insights relevant to the evaluation objectives. This approach will enable the selection of participants based on their relevance to the evaluation goals, ensuring diversity in geographic representation, stakeholder roles, and demographic characteristics.

The planned FGDs and KIIs are as follows: 

Table 1: FGD sample and distribution across Sphere final evaluation locations

Table 2: Sphere final evaluation KII categories and samples

The consultant may recommend additional people for KIIs and FGDs based on the evaluation questions listed to SPHERE’ s for inclusion. 

Data Collection Methodology

• CRS will develop HH survey questionnaires to collect information on the indicators listed for each sector.  Enumerators from the target communities of SPHERE will be engaged to collect quantitative data using electronic devices and CommCare tools.
• Enumerators will be trained on the study methodology, the survey questionnaire and informed consent procedures, and the use of Commcare. CRS will train the enumerators on the use of electronic devices to ensure a common understanding and avoid any input bias. 
• The evaluation team will take responsibility for the development and implementation of tools for FGDs and KIIs including interview and discussion guides and note-taking tools. Team members will be supervised to facilitate and record FGDs and KIIs with consistency, accuracy and cultural sensitivity to foster open communication and trust-building among participants.

Data Anaylsis

• The analysis will be done based on both the primary and the secondary data provided by the CRS MEAL team.
• The analysis will be carried out in MaxQDA, SPSS or STATA, will be largely descriptive and will be conducted by reviewing sub-group text for patterns, consistencies, and inconsistencies (e.g., between men and women or by age group). In addition to descriptive analysis, statistical tests, such as chi-square tests or t-tests, will be employed to examine relationships and differences between variables.
• Analysis results will also be disaggregated by location and gendered HH types, or any other attribute specified in the respective PIRS.  The consultant will produce output of analysis in tables, graphs, or charts in addition to the comprehensive analysis syntax that can independently be re-applied to the dataset for verification or other purposes. Furthermore, the consultant will be required to compare the endline analysis to baseline data to identify statistically significant changes over time.
• The consultant will also be required to develop a Power BI report that shows a snapshot of key results from the endline assessment. 
• FGDs and KIIs will be recorded with participants' consent and transcribed accurately to preserve the integrity of qualitative data. The information obtained from FGDs and KIIs whether collected through physical note-taking or digital recording, will be transcribed verbatim. Inductive codes will be generated using emerging themes and patterns. The qualitative data will be systematically organized and cataloged using internationally recognized standards to facilitate easy retrieval, analysis, and interpretation.
• Recurring themes, patterns, and trends will be identified and synthesized to generate meaningful insights and interpretations. These qualitative insights will be integrated into evaluation reports alongside quantitative findings, enhancing the richness and depth of the analysis and recommendations presented.
• The initial sample size was further adjusted to 381 to account for an anticipated non-response rate of 20%.  The sample size will be distributed based on the number of households in 14 wurno communities (9) five wamako communities (5) and Koko Besse (6).
• Based on the respondent types, each multi-sectoral Endline survey will include 381 participants (Each LGA) from the following sectors/sector groups; Food assistance/ Nutrition and WaSH. 

Kyauatata Rayuwa Communities

Table 1: Sample Size

• This is to capture an adequate and representative size of the participants of both sectors/groups. The number of registered participants is not equal across the political wards.
• The calculated sample size for the two sector-based surveys will be proportionally distributed according to respective population of registered program participants in each ward.
• The sampling frame will be the total participant population registered in project SPHERE’s database for each sector or sector groups for each survey. The database will include a unique identification for each household, demographic data, contact information, among other information.  
• Two key informant interviews will be conducted per community with two purposively selected individuals (one community leader and one women Leader). The consultant may recommend additional key informants in his/her scope of work. 

Data Collection Methodology

• Household survey questionnaires will be developed to collect information on the indicators listed for the respective sectors above.
• Enumerators will be hired to collect quantitative data. The household survey questionnaires will be administered by the enumerators using electronic devices(tablets/Phones) with CommCare application.
• Enumerators will be trained on the study methodology, the survey questionnaire and informed consent procedures. CRS’s ICT4D team will train the enumerators on the use of electronic devices to ensure a common understanding and avoid any input bias. The data will be downloaded as an excel file format and prepared for analysis. 

Data Analysis:

• The analysis will be done based on both the primary collected and the secondary data provided by CRS MEAL team. The analysis, which will carried out in Excel, or SPSS, will be largely descriptive and will be conducted by reviewing sub-group text for patterns, consistencies, and inconsistencies (e.g., between men and women or by age group).  Analysis results will also be disaggregated results by location and gendered household types, or any other attribute specified in the respective PIRS.  An output of analysis in tables, graphs, or charts in addition to the comprehensive analysis syntax that can independently be re-applied to the dataset for verification or other purposes. 

Evaluation Team Compositions

• The evaluation is expected to be conducted by the MEAL team.  The MEAL lead will oversee the execution of the entire evaluation process in partnership with JDPC staff Sokoto. 
• The MEAL Officer will provide the overall coordination of the evaluation, checking quality and compliance issues to the CRS and evaluation guidelines.
• The lead will work with support from enumerators engaged by CRS to collect the Endline data. To allow better collaboration, all actors involved in the Endline evaluation will have clear roles and responsibilities outlined in the section below. 

Roles and Responsibilities  
 MEAL Officer Responsibilities: 
 The officer will be responsible for the following: 

• Review project documents, records and existing dataset and design a ToR that details the evaluation matrix and methodology, comprehensive and costed plan for the evaluation tasks. 
• Design the Endline evaluation survey instruments, including the household questionnaire, a plan for the supervision and application of quality control checks during the data collection. 
• Design a detailed sampling plan including sampling methodology. 
• Develop the protocols and instructions along with a training and instruction manual for the study enumerators. 
• Lead the training of data collection teams in all components of the assessment and sampling methodology (i.e., data collection, questionnaire design, sampling, data analysis and tabulation); 
• Develop a draft report highlighting the assessment objectives, methodologies, data collection techniques, main findings. 
• Design a detailed final report of the evaluation that incorporates all comments raised from the program staff, stakeholders, CRS regional technical advisors as well as LDSC. 

 Program Team & Partners: 

• Review and approve the ToR
• Review and provide feedback on data collection tools. 
• Provide feedback and recommendations on draft evaluation report 
• Facilitate community entry at intervention communities 
• Process the payment of the evaluators after submission and approval of each deliverable agreed  
• Regularly update evaluator on security context and associated risks for completing the evaluation.  

Evaluation Team Deliverables 

• All reports and other deliverables must be completed in the language that was originally agreed, be free of typos or grammatical errors, and be ready for publication. This means the document contains no factual errors or inaccuracies and citations are properly used. 
• Final copies of all quantitative data collection tools. 
• Completed copies of survey questionnaires, consent forms, and qualitative notes.
• Draft and final reports for the evaluation
• Soft copies of presentations and the Power BI dashboard developed and delivered during dissemination events 

Reporting and Dissemination Plan
Evaluation report:

• The full report should not exceed 15 pages, excluding title page, list of acronyms, table of contents and annexes. The report should be structured in accordance with the following guidelines: 
• Cover Page
• List of Acronyms 
• Table of Contents which identifies page numbers for the major content areas of the report. 
• Executive Summary (1 page) should provide an accurate reflection of the most critical elements of the report, including the evaluation purpose and questions, background information, methods, limitations, findings, recommendations, and conclusions. It should only include information found elsewhere in the evaluation report. 
• abular summary of results presenting Endline findings in table form against the program indicators included in the ITT. 
•  ntroduction: Describe the project’s scope, locations, timing of Endline data collection. This should include the objectives of the study  
• Methodology: sampling method including strengths and weaknesses of method used, confidence intervals, inclusion/role of stakeholders and staff, rough schedule of activities, description of any statistical analysis undertaken, including justification and software package used.  The discussion of any random sampling used should include details on how the random respondents were identified and invited to participate.  This section should also address constraints and limitations of the evaluation process and rigor.  The methodology section should also include a detailed description of data collection techniques used throughout the evaluation. 
• Detailed Findings: A presentation of the findings in response to Endline questions, and the program objectives, as appropriate. Endline values must be presented in quantitative format as required by the ITT, complemented by descriptive analysis. 
• Synthesis and Programmatic Implications: Additional analysis of the data and results, drawing out programmatic and organizational recommendations, lessons learned, and best practices for planning or modifying program design. Everything presented in this section must be directly linked back to the information presented in the Results section of the report.  Recommendations must be relevant to program and context and must include concrete and realistic steps for implementing or applying the recommendation. Recommendations that are not directly tied to Results can be included in an Evaluator Comments section of the report. 
•  Report Annexes:  
  • Updated Indicator Performance Tracking Table (ITT) 
  • List of stakeholder group consulted with number, type and date of interactions 
  • Data collection instruments in English, including developed and used 
  • Photos 
  • TOR 
  • Other special documentation identified as necessary or useful. 

Dissemination Plan - Key Audience and Uses
All evaluation findings will be communicated to key stakeholders. The table below includes a summary of how findings will be communicated to different stakeholders. In addition, as per the MPP 3.6 CRS will post the Endline report to Gateway within 90 days of the end of data collection activities. 

VII. Evaluation Calendar

Ethical Considerations
The Consultant team will document written or verbal consent from adult respondents prior to data collection. The consent prior to data collection will state the: 

• Purposes and objectives of the evaluation. 
• Purely voluntary nature of participation. 
• What data is being collected. 
• How this data will be used;
• How long data will be kept; 
• Who data will be shared with; and      
• How respondent confidentiality will be maintained. 

Personally identifiable information (PII) will only be stored on secured and encrypted servers. PII will not be included in the final report, nor will drafts including PII be shared through insecure channels. Data will be collected and managed in alignment with CRS’s Responsible Data Values and Principles. 

Budget and Disbursement 

• The financial proposal should include consultant fee, lodging (accommodation), DSA, transportation and enumerators’ allowances and all other associated field costs related to this assignment.
• All applicable taxes will be deducted at source following extant financial laws and regulations in Nigeria. CRS shall disburse 40% of the total agreed amount to the consultant upon submission of the inception report; the balance split of 60% will be paid against the submission and approval of the final report by CRS and the donor. CRS will not bear any financial liability more than the above amount. 

Required Qualifications
Lead Evaluator:

• Post graduate qualification in development studies, monitoring and evaluation, statistics, economics, sociology, international development or a related field. 
• Extensive knowledge of evaluating multisectoral projects in emergencies and previous work experience of humanitarian programming Northeast Nigeria. 
•  At least five years’ experience in conducting evaluations in complex and insecure environments 
• Experience in evaluating LDSC/USAID funded humanitarian projects is an added advantage. 
• Extensive experience in evaluating multi-sectoral programs implemented through multiple partners. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and oral fluency in Hausa. Previous experience working in Sokoto/Kebbi or Northwest Nigeria would be an added advantage. 
• Extensive knowledge of qualitative and quantitative data collection methods and analytical methods and techniques. 
• Experience in generating strategic, informative, and action-oriented recommendations to CRS project staff and strategic management. 

Technical and Financial Evaluation
Consultant Evaluation & Scoring Matrix

Application Closing Date
20th October 2026 (Before 5pm).

Method of Application
Interested and qualified Consultants / firms should submit their Technical and Financial Proposal through: tenders.ngr@crs.org using "(NG20581 – SPHERE Endline Evaluation)" as the subject of the mail.
 

Application Procedure
Required Documents:
Interested individual consultants'/consultancy firms are requested to submit the following documents:

• Updated CV(s) of the proposed consultant(s)/key personnel.

Brief Technical Proposal, including:

• Understanding of the ToR (maximum 3 pages).
• Proposed methodology and approach.
• Professional profile highlighting key areas of expertise and experience and how they match the requirements specified in these ToRs
• Key activities and deliverables.
• Tentative work plan and timeline; and
• Evidence of relevant experience in similar assignments done in the past.
• Links to at least three recent examples of relevant work, and the contact details for three professional references. 

Detailed Financial Proposal, clearly indicating the proposed professional fees and other applicable costs, as relevant.

• Copies of applicable legal and statutory documents, including:
• Evidence of Company/Firm Registration (CAC Certificate)
• Updated tax clearance certificate.
• Other relevant registration/legal documents, as applicable.

Note

• For any inquiries, please feel free to reach out via: nigeriaprocurement2@crs.org copying: nura.sadiq@crs.org on or before 13th October, 2026 (5pm) feedbacks will be provided between 14th to 16th October 2026.
• All bidders have the right to fair and equal treatment throughout the procurement process. If at any point you believe you have been treated unfairly, subjected to unethical conduct, or exposed to a conflict of interest, you are encouraged to report your concerns. 
• Reports can be submitted confidentially and without fear of retaliation to the following contact(s): 
  • Email: alert@crs.org 
  • Hotline: +234 800 2300 230 and +234 800 888 0888 (NE) 
• All reports will be treated with strict confidentiality and addressed in accordance with our organization’s ethics and procurement integrity policies.