Terms of Reference: External Evaluation
of Strategic Plan and Programme Implementation 2022–2025
1. INTRODUCTION
Black Sash seeks to commission an independent external evaluation of its Strategic Plan (2021–2024) and programme implementation to assess achievements, challenges, and lessons learned over the past four years. This evaluation will provide a critical review of the organisation’s impact, effectiveness, and efficiency and recommendations to inform the next strategic planning cycle.
2. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this evaluation is to systematically review the implementation and outcomes of Black Sash’s 2022 – 2025 Strategic Plan to inform future strategic direction.
The specific evaluation objectives are:
- Strategic Performance Review: Assess the extent to which Black Sash has achieved its strategic objectives and how these have contributed to realising the organisation’s mission and vision.
- Programme Effectiveness: Evaluate the impact, relevance, efficiency, and sustainability of Black Sash’s programmes and advocacy efforts.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Examine the effectiveness of Black Sash’s partnerships, collaborations, and engagement with civil society, government, and communities.
- Organisational Capacity: Assess the internal structures, board, resources, and operational effectiveness in delivering on strategic priorities.
- Lessons Learned: Identify key challenges, successes, and lessons that can inform improvements for the next strategic planning cycle.
- Recommendations: Provide actionable recommendations for strengthening Black Sash’s strategy, programme implementation, and organisational effectiveness.
3. SCOPE OF WORK
The evaluation will cover the period from January 2022 to March 2025 and will assess Black Sash’s work at the national level and across its four regional offices. Key areas of focus include:
3.1 Strategic Plan Review
- Analyse whether key strategic objectives were achieved, partially achieved, or not achieved and examine the contributing factors to the result.
- Assess whether the strategic priorities remained relevant and adaptable to changes in the socio-political and economic landscape.
3.2 Programme Implementation and Impact
- Evaluate the effectiveness and impact of Black Sash’s programmes, advocacy initiatives, and campaigns, particularly in our community-based monitoring work and other programmes.
- Assess whether programme interventions contributed to policy change, public awareness, or improved service delivery.
- Review the reach and influence of Black Sash’s community-based work, including training and legal empowerment initiatives.
3.3 Organisational Effectiveness and Culture
- Assess Black Sash’s internal capacity, staffing, governance, and resource allocation in achieving strategic goals.
- Examine financial sustainability and donor relationships in supporting programme delivery.
- Examine the internal culture of Black Sash
3.4 Stakeholder Engagement and Partnersπhips
- Analyse the effectiveness of Black Sash’s engagement with government, civil society organisations, funders, and community partners.
- Evaluate how partnerships have contributed to policy influence, advocacy impact, and service delivery improvements.
3.5 Lessons Learned and Recommendations
- Identify major successes, challenges, and opportunities that emerged during the strategic period.
- Provide recommendations for strengthening programme design and future strategic priorities.
- Offer guidance on best practices for advocacy, stakeholder collaboration, monitoring and evaluation and programme sustainability.
4. METHODOLOGY
The evaluation should be participatory, evidence-based, and gender-sensitive, using both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The evaluator will be expected to use the following approaches:
4.1 Data Collection Methods
- Desk Review: Review internal reports, policy documents, programme evaluations, financial reports, and external publications.
- Key Informant Interviews (KIIs): Engage Black Sash staff, trustees, funders, policymakers, and civil society partners.
- Focus Group Discussions (FGDs): Conduct FGDs with community-based paralegals, beneficiaries, and grassroots organisations.
- Case Studies: Document significant impact stories that illustrate programme success or lessons learned.
5. DELIVERABLES AND TIMELINE
The selected evaluator will be responsible for delivering the following outputs:
| Deliverable | Description | Timeline |
| Inception Report | Outlining methodology, evaluation framework, work plan, and data collection tools. | Within 2 weeks of contract signing |
| Draft Evaluation Report | A detailed report with findings and preliminary recommendations. | Within 10 weeks |
| Presentation of Findings | A session to present key insights to Black Sash’s Board and staff, allowing for discussion and feedback. | Within 10 weeks |
| Final Evaluation Report | A comprehensive report incorporating feedback, including actionable recommendations for the next strategic cycle. | Within 12 weeks |
6. DURATION AND TIMELINE
The evaluation should commence as soon as possible and be concluded within three months from contract agreement date.
7. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
The ideal consultant or evaluation team should have:
- A strong track record in conducting evaluations for civil society, human rights, or social justice organisations.
- Expertise in programme evaluation, strategic planning, and impact assessment.
- Knowledge of social protection, advocacy, governance, and community-based legal empowerment.
- Experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods, data analysis, and participatory approaches.
- Ability to produce high-quality reports with clear findings and actionable recommendations.
- Familiarity with the South African policy and socio-economic context.
8. APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested individuals or organisations should submit a technical and financial proposal including:
- A cover letter detailing relevant experience and approach to the evaluation.
- A proposed methodology, timeline, and work plan.
- A detailed budget, including professional fees and any anticipated costs. Please assume 40 person days for budgeting purposes. Forty days is estimated. This might change, in negotiation.
- CVs of key team members.
- At least two references and examples of previous evaluation reports conducted.
Submission Deadline:
Proposals should be submitted via email to jacques@blacksash.org.za no later than Friday, 11 April 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to make presentations, via video conference, to the selection committee between 22nd and 25th April 2025.
9. MANAGEMENT AND REPORTING
The selected evaluator will report to the Executive Director of Black Sash and work closely with a designated Evaluation Steering Committee, which will provide oversight and guidance throughout the evaluation process.
