Project overview

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) received a three-year grant from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) to strengthen regional capacities for conflict prevention, peacebuilding, the rule of law and democratic governance in Eastern Africa and the Great Lakes. The project ran from 1 December 2022 to 30 November 2025. The grant was implemented by the East Africa Peace and Security Governance project in the ISS Nairobi office.

Project objective

The objective was to contribute towards two strategic outcomes:

• Enhanced knowledge and understanding of the threat to peace and security in East Africa and the Great Lakes among relevant regional stakeholders
• Improved national and regional cooperative capacities to address threats to peace and security, prevent conflict and enhance community security

Purpose of the evaluation

The purpose of this evaluation is to establish the extent to which the project achieved its objectives and contributed to its two strategic outcomes. The evaluation should assess the project’s performance, identify key successes, challenges and lessons learned, and reflect on whether the intended objectives were achieved. The findings will guide the ISS in identifying recommendations for future programming.

Specific tasks

• Evaluate the suitability, timeliness, effectiveness and efficiency of the project implementation
• Assess the appropriateness and relevance of the project goal, objectives, design and approaches used to achieve the desired change
• Assess the project's effectiveness in achieving the desired change and results, including the nature and extent of impact, and project achievements
• Assess the efficiency of the project in achieving the desired change
• Highlight challenges and opportunities presented by the project

Scope and methodology

The evaluation shall conform to the OECD/DAC Quality Standards for Development Evaluation. The evaluator shall also use the Sida OECD/DAC Glossary of Key Terms in Evaluation to ensure consistency in the interpretation and application of key evaluation concepts, including relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact and sustainability.

Deliverables

The consultant will submit a comprehensive evaluation report not exceeding 15 pages, excluding appendices, which includes evaluation methods used, findings, conclusions and recommendations.

• Inception report – evaluation design, tools and workplan (within first week)
• Draft evaluation report – for review by ISS and Sida
• Final evaluation report – incorporating feedback
• Presentation/validation workshop – to share findings and recommendations

The final evaluation report should include a dedicated section assessing how far the programme came in achieving its objectives and strategic outcomes, with evidence-based findings to inform ISS’ management response.

Required qualifications

The consultant should have a strong background in understanding the peace, security and governance landscape of East Africa and the Great Lakes Region, and should have the following qualifications and skills:

• Advanced university degree in development studies, international relations, political science, peace and conflict studies, or a related field
• At least seven years of experience in monitoring and evaluation of donor-funded projects
• Prior experience in and/or working in East Africa and the Great Lakes Region
• Familiarity with regional political and security issues, particularly in East Africa and the Great Lakes Region
• Excellent communication, time management and group facilitation skills
• Proven ability to synthesise complex, multi-sectoral discussions in real time

Duration and fees

Four weeks at an inclusive rate of USD 300 per day

The consultant will report to the ISS Regional Director for East Africa and coordinate directly with the ISS focal person for the East Africa Peace and Security Governance Project.

Ethical considerations

The evaluation must comply with ethical standards, including informed consent, confidentiality, respect for participants and avoidance of harm. The consultant should also disclose any potential conflicts of interest.

Please submit your proposal to [email protected] by 30 June 2026.