Christian Aid (CA) in Ghana responded to the European Union (EU) call titled: Ghana - Non-State Actors and Local Authorities in Development Actions in partner country.  The action aimed at promoting an inclusive and empowered Ghana with a specific objective of having citizens in 18 districts across Ghana exercise increased influence over local government policy, particularly around taxation. This was in line with Christian Aid’s aim of looking at the role of tax in development and democracy, as well as supporting partners to be more involved in discussions around tax collection and utilisation. It was also in line with the need for considerable capacity development, to ensure tax policies are pro-poor, transparent and accountable and that the revenue generated is making a difference in poor people’s lives.

The project was also developed on the initiative of the implementing partners; the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) and Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), and intended to build on on-going governance work in the specific locations and a desire to step up work on governance, young people and tax. Capacity-development activities in revenue mobilisation, governance, and taxation and action research were used to inform citizens and communities about their rights and responsibilities and also to help them understand government policies and their implications for poverty and inequality. The establishment and institutionalisation of forums and networks for dialogue and training for officials in engagement, taxation and other issues reinforced linkages and partnerships between Non-State Actors (NSA) and Local Authorities. Action-learning activities contributed to the identification of a more comprehensive and harmonised approach to participation in local service delivery and general governance performance at local level,  encouraging district authorities’ accountability on local public spending in the target locations. Cross-cutting themes of gender were also incorporated in the project, in order to specifically target women entrepreneurs, as well as activities that increased women’s representation and participation in the Governance Issues Forum Network (GIFNets)

Key project information

The Overall Objective of the project was: to support actions aimed at promoting an inclusive and empowered Ghana.

The Specific Objective of the project was: Citizens in 18 districts across Ghana exercise increased influence over local government policy, particularly around taxation and youth employment

The objectively verifiable indicators (OVIs) of achievement expected to be achieved at the Specific Objective level were:

•   By the end of 2014, 15 GIFNets report improved access to information sources on planning, budgeting and taxation issues;
•   By the end of 2014, at least 18 local government (1 per district) decisions regarding taxation, youth employment and any others, are successfully influenced and implemented across all the 18 districts;
•   By the end of 2014, at least 25% of communities targeted by GIFNet activities across all 18 target districts report improvement in access to services, including those focussed on youth employment;
•   By the end of 2014, 30 young people and participants undertaking the action-orientated research feeling that it has benefited them and their communities.

These were expected to be achieved by providing target groups with structures, skills, knowledge, innovative interaction mechanisms and south-to-south linkages required on both the supply and demand sides of governance.

The expected results of the action were:

Result 1: Citizens are mobilising around issues of public services and taxation and demand transparency and accountability in these areas

Result 2: Citizens are engaged in regular and successful interaction with their local authorities

Result 3: 18 GIFNets  and local authorities are collaborating to define and deliver tax and employment policies through an action-orientated research process

The total contract value was €658,163.01, of which EU financing accounts for 68%. The remaining 32% counterpart funding was provided by a combination of funding from the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and Christian Aid.

[1] As per the revised project logical framework (2013)

[2] ‘GIFNet’ is short for Governance Issues Forum Network which is an 11- member group made up of an executive committee, a lead focal NGO and other local community based organisation members including: teachers and people living with disability (PWD) associations; welfare organisations; and NGOs. The GIFNets operate as innovative integrative mechanism aiming to empower citizens to participate in decision making and development planning at the local and national levels.

Qualification Required & Experience

•   Christian Aid is looking for an experienced evaluator with a history of NGO programming and development work, including in remote communities, with in-depth knowledge of and expertise in governance.
•   He/She should have a good understanding of international aid. Experience in conducting/carrying out evaluations of development programmes, including those on civil society organisations and donor funded;
•   In-depth knowledge of civil society advocacy/governance programmes and a good understanding of European Commission development policies, procedures, practices and programming cycle are considered major advantages.
•   Fluency in written and spoken English is required

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

The expression of interest must include a brief proposal (2 to 5 pages) defining the methodology for achieving the objectives, scope and output of the assignment as specified herein, a preliminary work plan for completing the assignment, and proposed fees. The proposal should, at a minimum, address the core issues to be evaluated.

Interested individuals or firms should contact Jonathan Agbezuge for the full terms of reference by sending a request to:- jagbezuge@christian-aid.org  and an expression of interest and CV of not more than 5 pages.

Closing Date: 30 August, 2014