TERMS OF REFERENCE
Consultancy for Endline Evaluation of the Building Resilient Communities: Integrated Climate Adaptation and Conflict Mitigation in Nigeria’s Middle-Belt Region (BRIDGE) Project
Location: Benue and Plateau States, Nigeria
Date: March 2026
1. Context
Crest Research and Development Institute (CRADI) is an independent, non-profit research institute with a profound commitment to enhancing the human condition through evidence-based research, human capital development, and developmental aid. Our core mission is to advance humanity through research, sustainable development, and learning, guided by a multidisciplinary, community-oriented, and ethics-driven approach.
2. The Project
The Building Resilient Communities: Integrated Climate Adaptation and Conflict Mitigation in Nigeria’s Middle-Belt Region (BRIDGE) Project is an eight-month initiative (August 2025 – March 2026) implemented by CRADI in partnership with the Federal College of Land Resources Technology (FECOLART), with funding from FCDO’s SPRiNG programme. The project addresses the dual challenges of climate-induced vulnerabilities and natural resource-based tensions in Plateau and Benue States, Nigeria.
These states face increasing risks from climate shocks such as droughts and floods, alongside resource scarcity and weak governance systems that strain relationships between sedentary farming communities and nomadic pastoralist groups. The Middle Belt’s predominantly agrarian population faces compounded effects of climate change, with significant portions of communities affected by flooding, erratic rainfall, and drought. Critically, a majority of community members identify climate change as a driver of conflict, establishing a clear climate-conflict nexus.
The project targets three Local Government Areas: Jos North and Bokkos in Plateau State, and Buruku in Benue State. These locations were selected to balance urban and rural dynamics and ensure contextually grounded, locally owned interventions. Particular attention is given to women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs), ensuring their voices shape both implementation and outcomes.
The project is structured around three interconnected
objectives:
Objective 1: Strengthen community-based platforms for climate-sensitive natural resource governance and early response to climate-induced risks.
Objective 2: Promote equitable and climate-adaptive use of natural resources among farmers and pastoralists.
Objective 3: Improve community access to real-time climate-related early warning information and strengthen local awareness of resilience mechanisms.
The project adopted a series of approaches tailored to each target LGA’s specific needs and contexts, recognizing significant differences between Buruku (where collective action is more advanced but security challenges are severe), Bokkos (where displacement and complete breakdown of trust require intensive intervention), and Jos North (where dialogue platforms are more functional but infrastructure damage limits resilience).
The project is underpinned by the following theory of change:
If agricultural and pastoralist communities are equipped with gender-responsive, conflict-sensitive training and participatory tools that enable them to adopt climate-resilient and sustainable natural resource management practices, and if these communities are granted access to inclusive Local Dialogue Platforms (LDPs) and are supported by functional Community-Based Early Warning Systems (CBEWS); and if marginalized groups, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities, are intentionally involved in land use planning, local adaptation initiatives, and climate policy dialogues; and if local government institutions, civil society organizations, and media actors are capacitated to operate transparently, engage inclusively, and remain accountable to communities,
Then communities will be better positioned to manage the shocks and stresses brought on by climate variability, environmental degradation, and resource-based conflict. Relationships between farmers and pastoralists will improve through inclusive dialogue and shared problem-solving. Access to early warning systems and collaborative planning mechanisms will enable stakeholders to anticipate and respond to crises before they escalate.
Trust and cooperation will deepen as diverse groups, particularly marginalized populations, are included in decision-making and conflict resolution processes. This will foster greater social cohesion, strengthen local ownership of solutions, and improve equitable access to natural resources.
Because climate vulnerability, resource scarcity, and social exclusion are deeply interconnected, addressing fragility requires holistic, locally driven, and adaptive strategies. Top-down or narrowly focused interventions often fail to tackle the structural and relational drivers of conflict and vulnerability. However, when communities are meaningfully engaged through inclusive dialogue platforms, early warning structures, and participatory policy advocacy, they are more likely to adopt climate-smart, equitable, and peaceful approaches to resource management. Locally anchored processes build legitimacy, reinforce accountability, and ensure that governance structures reflect real-world challenges and community priorities, resulting in more durable, context-relevant solutions and stronger social fabrics.
3. Evaluation Purpose and Key Questions
Purpose
The purpose of this endline evaluation is to independently assess the performance and results of the BRIDGE Project at completion, measure changes against baseline values, and generate evidence-based lessons and recommendations to inform future programming and potential scale-up.
Lines of Inquiry
The evaluation will pursue five interconnected lines of inquiry; each explored through detailed research questions organized by OECD DAC criteria.
- Performance Assessment: Evaluate the project’s relevance, effectiveness, impact, and sustainability
- Progress Measurement: Assess changes against the baseline indicators
- Change Documentation: Identify and verify significant changes through Outcome Harvesting
- Media Effectiveness: Evaluate the reach and influence of BRIDGE-supported media messaging
- Learning and Recommendations: Document lessons learned and actionable insights for future programming
4. Geographic Locations
This study will be conducted in the three Local Government Areas where the BRIDGE Project was implemented, with specific attention to priority communities identified in the baseline climate risk and stakeholder mapping assessment.
In Plateau State:
Jos North LGA: Priority communities that must be included in the sampling framework are Yelwan Zangam, which was identified as the primary hotspot due to devastating floods and critical infrastructure damage; Hwol Zangam and the Bauchi Road area, both of which face severe flooding challenges that have displaced households and destroyed property; and Tudun Wada and Maza, which require attention for drought mitigation and water harvesting support.
Bokkos LGA: Priority communities include Mushere, including the IDP camps, where communities have experienced complete displacement and compound crisis requiring integrated humanitarian recovery, peacebuilding, and livelihood restart programs. Other priority communities in Bokkos include Daffo, Mangor, and Butura, all of which face severe climate-conflict dynamics with significant displacement and livelihood destruction, as well as Tangur and Kwatas, which struggle with water scarcity, hunger, and insecurity that prevent safe farming.
In Benue State:
Buruku LGA: Priority focus on Mbaya and Mbalagh, which experience the most severe combination of annual flooding and intense farmer-herder conflict. Also included are Binev, Etulo which faces acute drought pressures and high levels of farmer-herder tension, and Mbaapen, including Buruku Township, which experiences similar drought pressures and tension dynamics.
Across all three LGAs, the sampling framework will ensure that these priority communities are adequately represented, enabling the evaluation to capture the full range of project experiences and outcomes in the locations where needs were greatest and interventions most concentrated.
Stakeholders of interest include farmers, pastoralists, Local Dialogue Platform (LDP) members, women, youth, persons with disabilities, traditional leaders, local government officials, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) representatives, civil society organizations, and media actors.
5. Methodology and Data Collection Tools
The consultant will propose and design a rigorous, participatory, and context-sensitive methodology for conducting the endline evaluation, Outcome Harvesting, and listenership survey. This will be submitted in the expression of interest but will be discussed during an expectation meeting, adjusted, and agreed upon before the commencement of the consultancy.
Thereafter, the consultant will submit an inception report which must clearly explain why the proposed methodology is the most appropriate to achieve the study objectives. The report must clarify the different tools that will be used and how each contributes to meeting the established lines of inquiry. In addition, ‘Do No Harm’ strategies, conflict sensitivity approaches, and strategies for inclusive participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities must be clearly stated.
The final methodology and tools will be approved by CRADI’s MERL Manager before data collection begins. CRADI will participate in the training of data collectors and intermittently visit to supervise data collection in the field.
Proposed Methodological Approach
The evaluation will employ a mixed-methods approach combining:
A. Survey
B. Outcome Harvesting
C. Key Informant Interviews (KIIs): Interviews with traditional leaders, LDP chairs, local government officials, NiMET representatives, CSO partners, media actors, women leaders, youth leaders, and PWD representatives.
D. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs): With farmers (male), farmers (female), pastoralists, women, youth, PWDs, LDP members, and Early Warning Subcommittee members.
E. Listenership Survey: Survey to assess media reach, recall, comprehension, trust, relevance, and behavioral response.
F. Case Study Documentation: Development of case studies of significant change, using the Most Significant Change technique where appropriate and including diverse voices.
G. Document Review: Analysis of all project documents.
Inclusion and Ethical Protocols
• Minimum 50% women across all qualitative methods
• Minimum 10% PWDs
• Youth representation proportionate to population
• Separate FGDs for farmers and pastoralists, where mixed groups could create tension
• Gender-balanced data collectors’ teams
• Accessible venues and communication formats for PWDs
• Informed consent, confidentiality, and Do No Harm principles strictly observed
6. Deliverables
CRADI expects the following deliverables from the external consultant(s) as they correspond to the timeline and budget:
Deliverable Description
Inception Report Detailing the methodology for endline evaluation, Outcome Harvesting, and listenership survey; data collection tools; sampling framework; ethical protocols; and timelines
Training of Data Collectors: Training session for data collectors on tools, protocols, and conflict sensitivity
Supervision of Data Collection Oversight of all fieldwork activities.
Debrief Presentation Presentation after data collection to present preliminary findings, trends, and agree on report structure.
Clean Datasets All original quantitative and qualitative data submitted to CRADI.
Draft Endline Report Comprehensive draft in English for review by CRADI staff and partners.
Final Endline Report Final report in English (40-50 pages max, excluding appendices) consistent with CRADI’s standards, including: executive summary, introduction, methodology, findings by objective (with LGA-disaggregated analysis), conclusions, recommendations, and indicator table showing baseline and endline values
Outcome Booklet Curated case studies and success stories (10-15 pages, designed for dissemination)
PowerPoint Presentation Slides (15-20 slides max) summarizing methodology, findings, and recommendations 2-Page Summary Separate document with key findings for quick dissemination.
Report Requirements
The final report must:
• Provide a clear connection between the baseline context assessment and endline results
• Articulate the project’s Theory of Change and assess its validity
• Fully explain objectives, research questions, limitations, and methods
• Present findings structured around evaluation objectives and OECD DAC criteria
• Include LGA-disaggregated analysis for all indicators
• Ensure recommendations have clear audiences and are specific, accessible, and actionable
• Include indicator table showing baseline and endline values
• Appendices to include detailed research instruments, list of interviewees, terms of reference, and brief biography of evaluator(s)
Logistical Support
The consultant(s) will be responsible for organizing their own logistics for data collection (vehicles, fuel, drivers, data collectors per diems, etc.), and this must be budgeted into the study. CRADI will provide support in arranging community access and mobilization through local facilitators.
CRADI’s MERL team will be available to supervise the process of data collection and provide technical guidance as needed.
Data Quality Assurance and Management
The endline process will be reviewed at each stage and approved by CRADI’s MERL Manager prior to acceptance of the final report.
The inception report detailing the proposed method, evaluation matrix, sampling framework, and work plan must be approved by CRADI before commencing data collection. All data collection tools will be pre-tested and refined based on field experience.
Draft reports will be reviewed, and feedback incorporated before finalization and sign-off. CRADI will provide written feedback within one week of receiving draft deliverables.
All data and materials collected in the course of this study must be safely stored and handed over to CRADI at the end of the study. Submitted proposals should include plans on how the study will manage data throughout to ensure data quality and maintain confidentiality, including:
• Secure data storage protocols
• Anonymization of personal identifiers
• Backup procedures
• Data retention and disposal plans
Quality control measures during fieldwork will include:
• Real-time monitoring of data collection through KoboToolbox
• Daily spot checks by field supervisors
• Review of a random sample of completed surveys for consistency
• Daily debrief sessions with data collectors
7. Key Deliverables and Timeline
This study is expected to take place from March 10th to April 10th, 2026, with all final deliverables submitted by April 10th, 2026.
Phase Activity Days Timeline
1: Inception Desk review, methodology refinement, tool development, inception report 5 Days 1-5
CRADI approval of inception report 2 Days 6-7
2: Fieldwork survey enumeration, KIIs, FGDs, outcome harvesting interviews, listenership survey 5 Days 8-13
Data quality checks (ongoing)
3: Analysis Quantitative and qualitative analysis, outcome verification, draft report preparation 7 Days 14-21
4: Validation Validation workshop, stakeholder feedback 3 Days 22-24
5: Finalization Final report revision, Outcome Booklet development, final deliverables submission 5 Days 25-30
Total: 30 calendar days
- Inception Report
- A comprehensive Endline Evaluation Report
- A PowerPoint presentation of key findings and recommendations
- An Outcome Booklet containing curated case studies and success stories derived from the harvesting process, suitable for learning and dissemination
- Completed Fieldwork
- Validation Workshop
- Clean Datasets
- 2-page Summary
Final deadlines will be agreed with CRADI upon finalization of the contract.
Budget
A detailed budget should be provided, including:
• Daily rates for personnel (consultant fees)
• Costs related to data collection (data collectors fees, per diems, transportation, accommodation)
• Data analysis and report production costs
• Validation workshop expenses
• Any other direct costs
The budget should include all planned costs for the study, as no additional costs will be borne by CRADI.
Payment schedule will be linked to deliverables, typically structured as:
• 30% upon approval of inception report
• 40% upon submission of draft report
• 30% upon approval of final deliverables
Requirements of Consultant
The following skills and experience are expected:
Essential Qualifications
1. Proven experience in Outcome Harvesting: Demonstrated experience designing and conducting Outcome Harvesting evaluations, including outcome identification, verification, and contribution analysis. Sample outcome descriptions required.
2. Mixed-methods evaluation expertise: Minimum 7 years experience conducting evaluations in development/humanitarian contexts, with strong skills in both quantitative and qualitative methods.
3. Media/listenership assessment experience: Demonstrated experience designing and implementing media effectiveness surveys, including reach, resonance, and response measurement.
4. Climate resilience and conflict sensitivity: Strong understanding of climate adaptation, natural resource governance, and conflict-sensitive programming, preferably in the Middle Belt or similar contexts.
5. Contextual knowledge: Familiarity with Plateau and Benue States, including farmer-pastoralist dynamics, governance structures, and cultural norms strongly preferred.
6. Inclusion expertise: Demonstrated commitment to gender equality and social inclusion, with experience engaging women, youth, and PWDs in evaluation processes.
7. Analytical and writing skills: Excellent analytical skills and proven ability to produce high-quality, accessible reports in English.
8. Language skills: Proficiency in English required; working knowledge of Hausa, Tiv, or Berom strongly preferred.
Ethical Principles
The consultant is required to respect the following ethical principles:
Comprehensive and systematic inquiry: The consultant should make the most of existing information and engage the full range of stakeholders. The consultant should conduct systematic, data-based inquiries, communicate methods accurately and in sufficient detail, and make clear the limitations of the review and its results.
Competence: The consultant should possess the abilities, skills, and experience appropriate to undertake the tasks proposed and should practice within the limits of professional training and competence.
Honesty and integrity: The consultant should be transparent about any conflict of interest, any changes made in the negotiated project plan and the reasons for those changes, and any risk that certain procedures or activities might produce misleading information.
Respect for people: The consultant should respect the security, dignity, and self-worth of respondents and program participants. The consultant has the responsibility to be sensitive to and respect differences amongst participants in culture, religion, gender, disability, age, and ethnicity.
Do No Harm: All activities must be designed and implemented to avoid exacerbating tensions, reinforcing inequalities, or provoking negative sentiments.
8. Selection Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Criteria Weight
Relevance of proposed methodology to the goal, objectives, and research questions 40%
Quality of proposed methods, Outcome Harvesting approach, conflict sensitivity, and quality control measures 30%
Qualifications and experience of candidate(s) 15%
Proposed budget in relation to proposed methodology, deliverables, and team 10%
Timeline for proposed activities 5%
Application Requirements
To apply, interested candidates (individuals or teams) are requested to submit a single PDF document containing:
1. Technical Proposal (maximum 10 pages) including:
- Understanding of the ToR and evaluation context
- Proposed methodology, with detailed Outcome Harvesting approach
- Sampling strategy
- Data collection methods and tools (indicative)
- Quality assurance measures
- Ethical and conflict sensitivity protocols
- Team composition and roles (if firm)
- Workplan and timeline
2. Financial Proposal including:
- Detailed budget with breakdown by activity
- All applicable taxes clearly indicated
- Payment schedule (tied to deliverables)
3. Curriculum Vitae of proposed consultant(s) or key team members (max 3 pages each)
4. Sample Report of a similar assignment (Outcome Harvesting or mixed-methods evaluation in climate/conflict context)
9. References (minimum 3) with contact information
NB: All documents should be merged and uploaded as a single PDF document.
Applications must be submitted on or before February 25, 2026 (11:59 PM WAT)
Click here to apply.
⚠️ Applications not submitted as a single PDF document will not be considered.
Late submissions will not be accepted. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.