1.0 Background
The AECF is a leading development organization that supports innovative enterprises in the agribusiness and renewable energy sectors with the aim of reducing rural poverty, promoting climate-resilient communities, and creating jobs.
We catalyze the private sector by surfacing and commercializing new ideas, business models, and technologies designed to increase agricultural productivity, improve farmer incomes, expand clean energy access, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve resilience to the effects of climate change. We finance high-risk businesses that struggle to access commercial funding; we are committed to working in frontier markets, fragile contexts, and high-risk economies where few mainstream financing institutions dare to go.
To date, we have supported over 576 businesses in 26 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, impacted more than 36 million lives, and created over 38,000 direct jobs.
AECF is headquartered in Kenya and has offices in Côte d’Ivoire, Tanzania, Nigeria, South Sudan, Benin, and Somalia.
2.0 About the Investing in Women Program- South Sudan
Investing in Women South Sudan (IIW-SS) is a gender equality and economic inclusion initiative being implemented by The Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF) with funding from Global Affairs Canada (GAC). The project aims to economically empower women smallholder farmers, shea nut collectors, beekeepers, entrepreneurs, and employees working in the agricultural and natural resource sectors, specifically in the central and eastern Equatoria states, and to address the barriers that prevent women from fully participating in the priority agricultural value chains in South Sudan.
Women and girls in South Sudan face intersecting challenges driven by entrenched patriarchal norms, protracted conflict, economic instability, weak infrastructure, and limited access to productive resources. These constraints continue to limit women’s participation, agency, and economic outcomes within agricultural value chains. IIW-SS responds to these challenges by advancing three intermediate outcomes:
- Reducing gender-specific barriers for women’s participation in agricultural value chains.
- Increasing adoption of gender-sensitive climate-smart agricultural practices.
- Improving employment or livelihoods for women in agriculture and food systems.
3.0 Rationale for the assignment
As the IIW-SS programme approaches completion in July 2026, it is necessary to conduct an end-of-programme evaluation to assess performance against intended outcomes, document results achieved, and generate evidence of impact. The evaluation will generate credible findings on programme relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact and sustainability of the IIW-SS.
Specifically, the evaluation and report will:
-
- Assess the extent to which the IIW-SS programme achieved its intended outcomes and development impact, particularly in improving women’s incomes, leadership, decision-making power, and participation in agricultural value chains through supported private enterprises.
- Examine the appropriateness of the programme’s design and implementation, including how effectively it adapted to South Sudan’s evolving contextual, market, security, and institutional dynamics, and whether the interventions remained responsive to the needs of women farmers and women-led enterprises.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of blended finance and technical assistance in strengthening investee performance, resilience, and gender inclusivity of investee enterprises, and enabling these enterprises to sustainably engage women as producers, workers, suppliers, and leaders.
- Assess sustainability, scalability, and systemic change potential within the sector, i.e., the likelihood that benefits to women will continue beyond programme support, the capacity of investees to scale inclusive business models, and the extent to which the programme influences market practices, norms, or policies related to women’s economic participation in agriculture.
- Provide actionable, forward-looking recommendations for future programme design, implementation approaches, and results of measurement for women’s economic empowerment initiatives in fragile, conflict-affected, and low-income contexts.
Beyond accountability, AECF seeks to leverage the endline evaluation to produce an insight and learning report that distills practical insights from the IIW-SS experience and showcases how gender-transformative economic programming can be effectively designed and implemented in fragile environments.
This report will contribute to AECF’s institutional learning and provide evidence-based guidance to donors, policymakers, and practitioners designing gender-inclusive private sector and livelihoods programmes in such settings.
4.0 Objectives of the assignment
The objective of the assignment is two-pronged:
- Conduct an endline evaluation of the Investing in Women South Sudan Programme.
- Drawing on findings from the endline evaluation and primary and secondary research, a learning report was developed on investing in women in fragile contexts, using the IIW-SS programme as a case study.
Objective 1: Conduct an endline evaluation of the Investing in Women South Sudan Programme.
The specific objectives of the Final Evaluation are to:
-
- Assess programme performance against the approved logframe, including progress toward output, outcome, and impact-level targets related to women’s economic empowerment in agriculture.
- Analyze the programme’s contribution to improving women’s access to quality agricultural inputs and services as suppliers or producers through supported private enterprises.
- Evaluate and document verifiable systemic and market-level system changes attributable to the programme, including shifts in enterprise practices, input distribution models, and norms affecting women’s participation in agricultural markets.
- Examine investee level outcomes, including business growth, productivity, revenues, job creation, governance practices, and the extent to which investees adopted gender-inclusive business models.
- Identify key factors that enabled or constrained programme implementation and results with particular attention to operating in fragile, conflict-affected and low-capacity contexts.
- Examine and report on factors that contributed to businesses that succeeded and those that struggled to meet project objectives. The factors examined should include governance.
- Assess cross cutting outcomes related to gender equality, youth inclusion, and engagement of vulnerable groups, including women’s leadership, income control, decision making power and access to productive resources.
- Evaluate the sustainability and replicability of programme outcomes beyond AECF funding and demonstrate that the investee will continue inclusive practices and that women will sustain economic gains.
- Assess differences in agricultural; productivity (yield per acre) between women farmers using programme –supported quality inputs and those using traditional or non-certified inputs where data permits.
- Evaluate changes in affordability of agricultural inputs for women farmer over the programme period, price trends, access mechanisms and perceived affordability.
- Assess improvements in women’s access to inputs and services including availability, proximity, information, and financing facilitated by partner investees.
- Measure changes in income levels of target beneficiaries (women producers, workers, suppliers)
- Assess changes in household-level outcomes linked to women’s economic empowerment- food security and nutrition, etc.
Evaluation guiding questions
This Final Evaluation will be conducted in accordance with the AECF Evaluation standards and will use the widely accepted OECD/DAC Evaluation criteria. An initial set of questions that should guide the Final Evaluation in assessing the Programme against each given criterion has been developed as follows:
Table 1: Evaluation Guiding Questions
| Criteria |
Evaluation Questions |
| Relevance
|
- To what extent was the IIW-SS programme aligned with the needs and priorities of women in agricultural value chains in South Sudan?
- How appropriate was the programme’s private-sector-led approach in addressing constraints faced by women farmers, women workers, and women-led enterprises?
- To what extent did programme design respond to contextual challenges, including conflict, displacement, market fragmentation, and limited access to land and finance?
- How well did the programme address gender-specific barriers to women’s participation, leadership, and income generation in agriculture?
- To what extent were the needs of youth and other vulnerable groups considered alongside women’s economic empowerment objectives?
- Audit the processes of onboarding businesses
|
| Coherence
|
- How well did the programme align with national agricultural, gender, and private sector development policies in South Sudan?
- To what extent did IIW-SS complement or coordinate with government initiatives, humanitarian responses, and other donor-funded programmes operating in the same geographies and value chains?
- How coherent was the programme’s theory of change in linking enterprise support to women’s economic outcomes?
- Were there overlaps, synergies, or gaps between IIW-SS and other market-based or livelihood interventions targeting women?
|
| Effectiveness
|
- To what extent did the programme achieve its intended objectives, outputs, and outcomes, particularly those related to women’s income, decision-making power, and participation in agricultural markets?
- What progress was made toward key logframe indicators and PMF targets, and where were shortfalls observed?
- How effective were supported private enterprises in reaching, benefiting, and retaining women as producers, workers, suppliers, or leaders?
- What factors (contextual, institutional, market-related, or operational) facilitated or constrained the achievement of intended results?
- How effectively did the programme adapt strategies and implementation approaches in response to insecurity, displacement, market shocks, or enterprise performance challenges?
- How effective were programme management, governance, and decision-making structures in supporting timely delivery and results?
- To what extent did technical assistance and blended finance strengthen investee enterprises’ capacity, resilience, and gender-inclusive practices?
|
| Efficiency |
- How efficiently were financial, technical, and human resources allocated and utilized to achieve women’s economic empowerment outcomes?
- Were programme interventions cost-effective in improving women’s access to agricultural inputs, services, markets, and income opportunities compared to alternative delivery models?
- Were there areas where resources could have been used more effectively, particularly in high-risk or insecure locations?
- Were implementation timelines, delivery mechanisms, and enterprise support modalities appropriate given the operating environment in South Sudan?
- How efficient were enterprise selection, disbursement, and technical assistance processes in supporting women-focused results?
|
| Impact |
- What direct and indirect impacts did the programme have on women’s economic outcomes, including income, employment, productivity, leadership, and decision-making power?
- To what extent did the programme meet or exceed its stated impact goals, and where were the results below expectations?
- How did programme support affect the business performance of investee enterprises, including revenues, profitability, job creation (especially for women), geographic reach, product offerings, and adoption of inclusive practices?
- To what extent did the programme contribute to improved household-level outcomes, such as food security and nutrition, linked to women’s increased economic participation?
- Were there significant impacts that were not initially anticipated or systematically measured?
- What unintended positive or negative effects emerged for women, households, enterprises, or local markets?
|
| Sustainability |
- To what extent are the economic and social benefits for women likely to be sustained beyond programme closure?
- How prepared are supported enterprises to continue inclusive business practices and pursue follow-on financing or scale-up without donor support?
- What institutional, market, or ecosystem-level changes support the sustainability of women’s participation in agricultural value chains?
- How likely are the skills, relationships, and capacities developed under the programme to endure after funding ends?
- What are the key risks or barriers to sustaining programme outcomes in a fragile context, and how can these be mitigated?
|
| Cross-Cutting Objectives: Gender, Youth, and Vulnerable Groups |
- To what extent did the programme advance gender equality and women’s economic empowerment in agriculture?
- How effectively did the programme engage youth and other vulnerable groups, and what differentiated outcomes were achieved?
- Which approaches and enterprise practices were most effective in addressing gender-based and social inclusion barriers?
- What gaps remain in ensuring equitable access and benefits for women and marginalized populations?
|
| Learning, Adaptation, Scaling Up, and Replication |
- What key lessons emerge from the IIW-SS programme regarding women-focused private sector interventions in fragile contexts?
- Which programme components or enterprise models demonstrate the strongest potential for scale-up or replication within South Sudan or similar contexts?
- How can results measurement, learning, and post-investment tracking be strengthened to better capture women’s economic empowerment outcomes?
- What adaptations are recommended to improve future investing in Women or market-based agriculture programmes?
|
Objective 2: Develop a learning report on investing in women in fragile contexts, using the IIW-SS programme as a case study. This will be done drawing from the end line evaluation, programme outputs and materials as well as secondary research.
Scope of work for the insight and learning report
- The market fit and impact of the IIW-SS programme within the context of the investment landscape of the country
- Assessment of the gaps and opportunities for the women of South Sudan, and the applicability of the IIW-SS programme model in addressing these
- Identification of key lessons and case studies from AECF’s Investing in Women SS programme
- Develop illustrative case studies highlighting impactful gender transformative approaches from IIW-SS
- Generate actionable recommendations for future gender-inclusive programming in fragile contexts
Learning report components
| Theme |
component |
| Programme context, key insights, and strategic lessons |
Concise summary presenting:
- The contextual challenges and opportunities for women’s economic empowerment in fragile and conflict-affected settings
- High-level findings and insights derived from the IIW-SS programme
- Priority lessons and recommendations for gender-inclusive programming in fragile contexts
|
| Context and fragility analysis |
An overview of the South Sudan operating environment, including:
- The investment, entrepreneurship, and agribusiness landscape relevant to women’s economic participation
- Key fragility and conflict drivers affecting programme design and implementation
- Implications of fragility for private sector–led and gender-focused interventions
|
| Gender-specific barriers and opportunities |
An analysis of:
- Social, economic, institutional, and market-related barriers affecting women’s economic participation
- Intersectional constraints affecting different groups of women addressed by the IIW_SS programme
|
| Effective approaches and good practices |
Documentation and analysis of:
- Interventions and approaches under the IIW-SS programme that demonstrated effectiveness or transformative potential
- Adaptive strategies employed to respond to contextual risks and implementation challenges
- Gender-transformative practices that contributed to improved agency, inclusion, or economic outcomes for women
- Challenges and lessons from underperforming approaches
- Development of two (2) case studies illustrating the programme and or investees’ innovative approaches, or systems-level change supported by the programme.
|
| Cross-Cutting Lessons for Gender-Inclusive Programming in Fragile Contexts |
- Design and implementation lessons relevant to gender-inclusive programmes in fragile settings
- Partnership, ecosystem, and stakeholder engagement considerations
- Develop two (2) case studies illustrating the innovative IIW_SS programme approaches to address gender gaps within a fragile context
|
| Actionable Recommendations for Policy, Programming, and Investment |
- Clear and practical recommendations for donors, implementing organizations, and private-sector actors designing or implementing gender-inclusive programmes in fragile contexts.
|
| Implications for AECF’s Future Gender and Private-Sector Programming |
An outline of:
- How insights from the IIW-SS experience can inform future gender and private-sector programming in the country
- Opportunities for scaling, adapting, or institutionalizing effective approaches
- Areas requiring further learning or innovation
|
5.0 Methodology
During this final evaluation, the selected evaluation firm is invited to assess the Programme and its components against the evaluation criteria and specific evaluation questions listed above. The methodology described in this section is indicative, and the evaluation teams applying it are expected to adapt, elaborate, and integrate the approach and to propose any adjustments needed to undertake the assignment. These can include additions to the evaluation design, approaches to be adopted, an appropriate sampling strategy, data collection and analysis methods, and an evaluation framework. The proposals should also refer to methodological limitations and mitigation measures. At all times, evaluators are to adhere to the ‘principles for ensuring quality evaluations’ according to OECD/ DAC quality standards. Mixed data collection methods are recommended. The evaluation will be rolled out in three phases:
- Inception phase: The evaluator(s) will review key Programme documents and engage with the AECF programme team to finalize the evaluation objectives, questions, criteria, and methodology. Against the above, the evaluator(s) will identify the appropriate evidence to be gathered and synthesized to fully inform the evaluation process, as well as sources of information, including key individuals to be interviewed. The output of this phase will be an inception report, which will include a methodological note and an evaluation framework presenting how each evaluation question will be addressed, data sources and data collection methods that will be used to gather additional information needed, and a set of criteria to rate the strength of the evidence collected. The inception report should not exceed 10 pages.
- Data collection and analysis phase and Case Studies: The second phase will involve systematic data collection and analysis in line with the approved evaluation framework and scope agreed during the inception phase. The evaluator(s) will assess programme performance against the evaluation objectives and criteria using a mixed-methods approach that combines qualitative and quantitative techniques.
In addition to standard data collection activities, the evaluator(s) will be required to conduct at least four (3) in-depth case studies drawn from different geographies, value chains, or implementation partners. The case studies should:
- Illustrate programme results, pathways to impact, and lessons learned
- Capture women’s experiences and outcomes through supported private enterprises
- Highlight contextual challenges, adaptation strategies, and sustainability considerations
At the end of this phase, the evaluator(s) will present preliminary findings to key evaluation stakeholders for validation and feedback.
- For the learning report, there will be:
- Desk review and analysis of IIW-SS programme documentation, impact data, evaluations, and secondary research on gender and economic inclusion in fragile contexts to identify key insights outlined in the scope.
- Drafting of the report with key learnings from the programme and recommendations for gender-inclusive programming in fragile contexts.
- Presentation of findings disseminates and broadcasts the report across relevant networks and platforms.
- Reporting and dissemination phase: The third phase will include reporting, validating, and prioritizing findings and recommendations, and disseminating the results to AECF and its stakeholders. For the endline evaluation, the evaluator(s) will submit a final evaluation report in Word and PDF. The final report for the endline evaluation should not exceed 35 pages and clearly and transparently demonstrate the links between the review questions, data collection, analysis, findings, and conclusions. The conclusion and recommendations presented in the final report should be supported by strong evidence and will be further explained during the final presentation. The learning and insights report is to be submitted separately and shall not exceed 25 pages, excluding annexes.
The case studies should be included as annexes or clearly referenced within the report. Findings and recommendations will be further explained during a final presentation to AECF and stakeholders.
6.0 Deliverables
The consultant will produce the following deliverables:
- Inception report: A report outlining the evaluation methodology, data collection tools, stakeholder engagement process, and updated work plan.
- Draft reports: A report presenting the evaluation of findings, conclusions, and recommendations. An external-facing insight paper in PDF.
- Final endline evaluation report: A report incorporating feedback from the AECF and annexed Case studies
- Finalized learning report on investing in women in fragile contexts, using the IIW-SS programme as a case study.
- Presentation of findings: A presentation of the evaluation of findings and recommendations to the AECF, GAC, and other relevant stakeholders.
7.0 Reporting
The consultant will be accountable and report to the Gender Manager and Senior Impact Officer, AECF, with support from the Country Programme Manager and Senior Portfolio Officer.
8.0 Qualifications and experience from the firm and personnel
- A consultancy firm with substantial experience (5–7 years) in conducting development and Agribusiness research, monitoring, and evaluation assignments in enterprise or MSME support, and developing learning and insights papers.
- Proven experience in South Sudan or East Africa (understanding of the South Sudan context will be an added advantage)
- Strong expertise in entrepreneurship and private sector development.
- Demonstrated application of OECD/DAC evaluation standards.
- Excellent analytical, facilitation, and reporting skills.
- A team leader with an advanced degree in a relevant field such as economics, development studies, monitoring and evaluation, or a related discipline.
- A multidisciplinary team of experts with strong technical backgrounds in programme evaluation, economics, Women’s Economic Empowerment, finance, and monitoring and evaluation.
- Demonstrated experience in applying participatory and evidence-based evaluation methodologies, in line with recognized international evaluation standards and best practices.
- Prior experience implementing or evaluating Agribusiness donor-funded programmes in the region (experience with GAC-funded projects will be considered an added advantage).
- Excellent communication, analytical, and reporting skills, with the ability to present complex findings and recommendations clearly to diverse stakeholders
Guidelines
The consultant will be expected to take responsibility for all the activities identified in the Terms of Reference (ToRs). The Technical and Financial Proposal should contain:
- Consultant’s interpretation of the ToRs.
- Complete description and elaborate explanation of the proposed methodology.
- Names and qualifications of allocated personnel and any other resources that the consultant will make available to execute the assignment and achieve the objectives.
- The financial proposal should stipulate the consultancy fees and all associated costs for the assignment, expressed in US$ and inclusive of taxes.
- A detailed work plan within the stipulated timeline.
In-kind Contributions:
The Consulting firm shall provide in-kind contributions in relation to the services in areas such as (but not limited to);
- Provision of experienced and trained M&E Leads at no additional cost beyond the agreed Fees
- Use of the Consultant’s existing data collection, analysis, and other M&E tools without charging any fees
- Promotion of the learning report across relevant networks and platforms
- Staff time contribution to learning report dissemination activities
9.0 Proposal submission
Qualified consultants are invited to submit a proposal that includes the following:
- An understanding of the consultancy requirements.
- Methodology and work plan for performing the assignment.
- Detailed reference list indicating the scope and magnitude of similar assignments.
- Relevant services that have been done in the past five (5) years, preferably in South Sudan.
- Signed letters of reference from 3 previous institutions/programmes.
- Registration and other relevant statutory documents.
- The technical and financial proposals must be submitted separately in PDF format.
- The financial (USD) proposal clearly shows the budgeted cost for the consulting firm to conduct the work outlined above.
- The technical and financial proposals must be submitted as separate documents.
N/B: SUBMITTING THE FINANCIAL AND TECHNICAL DOCUMENT AS ONE DOCUMENT WILL AUTOMATICALLY LEAD TO DISQUALIFICATION OF THE APPLICANT.
10.0 Pricing
The AECF is obliged by the Kenyan tax authorities to withhold tax on service contract fees and to ensure that VAT is charged where applicable. Applicants are advised to ensure they have a clear understanding of their tax position under Kenya tax legislation when developing their proposals.
11.0 Evaluation criteria
MANADATORY EVALUATION CRITERIA.
- Mandatory Requirements for firms: –
- Company profile.
- Trading license, Certificate of incorporation, Certificate of Registration, and other statutory documents.
- Valid Tax Compliance certificate (Applicable to firms).
- Passport/National Identification of the lead consultant and key personnel
N/B: FAILURE TO ATTACH AND ADHERE TO THE ABOVE REQUIREMENTS WILL RESULT IN AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFICATION
- An evaluation committee will be formed by the AECF and may include employees of the businesses it supports. All members will be bound by the same standards of confidentiality. The consultant should ensure they fully respond to all criteria for comprehensive evaluation.
The AECF may request and receive clarification from any consultant during the evaluation of a proposal. The evaluation committee may invite some or all of the consultants to appear before it to clarify their proposals. In such an event, the evaluation committee may consider such clarifications in evaluating proposals.
In deciding the final selection of a qualified bidder, the technical quality of the proposal will be given a weighting of 70% based on the evaluation criteria. Only the financial proposal of those bidders who qualify technically will be opened. The financial proposal will be given a 30% weighting, and proposals will be ranked by total points scored.
The mandatory and desirable criteria for evaluating proposals are listed in the table below.
| No. |
Criteria for Assessment |
Marks |
| 1 |
Understanding of the terms of reference |
10 |
| Description of the service to be provided |
5 |
| Understanding of what AECF is expecting from the work |
5 |
| 2 |
Methodology and work plan |
20 |
| Relevance of the methodology proposed to the needs of the assignment |
10 |
| Adequacy of the work plan, including key deliverables and capacity to deliver within a realistic timeline based on the consultancy days designated for the task |
10 |
| 3 |
Technical experience of staff offered |
40 |
| Relevant tertiary level qualification and years of professional experience of the proposed team; and demonstrated Team Leader’s expertise in one of the technical areas, as well as expertise and demonstrated experience in designing evaluations
methodology and data collection tools, and demonstrated experience in leading similar reviews/evaluations. |
5 |
| Prior experience in evaluating programmes and developing insight reports of a similar nature and scope, including areference list indicating the scope and magnitude of similar assignments. |
10 |
| Experience in conducting programme evaluations for donor-funded programmes, including demonstrated experience in evaluation report and insight report writing. |
10 |
| Evidence of similar previous experience, at least 7 years, in the financial inclusion sector, MSMEs in South Sudan or a similar context, with demonstrable competence in private sector investments, access to finance for women, youth, and producers. |
10 |
| Provide the registration and tax clearance certification from the country where the assignment will take place. |
5 |
| 4 |
Financial Proposal
Clarity, relevance, reality to the market of value/value for money of cost for the assignment (inclusive of any applicable tax)
Demonstration and value of in-kind contributions relating to the assignment |
30 |
|
Total Score |
100 |
12.0 Application details
The AECF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The AECF considers all interested candidates based on merit without regard to race, gender, colour, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
- Interested firms/consultants, or consortia are requested to submit their technical and financial proposals to aecfprocurement@aecfafrica.org by 20th Feb 2026, 5 pm (EAT).
- All questions should be directed to the procurement email by 12th Feb 2026, 5 pm (EAT).
- The subject of the email should be ‘FINAL EVALUATION OF IIW SS PROGRAMME AND LEARNING AND INSIGHTS REPORT 2026‘. The AECF shall not be liable for failing to open proposals submitted under a different subject or for responding to questions that did not meet the indicated deadline.
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13.0 Disclaimer
AECF reserves the right to determine the structure of the process, the number of short-listed participants, the right to withdraw from the proposal process, the right to change this timetable at any time without notice, and reserves the right to withdraw this tender at any time, without prior notice and without liability to compensate and/or reimburse any party.
The AECF does not charge an application fee for participation in the tendering process and has not appointed any agents or intermediaries to facilitate applications. Applicants are advised to contact the AECF Procurement Department directly.
