Midterm Review of Denmark-Uganda Bilateral Development Programme 2023 – 2028

Description BACKGROUND The assignment concerns a Midterm Review (MTR) of Denmark’s Uganda Bilateral Development Programme (UBDP) 2023–2028. The Uganda Country Strategic Framework 2023-2028 sets out the overall objectives for Denmark’s engagement in Uganda across Danish policy priorities and instruments, including through bilateral development cooperation. The MTR will focus on the UBDP as well as the linkages of its projects to the Strategic Framework. The overall vision for Denmark’s engagement in Uganda for the period 2023-2028 is to strengthen regional and national stability and prosperity by supporting Uganda in achieving a green, sustainable and inclusive economic transformation, respecting human rights while continuing to host refugees from neighbouring countries. Denmark pursues this vision through three strategic objectives, in line with Danish political priorities and national development objectives of Uganda: • Promote a green, sustainable and inclusive economic transformation • Promote sustainable and durable solutions for refugees and support Uganda’s stabilising role in the region • Strengthen democratic values, protection of human rights and civic space. The review takes place at a time of changes in the political and economic context in Uganda present new risks and opportunities: 1) The reduction of international funding will impact Uganda’s sustainable development, in particular the refugee response, as well as the health and education sectors. 2) The increasing regional instability and increasing refugee flows, which together with the reduced funding for the refugee response poses a challenge for sustaining Uganda’s highly commended ‘open door’ refugee policy. 3) Political developments in relation to elections and other political economy developments require flexibility and adaptability in implementation. 4) As the negative impact of climate impacts intensifies, there is need for increased investment in climate change adaptation Moreover, the UBDP has been implemented during a time with substantial changes in Danish policy frameworks, in particular the Danish Governments Africa Strategy, “Africa’s Century”, and Denmark’s development cooperation strategy “Partnerships in Development”. Accordingly, the UBDP is under re-alignment particularly in relation to working with the EU, the engagement of Danish private sector and creating synergies between economic diplomacy and development cooperation. The Royal Danish Embassy (RDE) in Kampala has the overall implementation responsibility for the UBDP, which has a total budget of DKK 1,140 mil. OBJECTIVE The objective of the MTR is to assess the overall performance in the implementation of the UBDP (2023-28), including strategic and programmatic achievements as well as risks and challenges faced. Based on the findings, the MTR is expected to formulate recommendations to strengthen and adapt the programme. SCOPE OF WORK AND METHOD Given the purpose and objective set out above, the MTR will assess the overall implementation of the UBDP and likelihood of achieving outcomes; overall programme performance concerning progress and results achieved; challenges and developments in the context and risk factors, management of the programme and projects, including MEAL system appropriateness, and financial management, and make recommendations on adjustments. Since the Partnerships for Accountability, Civic Engagement and Rights projects have already been under mid-term review immediately prior to the UBDP MTR, this programme and its implementation status, will not be part of the MTR focus, but instead the MTR will look at synergies between the partnerships and other programmes. OUTPUTS The MTR Team is expected to provide the following outputs: (1) a Mission Preparation Note (MPN) of approx. 5 – 10 pages; (2) a post-mission de-briefing presentation; (3) a draft Mid-Term Review Report, and (4) a final Mid-Term Review Report of max. 20 pages, excluding annexes. TEAM COMPOSITION/CONSULTANTS A team of three international consultants is required for this assignment. Expert 1 should be an expert in climate change adaptation/ mitigation with knowledge of development finance and private sector development Expert 2 should be an expert in humanitarian development nexus and livelihoods programming Expert 3 should be an expert in financial management, organisational governance and results monitoring. One of the experts, preferably Expert 1, should be designated as coordinator for the team of consultants. Experts are expected to have experience of reviews of development programmes and projects, including from East Africa and all will participate in mission travel to Uganda. The MTR team will be led by a chief advisor from the MFA LEARNING department. TIMING The MTR is expected to start approximately 16 March 2026, and conclude by end of June 2026. A mission of maximum 12 days, excluding travel, is expected from mid to late April (expected start 13th April 2026). MAXIMUM BUDGET 885,000 DKK (net of VAT) Deadline for application 12-01-2026 at 14:00 Danish time Interested Consultants can request to get the instructions prepared for applicants by e-mail to the Contact person stated below Contact point Department for Evaluation, Learning And Quality Contact person Anton Fischer Kirknæs on behalf of Rilla Kirk Contact e-mail laeringstud@um.dk Criteria for selection A minimum of three and a maximum of five applicants with references best suited for the assignment will be invited to submit a tender.