Evaluation Context
ย Overview of IOMโs Programme in Zimbabweย
IOM has been working in Zimbabwe since 1985. The mission provides technical support and capacity building to local authorities and government ministries on migration related topics, assisting vulnerable migrants, mobile, and displaced populations in achieving sustainable solutions. IOM strengthens migration management capacities, supports policy development, and promotes safe migration practices. It works to raise awareness and enhance the capacity of authorities in areas like Integrated Border Governance (IBG) and combating human trafficking. The organization also supports migration health management and facilitates the voluntary return of Zimbabweans and refugee resettlement.
ย Non-renewal of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEP)
In response to bilateral migration challenges affecting Zimbabwean migrants in South Africa, the South African government launched the Dispensation of Zimbabwean Project in 2009. This initiative aimed to grant amnesty to undocumented Zimbabwean nationals residing in South Africa, allowing them to regularize their stay. The program was later renamed the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP), which granted Zimbabwean nationals the right to live, work, study, and conduct business in South Africa.
ย However, on 29 November 2021, the South African Director General of the Department of Home Affairs issued a directive stating that the ZEP had always been a temporary measure, intended only until Zimbabweโs political and economic situation improved. Initially set to expire on December 31, 2023, the validity of the permits was later extended to 30 June 2024, to allow for a fair consultation process with affected parties.
ย Subsequently, in November 2024, the Minister of Home Affairs announced a further extension of the ZEPโs validity until 28 November 2025, to comply with a Gauteng High Court ruling which required further consultation with ZEP holders and other stakeholders on the future of the permit scheme.
ย At the time of the projectโs design, it was anticipated that the termination of the ZEP could trigger significant challenges, not only for the 178 000 ZEP holders directly impacted by the ZEP expiry, but also for an estimated one million undocumented Zimbabwean migrants in South Africa. ย Potentially escalating xenophobic violence, deportations, and a humanitarian crisis at Points of Entry (POEs) and within return communities across Zimbabwe.
ย Therefore, the beneficiary scope was intentionally broader from the outset. It included returning ZEP holders, other returning migrants, undocumented or otherwise vulnerable Zimbabwean migrants affected by rising xenophobic sentiments in South Africa, as well as host community members in Zimbabwe. This inclusive approach was designed to ensure a comprehensive response that supports peaceful, safe, and sustainable reintegration for all returnees and strengthens social cohesion within host communities.
ย As the ZEPโs validity was extended until 28 November 2025, the scale of anticipated returns from South Africa was reduced. However, due to the inclusion of returning migrants, including the undocumented, and host communities from the beginning, the projectโs beneficiary focus remained relevant, addressing broader migration dynamics, supporting vulnerable populations, and reinforcing preparedness for future return movements.
ย IOM Zimbabweโs Response: Reintegration Project for Returning Migrants
The project aims to support the peaceful, safe, and sustainable reintegration of returning migrants and host communities affected by the uncertainty surrounding the ZEP policy and returns from other neighboring countries. Focusing on areas with high migrant returns, limited socio-economic opportunities, and protection concerns, IOM has designated Harare Province (Epworth), Midlands Province (Mberengwa), Manicaland Province (Buhera), and Mashonaland East Province (Goromonzi) as priority intervention areas. This approach ensures a comprehensive response to the diverse needs of returning migrants, including those affected by the ZEP and returnees from other neighboring countries, promoting safe, dignified, and rights-based return and reintegration.
ย By working closely with the Government of Zimbabwe and key stakeholders, the project seeks to strengthen national and local capacities to ensure sustainable reintegration while fostering social cohesion, conflict prevention, and economic resilience. The project is structured around three key outcomes:
Strengthened preparedness to support returning migrants on institutional, community and individual levels. Increased social stability, socio-economic opportunities, and psychosocial well-being for returning migrants and host communities. Protection services for returning migrants and host communities are improved and the Government of Zimbabwe and other stakeholders demonstrate increased capacity to assist migrants through strengthened referral systems.The project also contributes to the achievement of the three Strategic Objectives[1]ย and long-term outcomes outlined inย IOMโs Strategic Results Frameworkย (SRF), ensuring alignment with IOMโs institutional priorities and broader global commitments.
IOM and its partners aimed to support 126,274 returning migrants and host community members by promoting community-based conflict resolution, expanding livelihood opportunities and vocational training, improving access to mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), and reinforcing social structures to ensure locally owned and sustainable reintegration.
Evaluation Purpose and Objective
ย The purpose of this mid-term evaluation is to assess the project's progress toward achieving its objectives and outcomes as outlined in the project document. It seeks to identify early indicators of success or challenges andย toย provide actionable recommendations to ensure the project remains aligned with its intended results. Additionally, the evaluation promotes accountability and transparency by systematically measuring the project's progress, achievements, and any necessary course corrections to enhance its overall effectiveness.
ย The mid-term evaluation is intended for use by various audiences, serving specific purposes, as outlined below:
Project Teamย - To assess progress toward achieving project outcomes and outputs, identify challenges, implement adjustments as needed, and improve performance for the remaining implementation period. Project Partnersย - To evaluate the project's relevance and accountability in addressing the needs of intended beneficiaries and provide insights for ongoing collaboration. Donorย - To assess whether resources are being utilized efficiently, the project is on track to achieve its intended results, and adjustments are needed to maximize impact and sustainability. Senior Managementย - To review interim performance, inform strategic decision-making, and improve project implementation to align with institutional goals. Beneficiariesย -ย Toย understand how project interventions have impacted their lives and inform adjustments to better meet their needs and promote accountability to affected populationjjjjEvaluation Scope
ย The scope of this mid-term evaluation covers the project period to date, from 17 October 2023 to the present time, 2025. It includes the evaluation of all activities implemented for the targeted host community members and returnees, as well as the results achieved as of the mid-point, under the project outcomes in the provinces of Harare (Epworth), Midlands (Mberengwa), Manicaland (Buhera), and Mashonaland East (Goromonzi) in Zimbabwe.
ย The evaluation should provide a clear set of practical, actionable and feasible recommendations directed at the intended users of the report about what actions to take or decisions to make. These recommendations should be directly supported by evidence and linked to the findings and conclusions drawn from the key questions addressed in the evaluation.ย
ย The evaluation will incorporate gender equality, disability inclusion, and human rights as crosscutting issues, in line with the guidance onย Integrating Human Rights and Gender Equality in Evaluations.
ย Evaluation criteria
ย This mid-term evaluation will focus on the following evaluation criteria by Organization for Economic Co- operation and Development / Development Assistance Committee (OECD/DAC): Relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability.
ย Evaluation questionsย Criteria Evaluation Questions Relevanceย
ย Evaluation methodology
ย The evaluation methodology will be developed by the evaluator in consultation with the evaluation manager. A detailed methodology, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methods and tools, will be proposed by the evaluator.
ย IOM recommends adopting a mixed methods approach that leverages both primary and secondary sources, ensuring methodological triangulation by combining qualitative and quantitative data. Where feasible, participatory techniques should also be incorporated.
ย Ethics, norms and standards for evaluation
ย IOM abides by theย UNEG Norms and Standards for Evaluation in UN Systemย and expects all evaluation stakeholders and the consultant(s) to be familiar and compliant with theย UNEG Ethical Guidelines for Evaluation, as well as theย UNEG Codes of Conduct for Evaluation in the UN System. ย The evaluation must be conducted in full respect ofย IOM Data Protection Principles.
ย Evaluation deliverables
Inception reportย (30% payment upon submission) Presentation on the initial findingsย Draft evaluation report (Template for the mid-term evaluation will be provided by IOM) Mid-term evaluation report Evaluation brief (Template for the evaluation briefย will be provided by IOM) Final presentation of evaluation report Preliminary management response matrix (Template for this will be provided by IOM)ย (Final 70% payment upon submission of all deliverables)ย Specifications of roles
Evaluator(s):ย The selected evaluator(s) will be responsible for completing the mid-termย evaluation according to the present TOR and the deliverables set out therein. Evaluation Manager: The Evaluation Manager will oversee the evaluation process, coordinating with the evaluator(s) to provide support, maintain oversight, and ensure quality control. Additionally, the evaluation manager will facilitate communication with relevant staff to ensure a coordinated review and feedback process. Project Team: The Project Team will provide comprehensive support throughout the evaluation process, including compiling and sharing necessary documents with the evaluator(s), assisting in the identification of relevant stakeholders, arranging meetings with key partners and the IOM project team, and offering logistical support such as coordinating site visits. They will also be responsible for granting final approval on all deliverables through the coordination of the evaluation manager.ย Time schedule
ย An indicative evaluation schedule is outlined below and will be finalized in consultation with the evaluator and with the Evaluation Manager (EM)โs approval during the inception phase. The timeline assumes a start date of 10 June 2025, with an expected commitment of 27 full working days from the evaluator.
Activity Responsible Number of days Timing ย Prepare and hold Inception meeting EM 3 10 Juneย - 12 June Draft inception report, incl. evaluation matrix and methodology, based on preliminary data provided Evaluator 3 13 June - 17 June Review and provide feedback on inception report EM, Project Team 5 18 June - 24 June Finalize and submit inception report to EM Evaluator 3 25 June - 27 June Conduct data collection and analysis (primary and secondary sources) Evaluator 12 30 June - 15 July Present initial findings in the field Evaluator 1 16 July Prepare draft evaluation report Evaluator 5 17 July - 23 July Review draft evaluationย report and provide comments EM, Project Team 3 24 July - 28 July Finalize and submit evaluationย report, brief, and draft management response matrix to EM Evaluator 2 29 July - 30 July Present on evaluation findings Evaluator 1 31 Julyย ย Evaluation budget
IOM expects the vendor to submit an all-inclusive budget for the evaluation, including travel costs, based on their proposed methodology.
Evaluation requirements
ย The external evaluator should meet the following requirements:
Masterโs degree in social science, economics, migration studies, or related field Minimum of seven years of experience conducting programme/project evaluations Expertise in evaluation design, quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis Experience in the country or region, in migration and reintegration support are preferred. Experience in evaluating KOICA-funded projects and UN projects will be considered an asset. Strong communication, time management skills, and cultural sensitivity. Excellent oral and written communication skills in EnglishThe assignment will require travel to the areas where project activities are being implemented.
Required Competencies
ย IOMโs competency framework can be found atย this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.
ย Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:
Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion. Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct. Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges. Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance. Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.Core Competenciesย โ behavioural indicators
Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results. Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes. Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate. Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organizationโs priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work. Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.ย Submission of application
ย Interested evaluator(s) areย required to submit the following materials as a part of their application:
CV of the evaluator(s) References - names and contacts of three refereesย Technical proposal - outlining proposed evaluation methodology including data collection plans and analysis techniques, quality control measures, and timelines.ย Financial proposal - all-inclusive budget for the evaluation, to include expert fees and all other expenses to be incurred.Notes
Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable. IOM covers Consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts. IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website:ย IOM Careers and Job Vacancies