Terms of Reference for HST-LHL Programme mid-term review

1. BACKGROUND

Oxfam Novib is a non-governmental organisation that fights for equality worldwide. See Oxfam Novib Homepage

What is Local Humanitarian Leadership?

The term “local humanitarian leadership” (LHL) refers to an approach to managing humanitarian crises that encourages and enables local and national civil-society organizations, governments, and other local actors to take the lead while international actors assume a supportive role.

What's our vision?

The humanitarian system that Oxfam envisions is more collaborative, inclusive, agile, and diverse than it has been to date and more accountable to those it aims to support. It promotes healthy humanitarian ecosystems in which a wide range of local, national, and international actors acknowledge and complement one another’s strengths. International actors encourage the leadership of affected people; together, we design and implement solutions, keeping decision making as close to the affected people as possible. The system continues to prioritize principled humanitarian action and standards and sets ambitious goals for speed and scale in emergency response, with local and national actors in the driver’s seat.

What's our approach?

LHL is central to Oxfam’s humanitarian approach and has three areas of focus:

• Strength—building on existing local capacity for disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and risk reduction.
• Voice—supporting local leaders to influence humanitarian action and policies
• Space—helping local actors take their places in key strategic and decision-making spaces, often by encouraging international actors to step aside

Oxfam has made a series of public organizational commitments to local humanitarian leadership as signatories to the Charter4Change, the Grand Bargain, the Humanitarian Principles of Partnership, and the Pledge for Change. For further resources, see Oxfam’s micro-site: Local humanitarian leadership.

Programme background

Oxfam Novib, on behalf of the Oxfam confederation, received a grant from the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs for 3.5 years (2024 to 2027), to strengthen the humanitarian system (see call for proposals here and the literature review commissioned by the NLMFA to inform the grant policy framework).

The proposal put forward by Oxfam speaks to the grant framework’s policy objective #3, which seeks to address the following challenge: Insufficient scope for strong local leadership, due to lack of equal dialogue and collaboration throughout the humanitarian delivery chain, particularly regarding sharing capacity and risks.

Oxfam’s programme is called ‘Humanitarian System Transformation through Local Humanitarian Leadership’ (HST-LHL) and aims to contribute to 4 main outcome areas (as per the Result Framework):

• Outcome Area 1: More equitable and locally led humanitarian system
• Outcome Area 2: More risk-informed and safe humanitarian system
• Outcome Area 3: Increased quality and quantity of humanitarian funding managed by Local and National Humanitarian Actors.
• Outcome 4: LHL agenda progressed globally through cross-cutting initiatives (learning, influencing, sharing, funding, MEAL, etc)

Oxfam collaborates on the programme with the following global organisations:

• ODI Global – Humanitarian Policy Group (HPG) and Humanitarian Practice Network (HPN) on joint work on research, evidencing, documentation, convening and influencing.
• Response Innovation Lab (RIL) - on generating and documenting research and learning on, innovative solutions to intractable challenges for LHL, and providing technical support in programme countries on innovation pilot projects. 

The programme is implemented by Oxfam and local / national actor (L/NA) partners in seven countries: Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Kenya, Yemen, Myanmar and Indonesia, as well as at global level. Agreements have been made with more than 30 L/NA partners and their networks representing more than 1,300 L/NAs.

2. PURPOSE / OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

At the mid-point of its implementation, the HST-LHL programme seeks to undertake a structured review and reflection process to generate learning and inform strategic decision-making for the remaining implementation period (2026–2027). The mid-term review (MTR) will support adaptive management by identifying what is working well, what requires adjustment, and how programme delivery can be strengthened over the remaining programme timeframe. Concurrently, a participatory, in-person, MTR learning workshop is planned for late June / early July 2026 to facilitate joint reflection, review, and capture lessons learned. Where relevant, the review will propose refinements to programme design, implementation approaches, and institutional arrangements to enhance the programme’s effectiveness and long-term contribution to its core objectives. Key deliverables include 1) inception report, and 2) draft MTR report and (3) final MTR report including actionable recommendations for the remaining programme timeframe.

The results of the Mid-Term Review will serve multiple, interrelated purposes, with a primary emphasis on learning, use, and adaptive management, in line with Oxfam’s evaluation policy. The MTR is intended as a collective learning exercise that strengthens programme quality, supports course correction, and contributes to more equitable and locally led humanitarian practice, while also fulfilling accountability requirements. Specifically:

• For programme partners and participating local and national humanitarian actors: to generate structured feedback and shared learning on the extent to which the programme responds to partners’ priorities and expectations; to assess the effectiveness of co-creation, partnership, and risk-sharing approaches; and to support mutual learning through participatory reflection and sense-making processes, including the MTR learning workshop.
• For communities and crisis-affected people: to ensure that findings are shared back in accessible and appropriate ways, recognising their knowledge and experiences as central to the programme and avoiding extractive evaluation practices. The MTR will seek to ensure that learning products and feedback loops support accountability to affected populations.
• For Oxfam: to assess progress toward intended outcomes, capture lessons learned, good practices, and areas for improvement, and inform adaptive management during the remainder of the programme as well as future humanitarian and localisation programming.
• For the donor: to provide accountability regarding the use of funds and progress toward agreed objectives, and to generate evidence and learning that can inform future funding decisions and policy dialogue.

The MTR will assess the effectiveness, coherence, and sustainability of the programme. These criteria provide a balanced and practical lens for understanding how well the programme is performing and how it can be strengthened moving forward.

The HST-LHL programme is therefore commissioning a mid-term review with the following objectives:

Overall assessment: To examine programme implementation against the criteria of effectiveness, coherence, and sustainability, gather evidence for country-specific learning questions, identify key implementation challenges, lessons learned and recommend appropriate course-correction measures for the rest of the programme where needed.

1. Effectiveness (Progress toward intended outcomes): To assess the extent to which the programme is progressing toward its intended outcomes and generating meaningful results, identifying both achievements and areas requiring strategic adjustment. The MTR will review progress against agreed indicators, with particular attention to those required by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (NL MFA). Recognising that humanitarian system change is non-linear and unfolds over time, the MTR will focus on direction of travel, early outcomes, and enabling or constraining conditions. In line with Oxfam’s evaluation policy, the review will also acknowledge instances where maintaining existing gains or successfully resisting regression constitutes a positive outcome in contexts where rights and progress are under pressure. Furthermore, the MTR will look beyond discrete project outputs to assess emerging shifts in the underlying conditions that sustain inequitable humanitarian systems.

2. Coherence (How well the programme fits within the wider humanitarian system reform agenda and context of interventions): To analyse the degree of internal alignment across programme outcomes, including synergies, learning, as well as external alignment with related initiatives, policies, and partner interventions focusing on the localisation and humanitarian system reform agenda. Noting that the programme is operating across very different crisis contexts, with varying 'starting points’ and therefore ambitions around system transformation and local leadership. HST-LHL explicitly aims to transform the humanitarian system at various levels; so, coherence (or lack of it) is an important aspect to assess.

The MTR could focus on the following areas: (1) Programme (internal) coherence across countries, global influencing, research, and innovation (2) External coherence with other localisation initiatives, donor policies and funding, and coordination fora (3) Alignment with local actors’ priorities, not just global LHL discourse (4) Synergies (or tensions) between Oxfam operational roles and processes and system reform ambitions and Oxfam commitments (e.g. Grand Bargain, Charter for Change etc.).

3. Sustainability (Likelihood that benefits will continue): To review efforts undertaken to promote the long-term sustainability of programme results, identify existing and emerging sustainability mechanisms (including funding mechanisms) supported by evidence, and assess their potential for institutionalisation and scale-up during 2026–2027 and beyond. This is essential as local leadership without sustainability can be seen as short-term delegation. The MTR will also assess how the aid cuts and broader deterioration of the humanitarian context has impacted the programme directly/indirectly and to which extent that affect sustainability of the programme.

3. APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY

The MTR consultant(s) will ensure continuity of evidence by assessing progress against indicators outlined in the programme results framework and baseline findings, while establishing a clear basis for comparison for the end-term. The MTR will prioritise learning across the four outcome areas, identifying what is working, what requires adjustment, and why. The MTR should integrate cross-cutting concerns such as diversity and inclusion, feminist approaches, gender equity, local humanitarian leadership.

Data Collection and Methodological Approach

The consultant is expected to propose context-appropriate and innovative data collection and analysis methods suitable for a complex, multi-country, multi-language programme while applying a mixed-methods approach (as outlined more below). Integrating both quantitative and qualitative evidence will allow MTR objectives to be met, and a review of all indicators in the results framework.

A clear justification for the selection of specific tools and methods should be provided. Data collection should use feminist approaches and be as participatory as feasible, ensuring meaningful engagement of key stakeholders and incorporating validation moments to test, refine, and collectively interpret findings. Data collection may be primarily online / remote with some limited travel and the possibility of further data collection or validation during the in-person MTR learning workshop.

The methodological approach is expected to include, but not be limited to, the following methods:

• Desk review of relevant programme documentation (see list of Available sources of data/information in annex), aligned to the programme’s thematic areas and indicators, to inform the MTR inception report and guide data collection. Review and analysis of outcomes harvested to date in 7 countries for substantiation.
• Quantitative data collection, focusing on Local and National Humanitarian Actors (LNHAs) partners across the seven programme countries, to assess progress against programme indicators.
• Qualitative data collection through engagements with LNHAs partners and other stakeholders, capturing perceptions, experiences, and reflections on programme outcomes and processes through Key Informant Interviews and Focus Group Discussions.

• Programme funding analysis, examining financing flows to LNHAs, both internal in the programme, and external more broadly using publicly available data in the UN OCHA Financial Tracking Service (FTS).

The HST-LHL programme will establish a MTR Reference Group to act as the key reference point for the MTR consultant(s). This group will provide guidance to the MTR consultant(s) and organize to validate the findings of the MTR through an appropriately inclusive process. The final MTR report will be shared with key stakeholders through this Group.

During the inception phase, the MTR consultant(s) and Oxfam will jointly determine which countries (minimum 2 countries with different operating contexts) will be visited in person and which will be covered through remote data collection, based on learning priorities, feasibility, security, and resource considerations.

Later within the MTR implementation period – in late June / early July with exact dates and location to be confirmed - the programme will convene an in-person, multi-country MTR learning workshop bringing together a sample of Oxfam staff, and local and global partners (likely 25-30 people) from all implementing countries. Separate programme funds are allocated for this, and the programme will manage logistics for participants. The consultant is expected to attend and actively participate in this workshop, which will serve as a key platform for cross-country learning, and deeper understanding of programme dynamics and priorities. The consultant will also be expected to design and facilitate selected sessions aligned with the MTR objectives and deliverables. Further details will be agreed during the inception phase.

All data collection and analysis approaches must be aligned with Oxfam’s core principles, including feminist principles, meaningful community engagement, safe programming, and a strong commitment to local humanitarian leadership. Further, as this is a Dutch Funded programme, the MTR process and report should adhere to the IOB criteria for the quality of evaluations.

4. MANAGEMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION RESPONSIBILITIES

Oxfam will be responsible for:

• Providing one focal point for the consultant: Commissioning Manager (see more below), and a reference group for strategic input
• Briefing the consultant(s) on the HST-LHL programme
• Providing copies of relevant HST-LHL programme and other key documents (see list of Available sources of data/information in annex)

• Providing guidance, technical support and oversight as required throughout the MTR
• Providing a list of key partners and stakeholders in the programme and an introduction to all selected for data collection
• Providing comments and feedback on, and approval of, all deliverables within agreed timeline
• Developing a first draft of the evaluation questions (to be finalized jointly in the inception period)
• Organising of the in-person HST-LHL mid-term review workshop and validation meeting(s) as required.

The Commissioning Manager will oversee the Mid-Term Review process and serve as the consultant(s)’ main focal point. The Commissioning Manager will manage contracting, coordinate access to information and stakeholders, review deliverables, facilitate internal feedback, and ensure the MTR meets quality, safeguarding, and ethical standards. The PMU MEL Coordinator will provide the strategic steer for this MTR and work closely with the Commissioning Manager. The consultant(s) is also expected to work closely with country focal points (from Oxfam offices or partners) and copying all communications to the MTR reference group.

The Consultant will be responsible for:

• Finalising the MTR questions (jointly with Oxfam) during the inception period.
• Producing an inception report that outlines the purpose and scope of the MTR, refined focus areas (what the MTR will really look at), summary and justification for methodological approach proposed, sampling strategy and limitations, any early risks or assumptions, workplan/timeframe (including key moments where Oxfam and partners time is required).
• Developing all the data collection tools (with a review from Oxfam to ensure consistency with baseline), and collecting and analysing all data
• Arranging interpretation and translation as required for data collection and validation

• Regular progress reporting to the Oxfam Commissioning Manager, including responding to any comments or technical inputs wherever necessary

• Consultation with the MTR reference group at key stages (to be agreed during inception period).
• Responsible for ensuring the MTR adheres to the IOB criteria
• Participating in the relevant sessions of the in-person HST-LHL mid-term review workshop
• Presenting the emerging findings and draft recommendations of the MTR during validation session(s) for the MTR to the PMU (Programme Management Unit) and other key stakeholders (e.g. Oxfam staff and local and global partners).
• Producing a first draft MTR report for review, and then a final MTR report after incorporating feedback and comments provided.

5. TIMELINE

The evaluation is scheduled for April – September 2026 and we anticipate that the final report should be submitted no later than 30th September 2026.

6. PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Applications from individuals or teams are welcome and will be assessed on their ability to demonstrate the following qualifications and experience:

Essential

• Experience of conducting mid-term reviews and/or endline evaluations in complex multi-country programmes
• Experience of outcome harvesting, contribution analysis, or systems-oriented approaches and assessing governance, influence, and norm change
• Experience in designing and facilitating participatory and feminist processes
• Strong knowledge of humanitarian action and in particular the localisation agenda and the global humanitarian system
• Solid understanding of humanitarian financing
• Experience of working with local and national humanitarian actors and NGO networks or consortia
• Experience working effectively with people from different contexts, cultures and languages
• Excellent writing skills in English
• Evaluators must not have been involved in the program’s implementation.
• Willingness to travel to at least two of the programme countries and/or lead a team with colleagues with expertise and experience working in programme countries with relevant contextual and linguistic knowledge.

Desirable

• Understanding of Spanish and French.
• Strong knowledge or humanitarian system reform commitments and fora such as the Grand Bargain and/or Charter for Change.

7. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

Interested consultants are requested to submit:

1. A full technical proposal of their proposed approach (including a preliminary methodology, a high level workplan with timeline, a rough sampling approach, ethical considerations). The technical proposal should detail how the interested consultants imagine the process of determining the evaluation questions during the inception phase and the role for the learning review workshop in the MTR process.
2. A financial proposal (All prices must appear in Euros, with and without VAT). The total budget proposed by the Consultant must include all costs that will be invoiced to Oxfam in the financial offer: a) all technical services and activities e.g. research, report writing, analysis, instrument development costs; b) office related costs e.g. communications (phone), interpretation, printing, IT costs (laptop), mail/courier; c) travel related costs (including flights, taxi, car, visas, vaccination, prophylaxis, accommodation, food); d) relevant insurance; e) and estimation travel to destination and from 2 countries (economy class)
3. Copies of all relevant Curriculum Vitae (CVs). Only CVs for the specific individuals that will form the proposed team should be included, as well as clear descriptions of the different roles and responsibilities of the team members. Any proposed staff must have an active role in the MTR.
4. Two relevant references (minimum) for previous comparable assignments
5. Example previous work: The bidder should submit an example written evaluation report authored by the MTR consultant(s)

1. Application process

Submission deadline: Quotations and applications must reach Oxfam Novib no later than 6 March 2026 23:00 PM (CET / UTC +2)

Submission instructions: Applicants may submit their application titled “MTR HST-LHL” and send to the Commissioning Manager pauline.thivillier@oxfamnovib.nl, with copy to the MEAL Coordinator mnyachwaya@oxfaminternational.org.

2. Code of Conduct

Oxfam is committed to integrity in its operations and supply chains and ensuring high ethical standards. Complying with all laws and regulations and ensuring fair competition are fundamental to this commitment. We actively promote these principles and standards and expect all Oxfam suppliers to demonstrate commitment towards them.

All consultants/applicant are required to agree and adhere to the Oxfam Supplier Code of Conduct, whereas individuals (including consultants) must sign the Oxfam Non Staff Code of Conduct. These Codes of Conduct set out the specific standards and principles in the areas of human and labour rights, environmental impact and anti-corruption that suppliers must follow.

Oxfam has the following requirements of its service providers, to ensure integrity in its supply chain:

Bribery and collusion: Oxfam does not tolerate fraud, including bribery or kickbacks, collusion among bidders, bribery or kickbacks. Any firm or individual violating these standards will be disqualified from this procurement and barred from future procurement opportunities. Employees and representatives of Oxfam are strictly prohibited from asking for or accepting any money, fee, commission, credit, gift, gratuity, object of value or compensation from current or potential vendors or suppliers in exchange or as a reward for business.

False statements: Bidders must provide full, accurate and complete information as required by this solicitation and Annexes. False statements in bids constitutes grounds for immediate termination of any agreement with the supplier. OXFAM takes misstatements, falsification, manipulation, alteration of facts and/or documents very seriously, has a zero-tolerance policy to such behaviours, and may choose to take legal action in a case of misrepresented disclosures by bidders.

Conflict of interest: Bidders must provide disclosure of any past, present or future relationships with any parties associated with the issuance, review or management of this solicitation and anticipated award. Failure to provide full and open disclosure may result in Oxfam having to re-evaluate the selection of a potential bidder.

Bidders must declare any potential conflict of interest via the Declaration of Conflict of Interest form and submit with their application.

Diversion of funds

Oxfam is determined that all its funds and resources should only be used to further its mission and shall not be subject to illicit use by any third party nor used or abused for any illicit purpose. Suppliers (and their affiliates/group companies, employees, officers, owners, agents and sub-contractors) may be subject to formal screening against global lists of individuals subject to designation or proscription under financial sanctions or counter terrorism regulations.

3. Compliance and Organisational Standards

Due diligence: As a charitable organisation, Oxfam must take care to protect its assets and funds, as well as the communities that we work with. One of the steps that Oxfam takes to comply with this legal duty is to conduct adequate and proportionate due diligence on suppliers prior to entering a contract. This includes checking legal registration and financial solvency, but may also include other checks, such as misconduct/ performance reference checks. Important note: Oxfam performs a regular screening check of all suppliers against international sanctions lists.

Audit: Any audit requirements are detailed in the terms and conditions of business

Data protection: Oxfam is legally bound to ensure that all personal details held by the organisation relating to any individual or entity are kept secure and according to international data protection standards.

4. Misconduct Reporting & Whistleblowing

Oxfam’s reporting and whistleblowing mechanisms are available for Service Providers as well Oxfam employees, to ensure that Oxfam continues to operate under the highest ethical standards and principles.

You can use these reporting channels confidentially, anonymously, and in your own language to report any concerns involving fraud, corruption, waste, abuse or safeguarding concerns.

5.  Annexes

• HST-LHL Results Framework
• Oxfam Non-Staff Code of Conduct
• Safeguarding policy
• Third Party Declaration of Conflict of Interest in Procurement