Request for Quotation (RFQ) For Evaluation of GOAL Syria In-house Investigations Process REF: JOR-M&E-21977

1. The consultant will conduct a thorough evaluation of GOAL Syria’s investigation procedure and process to complete its objectives. This will include but not necessarily be limited to:

a. Conduct an analysis of GOAL Syria serious cases trends with the aim of observing and understanding the impact of efforts taken by the investigation team. The analysis may cover:

§ Examine the pattern of case types (beneficiary list manipulation, bribery and corruption, fraud, etc.) and serious case categories (categories 5 and 6).

§ Review the current Investigations SOPs and sanction policies, making recommendations for revision of same and gaps.

§ Observer attendance at Serious Complaints Committee calls to understand the process and understand the stakeholders involved.

§ Review the changes in trends (decreases in beneficiary misreporting, increases in bribery cases, etc.) in specific geographical areas, or thematic categories that indicate patterns.

§ Examine the investigation methodology around high risk cases, the sampling methodology used, and make recommendations in the investigation of high-risk cases e.g. remote investigations, triangulation of findings.

§ Understand the trends of disciplinary actions or sanctions taken on misconduct.

b. Conduct a review of timelines of serious case closures. While GOAL Syria monitors timelines for closure of cases, the specific factors affecting those timelines are not captured and analyzed. For example, a timeline might be delayed because an investigation officer has a large caseload or has difficulty connecting with complainants or key informants. This review may cover:

§ Examine overall timelines of case closures and case types, and document how they changed for investigation officers.

§ Review process for allocating cases to investigation officers; monitor the number of investigation officer caseloads to avoid extended timelines.

§ Analyze lead times for allocating cases to investigation officers, for contacting complainants and for investigation follow-up after the case closes.

c. Conduct analysis of trends of disciplinary action and sanctions on the basis of the complaint received. This analysis should cover:

§ Examination of trends of disciplinary actions recommended (eg written warnings, contract terminations), their archiving, and what is missing from this process, if anything

§ Review how long it takes to implement disciplinary actions/sanctions, barriers to their implementation, reasons for delays, managerial oversight of this process.

d. Conduct a “fit-for-purpose” appraisal of Investigations Department staffing structure, and roles.

e. Identify any capacity building needs among investigation staff and provide training.

f. Develop a methodology and implementation plan for routine and ongoing monitoring and analysis of the investigation process for its continued efficiency and effectiveness.

g. Examine investigation reporting system, including report templates and ensure they facilitate the following:

i. Evidence a timely and impartial institutional response.

ii. Accurately document the investigation conducted including final reports that capture critical elements coherently including the factual issue, the relevant policy, the evidence, analysis, and the conclusion.

iii. Provide decision-makers with facts needed to decide the matter.

h. Interviews with GOAL senior management, investigation department staff, programme coordinators, as well as interviews with those GOAL staff members and beneficiaries who have interacted with the investigations team.

1. The consultant will utilize a conflict sensitive approach when evaluating the in-house investigation process. Specifically, the consultant will assess to what extent the GOAL Syria investigation process is appropriate for the context it operates in and the investigation process and sanction policy does not increase the risk of conflict between GOAL staff and/or GOAL staff and external stakeholders.

2. The consultant must take into consideration USAID/FFP, OFDA, ECHO and DFID investigations reporting requirements. It is essential that the successful firm have in-depth knowledge of the reporting requirements for the aforementioned donors and have proven experience in conducting critical appraisals of investigation processes in humanitarian contexts preferably in the Middle East.