RFP - Collective Inclusive Action by Civil Society Organizations in Odisha (SAMAHITA Project)

TERMS OF REFERENCE

FINAL EVALUATION

Commissioned by

Handicap International (HI) – India Programme

For the selection of an Independent Evaluation Consultant / Consulting Firm

October-December 2026

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 About Handicap International

Handicap International (HI), is an independent international humanitarian and development organization working alongside persons with disabilities and other vulnerable populations in situations of poverty, exclusion, conflict and disaster. HI is committed to promoting inclusion, equal opportunities, protection of rights and improved access to services through disability-inclusive and rights-based development approaches. Operating in more than 60 countries, HI partners with governments, civil society organizations, communities and development actors to advance inclusive and sustainable development.

1.2 About Handicap International in India /South Asia region

HI India is the liaison office of Handicap International, operating since 1988 by providing technical support to a community-based rehabilitation centre- southern India, responding to the Gujarat earthquake in 2001. Since then, HI works together with local partners supports different actions towards a barrier free and rights-based society for people with disabilities and other vulnerable people in more than 10 states of India. HI India interventions mainly focus on Health and Rehabilitation, Disaster Preparedness, Social and Economic Inclusion, Road Safety, Mine Risk Reduction, Advocacy & Capacity Building and Emergency Response.

2. CONTEXT OF THE FINAL EVALUATION

Under the financial support of the European Union, HI, as the Lead Applicant, in collaboration with the Co-Applicants and implementing partners: SMRC, EKTA and SADHANA, is implementing the project “Collective Inclusive Action by Civil Society Organizations in Odisha (SAMAHITA Project)” across six districts of Odisha, namely Gajapati, Ganjam, Koraput, Mayurbhanj, Puri and Rayagada. The project aims to strengthen the institutional and technical capacities of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to promote inclusive governance, advocate for the rights of marginalized populations, facilitate access to public services and social protection schemes, strengthen community leadership, and foster meaningful participation in local governance processes. The project adopts an intersectional approach to inclusion, recognising that discrimination and exclusion often arise from the interaction of disability, gender, caste, ethnicity, age and other social identities.

The project is being implemented over a three-year period, with the overall objective of strengthening the role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) as effective, inclusive and accountable actors capable of representing and advancing the rights and interests of marginalized communities.

The project is founded on the recognition that many marginalized groups including persons with disabilities, women, Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, minority communities and other socially excluded populations continue to face multiple and intersecting barriers in accessing public services, participating in governance processes and exercising their rights. While numerous community-based organizations and CSOs operate across Odisha, many require additional institutional, technical and organizational capacities to effectively engage with government institutions, advocate for inclusive policies and facilitate equitable access to development opportunities. To address these challenges, the project adopts an intersectional and rights-based approach, recognising that exclusion is often shaped by multiple and overlapping social identities. Through strengthening institutional capacities, promoting collective action and enhancing evidence-based advocacy, the project seeks to create an enabling environment in which CSOs can effectively engage with local governance institutions, influence public policies and contribute to more inclusive and accountable development processes.

The project interventions focus on strengthening the organizational capacities of Civil Society Organizations through structured capacity development programmes, organizational assessments, mentoring and technical support. In addition, the project has established and strengthened Common Service Centres (CSCs) as local platforms to facilitate access to information, government schemes and referral services for marginalized communities. The project also promotes community leadership, participatory planning, inclusive governance, policy dialogue, digital inclusion, private-sector engagement and access to social protection and livelihood opportunities. Cross-learning initiatives, networking among CSOs and documentation of good practices further contribute to strengthening the civil society ecosystem within the project area.

The project is implemented through a results-based approach guided by the approved Description of Action (DoA) and Logical Framework (LF). Its primary expected outcomes include strengthened institutional capacities of CSOs, increased participation of marginalized communities in governance processes, improved access to government services and entitlements, enhanced advocacy for inclusive policies, and stronger collaboration among civil society organizations and other development stakeholders. The project also places significant emphasis on disability inclusion, gender equality, intersectionality and accountability to affected populations as cross-cutting principles throughout implementation.

As part of the project's Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) framework, a comprehensive Baseline Study was conducted at the inception of the project to establish benchmark values for the approved Logical Framework indicators and assess the organizational capacities of participating Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). In accordance with the approved Description of Action (DoA), an independent Endline Study is being conducted at the conclusion of the implementation period to measure the final status of project indicators, assess changes achieved during implementation, and determine the extent to which the project has progressed towards its intended results.

2.1 Presentation of the Project to be Evaluated

Project element

Description

Project title

Collective Inclusive Action by Civil Society Organizations in Odisha (SAMAHITA Project)

Implementation dates

01 January 2024 – 31 December 2026 (36 months)

Geographical coverage

Six districts of Odisha: Gajapati, Ganjam, Koraput, Mayurbhanj, Puri and Rayagada

Lead organization

Operating / implementing partners

Shanta Memorial Rehabilitation Centre (SMRC), EKTA and Society for Action in Disability and Health Awareness (SADHANA)

Target groups

People with disabilities and OPDs, marginalized tribal communities, women's groups/SHGs and fisherwomen, caregivers, youth groups, government service providers at block, district and state levels, and higher government officials.

Overall objective

Empower CSOs to promote gender- and disability-inclusive governance through effective and enhanced participation of marginalized groups in local developmental processes in Odisha.

Specific objective

Enhance the capacity and engagement of CSOs representing scheduled tribes, youth, women and persons with disabilities to promote gender- and disability-inclusive governance in six districts through increased knowledge, networking and evidence-based advocacy.

Email address for proposal submission: procurement-India@india.hi.org

For detailed information, please check the complete version of the RFP attached below.