End of Project Evaluation of the Grow PNG Program in the Markham Valley (2025)
Papua New Guinea
Grow Asia - Grow PNG
Request for Proposals
Introduction:
Grow Asia invites proposals from experienced Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) practitioners to conduct an independent evaluation of the Grow PNG program and its activities in the Markham Valley for 2025. This evaluation will focus on assessing progress against the deliverables outlined in the Grant Agreement between the Australian Government (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, DFAT) and Grow Asia.
Background:
Grow PNG is a multi-year initiative aimed at fostering sustainable agricultural development and economic growth in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The program focuses on increasing agricultural productivity, improving market access, and enhancing livelihoods, particularly in the Markham Valley agricultural growth corridor. Since its inception, the program has prioritized:
Capacity Building: Strengthening farmer organizations and government agencies.
Value Chain Development: Improving key agricultural value chains, such as taro, coffee, cocoa, and fresh produce.
Land Access: Facilitating equitable access to land for smallholder farmers and agribusinesses.
Gender Mainstreaming: Promoting women's economic empowerment in agriculture.
The evaluation will assess the program’s progress in achieving its objectives, identify lessons learned, and provide actionable recommendations for future phases.
Scope of Work
The evaluation will cover the following areas:
Relevance:
Assess the alignment of the program with national development priorities and beneficiary needs.
Effectiveness:
Evaluate the achievement of program objectives, particularly in facilitating land access, establishing investor partnerships, and integrating gender mainstreaming.
Efficiency:
Analyse the cost-effectiveness of interventions and optimal use of resources.
Sustainability:
Measure the likelihood of continued benefits following program completion.
Impact:
Assess positive and negative changes resulting from the program, such as impacts on smallholder incomes, women's empowerment, and climate resilience.
Evaluator Qualifications
Qualified applicants should possess the following:
Educational Background:
Advanced degree in agriculture, economics, development studies, or a related field.
Experience:
Minimum of 5 years of experience in M&E of agricultural development programs.
Proven expertise in conducting evaluations that align with DFAT guidelines and reporting requirements. Familiarity with the PNG context or similar developing country settings.
Skills:
Strong analytical, communication, and report-writing skills.
Proficiency in English.
Evaluation Methodology
The evaluation will employ a mixed-methods approach, including:
Document Review:
Analysis of program documents, progress reports, and other relevant materials.
Key Informant Interviews:
Engagement with government officials, program staff, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders.
Field Visits:
On-site observation of program activities and data collection.
Surveys:
Collection and analysis of quantitative data from beneficiaries.
Data Analysis:
Comprehensive analysis of qualitative and quantitative data to draw conclusions and formulate recommendations.
Incorporation of Existing Data:
Utilize findings from Grow PNG’s Socio-Economic Livelihood Studies and Women’s Livelihood Survey.
Deliverables
The appointed Evaluator will be responsible for delivering the following:
Inception Report:
Outline of the evaluation methodology and work plan.
Draft Evaluation Report:
Presentation of key findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
Final Evaluation Report:
Revised report that incorporates feedback and adheres to DFAT standards.
Timeline
The evaluation will be conducted over a 2-month period with the following tentative timeline:
Contract signing: Oct 12, 2025
Inception Report: Oct 17, 2025
Data collection: Oct 20 to 27, 2025
Draft Report Submission: Nov 1, 2025
Final Report Submission: Nov 14, 2025
Budget
Applicants are required to submit a detailed budget proposal outlining all costs associated with the evaluation.
Evaluation Ethics and Standards
The evaluation process must adhere to the following principles:
Objectivity and Impartiality: Maintain unbiased and independent judgment.
Confidentiality: Protect sensitive information gathered during the evaluation.
Cultural Sensitivity: Respect local customs and traditions.
Transparency and Accountability: Clearly document the evaluation process and findings.
Submission Guidelines
Interested applicants should submit proposals that include the following:
Technical Proposal:
Demonstrating understanding of the TOR and proposed methodology.
Financial Proposal:
Detailed budget breakdown.
CVs of Key Personnel:
Highlighting qualifications and relevant experience.
Work Plan:
Detailed timeline of activities.
Deadline for Submission: 10 Oct 2025
Submission Email: contracts@growasia.org
For further inquiries, please contact: Kishor@growasia.org
Annexes
DFAT Evaluation Guidelines
GrowPNG Program Documents (to be provided upon request)
We look forward to receiving your proposal and working together to evaluate and enhance the GrowPNG program for sustainable agricultural development in Papua New Guinea.
About Grow Asia
Grow Asia was established by the World Economic Forum in 2015 in collaboration with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in response to the urgent need to transform the region’s food systems. As a multi-stakeholder platform, Grow Asia works with more than 650 global and regional partners to broker market driven solutions across Southeast Asia. The Grow Asia network comprises our regional office in Singapore and six country chapters in Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, and Viet Nam. The network operates through 44 national and sectoral Working Groups and is already reaching more than 2.5 million smallholders across Southeast Asia with solutions that will empower them to transition to a low-carbon future through innovative finance and digitalization. In 2020, Grow Asia was accredited as an Entity Associated with ASEAN. This accreditation recognizes the important role Grow Asia plays in the region, particularly in facilitating multi-stakeholder partnerships and acting as a delivery mechanism for ASEAN programs.
As a multi-stakeholder platform, we believe all voices matter and actively seek to bring them to the table. Aligned with this ethos, Grow Asia is committed to equal opportunity regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or gender identity.