Assignments

The Blue Natural Capital Financing Facility (BNCFF) supports the development of economic sustainable, nature-based projects that deliver ecosystem benefits through diverse income streams. PEM was selected by IUCN to conduct a final evaluation of BNCFF, assessing its performance, capturing lessons, and providing recommendations for IUCN’s future engagement in blue natural capital.
The evaluation focused on BNCFF’s relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability, using OECD/DAC criteria, and also addressed IUCN’s contributions to its One Programme Approach, Environmental and Social Management System, and gender, Indigenous Peoples, and youth concerns.
Small contract value under 50,000 €.

The Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Programme (ITHCP), a grant-making initiative funded by KfW and implemented by IUCN, supports conservation efforts for tiger habitats across Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Nepal, and Myanmar. Phases II and III focused on scaling up Phase I activities, improving habitat management, reducing human-wildlife conflicts, and promoting alternative livelihoods in tiger landscapes.
PEM was commissioned to evaluate the programme’s relevance, inclusiveness (gender, indigenous peoples, and youth), and the effectiveness of IUCN’s Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS), in line with IUCN’s Evaluation Policy (2023) and OECD DAC criteria. A mixed-method approach was used, including document reviews, interviews, field visits, and stakeholder consultations across seven tiger range countries.
Medium contract value between 50,000 and 150,000€.

PEM has been assigned to assist the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), along with the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities (MCEU) and the Danish Energy Agency (DEA), in formulating the new 5-year phase of the Danish Energy Partnership Programme (DEPP 2026) with China, Indonesia, Mexico, South Africa, and Vietnam for the period 2026-2030.
The programme aims to promote access to sustainable, affordable, and reliable energy, which is crucial for socio-economic development and achieving SDG 7 as well as other related SDGs. It also supports the countries in adopting variable renewable energy, enhancing energy security, and advancing their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in line with the global targets of the Paris Agreement.
Medium contract value between 50,000 and 150,000€.

The CSOs and Policy Dialogue Consortium Project, coordinated by horizont3000 and funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), was launched in 2014 to strengthen the capacity of East African civil society organisations (CSOs) to engage in policy dialogue promoting justice and equity for marginalised populations. The project, implemented by a consortium of Austrian NGOs (Caritas, CARE, horizont3000, SOS Children’s Village) support CSOs in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania through training, small action funds, and experience-sharing initiatives.
PEM was selected to conduct a review of the project across four phases across in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The review combined desk research and qualitative data collection, online and in person, with partner organisations and stakeholders, focusing on effectiveness, sustainability, and transferability, as well as the functioning of the Community of Practice.
Small contract value under 50,000 €.

PEMconsult East Africa was contracted by Afrikan Image to undertake a monitoring and process evaluation of the Communication in Rural Business Component of an IFAD funded Rural Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Support Programme (MUVI). MUVI was implemented by the Tanzania Small Industries Development Organisation (SIDO) to empower rural entrepreneurs, micro, small and medium scale farmers and businesses, with agro-processing and farming methods, and to offer opportunities for the rural entrepreneurs to access information on markets and market prices, loans and credit schemes, among others, in order to improve quality of their products, expand their businesses and increase yield. The overall objective was to reduce rural income poverty and to improve livelihoods of the poorest groups. The programme was piloted with five value chains: dairy products, cassava, citrus fruits, oranges and pineapples, sunflower, and tomatoes.

The Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative (PSDI) co-financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Government of Australia, and the Government of New Zealand, has been supporting 14 Pacific Developing Member Countries (DMCs) since 2006. It is a long-running regional technical assistance facility, which focuses on creating an enabling environment for inclusive, private sector-led economic growth by providing technical assistance and policy reform support. Its efforts aim to strengthen the business environment and promote sustainable, gender-responsive development across the region.
PEM was selected to conduct the end-of-program evaluation for PSDI Phase IV. The evaluation assessed the programme’s relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, sustainability, coherence, and its outcomes in gender, and climate change integration. The evaluation also provided actionable recommendations with a focus on expanding inclusion, climate resilience, private sector engagement, and investment facilitation in Phase V.
Medium contract value between 50,000 and 150,000€.

PEMconsult East Africa was contracted by WWF Tanzania, with quality assurance by the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA), to undertake a situation analysis of the Seascape Collaborative Management of Marine and Coastal Resources Programme implemented in Rufiji delta-Mafia-Kilwa coastal areas (RUMAKI) and aimed at obtaining sustainable and improved livelihoods of the surrounding communities. The consultancy produced a programme document that outlines the scope, duration, aim, objectives, strategies, outputs and monitoring indicators for the second phase of the RUMAKI Seascape Programme. Prior to preparing the programme document, the situation analysis was to be undertaken to inform the programme.

PEM was assigned to evaluate two GEF-funded climate mitigation projects implemented under UNEP’s Climate Change Division. The first project in Sierra Leone supported the transition to electric mobility to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The second project in Tunisia promoted energy-efficient lighting technologies to lower electricity consumption and associated GHG emissions.
PEM’s services included leading and authoring the Terminal Reviews of both projects, in accordance with GEF and UNEP evaluation policies.
Small contract value under 50,000 €.

The “Support to the EU Accession Negotiations in the Economic Sector in Albania II” project helps Albania prepare for joining the European Union (EU). It aims to strengthen the skills and capacities of the Albanian government to align laws, policies, and systems with EU standards. The project focuses on three key areas: government capacity development, harmonization of laws with EU standards, and civil society engagement.
PEM was selected to conduct an evaluation, which included a semi-remote inception mission and an on-site evaluation mission.
Medium contract value between 50,000 and 150,000€.

PEMconsult East Africa carried out a comprehensive analysis of the gaps between policy and implementation of national policies, legislative reforms and global commitments to promote gender equality. The underlying impediments to gender equality in the country were also analysed, for further understanding on the underlying causes and how to address them. The conceptual framework to guide analysis was based on an assessment of the existing institutional framework and systems to promote gender equality, such as: a) the mechanisms in place to hold responsible officials and/or stakeholders, b) mechanisms in place to monitor progress and results, and c) challenges in implementing projects promoting gender equality, such as the capacity of actors to play their assigned roles and responsibilities, and understand national policies and international protocols.

Since 2014, the Danish Energy Agency (DEA) has partnered with the Ukrainian Ministry of Energy and key national stakeholders through a Government-to-Government energy partnership. This cooperation has been implemented under the Ukraine-Denmark Energy Partnership Programme (UDEPP) since 2021, funded by the Danish Neighbourhood Programme. The programme focuses on supporting Ukraine’s energy sector transition during reconstruction, promoting renewable energy, energy efficiency, and market-based energy reforms to strengthen sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
PEM was appointed to provide process and technical consultancy support for the development of the new energy partnership framework, including workshops, stakeholder discussions, analytical work, and the development of frameworks and a theory of change.
Medium contract value between 50,000 and 150,000€.

The Danish Minister for Development Cooperation has approved the Thika and Githunguri Water Supply and Sanitation Project, which will provide new water supply and sewage treatment systems in Thika and Githunguri, water and sanitation services to informal settlements in Thika, electricity generation at Thika Wastewater Treatment Plant North, a mini-hydropower plant in Thika, and solar power plants in both towns. The project will also create temporary and permanent jobs and strengthen local capacity to manage these facilities.
PEM has been appointed as Technical Monitoring Consultant (TMC) to oversee the design phase, Results Monitoring Consultant (RMC) to focus on socio-economic aspects, and to provide Technical Assistance (TA) to enhance the institutional capacity of THIWASCO and GIWASCO, the water and sanitation companies.
Medium contract value between 50,000 and 150,000€.

PEMconsult East Africa conducted a socio-economic survey to determine the magnitude of resettlement, associated costs and key issues to be considered for a Resettlement Action Plan in accordance with international and nationally accepted guidelines. Furthermore, the study investigated the project’s impact on women, youth, children and poorer segments of the project area. In addition, the project analysed existing land tenure arrangements and coverage of portable water supply and sanitation, the mechanism available for management and maintenance of water supply infrastructure, the economic situation and the capacity to pay, as well as perceptions regarding roles and responsibilities. Advice was also provided on the proposed tenure arrangements for future smallholder schemes.

The water sector has been identified as a key priority in the upcoming Kenya-Denmark Bilateral Programme (2027–2031), with four strategic priorities: water governance, climate resilience and adaptation, universal and sustainable access, and the mobilization of DFI and private capital.
PEM was selected to assess the policy and institutional context of Kenya’s water sector, including a review of ongoing Kenya-Denmark cooperation and broader development partner efforts. The evaluation also involved analyzing and prioritizing proposed areas of cooperation, partners, and modalities, while considering their alignment, impact, aid effectiveness, institutional capacity, and value-chain integration opportunities.
Small contract value under 50,000 €.

The National Water and Sewage Corporation (NWSC) of Uganda has proposed four projects to Danida Sustainable Infrastructure Finance (DSIF), with the Jinja-Iganga project selected for further development. The project, focused on water supply and sanitation, is expected to take seven years to implement, with a 20-year horizon, and addresses growing population and industrial demand.
PEM was selected to provide technical assistance to support NWSC, DSIF, and the Danish Embassy in assessing the project’s eligibility for DSIF financing, preparing a concept note in DSIF format, and conducting a preliminary review of the other proposed projects. The work includes desk reviews, a field visit to Uganda, and consultations with stakeholders and project partners.
Medium contract value between 50,000 and 150,000€.

PEMconsult East Africa in association with WEMA Consult conducted a poverty and social impact assessment for the Sustainable Management of Mineral Resources Programme (SMMRP) with the aim of informing the project on the poverty reduction effectiveness of sector reforms and SMMRP implementation. The PSIA examined the assumptions underlying mineral sector reforms, evaluated the potential poverty and social impact of the 2009 Mineral Policy on mining communities, assessed the short and the long-term implications of the Mineral Policy of 2009, and provided policy options for maximization of the benefit of the Mineral Policy. The study involved a broad range of stakeholders in a debate on the reforms that were being considered.

PEM was commissioned to conduct an independent evaluation of the International Water and Sanitation Centre (IRC) to assess its performance under the 2017–2024 Business Plan. IRC is a Dutch based organisation focused on strengthening sustainable and equitable water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services through advocacy, systems change, and partnerships
The aim of this evaluation was to review IRC’s achievements, strategic relevance, and contribution to the Dutch development cooperation agenda, while providing recommendations for a potential new phase of collaboration. PEM’s services included a desk review, key informant interviews, and field visits to Ethiopia and Ghana.
Medium contract value between 50,000 and 150,000€.

Phase 3 of the Water and Development Partnership Programme aims to enhance knowledge on sustainable water management and strengthen the capacity of water sector organizations in low- and middle-income countries. The programme aims to ensure that water use supports broader societal goals such as justice, peace, safety, and well-being. Guided by principles of inclusivity, joint learning, and shared leadership, the programme supports projects combining research, education, capacity-building, and knowledge-sharing to address water challenges and reduce historical inequities in the sector.
It emphasizes the participation of marginalized groups, including women and people of color. Geographically, it focuses on regions supported by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, such as the Horn of Africa, the Middle East, and the Sahel.
The evaluation of the programme (2021-2025) will assess its performance, draw lessons, and provide recommendations for possible top-up funding or a new phase. It aims to improve the programme’s relevance, results, and sustainability while optimizing resource use and setting priorities for future phases.
Medium contract value between 50,000 and 150,000€.

Local Development Programme (LDP LAO/338) focused on participatory planning and capacity building in the poorest districts across four provinces in Laos, reaching around 172,000 villages. The programme integrated a rights-based approach (RBA), addressing gender equality, environmental sustainability, climate change, and digitalization.
PEM was tasked with conducting a mid-term evaluation of the first two and a half years of implementation, comparing it with a previous Local Development Programme (LAO/030). The evaluation examined key themes like infrastructure development, governance, village credit schemes, and cross-cutting issues such as gender equality and climate change. It aimed to inform strategic decision-making and support potential future phases of the programme. Field visits, interviews, focus groups, and site observations were conducted with key stakeholders, applying a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative data.
Medium contract value between 50,000 and 150,000€.

PEM was selected to evaluate the impact, efficiency, and effectiveness of the European Union’s support to the Nordic Horn of Africa Opportunities (NHAO) Fund, focusing on its effects on Somalia’s financial markets, enterprise-level outcomes, and employment. The NHAO supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Somalia.
PEM conducted a desk review, portfolio analysis, stakeholder consultations, and a field mission to Hargeisa and Nairobi.The evaluation, guided by OECD/DAC criteria, emphasized impact areas such as employment, turnover, profitability, and special attention was given to women and youth.
Small contract value under 50,000 €.