Tenders are Invited for Final Evaluation of the Med Trails Network Project Emergence of the First Trail Network from the Mediterranean Final Evaluation of the Med Trails Network Project The Med Trails Network is seeking a consortium of consultants with strong expertise in project evaluation for international development and EU-funded programs , preferably in the Mediterranean region. The team should combine robust methodological skills, solid experience in network-based projects, and in-depth knowledge of sustainable tourism, community-based development, cultural and natural heritage, and climate change adaptation , particularly in Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, and comparable contexts . A strong understanding of regional and European policy frameworks (EU, Union for the Mediterranean, Interreg, etc.) is required, alongside proven capacities in governance analysis, communication and advocacy strategies, and high-quality reporting. The consortium is expected to provide both analytical rigor and operational recommendations, supporting the Networks positioning for future funding opportunities. Project Description AFRAT is part of a consortium of associations implementing the project: Emergence of the first trail network from the Mediterranean. This project aims to create the first network of long-distance hiking routes in the Mediterranean and generate relevant common tools to initiate reflection and global development at the sub-regional level around the management, structuring and animation of hiking trails, while considering the issues related to the environmental transition. The backbone of this project is hiking tourism which appears as a vector of local economic development, territorial governance and response to the challenges raised by climate change. The partners: AFRAT is a tourism-job training center as well as a counseling center based in the French Alps, since 1965. Specialized in the sustainable tourism development, the AFRAT leads several projects in France and abroad with the support of a network of experts in rural tourism. Palestinian Heritage Trail (PH Trail) is a non-profit community-based tourism union that delineates and develops Palestinian Heritage Trail in and around different Palestinian localities. The organization endorses cultural diversity and exchange, safeguards tradition and heritage, inspires storytelling and encourages friendships based on the advancement of human values and the preservation of the surrounding environment and the peoples needs for further growth and education. PH Trail works closely and jointly with local communities to cultivate their resources, capacities and the opportunity for a better life. The Lebanon Mountain Trail Association (LMTA) was born in Beirut in October 2007 and develops, promotes and preserves the hiking itinerary that runs through the country. Its objective is to protect the natural, cultural and architectural heritage and to improve economic opportunities by promoting sustainable and responsible tourism. The trail is thus considered as a tool for the ecotourism development and a tool for post-conflict activities in Lebanon. The association is also involved in educational, cultural and advocacy activities. The Jordan Trail Association (JTA) Established as a Jordanian non-governmental organization (NGO) in July 2015, the Jordan Trail Association (JTA) aims to develop and maintain the Jordan Trail, promoting it to attract local and international tourists. The JTA also seeks to support the local communities along the trail, maximizing the potential socioeconomic benefits of increased tourism. This includes supporting the development of various local services and home-based industries that cater for the needs of hikers and adventurers. A vital goal of the JTA is to support a sustainable tourism model that conserves the natural environment and preserves the habitats along the trail. Tétraktys is an NGO specialized in development based in the French Alps. For the last 24 years, the organization has been dedicated to sharing its expertise in rural development and cultural heritage preservation with communities all over the world. Today, Tétraktys is at the hub of a regional network of experts: elected officials and mountain communities, innovative businesses, tourism professionals, educational establishments and universities, institutions, and organizations. Consultancy Background The AFD funded project Emergence of the first trail network from the Mediterranean started on June 1 st 2023 and will end on May 31 st 2026. The project follows a logical framework divided into three sub-objectives with results and activity indicators. It targets capacity building for trails organizations, economic local development through investments, promotion and awareness raising. In terms of communication actions, the project is also considered as Level 2 by the French Development Agency, and results are expected in terms of visibility. The project team (project managers from the 5-partner organizations) is currently monitoring the project through: Bimonthly technical meetings Quarterly narrative and financial report Activity reports A first intermediate report was approved by the French Development Agency in January 2025. The consortium also applied for a new phase of the project (2026-2029) but unfortunately, due to the decrease in fundings, the next steps of the network development wont be funded by AFD; the consortium and the new network members are looking for new funding streams to sustain the initiated network and keep developing impactful actions. The network members are looking closely at upcoming EU calls for projects (Interreg Euromed, Next Med, Horizon, Cosme, Erasmus) . Thus, the final evaluation is expected to showcase and help improve the relevance, sustainability and impact of the network. Consultancy Purpose The purpose of the consultancy is to conduct a comprehensive final external evaluation of the Med Trail Network project. To support the consortium on the following specific objectives: · Identify best practices: Formalize lessons learned and pinpoint successful consortium work mechanisms. · Enhance monitoring : Refine the monitoring framework with more relevant indicators and baselines to strengthen future collective projects (and potentially position the network on next EU calls for project). · Evaluate deliverables: To assess the impact and relevance of the diagnosis, benchmarks, studies and tools created. · Measure local impact: To assess the effectiveness of the activities targeting local communities in each country. · Advice on governance: To provide recommendations on the network structure and organization. · Optimize Communication : To provide recommendations for the networks communication strategy , communication tools, collective advocacy and promotion . · Contextual analysis: To assess project relevance in the current security context in the Middle East and the effectiveness of each partner resilience mechanism.Description: Final Evaluation of the Med Trails Network Project Do you wish to submit a call for tenders? Submit your requests for proposals for services aimed at strengthening your organization, facilitating your projects... Tender Link : https://www.coordinationsud.org/appels-doffres/?_localisations=afrique%2Casie%2Cmoyen-orient
