Expression of Interest for Rapid Evaluation: CIF Youth Engagement Program (as a Pillar under the CIF Stakeholder Engagement Program) Rapid Evaluation: CIF Youth Engagement Program (as a Pillar under the CIF Stakeholder Engagement Program) 1. Background The Climate Investment Funds (CIF) were established in 2008 to support transformational climate action through programmatic, country-led investment and learning. In recent years, CIF has strengthened youth engagement through initiatives such as the Youth Engagement Strategy (YES), Youth Fellowships, virtual internships and broader participation of youth representatives in CIF governance, knowledge activities, and country investment planning. These efforts reflect CIFs commitments to: a country-led programmatic approach, building future climate leadership, enhancing learning and innovation through diverse perspectives, just and inclusive climate action, and building partnerships As CIF pursues its new strategic direction, scales new programming and deepens its knowledge services, it is timely to assess the relevance, effectiveness, and strategic value of youth engagement to inform future design and resourcing. This rapid evaluation will provide actionable insights to strengthen CIFs approach to youth engagement. 2. Purpose and Objectives Purpose: To assess the design, implementation, and results of the CIF Youth Fellowship and related youth engagement mechanisms, and to identify opportunities to enhance their strategic contribution to CIFs mission. Objectives: Assess the relevance of youth engagement to CIF strategic priorities, programmatic approach, and country-led processes. Evaluate the effectiveness of the Youth Fellowship model and related engagement mechanisms. Identify contributions to CIFs programs, transformational change, knowledge, inclusion, and leadership development. Examine the sustainability and scalability of youth engagement approaches. Provide practical recommendations to strengthen CIFs future youth engagement strategy. 3. Scope of the Evaluation The evaluation will cover: Initiatives Early input including the global consultation in 2020 The Youth Engagement Strategy 2021 CIF Youth Fellowship (launched in 2023 - all cohorts) CIF internship Youth engagement in governance structures including the Observers Youth engagement in country investment planning and stakeholder processes Youth participation in CIF knowledge exchanges and other learning events Geographic scope Global and country-level engagement where youth participation has occurred Timeframe From program inception to present[1] 4. Key Evaluation Questions Relevance & Strategic Alignment How does CIF youth engagement contribute to CIFs programmatic delivery across both the CTF and SCF portfolios? How well does CIF youth engagement align with CIFs Strategic Directions? Effectiveness & Results Does youth engagement address identified gaps in climate leadership, participation, and innovation? How effectively are youth voices integrated into decision-making? Learning Contributions How does youth engagement contribute to: · knowledge exchange and learning, · long-term leadership and capacity development? Equity & Inclusion How inclusive and representative are youth engagement mechanisms (including fellowships, internships, capacity building sessions, etc.) in terms of gender, geography, socioeconomic diversity, etc.? What barriers limit meaningful youth participation? Efficiency & Implementation How effective are youth focused program design, support structures, and coordination mechanisms? Are resources (including in-kind contributions from MDBs) used efficiently relative to benefits? Sustainability & Future Value Are fellowship outcomes sustained beyond participation? How can CIF scale or deepen youth engagement for long-term impact? 5. Evaluation Approach and Methodology This rapid evaluation will use a mixed-methods, utilization-focused approach consistent with CIFs Evaluation & Learning principles. Methods may include: Program documents and portfolio review Use of indicators/ data tracked in CCH and available through CIF results reporting Key informant interviews (CIF staff, MDB partners, fellows, interns, country stakeholders, relevant youth leaders) Short survey of fellows, interns and participants (e.g. MDB hosts) Case snapshots from selected countries or initiatives (high level/ virtual) Contribution analysis to assess influence pathways 6. Deliverables Inception Note (23 pages) Methodology, evaluation matrix, and workplan. Rapid Evaluation Report (max 20 pages) including: key findings, strengths and gaps, strategic implications, prioritized recommendations. Executive Brief (2 pages) for senior leadership/ TFC. Presentation summarizing findings and recommendations. 7. Timeline Expected duration: 15 weeks Inception phase: 2 weeks Data collection: 4 weeks Analysis & drafting: 3 weeks Internal review: 4 weeks Finalization & presentation: 1 week 8. Governance and Management The evaluation will be commissioned by CIF and managed by the Evaluation & Learning team with input and guidance from the Partnerships and Stakeholder Relations team. 9. Required Expertise The evaluation team should demonstrate: experience assessing youth engagement, participation, or leadership initiatives, evaluation expertise in climate, development, or public policy programs, familiarity with inclusion, equity, and stakeholder engagement, strong qualitative research and synthesis skills, experience with rapid/utilization-focused evaluations. Tender Link : https://wbgeprocure-rfxnow.worldbank.org/rfxnow/public/advertisement/6684/view.html
