NZAID Tools Activity Cycle Tools 

Evaluation Series | Developing Terms of Reference for Reviews and Evaluations

The process of developing TOR

The process of developing a TOR should include these steps:

  1. establish the need for, and the purpose of the review or evaluation in collaboration with development partners
  2. discuss the review or evaluation with an NZAID evaluation advisor, and other appropriate stakeholders and NZAID staff
  3. agree with partners who will prepare the draft TOR and establish a consultative process for developing the TOR
  4. check and redraft TOR as appropriate following the agreed consultative process
  5. ensure the TOR are consistent with the requirements for contracting [Reference: NZAID Minor Contracting Standards Guideline and the generic NZAID Terms of Reference Guideline]
  6. check the draft TOR with appropriate NZAID staff including the appropriate team leader, an evaluation advisor and contract advisor
  7. finalise the TOR and have the TOR signed off by the team leader (where appropriate)
  8. carry out any procurement procedures as required
  9. provide contractors the opportunity to discuss and clarify the TOR (perhaps in the evaluation plan or with the programme manager) before the evaluation or review begins.