Synopsis: Catalystas Consulting conducted an external baseline evaluation of the project, implemented by a world-renowned international organization and three local implementing Iraqi partners. The project, running from 2024-2026, is designed to address legal, social, and economic barriers for internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and vulnerable host communities in Iraq (Kirkuk, Anbar, Ninawa) . It focuses on access to legal support for Land and Housing Issues as well as Civic Documentation, gender-based violence (GBV) prevention, and sustainable livelihoods. The evaluation found notable successes in empowering beneficiaries,improving policy engagement, and fostering community resilience. However, it also identified challenges such as bureaucratic inefficiencies, security risks, and cultural sensitivities, which required adaptive strategies. This case study highlights the project’s approach, impact, and key lessons learned for future programming.
To address these challenges, the NGO embarked on an ambitious initiative to overhaul its training materials, aiming to consolidate and enhance its resources into a cohesive global training toolkit. This initiative was driven by a dual purpose:
This project, aiming to tackle the need for accessible and durable solutions to post-conflict reconstruction and community resilience, was initiated by an international organization together with three local Iraqi implementing partners, to address legal, social, and economic barriers faced by conflict-affected populations in Iraq. Operating in Qaim, Sinjar, Hawija, Daquq, and Rashad, the project spans 2024-2026 and is funded by the U.S. government. The program is structured around three core objectives:
The evaluation of this project focused on assessing its relevance, effectiveness, sustainability, and impact.
The project was executed through a combination of capacity-building workshops, legal aid services, community outreach, and advocacy efforts. Key interventions included:
Catalystas’ role as an expert team of impartial external program evaluators centered on a commitment to participatory, evidence-based methodologies. The evaluation followed a structured hybrid approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection methods.
Data Collection and Analysis
The evaluation framework was guided by a central evaluation matrix, incorporating structured survey instruments, thematic interview guides, and community engagement frameworks. A mixed-method approach was employed, integrating desk research, key informant interviews (KIIs), focus group discussions (FGDs), and policy analysis. Desk research was conducted to establish a baseline and assess the policy landscape. Stakeholder engagement included 45 KIIs with government representatives, NGO staff, and community leaders, alongside 12 FGDs with affected populations to explore challenges related to civil documentation, GBV concerns, and economic opportunities. Accompanying this, we conducted a survey that yielded over 300 responses, providing quantitative backing to qualitative insights.
Stakeholder Engagement and Adaptive Problem-Solving
Regular consultations were held with government entities, NGOs, and civil society organizations to align findings with field realities and identify service gaps. The evaluation framework remained flexible and adaptive, responding to the dynamic security and political environment. This ensured the incorporation of real-time insights and enhanced the relevance of findings.
Validation of Findings
A multi-layered validation approach was applied, ensuring preliminary findings were triangulated across multiple data sources and reviewed by an expert panel before finalizing recommendations. The survey component, conducted in collaboration with local partners, generated a diverse dataset, strengthening the credibility of key findings and supporting policy engagement and program improvement.
The project has played a pivotal role in improving the safety, rights, and economic prospects of IDPs, returnees, and vulnerable host communities in Iraq. Despite challenges, the project has demonstrated significant positive outcomes, laying the groundwork for continued advocacy and service provision. The organization and its partners remain committed to supporting sustainable solutions that empower affected populations and enhance their resilience.
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Amélie is a French-Canadian strategic development consultant with over 15 years of international experience on all continents, with the past six years focused on Asia Pacific and East Africa. Former social entrepreneur, regional NGO exec, researcher and lawyer-by-trade among other titles; she is a diverse professional currently based in Nairobi, Kenya. Amélie has worked in consulting on and off for 11 years across a range of industries and sectors, and has notably provided multiple market penetration and M&E analysis services, as well as risk assessments on the topics of forced labor and child labor in supply chains in Africa and in Asia.
Amélie completed her law degree in Quebec, Canada, and holds a Masters in International Law gained in Beijing, China. She has worked with organizations including the Thomson Reuters Foundation as Asia Pacific Manager (2019-2021), where she managed a portfolio of 250+ human rights research and advisory projects, prior to which she co-founded a social enterprise in the renewable energy sector in Rwanda, on the border of the DRC.
Amélie is proud to dedicate her time to driving social change through economic development and sustainable growth projects concretely in Southeast Asia and East Africa, and globally virtually. Amelie loves travelling, eating, and getting out of her comfort zone.
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