New Evaluation Opportunity: Independent Formative Evaluation of the UK’s MOBILIST Programme

Assessing Innovation in Development Finance

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is commissioning an independent formative evaluation of the MOBILIST programme, which aims to mobilise institutional capital for sustainable development and climate finance in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs) through public markets.

This evaluation presents a rare and exciting opportunity to assess a government programme that is both highly novel and innovative, operating at the intersection of international development and global capital markets. MOBILIST is pioneering new approaches to mobilising institutional capital for sustainable development and climate finance, leveraging public markets in ways that few donor initiatives have attempted.

By examining its unique model, partnerships with global stock exchanges, and catalytic investments in emerging markets, the evaluation will generate insights that are not only relevant for UK policy but also have the potential to shape global financial system reforms.

The formative nature of this evaluation means that findings will directly inform the future direction of MOBILIST and contribute to broader learning in the development finance community, making it a genuinely impactful assignment for any supplier with expertise in this space.

Key Contract Details

– Budget: The maximum budget for the evaluation is £116,400 (excluding tax)

– Duration: February to July 2026 (approx. 22 weeks)

– Email [email protected] and [email protected] by 23 January to register your interest in bidding

– Draft Terms of Reference

Evaluation Scope

The evaluation will cover all aspects of the MOBILIST programme from August 2023 to December 2025, including investments, policy engagement, technical assistance, research and MEL activities. It will take a global view with focused case studies in markets such as Nigeria and the Philippines, examining the effectiveness of the programme’s public markets approach, its value for money, and integration of gender and inclusion. The emphasis is on assessing progress towards outcomes and capturing lessons to inform the next phase, rather than attributing long-term impact.

Key Evaluation Objectives

• Strategic Relevance: Assess whether MOBILIST remains uniquely positioned to address market failures in private capital mobilisation for SDG and climate finance, compared to other donor and development finance initiatives.

• Effectiveness & Impact: Identify early evidence of effectiveness, including shifts in investor behaviour, product replication, and systemic influence, using a theory-based approach.

• Efficiency & Value for Money: Analyse how well MOBILIST converts resources into outputs and compare its value for money with similar programmes.

• Learning for GESI: Capture lessons on gender equality, equity, and social inclusion (GESI), and assess how the programme addresses these dimensions.

• Accountability: Provide evidence for FCDO, partners, and UK taxpayers on the use of resources and programme impact.

Methodology

• Theory-Based, Mixed-Methods: Utilise Contribution Analysis and Process Tracing to assess causal pathways and triangulate evidence.

• Data Collection: Combine qualitative (interviews, focus groups, case studies) and quantitative (financial mobilisation, market metrics) methods.

• Comparative Analysis: Benchmark MOBILIST’s efficiency against similar programmes (e.g. PIDG, FSDA).

• GESI Integration: Apply a gender and inclusion lens throughout, with disaggregated data analysis and inclusive stakeholder engagement.

Deliverables &  Timeline

• Inception Report: Detailed methodology, evaluation matrix, theory of change, and ethical self-assessment (due 4 weeks after contract start).

• Interim Findings Presentation: Workshop with FCDO to share emerging trends and lessons (12 weeks).

• Draft Evaluation Report: Comprehensive assessment with preliminary findings and recommendations (16 weeks).

• Final Evaluation Report: Polished, validated report incorporating feedback and quality assurance (19 weeks).

• Summary Outputs: Executive slide deck, 5-page summary, and 2-page digest for external dissemination (22 weeks).

Tender Process Timeline

• 📅Register Interest by 23 January: Email [email protected] and [email protected] No supporting documents are required at this stage—simply confirm your interest in bidding.

• 📅 Tender Pack Issued – 26 January: All registered suppliers will receive the full tender pack, including background programme documents to assist with drafting bids.

• 📅 Bid Submission Deadline – 20 February: Four weeks are provided to prepare and submit your bid.

• 📅 Outcome Notification – 27 February: Results will be communicated to all suppliers.