Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for the following consultancy opportunity:
WASICHANA WOTE WANASOMA CASH TRANSFER PROJECT EVALUATION
1.BACKGROUND
Concern in a consortium with other partners is currently implementing a programme called Wasichana Wote Wasome (WWW – ‘Let All Girls Read’). The programme aims to improve school enrolment, retention, attendance and learning outcomes for 81,000 marginalised girls in Kenya and targets 500 primary schools and the communities they serve in two contexts: Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) and urban slums. To this end, the programme has several components one of which is a cash transfer targeting 5700 vulnerable households. The cash transfers objective is to ensure vulnerable households have sufficient resources to send their children, and particularly their girl children, to school. The expectation is that the cash transfer will both pay for school costs and enable households to generate income in a sustainable way ensuring children can continue their learning at school beyond the lifetime of the project.
The cash transfer project targets the most vulnerable households with primary school children (6yrs old – 16 years old) attending project schools. Identification of beneficiaries happened at the community level using the community conversation platform while in some cases the school community drove the process. Following identification, screening and verification each selected household receives eight monthly payments of Kes 2, 000 via MPESA. To date 1248 households, from which a sample will be drawn, have received / completed all eight transfers.
2.CONSULTANCY OBJECTIVES
The objective of the consultancy is to evaluate the process used to identify the most vulnerable households to participate in the cash transfer project.
3.LOCATION
Nairobi, Kenya
4.METHODOLOGY
A proposed methodology has been developed that the consultant will follow (revising as and where necessary in consultation with the programme team and M&E adviser.)
4.1 Evaluation of the selection of beneficiaries
The identification of CT beneficiaries is the first and critical stage of the process. The evaluation will focus upon the following:
- Project communication to ensure a thorough understanding of the project criteria by all stakeholders (community members, leaders, schools, etc)
- Effective mobilisation to ensure adequate community participation in the process to identify eligible households
- Transparent identification process, ensuring the project criteria is fulfilled
- Effective accountability mechanisms in place facilitating community feedback
The evaluation will draw upon desk analysis, key informant interviews and focus group discussions.
4.11 A desk review will be carried out reviewing the documentation held in the Concern office and conduct interviews with relevant Concern Staff.
4.12 A desk review will then be conducted at Concern partner offices and interviews with be conducted with Concern’s partner staff.
4.13 Sampling will take place to identify communities/ individuals to participate in the study. In addition to the random sample, some locations where problems occurred will be included in the research to better understand the issues encountered and ensure lessons are properly documented and shared.
4.13.1 The consultant, supported by a team of enumerators (supplied by the programme) will interview key informants (CC facilitators and village leaders) and members.
4.13.2 FGDs will be held with members of the community to ascertain whether the selection process was open, fair and transparent resulting in project criteria being effectively applied.
4.13.3 All beneficiaries selected completed a form with detailed information on household composition and wealth. These forms will be analysed to develop a profile of CT beneficiaries producing a short report.
5.TIMELINE
The consultancy is for twenty (20) days to be completed by 31st August 2015. On starting the consultant is expected to develop his/her timetable together with the Concern;
Output No. of days
Desk Research and office based interviews 3
Field research 12
Analysis and report writing 5
Total 20
6.DELIVERABLES/EXPECTED OUTPUT
a) Evaluation of identification process for CT beneficiaries in a report
b) The report should include the profile of the beneficiaries ascertained from the database
7.RENUMERATION
Agreed rates will be based on prevailing market competitive rates and value for money. In full consideration of the services performed by the consultant under the terms of contract, Concern Worldwide shall pay the consultant fees upon satisfactory completion of the assignment.
The Consultant(s) is not an employee of Concern Worldwide or its affiliates, thus no benefits or compensation are provided as part of this agreement.
8.WORKING CONDITIONS
The consultancy will be carried out under the guidance of the Assistant Programme Manager-Urban Livelihoods, the M&E adviser and the overall leadership of the Food Income and Markets Coordinator. The consultant will work independently using his/her own laptop and office space.
9.CONSULTANT’S PROFILE
a) A Master’s Degree in social sciences, economics, development, project management or relevant field
b) At least five (5) years’ experience in monitoring and evaluation, research or related field. Experience working in the development sector – preferably social protection is essential.
c) Excellent M&E, analytical and communication skills
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested applicants who meet the above requirements must submit the following;
• A technical (indicate earliest date of availability to undertake and complete the assignment) and financial proposal quoted in Kenya Shillings (Kes)
• Cover letter and CV (Demonstration of Capability) If quoting for an organization attach the CV of the Lead Consultant and any other personnel to be involved in the assignment
• A list of previous work done (Work Completion Certificates can be attached) including telephone and email contacts of three (3) referees who can validate technical expertise
• A (1) report of a similar assignment carried out by the Consultant
All applications must be addressed; The HR Manager, Concern Worldwide, Nairobi and sent to the following email address: nairobi.hr@concern.net with the subject of the email as ‘WWW Cash Transfer Project Evaluation’
The closing date for applications is Sunday, 26th July 2015.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Concern has a Code of Conduct and a Programme Participant Protection Policy to ensure the maximum protection of programme participants from abuse and exploitation.
CONCERN WORLDWIDE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
