Documentation and Developing Learning Brief 10 views0 applications

Background

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future. Mercy Corps began working in Kenya in 2008 and has to date built a robust and diverse portfolio of programs aimed at sustainably improving the lives and livelihoods of Kenyans affected by poverty, resource scarcity and conflict. To do this, we deliver integrated programming to strengthen resilience, market, and governance systems, address the root causes of conflict, and equip vulnerable populations- in particular youth, women, adolescents and marginalized social groups- with the skills, opportunities, and resources they need to be healthy, productive, and drive the development of their communities. Mercy Corps Kenya also collaborates with Mercy Corps teams and partners in neighboring countries to implement several multi-country and cross-border programs.

Program

Adaptation Services for Action and Learning (ASAL Adapts) is a three-year program implemented by Mercy Corps in the Garissa and Wajir counties of Kenya. This program addresses critical challenges faced by pastoralist communities in the rangeland ecosystems, which are increasingly affected by climate change, drought, and land degradation. By leveraging digital information tools like GIS, the program aims to improve the capacity of county governments to plan and manage resources effectively, enhancing long-term ecosystem health and resilience.

Purpose

ASAL Adapts is committed to learning, adapting, and sharing knowledge, especially regarding the integration of climate information services into decision-making processes and the promotion of sustainable rangeland management. This consultancy will focus on collecting learnings, synthesizing key findings, and producing learning briefs that document the successes and challenges faced by the program.
The consultant will support the ASAL Adapts program by developing a learning brief based on key questions outlined in the program’s learning questions. This brief will help document insights on ecosystem health, climate information services, community agency, and the use of digital services in rangeland management. The consultant will also support the review of relevant program documentation and help ensure these learnings are disseminated to key stakeholders.

Consultant Activities

• Review key program documents, including reports, presentations, and study plans.
• Assist in the synthesis of data and analysis related to ongoing or completed program activities.
• Work with the ASAL Adapts team to identify key messaging and learning themes to include in the learning brief, and work with the team to collect additional information needed to support the briefs.
• Draft two learning briefs (as detailed below) on two key aspects of ASAL Adapts work.

Consultant Deliverables
Rangeland Management and climate information services:

• Develop a learning brief (approximately 6 pages) focusing on the work that ASAL Adapts has done on rangeland management, processes, lessons journey, challenges, and opportunities
• Linkage of climate information services to rangeland management including climate information services are required for different decision-making levels.
• Effectiveness and scalability of the feedback loop system, particularly using digital tools.

Geographical Information Systems (GIS):

• Develop a learning brief (approximately 6 pages) focusing on the work that ASAL Adapts (and predecessor programs) has done on strengthening GIS services at county level.
• Document the journey and milestones achieved in the utilization of Geospatial data and technology to support evidence-based governance in Garissa and Wajir County –
• Challenges, Opportunities and Lessons learned including recommendations in the GIS implementation approaches used and opportunities and sustainable approaches for scaling institutionalization of GIS for evidence-based governance and rangeland management)
• Garissa University’s role in enhancing the sustainability of GIS adoption in Garissa and Wajir Counties through capacity, research and innovation

Projected timeframe / Schedule:

• The research should be completed and all task delivered on 28th February 2025
• The consultant should submit the detailed breakdown of the task and timetable as part of the proposal.

The Consultant will report to:
The task will be managed by the Program Manager with support from Program Director, TraQ Team and other senior leadership.

The Consultant will work closely with:
Mercy Corps teams such as the Program Director, GIS Advisor, NRM Advisor and other Mercy Corps resource person

Required Experience & Skills:

• Demonstrated experience in developing similar works including high quality learning brief
• Experience in working with international organizations
• Ability to produce high quality work under tight timeframes.
• Excellent communication, drafting, presentation and reporting skills.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND AUTHORSHIP
Ownership and copyright of all data, drafts and final products of the survey will be the sole and exclusive property of Mercy Corps. The consultant will submit all original documents, materials, and data to Mercy Corps. Therefore, all the outputs of the survey will not be disseminated in part or whole without express authority from Mercy Corps. The consultant shall not produce information in these materials in any form (electronic, hard copies, etc.) to a third party without written permission from Mercy Corps.

ADMINISTRATION AND PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS
The lead consultant, with support from the ICARR Program team, will be responsible for sourcing the required enumerators where necessary. In such cases Mercy Corps will cover transport costs for enumerators within the counties.
Applicants are therefore expected to submit their financial proposals, inclusive of withholding tax, for the entire exercise. All withholding tax amounts will be deducted from the total amount at source (i.e. by Mercy Corps) as per the Government of Kenya regulations.
The payments will be effective to the successful bidder upon the achievement of the corresponding milestones and for the following amounts as highlighted.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

Equal Employment Opportunity
We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

Safeguarding & Ethics
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our stakeholders and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC’s policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Mercy Corps Responsibilities

• Cover and arrange the consultant’s travel and accommodation to and in the field where possible and necessary
• Provide ongoing security advice and support as necessary to field research
• Facilitate engagement with key stakeholders
• Provide all necessary program documents