CONSULTANCY TO CONDUCT THE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MODULE ADAPTATION 1 views0 applications

UNLOCKING OPPORTUNITIES PROJECT: Empowering young women and men with disabilities to access dignified and fulfilling work in Kenya.

1. General Information
   1. Humanity & Inclusion (HI) and project context

Handicap International, operating name Humanity & Inclusion, HI, is an independent and impartial international solidarity organization that intervenes in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict, and disaster. Currently, HI supports people with disabilities and the most vulnerable in more than 60 countries around the world by meeting their basic needs, improving their living conditions, and promoting respect for their dignity and fundamental rights. Since 2007, HI has built its expertise in the field of protection against violence by combining strategies and mechanisms for the care of survivors with prevention activities at the individual and community levels as well as with care actors to make services more inclusive, in particular by strengthening their skills in terms of inclusion, disability, survivor-centred approach, while ensuring that the participation of persons with or without disabilities is supported.

1. Project description

The Unlocking Opportunities project aims to empower 7,020 youth with disabilities (80% women, 20% men), aged 18–40 years, to access dignified and fulfilling work through skills development, entrepreneurship, and improved access to the labour market. The extended age range reflects the systemic barriers that often delay education, training, and employment for persons with disabilities. The programme adopts individualised pathways aligned to participants’ abilities, qualifications, and aspirations, while responding to local market demands.

Implemented between November 2025 and October 2028 with funding from the Mastercard Foundation, the project will be delivered across six hubs; Embu, Nakuru, Kisumu, Kilifi, Nairobi, and Turkana in partnership with Next Step Foundation, Riziki Source, and inABLE. It focuses on priority sectors, including entrepreneurship, skills development, job placement, the digital economy, and the creative sector, while working closely with OPDs, caregivers, the private sector, and government institutions to address systemic barriers to inclusion.

The programme will provide youth (with disabilities) with market-relevant technical, vocational, and entrepreneurial skills, support micro and small enterprises, and facilitate the transition of skilled youth into formal and informal employment through internships and job placements. A strong gender and disability responsive approach prioritises the specific barriers faced by women and girls with disabilities and ensures inclusion of youth with intellectual and cognitive disabilities. Complementary social protection measures, including health coverage through SHIF and access to assistive devices, will enhance independence, participation, and long-term economic resilience.

The consultancy will design and develop a comprehensive, contextually relevant, and inclusive Modules for the Unlocking Opportunities Project that equips target participants with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to enhance their livelihoods, promote self-reliance, and improve access to sustainable economic and social opportunities.

Project Outcomes.

Outcome 1: Youth with disabilities are empowered through skills development.

Outcome 2: Formal and non-formal institutions are better equipped to deliver inclusive skills training programmes tailored to youth with disabilities, with a focus on young women.

Outcome 3: Young women and men with disabilities, including new and existing MSMEs, have improved access to financial institutions and enterprise development services.

Outcome 4: Young women and men with disabilities access dignified and fulfilling waged employment.

Outcome 5: Disability inclusion in formal and informal workplaces is improved through effective engagement with government, civil society, and private sector stakeholders.

Outcome 6 (Cross-cutting): Impact stories of persons with disabilities are documented and shared.

Indicators at donor level.

Result 1: 2,230 youth with disabilities acquire core, employability, digital, and market-relevant skills through instructor-led training.

Result 2: 30 youth obtain certification through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) model.

Result 3: 3,960 youth with disabilities (3,168 women; 792 men) receive business development support and financial assistance to start or scale enterprises.

Result 4: 1,875 business start-up grants are provided (1,500 to young women; 375 to young men).

Result 5: 46 VSLAs receive start-up capital to provide soft loans to members under accountability mechanisms.

Result 6: 3,120 youth with disabilities transition into formal and informal employment.

Rationale for the consultancy

From the baseline study report, coupled with existing curricula, these will provide critical evidence base that directly informs the adaptation and contextualized training Modules for business development services targeting young entrepreneurs with disabilities. Insights generated on skills gaps, entrepreneurship readiness, institutional capacity, and systemic barriers, particularly those affecting young women, underscore the need for a structured, inclusive, and market-responsive Modules. This foundation ensures that the Modules development process is not only data driven but also aligned with the lived realities of project participants across the six hubs, thereby increasing its relevance, uptake, and impact.

Objectives of the consultancy

1. Overall objectives and expectations of the consultancy.

The overall objective of the consultancy is to adapt a comprehensive entrepreneurship training Module that is fully adapted to diverse accessibility, cultural, geographic, age, and gender considerations. This will include contextualizing existing materials to ensure simplicity, usability across different platforms, and inclusivity for various disability needs. Additionally, a standardized trainers’ facilitation guide, tools, and presentation package will be developed to ensure consistency in delivery, quality assurance, and scalability. Collectively, these outputs will position the project to deliver high-quality, inclusive business development support while strengthening accountability, learning, and measurable impact in line with organizational and donor expectations.

1. Specific objectives
   1. To adapt a comprehensive entrepreneurship training Modules that is contextualized from existing materials and aligned with international/national standards (KEBS, TVETA, CDACC), ensuring relevance, usability, and consistency across diverse learning environments.
   2. To integrate accessibility, inclusivity, and universal design principles into the Modules, ensuring it is responsive to diverse needs across disability types, gender, age groups, cultural contexts, and geographic settings, including low-resource and digital environments.
   3. To align the Modules with labor market needs and competency-based training frameworks, ensuring practical application, employability relevance, and potential for accreditation within the TVETA and entrepreneurship development ecosystem.
   4. To design and deliver a standardized Training of Trainers (ToT) program and facilitation package, equipping trainers with practical tools, methodologies, presentations, and guidance materials to ensure consistent, high-quality delivery.
   5. To strengthen implementation quality, accountability, and scalability of entrepreneurship training, through development of standardized facilitation guides, learner workbooks, monitoring tools, and learning frameworks that support measurable impact and sustainable institutional uptake.

Scope of Work

The consultant will:

• Conduct a desk review of existing Modules and related materials.
• Engage stakeholders (e.g., trainers, beneficiaries, partners) for inputs.
• Adapt Modules content to:
  • Ensure accessibility (visual, hearing, cognitive considerations)
  • Integrate gender, age, and cultural sensitivity
  • Simplify technical language for diverse literacy levels
  • Experiential Learner centred approach
• Develop:
  • Training modules for ToT(structured by sessions/topics)
  • Facilitator’s guide (including methodologies and timing)
  • Participant materials (handouts, exercises, games)
• Incorporate digital formats suitable for online and offline use.
• Pilot test the adapted Modules (if required).

1. Revise materials based on feedback
2. Methodology and organization of the mission (1 Page maximum)

3.1 Data collection method

The consultant to propose a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative data, ensuring the process is participatory, inclusive, and stakeholder-driven. Data will be triangulated to support robust and evidence-based conclusions.

Key methods will include:

• Document and literature review of relevant project materials and reports.
• Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with stakeholders, partners, government, OPDs, and private sector actors
• Primary quantitative data collection using mobile platforms.
• Stakeholder consultations (e.g., FGDs/workshops) for validation and co-creation

The consultant will propose detailed tools and approaches in the inception report, to be validated in consultation with programme staff.

3.2 Actors involved in the consultancy.

The consultancy will be led by Humanity & Inclusion (HI), with active participation from partner organizations, including Next Step Foundation, Riziki Source, and inABLE. Partners will support data collection and contribute technical and contextual insights. Where relevant, affected populations will be engaged to ensure their perspectives inform the consultancy. A Steering Committee, chaired by HI and comprising HI and partner representatives, will oversee the consultancy and maintain regular communication with the consultancy team to guide implementation and validate key deliverables.

3.3 Organization of the mission

The consultancy shall encompass various teams that will be involved in supervising the assignment. They shall include;

• Project Manager

The Project Manager will be responsible for planning, implementing, and monitoring the progress of the survey.

• A Steering Committee:

This committee is composed of :

Humanity & Inclusion – 4

It`s roles and responsibilities in this work are :

Key steps

Minimum responsibilities

Selecting the consultant (s)

The Steering Committee shall evaluate the submitted applications and validate the choice of consultant(s) and ensure the impartiality of the selection.

Scoping Meeting and Inception Report

The Steering Committee shall participate in the scoping meeting (methodology, expected results) and validate the inception report for future steps.

Presentation: Modules adaptation findings and recommendations

The Steering Committee and the consultant(s) ensure that they have a common understanding of the conclusions and recommendations expressed.

The Steering Committee provides elements that allow the consultant (s) to refine his recommendations.

Quality of the final report

The Steering Committee shall specify the quality aspects expected from the consultant(s) for the final report, and provide feedback on the draft report

Final report

The Steering Committee provides feedback on the draft report and then validates the quality of the consultant’s final report.

Elaboration of an action plan and follow-up of the recommendations.

The Steering Committee participates and validates, with the teams, the action plan and follow-up of the recommendations.

1. Principles and values

The consultant will be required to comply with HI’s ethical rules and protection policies (child protection, protection against sexual exploitation and abuse, fight against corruption), including respect for HI’s core values: humanity, inclusion, integrity and commitment.

The consultant will have to involve the respondents and take into account their points of view, as HI will be responsible for respecting their rights and dignity. All results, e.g. reports, documents, information, etc., produced by this assessment will be treated as the property of HI and its partners and therefore confidential. Therefore, these products may not be sold, used, or reproduced in any way.

Code of Conduct

Protection of beneficiaries from sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment

Child Protection Policy

Anti-fraud and anti-corruption policy

5.2. Ethical measures*

As part of each consultancy, HI is committed to upholding certain ethical measures. These measures must be taken into account in the technical offer:

• Guarantee for the safety of participants, partners and teams: the technical offer must specify the risk of mitigation measures.
• Ensuring a person/community-centred approach: the technical offer must propose methods adapted to the needs of the target population (e.g. tools adapted for illiterate audiences / sign language / child-friendly materials, etc.).
• Obtain the free and informed consent of the participants: the technical proposal must explain how the consultant (s) will obtain the free and informed consent and/or assent of theparticipants.
• Ensure the security of personal and sensitive data throughout the activity: the technical offer must propose measures for the protection of personal data.

*These measures may be adapted during the completion of the inception report.

5.3. Participation of stakeholders and populations

The consultant shall showcase on how s/he will involve stakeholders and populations in the consultancy:

• Involvement of partners in the consultancy
• Consultation of populations in the construction of the tools

5.4. Others

• Report on safety aspects
• Report on sensitive aspects requiring discretionary measures
• Etc.

1. Expected deliverables and proposed timeline
   1. Deliverables

• Inception report: it should describe the context of the project, the objectives and questions of the consultancy, the work plan (data collection methods and tools, data analysis methods, procedures for formulating conclusions and recommendations, work schedule with detailed daily activities.
• A field mission report: summarizing the main activities, exchanges and conclusions of the visit.
• A draft of the final report of the consultancy: prepared by the consultant and discussed with the steering committee.
• A final consultancy report incorporating the comments of the monitoring committee including the following sections: a brief summary of the consultancy presenting the main information and recommendations, an introduction specifying the context, Objectives of the consultancy, Methodology and limitations, Analysis of the main results (by indicator), conclusions and recommendations and annexes. Approximately, 20-30 pages maximum and the following annexes, the consultant will also prepare a short presentation of the findings.
• A Comprehensive Modules Implementation and Training Guide, incorporating a detailed Training Manual for adapted Modules Implementation and a Facilitator’s Guide for Effective Delivery of the Adapted Modules include but not limited to;
• Entrepreneurial mindset and product design
• Business plan development
• Financial management
• Practical steps to start a small business
• Business formalization and compliance
• Leveraging on digital tools
• Access to funding opportunities

The final report should be integrated into the following template:

The quality of the final report will be reviewed by the Steering Committee of the consultancy using this checklist:

6.2: Consultancy dates and schedule

The duration of the assignment is 30 days including days of field data collection, days of analysis and days of report preparation. Based on the duration of the assignment, the consultant will be required to establish a work schedule showing the different steps (e.g. Briefing at HI headquarters, documentary review, inception report, field mission, field presentation, drafting of the final report) and the desired periods for carrying out these stages. That should be included in the inception report.

Propose a table showing the different steps (e.g. Briefing at headquarters, documentary review, inception report, field mission, field presentation, drafting of the final report) and the desired periods for carrying out these stages.

All reports should be produced in English.

1. Means.
   1. Expertise sought by the consultant(s)

Required

Desired

• Master’s degree in social sciences or a related field or recognized Professional experience in this field. Doctorate is an added advantage.
• Experience of designing and conducting Modules adaptation consultancy final consultancy and project assessment, preferably in the area of economic inclusion
• Experience working with youths, especially with disability and Kenyan Context
• Experience in livelihoods/ economic inclusion thematic area.
• Understanding of the participatory development of persons with disabilities, including the social model of disability
• Institutional knowledge of International Non-Governmental Organizations (preference in education, livelihoods, disability, gender, and protection).
• Excellent in English (spoken and written)
• Experience in the use of participatory and disability inclusive methods
• Strong analytical and report writing skills
• Excellent knowledge of the socio-political environment of both the development sector and the refugee-hosting locations in Kenya.
• Proven knowledge and experience in disability and gender issues.
• Knowledge of using the Washington group of questions.
• Proven ability to deliver quality reports/ analysis and results in line with established deadlines
• Proven experience of having participated previously in similar analytical work will be a plus.

1. Consultancy Budget

The consultant (s shall propose a total costed budgeted for the consultancy. Expenditures related to data collection, per diems, accommodation costs for investigators and document production shall be included in this estimate. Other expenses such as the mission expenses of the HI project team, the transport costs of the survey participants shall be supported by HI. The payment of consultancy fees will be made in three instalments:

• 30% at the signing of the contract
• 40% upon submission of the 1st draft report
• 30% upon presentation of the final validated report

1. Available resources available to the consultancy team

• HI staff for support
• Project modules : proposal, logical framework, quality framework, HI policies

1. Presentation of offers

   8.0 Submissions of applications

   1. Technical and financial offer (30 pages max)

The consultant must submit the following files by email:

1. The technical offer must include a cover letter, information on the experience of the senior/lead consultant and the investigators required for the consultancy, contact details of three reference persons, an understanding of the terms of reference, the proposed methodology, the work plan including an analysis plan, the timetables of deliverables and a copies of a similar report produced within the last three (3) years.
2. The financial offer: including a detailed budget for the service, documents proving that the person or private company is approved in Kenya, and it`s in compliance with the tax system (KRA).
3. Additional documents:

• KRA PIN Certificate
• Tax Compliance certificate
• Certificate of Incorporation /registration /Business Permits if applying as a firm
• CVs /Certificates
• Company Profiles if applying as a firm
• Any other certifications
• Quotations signed and stamped
• 2 Previous assignments completed.
• National ID card
• Personal Accident Insurance cover

NOTE: The financial proposal should be signed and stamped.

1. Disclaimer and data ownership

This position is valid after validation of the terms of reference by the funding body. These terms of reference are subject to change.

The final report will mention that “the report was produced at the request of Humanity & Inclusion. The comments contained herein reflect the opinion of the consultant only. The ownership of the data always belongs to Humanity & Inclusion.

9.1 Appendices

Appendix 1: Indicators to be measured in the consultancy

Appendix 2: Logical Framework

Appendix 3 : SFM Tools

How to apply

Potential service providers who meet these requirements and are available within the time period indicated should submit an application letter and Modules vitae indicating their relevant qualifications, skills and experience, their understanding of the TOR, detailed budget as well as two recommendation letters by the current and previous institutions where similar services are/were provided.

The deadline for submission of expression of interest (technical and financial budget proposal) is 22nd May 2026, 5 pm EAT.

Interested and eligible bidders are requested to send soft copies of the application and company profile documents listed above to the following email address:

[email protected]

(Please indicate REF: Consultancy to adapt entrepreneurship Modules for the Unlocking Opportunities project.

Note: This consultancy is only open to national (Kenyans) applicants. Individuals, groups of individuals, as well as consultancy firms having the requisite skills/experience are eligible to apply. Persons with disabilities, women and the youth and other vulnerable populations are highly encouraged to apply.