Background:
In February 2024, USAID/KEA, in collaboration with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), launched a report on a study to understand the policies, programs, and emerging challenges affecting persons with disabilities at national and county levels in Kenya. The study revealed that individuals with disabilities encounter significant physical, informational, communication, institutional, socio-cultural, and economic barriers, limiting their access to services and participation in governance and development. Critical gaps, including insufficient data, persist in addressing essential needs. An in-depth analysis of focus counties will build on this study, deepening insights as USAID/KEA advances its vision of inclusive, equitable, and informed societies.
Scope of Work:
SoCha seeks a qualified Kenyan Technical Lead Consultant to lead this Focus County In-depth Analysis of Disability aimed at developing practical recommendations and infographics on how existing and new USAID and USG programs can better incorporate persons with disabilities in the focus counties of Nakuru, Kilifi, Kakamega, and Isiolo. The analysis builds on the Disability Landscape Analysis (2024) to deepen the understanding of the diverse experiences and challenges faced by persons with disabilities in the USAID/KEA focus counties (Kilifi, Nakuru, Kakamega, and Isiolo). It examines social attitudes, policies, practices, and service access, identifies systemic barriers and discrimination, and evaluates the impact of current policies and interventions. The ultimate goal of the analysis is to develop practical recommendations, tools, and infographics that will guide the design and implementation of more responsive USAID and USG programs for persons with disabilities in the focus counties with the potential of replication in other counties.
Specifically, the in-depth analysis will seek to:
- Examine the diverse experiences and challenges faced by persons with disabilities in Kilifi, Nakuru, Kakamega, and Isiolo, focusing on social attitudes, access to services, and engagement with existing policies and practices.
- Identify and analyze systemic barriers and discrimination affecting persons with disabilities in the focus counties, highlighting areas where social and economic inequalities persist.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of current policies, practices, and interventions affecting persons with disabilities in the focus counties, assessing their effects on service access and inclusion.
- Develop practical recommendations, tools, and infographics that guide future USAID and USG interventions, enhancing responsiveness to the rights of persons with disabilities in the focus counties.
The Technical Lead will be contracted by SoCha and will report directly to designated LISA staff. The consultant will be expected to execute the roles and responsibilities listed below.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Assessment Planning: Develop a comprehensive plan for the assessment including objectives, methodologies, and timelines and identifying deliverables.
- Data Collection and Analysis: Guide the design and development of the qualitative data collection methodology, tools, and training and oversee data collection and analysis for both quantitative and qualitative data.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with team members and oversee stakeholders, conduct interviews, and gather feedback.
- Performance and Assessment: Assess service quality attributes, collate data, and identify strengths and weaknesses.
- Documentation and Reporting: Prepare clear, evidence-based reports and summary presentations with findings and recommendations and engage stakeholders in discussions.
- Recommendations: Provide actionable recommendations for improvements based on the assessment findings.
- Quality Assurance and Compliance: Ensure ethical and regulatory compliance, data accuracy, analytical depth, and confidentiality.
- Capacity Building and Training: Provide training to the research team to enhance data collection and analysis capabilities.
- Communication and Dissemination: Share findings and recommendations with relevant stakeholders.
- Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity: Approach assessments with cultural sensitivity and inclusivity using trauma-informed approaches.
- Responsiveness and Preparedness: Support the assessment team to be ready to address any unforeseen challenges.
Minimum Qualifications:
- A postgraduate degree in research, social sciences, human resource management, education, or any other relevant field. An advanced degree in these fields will be an added advantage.
- At least ten (10) years of demonstrated engagement and expertise in the complexities of DEIA issues within the Kenyan or African context.
- At least ten (10) years of experience in research with a proven ability to review literature and critically analyze both qualitative and quantitative data.
- At least seven (7) years of experience in planning, designing, collecting data, implementing, analyzing, and synthesizing large bodies of information and transforming it into detailed work plans, communication plans and infographics.
- Experience working with USAID and USAID implementing partners and stakeholders is an added advantage.
- Experience in developing and delivering presentations to high-level stakeholders including government officials, funders, and implementing partners.
- Ability to communicate and work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders including government officials, facility teams, implementing partners, and communities.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Level of Effort:
30 days
Period of Performance:
September 2024 – February 2025
Location:
Nairobi County, but may be required to travel around the four USAID focus counties to lead and support the assessment, including the data collection process.
To submit your application, kindly provide your CV via the link:
Applications close on Sep 20th 2024. Application will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Open to Kenyan nationals only.
