Terms of Reference (ToR) for Baseline Study – Sheria Ya Vijana! Project 135 views0 applications

Abstract

This Terms of Reference serve as a request for proposals from consultant(s)/agency interested in conducting a baseline study for the Sheria Ya Vijana! project co-funded by the European Union with Barnfonden acting as lead organization/Coordinator. The projects’ overall objective is to strengthen the capacity and voice of Kenyan civil society as independent actors of accountability, governance and development in the areas of social and economic inclusion for youth in Kenya.

The purpose, scope, and requirements of the task are herein explained.

Background

Country

Kenya

Contracting authority

Barnfonden (ChildFund Sweden)

Country background

Kenya is a youthful nation with 75% of its 47.6 million population under the age of 35. Despite this demographic advantage, youth unemployment and underemployment remain significant challenges, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women and people with disabilities. The socio-economic landscape is characterized by high barriers to meaningful employment and

limited participation in social and political dialogue. The country is increasingly recognizing the importance of transitioning towards a sustainable green and digital economy to address these issues.

The Intervention to be evaluated

The intervention, titled “Sheria Ya Vijana! Empower, Engage, and Connect young people to lead the twin green and digital transition in Kenya,” aims to empower Kenyan youth by enhancing their knowledge, leadership, and participation in policy design. The project is supported by a consortium of seven Civil Society Organizations, including Barnfonden, and focuses on capacity building, mentoring, and creating opportunities for youth to engage in the green and digital economies.

Current situation in the sector

Youth in Kenya face significant challenges in accessing employment and participating in the economy, with 70% of the youth population experiencing barriers to meaningful employment. The existing hubs and empowerment projects often fail to provide long-term support, mentorship, or market access, resulting in sporadic and unregulated youth work. There is a lack of localized and contextualized training tools for social enterprise and advocacy in the green and digital economy, which hinders the growth and sustainability of youth-led initiatives.

Intervention activities

The intervention includes several key activities: capacity building and training on digital literacy, sustainability, and leadership; enhancing the TVET curriculum to include green and digital skills; establishing Green and Digital economy apprenticeship hubs for mentorship and incubation; and supporting/promoting youth-led policy forums for social and political dialogue. The project also focuses on supporting youth-led social enterprises through incubation, capacity building, and financial support, and engaging policymakers to create a conducive environment for the green and digital transition.

Contribution to SDGs

The intervention contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

• SDG 4: Quality Education – by providing youth with education and skills for green and digital economies.
• SDG 5: Gender Equality – by promoting equal opportunities, particularly for women and marginalized groups.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – by creating employment in sustainable and digital sectors.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – by fostering innovation through digital and green technologies.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – by supporting the inclusion of marginalized groups like youth with disabilities.
• SGD11 : Empowering youth to drive inclusive urban development, civic engagement, and sustainable infrastructure in their communities.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – promoting green transitions and climate resilience through sustainable practices.

Sheria Ya Vijana Project summary

Sheria Ya Vijana! is a multi-year initiative funded by the European Union under the theme ‘Engaging, empowering and connecting Kenyan youth’. It is implemented by Barnfonden and six consortium partners across Nairobi (3 sub counties) and Kwale (6 sub counties) Counties. The project aims to empower youth to lead inclusive green and digital transitions by enhancing skills, enabling civic participation, and supporting youth-led enterprises

Project Objective

The project’s aim is to promote meaningful participation, empowerment and leadership of Kenyan youth and youth-led organizations in Kwale and Nairobi in the twin green and digital transitions.

About project implementing partners

The Sheria Ya Vijana project is being implemented in Nairobi and Kwale Counties by six partners, which are:

• Barnfonden

Barnfonden is a child rights organization based in Malmö, Sweden, working with children´s rights and safety in vulnerable areas that are heavily affected, or at risk of being affected by climate change. The organization was founded in 1991. Working with children and their families, Barnfonden creates sustainable solutions that protect and strengthen children’s rights and wellbeing. This is achieved through partnerships, local ownership, and by applying a holistic perspective. Through long-term work and innovative solutions, the organization, partnering with communities, strives to create resilience and improve the conditions for realizing all children´s right to safety, education, good health and a life free from violence. Barnfonden is a member of the ChildFund Alliance, a global network comprising 11 child-focused development agencies who together reach more than 32 million children and family members in 70 countries.

• We World Kenya

WeWorld started its operations in Kenya in 2010. It is an independent, non-religious, non-political organization working to improve the living conditions of the populations in the poorest and needy areas of the country. WeWorld promotes equal opportunities and rights for all, ensuring access to essential resources, health, education, and decent work. The organization takes a holistic, community-driven approach by working across multiple sectors, including Education, WASH,Food Security and Resilience, Livelihood & Local development, Gender and Protection, Peace Building, Climate and Environment.

• Organisation of African Youth

OAY was formed in 2009, within the provisions of African Youth Charter, adopted by the African Union (AU). The organization has established branches and National representatives in more than 25 African countries. The Kenya chapter was established in 2010, registered in 2013 and managed by the National Branch Committee. Adolescent and youth wellbeing is our key area of focus given the tokenistic nature of youth engagement in health issues like governance, accountability, policy and service delivery. Our Vision is to be a strong representation and participation of youth in championing social, political and economic development in Africa. Our Mission: OAY Kenya’s strategic mission is, “To be the umbrella organization for all independent minded African youth, providing a platform for information exchange on diverse sustainable development issues, a forum for dialogue, debate and a network of emerging and future leaders in diverse sectors”.

OAY is a youth organization working for and with young people with a main objective to promote meaningful adolescent and youth engagement (MAYE). OAY strives to unify the Voices of Youth in Kenya and beyond by working with and strengthening youth coalitions and movements. OAY specializes in young people’s development and innovatively managing complex and sensitive adolescents and youth empowerment and participation in cross-sectoral programmes with focus on employment and skills development, health and wellbeing, climate action, peace, democracy and governance and gender equality

• Stretchers Youth Organization

Stretchers Youth Organization (SYO) is a dynamic, grassroots, youth-led Public Benefit Organization established in 2011. Their mission is to cultivate and champion a healthy, equal, just, and inclusive environment for young people through strategic capacity building, impactful advocacy, and vital information sharing for sustainable development. Headquartered in Mombasa County, they primarily operate across Kenya’s coastal counties (Mombasa, Kwale, Taita Taveta, and Kilifi), with a growing presence in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Siaya. Their work is firmly anchored in their overarching vision: “A healthy society where every youthful voice counts.”

• Kenya Climate Innovation Center

Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC) is a social impact organization that provides incubation, capacity-building services, and financing to Kenyan entrepreneurs and new ventures developing innovative solutions in renewable energy, water management, agribusiness, waste management, and commercial forestry. As a leading climate innovation and incubation hub, championing locally led climate change adaptation and mitigation aims to support scalable and commercially viable green technologies, creating direct green jobs. KCIC runs incubation, acceleration and mentorship programmes and has supported over 3,500 climate-smart MSMEs in Kenya and beyond. They have created over 57,000 full-time jobs in the agriculture, renewable energy, commercial forestry, water, and sustainable waste management sectors.

Launched in 2012, under the World Bank’s infoDev initiative, KCIC has over the last decade been at the forefront of supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and all allied policies. Their programmes have been developed, tested, and benchmarked with the support of the World Bank, DANIDA, EU and various foundations.

KCIC aims to empower the private sector to deliver innovative climate change solutions. It provides incubation, acceleration, business management and technical advisory services as well as early-stage financing to start-ups, small to medium entrepreneurs and new ventures in innovative climate change adaptation and reduction sectors including renewable energy and energy efficiency, water management, agribusiness, and lately, waste management and commercial forestry.

KCIC has incubated over 3,500 clean technology businesses out of which 67% of enterprises reached commercialization. By providing quality services to the over 3,500 clients admitted and participating in various initiatives in the climate sector, KCIC has achieved good results. Some of the key achievements include the creation of more than 57,000 green jobs both directly and indirectly; USD 63 million mobilized for climate change purposes to support enterprises; USD 85 million in revenues generated, reducing CO2 emissions by 507,149 tones; and, increased access to clean water to 113,118 people.

• Action For Sustainability Initiative (AFOSI)

Action for Sustainability Initiative (AFOSI), established in 2012, is a Kenyan NGO dedicated to fostering a sustainable future. Its mission is to empower marginalized youth and women to thrive and contribute positively to society. The organization aims to achieve this by unlocking their full potential and actively engaging them in initiatives aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Operating across various thematic areas including Health, Education, Livelihoods, Environment, and Humanitarian support, AFOSI employs a human-centered design approach. Through its advocacy efforts, AFOSI champions the rights of all individuals, with a special focus on empowering youth and girls to become catalysts for positive change.

At AFOSI, the organization integrates innovation and technology, gender equality, and advocacy into its capacity-building initiatives to drive positive social change. Leveraging cutting-edge tools and digital platforms, AFOSI empowers communities to access information, resources, and opportunities for sustainable development. Gender equality is foundational to their work, as they strive to promote equal rights, opportunities, and representation for women and girls, prioritizing their leadership development and advocating for gender-sensitive policies and practices. Through strategic advocacy campaigns and stakeholder engagement, they amplify the voices of marginalized communities and drive collective action for policy changes and systemic reforms. By championing innovation, gender equality, and advocacy as cross-cutting themes, they contribute to building more inclusive and equitable societies where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Description of the study

The overall project study shall comprise a baseline study, a mid-term review and an endline evaluation adopting a pre-post evaluation approach to compare project results with outcome indicators at the start and end of the project. The evaluations will use mixed methods through quantitative and qualitative research techniques and both secondary and primary data and shall be based on the OECD’s criteria for assessing development interventions: relevance, coherence, efficiency and effectiveness in achieving project outcomes, impact, and sustainability. At mid-term and project end-term, the evaluations will explore project processes, lessons learnt and provide recommendations for future programming. Contracted consultants for the project studies shall in all study instances take a gender-sensitive, inclusive, culturally aware, and participatory approach throughout the process.

This ToR applies to the project baseline study.

Purpose of the baseline study

The focus of the assignment is to assess, measure, and determine the baseline values relating to the status of the specific objective and outcome-level indicators in relation to meaningful participation, empowerment and leadership of Kenyan youth and youth-led organizations in Kwale and Nairobi counties in the twin green and digital transitions. The study shall assess the pre-project status of youth knowledge, attitudes and practices on digital and green transition, leadership skills, establish benchmarks for youth civic participation and engagement in policy processes, determine current capacity and challenges facing youth-led enterprises in accessing finance, incubation, and markets. The study shall assess and inform refinement of implementation strategies with reference to the project logframe, propose MEL tools critical for effective project implementation tracking, and project targets. The study shall seek to understand the starting point of key elements of the work against which later progress will be measured and shall test the relevance and effectiveness of the program design (DAC criteria).

Objectives of the Baseline Study

The objective of this assignment is to work in close partnership, coordination and consultation with Barnfonden (ChildFund Sweden), its implementing partners WeWorld, AFOSI, OAY, SYO and KCIC to provide reliable baseline data for the project’s logical framework indicators, facilitating effective monitoring and evaluation of project activities and outcomes.

Geographical area of coverage

The study will be conducted in Nairobi (3 sub counties) and Kwale (6 sub counties) Counties.

Target groups and beneficiaries

The study shall target youth aged 15–29 years in the counties of Nairobi and Kwale, TVET trainers, Youth Led Organizations, enterprise hubs, government stakeholders, NGOs, and private sector actors.

Methodology

The study shall use a mixed-methods approach to quantitative and qualitative data collection, which is triangulated and validated. The study process shall include surveys, Focus Group Discussions, Key Informant Interviews, in-depth interviews, and document review. Participatory tools and disaggregation by gender, age, disability, and location will be applied.

Key Study Questions

The following general study questions shall be considered:

• Youth Skills Development

What is the current level of knowledge and skills in digital literacy, sustainability, and entrepreneurship among youth?

To what extent do youth access and complete skills training via TVETs or community platforms?

How inclusive are current training pathways and platforms for youth, women and PWDs?

• Civic Participation

What opportunities exist for youth to participate in policy and decision-making processes?

What digital opportunities exist for youth to participate in civic education?

What barriers limit youth engagement in civic spaces at national and county levels?

To what extent do youth-led organizations influence local governance and budget processes at both national and county levels?

• Enterprise Support

What types of youth-led businesses exist in the green and digital sectors?

What financial, mentorship, and market access constraints do they face?

How inclusive and scalable are enterprise support structures for marginalized youth?

Scope of the work

The consultant will provide a project baseline report responding to the project: “Sheria Ya Vijana! Empower, Engage, and Connect young people to lead the twin green and digital transition in Kenya and actively participate in policy-design”.

The Consultant shall provide the following deliverables:

• Inception report – detailing research protocols; scope, research design, sampling, methodologies, data collection tools, workplan, and analysis plan.
  • Raw and Cleaned dataset and analysis scripts
  • Draft baseline report including findings across the three strategic pathways
  • Final report (max 40 pages), validated through a stakeholder workshop
  • Presentation deck of findings for MEL and partner teams
  • Summary fact sheet for youth forums and policy engagements

Duration and Timeline

The assignment is expected to take 45 working days from the date of the contract signing. During the inception phase, the final work plan and schedule including key milestones shall be agreed upon. The projected start date is 7th July 2025 and the specific period of implementation of the service contract will be specified in the contract upon approval of the tender by Barnfonden. Below is a tentative timeline for the assignment:

1.Orientation meeting with Barnfonden’s Project Manager, Project M&E Officer, Grant Manager, and Program Director, 2nd week of July 2025, Consultant and Barnfonden’s team, May be a virtual meeting

2. Inception Report presented to Barnfonden and implementing partners, 3rd week of July 2025, Consultant

It contains the following: (a) methodology (b) tools (c) study mobilization plan, and (d) enumerator training program. The inception report will be approved by Barnfonden’s Project Manager.

3. Tools revision, 3rd Week of July 2025, Consultant, the project team and Consultant review data collection tools and seek consensus on suitability.

4. Data collection at field, 4th week of July and 1st week of August, Consultant, Barnfoden and project partners. The Consultant shall collect field data supported by Barbfonden project manager and M&E Officer and project partners in Nairobi and Kwale counties.

5. Encoding and data analysis, 2nd and 3rd week of August, Consultant,

6. Report writing and submission of draft/interim report, 3rd and 4th week of August, Consultant, Submission by consultant and reviewed by Barnfonden team

7. Report validation, 1st week of September 2025, Consultant and Barfonden team, With project team and key stakeholders

8. Finalize the Report and an abridged version for sharing with stakeholders and approved by Project Manager & Grant Manager, 2nd week of September 2025, Consultant. Submission of the final report, 3 days after Barnfonden has provided comments and clarifications (electronic and hard copy)

Project management

Responsible body

The external consultant/agency is expected to work closely with Barnfonden Project Manager and Monitoring and Evaluation officer. The consultant/agency is also required to coordinate closely with all partner M&E staff and leadership. Barnfonden is responsible for managing the service contract.

Management and Steering of the Baseline study

The consultant will work under the supervision of Barnfonden’s M&E Officer in coordination with the Project Manager for survey data collection in close coordination with all implementing partners.

In addition, Technical Experts from Barnfonden will provide regular technical support and advice during baseline study design and report finalization to make sure all funder requirements are fulfilled.

Facilities to be provided by the Contracting Authority and/or other parties

The consultant will use their own facilities and supporting equipment. Barnfonden and implementing partners will provide back up and support if needed. Barnfonden will be responsible for liaising with the consultant to provide all relevant documents, mobilize respondents for interviews, and arrange field visit access.

Ethics and Safeguarding

The consultant/agency will be held to the highest ethical standards and is required to sign a Child Safeguarding Policy and a code of conduct upon acceptance of the assignment. The consultant/agency must safeguard the rights and confidentiality of information providers, interviewees and stakeholders and must also ensure security of collected information before and after the baseline study review and protocols to ensure anonymity and confidentiality of sources of information where that is expected. The consultant should also follow the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) policy of Barnfonden. The information, knowledge and data gathered during the study process must also be solely used for the project purpose alone and not for other uses without express authorization of Barnfonden and partners.

Content of the offers

The offers to be submitted for the execution of this contract will include a Technical and a Financial Offer.

Technical offer

The Technical Offer will include the following minimum requirements:

• An introductory and short chapter detailing the comprehension by tenderers of the assignment and its main challenges.
• A chapter detailing the tentative methodology to conduct the baseline study; this methodology will then be finalised in the Inception Note. The proposed methodology will detail how the baseline study will address the cross-cutting issues mentioned in these Terms of Reference and notably gender equality, the empowerment of women, green and digital transition. A short analysis of the main risks and remedy measures of the assignment.
• A chapter detailing the relevance of the team composition and competencies to the work to be undertaken and how the tasks will be organised.
• At least three referees from previous assignments (obtain consent from referees
• Annex: the CVs of the proposed expert(s) (max length of each CV: 5 pages).
• Annex: At least 2 sample reports of similar/comparable assignments
• Annex: Certificate of Registration and PIN/VAT
• Annex: Tax compliance certificate
• Annex: a synoptic table detailing the work to be undertaken by each proposed expert and their role, based on the proposed methodology.
• Annex: the proposed timetable (Gantt chart).

Financial Offer

• Please share as a separate file. This should be a detailed budget outlining the costs associated with each phase of the baseline study, including personnel (team leads & research assistants), training, travel, data collection, and reporting. The Consultant should include tax in the budget proposal and has full responsibility to pay and submit the receipt to Barnfonden.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, or related field
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in MEL and baseline assessments in youth or governance projects
• Demonstrated capacity to conduct mixed-methods research and participatory analysis
• Strong understanding of green/digital transition, civic engagement, and inclusive enterprise
• Excellent writing and presentation skills.
• Experience in right-based analysis especially the perspectives of gender, social inclusion and conflict sensitivity.

Reporting for Invoicing and Payments

The below given should be submitted for payments before invoicing based on the agreements during contract signing

• Inception report
• Final tools
• Raw and cleaned data sets
• A final slide deck (power point presentation on baseline study findings)
• Complete baseline study report including methodology, findings, recommendations and annexures

All payments shall be made within two weeks based on signed invoice submitted by the consultant/organisation as per schedule below:

• First Instalment = 20%,
  • On Contract agreement signing
• Second Instalment upon approval of the final inception report = 40%
  • Inception report
  • Final tools
  • Final field Data collection plan
• Final Instalment = 40%
  • Submission of draft report
  • Raw and cleaned data sets
  • Final report after all input is incorporated
  • Power point presentation.
• Note: Minimum modifications of the payment terms can be negotiated during signing of the contract

Criteria to assess offers

A. Understanding of assignment and methodology = 30%

B. Relevant experience and qualifications of team = 25%

C. Experience in green/digital transition, civic engagement, and inclusive enterprise = 10%

D. Quality of similar previous assignments = 10%

E. Work plan and timelines = 10%

F. Financial proposal (cost-effectiveness) = 15%

Budget

• The maximum budget for this Project baseline study is EUR 12,300. The Consultant should include the tax into the budget proposal and has full responsibility to pay and submit the receipt to Barnfonden.