CONSULTANCY FOR CONDUCTING OUT OF SCHOOL SURVEY – KAKUMA

PROJECT: “Promoting access to quality inclusive education in protective learning environments in Kakuma, Dadaab refugee camps and Kalobeyei Reception Centre

1. CONTEXT

1.1 Context of the Programme / Contracting Department

Humanity & Inclusion (HI) is an independent and impartial aid organisation working in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict, and disaster. We work alongside people with disabilities and vulnerable populations, acting and bearing witness to respond to their essential needs, improve their living conditions and promote respect for their dignity and fundamental rights. In Kenya, we work to identify and support those with specific needs and ensure the meaningful inclusion of refugees and asylum seekers.

HI is seeking qualified external consultant or a professional body (individual/firm) to conduct a survey on Out-of-School Children (OOSC) in Kakuma refugee camp. Kakuma refugee camp is a complex humanitarian setting where partners collaborate in addressing the multifaceted needs of refugees. The diverse array of organizations, both international and local, work together to provide essential services and support to refugees and asylum seekers in the refugee camps. The Kakuma operation includes refugees in Kakuma camps (i.e. Kakuma 1, 2,3 and 4) and Kalobeyei settlement. Currently, the Kakuma operations hosts 293, 849 refugees and asylum1. Out of this number, 10,951 individuals are in both Kakuma camps with Kalobeyei reception centre hosting 8, 945 individuals.

HI, Finn Church Aid (FCA) and Terre des hommes (Tdh) are currently implementing a 24 month Inclusive Education (IE) project in a consortium. The project, titled “Promoting access to quality Inclusive Education in Protective Learning Environments in Kakuma, Dadaab refugee camps and Kalobeyei Reception Centre” (PIEPLE) runs from January 2024 to January 2026. Its main objective is to ensure children (boys and girls) with and without disabilities continuously access quality inclusive education opportunities in protective Formal Education (FE) and Non-formal Education (NFE) environments in Kakuma, Dadaab refugee camps and Kalobeyei reception centre. This consortium in working alongside other partners and service providers supporting education interventions in Kakuma operation. Working closely with the Ministry of Education, UNHCR plays a central role in coordinating education efforts, ensuring that education services are available, accessible, and of high quality. UNHCR works with; Lutheran World Federation (LWF) that manages 21 primary schools, 13 pre-primary schools in the camp and basic literacy and numeracy services at the Kakuma Reception centre, providing free education to refugee children; FCA manages primary and secondary education in Kalobeyei settlement and basic literacy and numeracy at the Kalobeyei Reception Centre; Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) manages education in seven (7) secondary schools in Kakuma refugee camp and 5 pre-primary schools; Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) manages accelerated education programs in Kakuma camps and Kalobeyei settlement. Other education service providers include private schools that are operating within the camp run by individuals and Refugee Led Organizations (RLOs)

1.2 Justification

The OOSC survey will be essential for understanding the complex dynamics affecting children’s access to education in the challenging environment in Kakuma operations. By profiling who the OOSC are, where they are located, and the reasons for their non-enrolment, this survey will provide critical insights into the barriers they face, including infrastructural limitations, socio-economic factors, institutional/policy factors especially for onward movers at the Kakuma operation and cultural attitudes towards education. This survey will further narrow down to specific groups profiled beyond the general OOSC population compared to the previous survey conducted by LWF in the year 2023. The findings will enable stakeholders to develop targeted interventions that address these barriers, ultimately contributing to improved educational access and outcomes for vulnerable populations in Kakuma and other similar contexts. This survey will ensure an objective analysis, laying the groundwork for effective program implementation and policy advocacy aimed at reintegrating out-of-school children into the educational system in Kakuma.

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE REQUIRED SERVICE PROVISION

2.1. Beneficiary/Beneficiaries

The primary beneficiaries of this service are HI, FCA and TdH who are implementing the PIEPLE project. Other beneficiaries include Education and protection implementing partners in Kakuma operations including; UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, LWF, FCA, JRS, DRC, NRC among others.

2.2. Objective of the survey

2.2.1. Overall Goal:

The general objective of this survey is to comprehensively assess the factors contributing to children being out of school in Kakuma operations, with the aim of informing evidence-based interventions to improve access to education and outcomes for vulnerable children with and without disabilities.

2.2.2. Specific Goals:

1. To identify the demographic characteristics, geographic distribution, and socio-economic backgrounds of OOSC in Kakuma operations.
2. To understand the reasons why children with and without disabilities are not enrolled in school, including infrastructural limitations, socio-economic factors, and cultural attitudes.
3. To assess the availability and quality of educational facilities and resources in Kakuma.
4. To explore the perceptions and experiences of OOSC, their families, and community members regarding education.
5. To identify potential barriers to school enrolment and completion, such as child labour, early marriage, and health issues.
6. To recommend evidence-based interventions to address the identified challenges and improve educational access and outcomes for OOSC.

2.3 Services requested

Interested candidates are thus required to submit a detailed proposal that shows how this survey will achieve the intended objectives. The proposal should include among other sections detailed questionnaire that captures the relevant information on OOSC, detailed data collection process, data analysis plan, a survey report summarizing the key findings, recommendations, and implications for policy and program development and dissemination of preliminary and final findings of the survey findings to relevant stakeholders, including government officials, NGOs, and community leaders.

2.4 Anticipated results and indicators to facilitate acceptance and validation of final outcomes

The final report should contribute to;

1. understanding of OOSC through a comprehensive profile of OOSC in Kakuma operations including their demographics, geographic distribution, and reasons for not attending school.
2. Identification of key barriers showing the primary factors hindering educational access and outcomes, such as infrastructural limitations, socio-economic factors, and cultural attitudes.
3. Evidence-based recommendations that will influence targeted interventions to address the identified challenges, based on the survey findings.

3. CONSULTANT’S PROFILE

3.1. Training, experience, references and grade required for each expert

Key Qualifications

• Educational Background: Master’s degree in education, Social Sciences, or a related field from a recognized university.
• Relevant certifications in research methodologies and data analysis.
• Relevant Experience: evidence of having conducted multiple assessments and surveys targeting educational access for OOSC. Experience working in a humanitarian setting will be an added advantage.
• Technical Skills: Proficient in statistical software (e.g., SPSS, Stata, R) and data visualization tools, Experience in using survey platforms (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Kobo Toolbox) for data collection and, Strong skills in report writing and presentation, with the ability to communicate complex findings to diverse audiences.
• Core Competencies: Expertise in designing and implementing mixed-method research approaches, including surveys, interviews, and focus groups, Stakeholder Engagement: Proven ability to collaborate with local authorities, NGOs, and community leaders to ensure the relevance and acceptance of findings, Cultural Sensitivity: Deep understanding of the socio-cultural dynamics within refugee camps, enabling effective communication and rapport-building with diverse populations and Project Management: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in challenging environments.

3.2. Methodology

Interested candidates are expected to clearly outline the methodology that will be used to conduct the survey which should be in line with HI’s Disability, gender and Age policy, participatory, child friendly and inclusive of stakeholder engagement. Whenever possible, the data obtained should be triangulated to reach conclusions in reference to secondary data that will be provided by HI and its stakeholders in the operation.

The final report should consider;

• Secondary data sources – desk review of documents, reports and data sources on education and other studies in Kakuma. Secondary data will include information on enrolments of children in schools run by LWF, FCA, JRS, RLOs and private learning institutions within the proximity of the camp.
• Primary data sources (Key Informant Interview, Focus Group Discussions and survey) and data analysis process disaggregated by the type of disability, gender, and age parameters.
• Data collection methods: Quantitative methods including well-developed survey tools (questionnaires) to be administered to sampled beneficiaries; Qualitative methods through a thorough analysis of information gathered from observations, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, etc.
• Sampling methods – that reflects a diversity of respondents and experiences, including different types of disability, country of origin of refugees. Data collection should be conducted in the language chosen by the respondents.
• Tools will be developed in English and translated into Kiswahili and other language as needed (Juba Arabic, Somali, French). Sign language interpretations may be used when relevant. The interviewers will have to be trained in communication with people with disabilities. Beneficiary friendly approaches and tools as per the age, gender, and type of disability policy provisions.
• Comparative approach: the methodology should contain a comparative analysis between the starting period and the end, but also between boys and girls & children with disabilities and children without disabilities, various types of disabilities.

3.3. Roles and responsibilities

Consultant

• Detailed inception report: Containing detailed work plan specifying activities and timelines agreed with HI; a detailed description of the final methodology, ethical considerations, and data collections tools based on HI policies
• Develop and provide guidelines and tools in data collection, data cleaning process, and data entry for data enumerators for review by HI team
• Training of data enumerators: Using mobile data collection tool developed by the consultant in collaboration with HI, Ethics and security related to collection of sensitive data, communication with persons with disabilities, GBV/CP issues. The consultant should coordinate the collection of field data, the day-to-day management of evaluation activities, data entry and analysis, and report writing while respecting the confidentiality and sensitivity of the evaluation.
• Data analysis, presentation of key research findings and draft report presentation for review and validation: quantitative and qualitative data analysed and triangulated.
• Final Report Developed and Presented: finalization of the report (English language) in close collaboration with HI, with relevant annexes in the same language as the report. Transcript in English of the qualitative data should be shared to HI.
• PowerPoint presentation of final report
• The consultant will ensure that the endline study activities are carried out per the terms and conditions of his or her contract.

Humanity & Inclusion

• HI staff will compile the reference documents, which include the project document, secondary data relating to education in Kakuma refugee camp.
• Facilitate access to information on travel and accommodation • Provision of access to data collection software (survey CTO).
• Facilitate access to information on workshop facilities
• A briefing session will be held with the consultant and the different HI technical and operations personnel (Field, regional and HQ), MEAL at the beginning to agree on the overall methodology and re-emphasize key issues to be addressed. • Provision of guidance on HI’s evaluation policies/ quality framework to the successful consultant
• Support consultant through mobilization of the respondents (beneficiaries, other stakeholders, and Government agencies;
• Pay consultancy fees for the completed work as per the agreed timelines

Beneficiaries

• Respondents and Validators

Partners

• Respondents and Validators

3.4. Working languages

Official working language – English

3.5. Selection Process

The steering committee comprised of the Project Manager, Consortium Manager, Logistics Manager, Technical Specialist, MEAL Manager and Country Manager will be responsible for conducting the interview for the consultant, guide the consultant throughout the exercise and validate the final survey report. The following detailed steps will be considered;

Key steps

Selection of the consultant

The Steering Committee shall evaluate the submitted applications and validate the choice of the consultant 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 the next steps.

Presentation of survey findings and recommendations (1st Draft)

The Steering Committee and the consultant shall ensure that they have a common understanding of the conclusions & recommendations expressed.

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

Quality of final report

The Steering Committee shall specify the quality aspects expected from the evaluator 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.

Action plan and follow up on recommendations

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

4. SERVICE DURATION AND LOCATION

4.1. Start date – TBD Mission end date – TBD

4.2. Mission timetable and number of days to be spent by the Consultant

The number of mission days corresponds to the number of days spent in the mission location, including weekends and bank holidays, + the days required for briefings, debriefings and reports.

(to be determined)

4.3. Service location(s)

The survey is expected to be done at Kakuma refugee camp while preliminary briefings and final validated to be done at the national office.

5. WORK SCHEDULE

• Based on the proposed timetable laid down in these Terms of Reference, the Consultant must set up a work schedule for the performance of the service.
• The work schedule must clearly specify the way the Consultant will approach the activities required to perform the service.
• The schedule must indicate the progress and/or the standard of service performance, including the criteria and/or indicators to check that the service provision is proceeding smoothly.

6. REPORT

• Contents (schedule), language, format and quantity – the final report should include the key components included in this TOR and any relevant sections from the Proposal in English. It should be made available in accessible print and digital formats.
• Submission date – (6th December 2024)

7. RESOURCE PERSON

• Within the framework of the service provision, the Consultant will be asked to collaborate with Handicap International’s teams and with The Inclusive Education Project Manager – Kakuma who will be the point of contact.

Administrative and technical appendices

(List of contract documents, e.g. training plans, any communication media (DVDs, CD-ROMs, etc.), price breakdown, methods, general purchasing conditions, etc.).

I. Methodological approach/Work schedule adopted for the service provision

II. Itinerary

III. Consultant’s CV

IV. Other

9. EVALUATION

Application documents submitted will be evaluated in three (stages);

1. General Mandatory Evaluation Criteria

For firms or institutions

CONSULTANCY FOR CONDUCTING OUT OF SCHOOL SURVEY – KAKUMA

• Certificate of Registration
• Trade license Certificate/business Permit
• PIN/VAT Registration Certificate
• Current Tax Compliance Certificate
• Personal Accident Insurance cover

For Individuals

CONSULTANCY FOR CONDUCTING OUT OF SCHOOL SURVEY – KAKUMA

• National Identification Document
• Relevant certifications
• PIN/VAT Registration Certificate
• Current Tax Compliance Certificate
• Personal Accident Insurance cover

Administrative and technical appendices

(List of contract documents, e.g. training plans, any communication media (DVDs, CD-ROMs, etc), price breakdown, methods, general purchasing conditions, etc.).

1. Methodological approach/Work schedule adopted for the service provision
2. Itinerary
3. Consultant’s CV
4. Other

How to apply

Potential service providers who meet these requirements and are available within the time period indicated should submit an application letter and curriculum vitae indicating their relevant qualifications, skills and experience, their understanding of the TOR, detailed budget as well as three 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 6th December, 2024.

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

The electronic copies of the application to reach Handicap International office on or before 6th December, 2024 4:30 pm