TOR FOR CONDUCTING BASELINE SURVEY AND CSOs/CBOs CAPACITY ASSESSMENT FOR PATHWAYS OF CHANGE PROJECT: AMPLIFYING WOMEN-LED INITIATIVES FOR SGBV AND MEN

1.0 Background Information

1.1 HealthRight Kenya

HealthRight Kenya (HRK) is a Health and Human Rights Non-Governmental Organization, incorporated in 2005, with the head office in Nairobi, Kenya. The organization has been working with local government and communities in Kenya’s remote and impoverished regions to strengthen the response to critical issues in four priority program areas; HIV/AIDS, Mental Health, SGBV and RMCAH, as well as in high-burden communicable diseases like malaria and tuberculosis.

HealthRight Kenya achieves and sustains marked improvements in healthcare access and outcomes for nearly 4 million Kenyans across 10 counties: Nairobi, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Kilifi, Narok, and Semi-Arid Lands counties. At HealthRight Kenya, we are passionate about making a lasting impact in these crucial areas, striving for tangible and sustainable change.

1.2 Gender-Based Violence (GBV)

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a global issue, with 1 in 3 women experiencing physical or sexual violence, mainly from intimate partners. Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) particularly affects women aged 15-49, impacting their physical, psychological, and social well-being. 45% of women in SSA have experienced SGBV, contributing to high rates of depression, PTSD, and suicide attempts (Garcia-Moreno et al., 2013), with significant implications for the health, well-being, and rights of women and vulnerable populations. In Bungoma County, Kenya, high rates of physical IPV and sexual abuse remains a critical concern. Despite legal frameworks; The Kenya constitution 2010, the Sexual Offences Act no. Of 2006 and the national prevention and response to Gender based violence, 2014 efforts. Challenges include limited awareness of the costs of GBV and data on its prevalence, hindering progress.

The intersectionality between SGBV and mental health is critical and requires attention, as survivors of SGBV are at increased risk of MH disorders; stigma, discrimination, and the gaps in accessing mental health services. Leveraging survivors and women-led movements and partnering with the county department of Health, the project seeks to integrate psychosocial support into advocacy approaches for survivors of SGBV, bridging the gap in access and empowering survivors. The Kenya Demographic Health Survey 2022 reports Bungoma County as a hotspot for SGBV, with 62% of reported cases, Kabuchai and Kimilili Sub-counties lead in reported cases for 2023, with 432 and 439 cases respectively, per KHIS data, emphasizing the urgent need for action.

2.0 Pathway for Change Project

In 2024, HealthRight Kenya received a 2-year funding from the Amplify Change to implement a project called “Pathways of Change: Amplifying Women-Led Initiatives for SGBV and Mental Health” .The project aims to eliminate SGBV and provide mental health support through survivor-led initiatives. Collaborating with CSOs under the Wangu Kanja Foundation, the project focuses on empowering women-led CSOs in Bungoma County to influence policies addressing GBV. HealthRight Kenya will enhance advocates’ skills in SGBV and mental health integration through tailored training and resources. The Wangu Kanja CSOs Network Foundation will mentor advocates in advocating for SGBV policy implementation. Together, HealthRight Kenya and Wangu Kanja aim to drive impactful change in addressing SGBV and supporting mental health in Bungoma County, creating a safer environment for women and vulnerable populations.

The project is based on the theory of change that to drive change, the initiative will implement (1) norms for change; ‘the RESPECT model’ developed by WHO to transform attitudes and norms by mobilizing the community. The initiative aims to build stakeholder’s capacity to advocate for prevention and respond to gender-based violence and mental illness. (2) action policy engagement utilizing social accountability tools. (3) Co-create and co-implement with women led Civil society organizations to actively engage survivors, men and key decision makers in meaningful county engagements, (4) Multispectral engagement will seek to strengthen coordination through the sector working groups and (5) strengthen organizational technical capacity to efficiently delivery advocacy operations for sustainability.

More specifically the project aims to:

• Strengthen the capacity of Civil Society Organizations to advocate for a 5% reduction in sexual gender-based violence. HealthRight Kenya will Identify, map and assesses women led SGBV survivor CSO; conduct capacity-building on SGBV advocacy and resource provision for CSOs to effectively advocate for SGBV reduction.
• Increase engagement among target group populations to advocate for a reduction in SGBV and Mental health; we propose to utilize culturally sensitive and participatory approaches to facilitate meaningful engagement and integrational community level dialogue forums to create awareness campaigns.
• Strengthen multisectoral engagement for addressing the reduction in GBV cases: We will facilitate collaborative partnerships and dialogue through sector working groups among government agencies, local CSOs, community leaders, duty bearers developing comprehensive advocacy strategies and action plans for addressing SGBV.
• Enhance the organization and technical capacity of HRK to improve advocacy operations efficiency, service delivery, and sustainability: The advocacy capacity strengthening support provided to HRK will increase the knowledge, skills, networks, and support for CSOs and advocates to engage in advocacy, in turn support internal efforts to develop strategic priorities and to more effectively engage with grass root organisations.

2.1 The Intended Overall Outcomes include;

1. Strengthened capacity of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to advocate for a 5 percent reduction in sexual gender-based violence (SGBV) :
2. Increased engagement among target group populations to advocate for a reduction in SGBV.
3. Increased individual awareness of SRHR as human rights
4. Transformed social norms Strengthen multi-sectoral engagement for addressing the reduction in GBV cases.
5. Enhanced the organization and technical capacity of HRK to improve advocacy operations efficiency, service delivery, and sustainability.
6. Rights-holders have increased abilities to claim their rights and participate in civic and political life in their communities for the protection and advancement of human rights.

3.0 Scope and Approach of the Assignment

HealthRight Kenya wish to undertake a baseline study in Kabuchai ,Kimilili and Mt. Elgon Sub-counties of Bungoma County, Kenya., and conduct capacity assessments of partners youth /women led CSOs/CBOs to identify their capacity and areas for improvement. The consultant in collaboration with HealthRight Kenya and other partners will be expected to undertake the following tasks:

1. Conduct a desk review of review of project documents and other relevant documents

2. Develop an appropriate and acceptable survey methodology and develop data collection tools.

3. Recruit and train field staff (supervisors, interviewers, record reviewers) and pre-testing of data collection tools.

4. Conduct capacity assessment on current CSO/CBOs Partners including selected groups. The assessment will be conducted through Stakeholder consultations, data collection, focus group discussion and interviews. This assessment should identify strengths and provide and identity opportunities for improvement.

5. Coordinate and supervise data collection.

6. Carry out gender segregated data analysis applying descriptive and inferential statistics

7. Identify key informational gaps warranting further quantitative and/or qualitative research in line with HealthRight Kenya researchable issues

8. Conduct and mapping exercise of the grassroots-based organizations in the county. The identification should be comprehensive to capture the type of organizations working in the targeted counties, training or mentoring needs, experiences available of work being undertaken by different organizations and a proposal on strategies for carrying out capacity development for these groups.

9. Produce an Inception report of the findings of the mapping listing both the identified organizations and their capacity building needs by categorizing them into 1) gaps in organizational capacities and 2) skills and knowledge building needs. In addition, the contractor should provide recommendations that guide the project implementation as per the project document.

10. Prepare the baseline assessment and CBO assessment report in a format acceptable to HealthRight Kenya.

11. Present draft reports to HealthRight Kenya and partners and other stakeholders and incorporate suggestions in the final report.

12. Develop a database of grassroots organization CBOs/CSOs spread across the county.

    • Grassroots organisations and CBOs
      • Community Action Teams
        • Citizens Activist Journalists
          • Social Justice Centres, community level activist groups

13. Hold a feedback meeting to share findings, receive feedback and provide support to design the next steps

14. Final Baseline Survey Report of the findings of the mapping listing both the identified organizations and their capacity building needs by categorizing them into 1) gaps in organizational capacities and 2) skills and knowledge building needs. In addition, the consultant should provide recommendations that guide the project implementation as per the project document.

    It is expected that the consultant(s) will adopt participatory evaluation methodologies involving the local community, government (MOH) and civil society. The evaluation design shall be further discussed and agreed upon together with HealthRight Kenya.

3.1 Project Target Groups and Counties

The project addresses gender-based violence in Bungoma county. It targets SGBV root causes and promotes gender equitable attitudes by building an inclusive coalition with the power to drive change through community outreach campaigns and participatory learning. The project emphasizes community participation, coordination across sectors, and building capacities to reinforce positive social and gender norms. The project will follow a 4-step process, focusing on human rights, community participation, partnerships, evidence-base, cultural relevance, sustainability, and capacity building. Its emphasis on community participation enables locally led solutions that speak to on-the-ground realities. Women often keenly understand the social dynamics driving violence in their communities. Centering female advocates provides vital insights to guide advocacy efforts responsive to victims’ needs. Their voices and leadership lend relevance and urgency. Ultimately, community ownership of the process—with women at the helm—can transform harmful norms. When change emanates from within rather than externally imposed, it takes deeper root. The women of Bungoma County have wisdom and resolve. Their stewardship gives this project hope for lasting impact.

4.0 Purpose and Approach of the Consultancy:

4.1. General Objectives

The general objective of the consultancy is to conduct a baseline survey for the project. and identify existing gaps in SGBV, propose areas of partnerships and generate recommendations for action.

4.2 Specific Objectives:

1. To establish Knowledge, Attitudes, Perceptions and Behavior (KAPB) regarding SGBV and GBV

2. To determine the extent of utilization of maternal and child health services including antenatal care, skilled attendance at delivery, and post natal care.

3. To assess existing organizational capacity of CBOs , CSOs in the project area to meet SGBV /GBV needs of the community .

4. To undertake qualitative gender and social cultural analysis on relevant SGBV/GBV issues to guide HealthRight Kenya in the design of the project interventions.

5. Map CBOs and grassroots groups and understand their governance structures, human rights concerns and other emerging issues in the project target counties.

6. To identify the priority research questions, policy and advocacy issues relevant for the project through stakeholder consultations at national, provincial, and district levels.

7. Provide clear and priority recommendation on action to be taken to enhance capacity and operations of grassroot based organizations.

   The findings of the baseline survey will be useful in achieving the intended outcomes of the project. It will direct and guide the implementation and moreover measure the progress and success of the project.The selected consultant will receive the project document upon signature of the contract. The consultant is expected to refine the proposed study methodology and present a comprehensive baseline study design that matches with the project and the related success indicators in the inception phase.

Deliverable 1:

1. Conduct a desk review of existing assessments on capacity of grassroot based organizations and design a capacity assessment tool jointly with the consortium members

2.Conduct capacity assessment on current CSO Partners including selected groups. The assessment will be conducted through Stakeholder consultations, data collection, focus group discussion and interviews. This assessment should identify strengths and provide identity opportunities for improvement.

3.Produce an Inception report of the findings of the mapping listing both the identified organizations and their capacity building needs by categorizing them into 1) gaps in organizational capacities and 2) skills and knowledge building needs. In addition, the contractor should provide recommendations that guide the project implementation as per the project document.

4.Organize a feedback session to share the findings, receive feedback and provide support in the development of the next steps.

5.0 Deliverables

1. Inception report detailing the methodology, approaches, data collection tools and processes to be used as well as the baseline work plan, curriculum vitae and detailed budget. The Detailed budget should include; Hiring; accommodation; training of; research supervisors, research assistance and data entry clerks; Printing and photocopy of research tools. Accommodation for consultant and his team; communication charges; hall hire for training and debriefing of research personnel, provision of entry of data, stationary and mobilization including transport/logistical support.
   1. A comprehensive baseline report in a format acceptable to HealthRight Kenya (the report will cover quantitative and qualitative aspects).
   2. Detailed organizational capacity assessment report for CSOs,CBOs and other partner
   3. Submit to HealthRight Kenya the final reports (5 bound hard copies for each report, soft copies and a complete data set and code book). The reports should not be more than 40 pages excluding annexes.

The two reports will provide practical recommendations on key considerations for the design of project interventions.

6.0 Timelines

1. The assignment is expected to take a total of 30 days.
2. The consultant shall commence the work upon signing of the contract

7.0 Qualifications/Requirements

1. The proposed consultancy team should include a Team Leader with at least a master’s degree in Economics, Statistics, development studies, leadership and governance or other related fields.
2. Proven qualifications, skills and experience in research work and experience in Kenya on contemporary issues affecting communities and livelihoods especially those in governance and human rights, engaging in analysis on the sector.
3. At least 8 years relevant experience in facilitating grassroots work / programs on community development issues; mobilization, training, planning, implementation, coordination, monitoring and evaluation, at the national and regional level.
4. Proven report-writing, and research experience, with the ability to present recommendations supported by findings gathered through desk review, interviews and focus group discussions.
5. Ability to produce high-quality output in a timely manner while understanding and anticipating the evolving client needs.

8.0 Role of HealthRight Kenya and collaborators

8.1 HealthRight Kenya:

1. Provide technical oversight, quality assurance as well as quality control for the evaluation as necessary.
2. Mobilize local communities and partners to effectively participate in the evaluation
3. Provide the venue and equipment for the presentation and dissemination of the findings.
4. Provide the relevant project documents for review.

8.2 Role of CHMTs

1. Provide relevant technical staff for the survey
2. Provide transport in terms vehicles etc
3. Sensitize stakeholders and communities
4. Mobilize communities for the survey

8.3 Role of the community

1. Provide research assistants with relevant qualifications
2. Participate in the survey through provision of information
3. Through community elders, mobilize the community to participate in the survey

8.4 Consultant (s)

1. Responsible for guiding the Evaluations process
2. Provide logistical support for the whole exercise.
3. All the deliverables as specified in the TOR

9.0 Evaluation and award of Consultancy

HealthRight Kenya will evaluate the proposals and award the assignment based on technical and financial feasibility. HealthRight Kenya reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal received without giving reasons and is not bound to accept the lowest or the highest bidder.