Consultancy Services -Needs Assessment (Marsabit) at Food for the Hungry (FH Kenya)

Purpose of the consultancy

The purpose of the consultancy is to build a comprehensive picture of the social, health, environmental, governance, economic vulnerability of selected communities as well as the effects of the ongoing drought, in Marsabit Isiolo, Laikipia and Samburu the assessment will identify opportunities for future development in the selected areas. The result of this identification will be compiled into a needs assessment report.

Objectives of the assessment

1. Assess the status of selected communities in social, health, environmental, governance, economic issues as well as the effects of the drought, in selected sub counties of Marsabit, Isiolo, Laikipia, and Samburu.
2. Conduct systems mapping to understand complex social problems by visualizing the relationships, dynamics of the system, and identify leverage points, gaps, and opportunities for change.
3. Identify current level of implementation by different stakeholders and the gaps that exist in fulfilling the needs of the vulnerable communities.
4. identify key opportunities and strategies for future programming in each of the sectors in the assessed area

Scope of the assignment

The data collection will be carried out in the 4 counties in selected Sub counties and Wards through secondary data review, Key Informant Interviews (KII), Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), survey with community members, and assessment of various facilities. The development of the study design and tools for data collection will be done jointly with Food for the Hungry Kenya with the support of Food for the Hungry regional and global office and the selected consultant, the consultant will take lead in analyzing the data and development of an actionable comprehensive report. All field logistical support will be provided by Food for the Hungry Kenya.

Methodology

• Desk review: to conduct a desk review of the available thematic information on the areas under assessment.
• Key Informant Interviews: to assess perceived satisfaction, problems, and barriers social and economic issues as well as leadership and governance issues .
• Focus Group Discussions: to conduct focus group discussions with community members (with emphasis on inclusion of vulnerable groups).
• Survey with community members: to conduct a questionnaire with community members to assess social and economic needs.
• Assessment of economic and social infrastructure: to assess the capacities, strengths, weaknesses of economic and social systems to provide quality economic and basic social services.

Proposed Timeline and Deliverables

Week 1

• Desk Review: review of intervention documentation, and related primary/secondary resources for the needs assessment
• Development of the data collection plan and schedule
• Е-numerator training
• Data collection/analysis plan and schedule
• Draft methodology, including samples design for KII, FGD, community survey

Week 2-3

• Data collection according to the data collection schedule
• Data collection completed according to the data collection plan

Week 4-5

• Debriefing with the initial findings
• Analysis of findings (jointly with FHK team)
• Preparation of draft needs assessment report
• Address feedback with revisions in the needs assessment report where appropriate
• Revise and submit the needs assessment report
• Debriefing meeting
• Final version of the needs assessment report, including a base line and targets proposal

Total duration: 5 weeks

Qualifications

• The consultant should possess a master’s or PhD Level of education preferably in Development studies/Social sciences or Economics.
• Good understanding of development issues and in particular relating to the ASAL areas.
• Over 10 years experience in conducting needs assessment and research related assignments.
• Relevant work, knowledge of the area is a plus