Terms of Reference for Consultancy at American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)

Purpose of the Assignment

AFSC Regional Office in Nairobi is seeking the services of a consultant to undertake a situational analysis on the root causes, key drivers and consequences of conflict along the borders of Rift Valley/Western/Nyanza regions**,** and in the informal settlement of Mathare and Dandora the ecosystem that leads to instability in these areas. The assignment should respond but not limited to the following questions:

• What are the key drivers/causes of the border violence/Conflict along the borders of Rift Valley/ Western/Nyanza regions?
• What are the key drivers/causes of violence in informal settlements of Nairobi, specifically Dandora and Mathare?
• Are there early warning signs of violence along the border areas?
• What have been the consequences of the conflict/violence (human and material)?
• What are the pathways to sustainable and peaceful co-existence?
• To what extent have women and youth been impacted by the violence/conflicts?
• What have been the limitations of CSOs in advocating for peace in the affected areas?
• What are the implications on social cohesion, justice, and response capacity of communities in the above areas?
• What has been the role of the media, government, CSOs in deescalating or exacerbating the violence? What actions have been taken by other actors to address peace?
• What community networks and CSOs exist that address peace in these areas?

Objectives of the study are as follows:

• To establish the conflict dynamics in the identified areas in borders of Rift Valley/ Western/Nyanza regions and in informal settlements of Nairobi
• To establish the key driving factors of the violence in the target areas, implications on social cohesion, justice and response capacity of communities?
• Map out CSOs and find their situation in affected areas (Is there space to play a positive role?).
• Identify the spaces available for engagement among the conflicting parties, peace actors, media and all relevant actors to bring peace.
• To establish the pathways for sustainable and peaceful co-existence
• To suggest recommendations for the community, youth, and women, the CSOs, Government actors for a sustainable peace in borders of Rift Valley/ Western/Nyanza regions and Nairobi areas
• To make recommendations for relevant action towards social coherence and sustained peaceful co-existence among the different communities in the target areas.

Expected deliverables

• Inception report
• Draft report on the situational analysis in the above-mentioned conflict prone areas, responding to the key objectives above.
• A validation meeting with AFSC and Quaker partners.
• A final report with recommendations of possible interventions by AFSC and other actors to bring social cohesion and policy efforts for the affected communities and spaces available to address these, challenges that can affect these efforts by CSOs, communities among others.

Methodology

• The study design and methodology will be mixed and include secondary/desk study from various writings, focus group discussions, interviews with communities (community youth, women, men, elders, religious organizations and other key informants). The consultant key documents of the project, review all documentation, and prepare a workplan. The consultant will also finalize the methodology of the study, including but not limited to the finalization of the sample size (determine the sample size and with AFSC agree on study sites), the development of the tools among others.

Timeframe and Support

Logistical support during the assignment

AFSC will provide all the necessary background documents prior to the commencement of the assignment. This will include:

• Proposal document
• Relevant studies in the country
• Potential leads for interviews.
• Introduction letter where applicable.
• Accommodation and subsistence (meals) at agreed rate during the assignment where applicable.
• Prompt feedback on all deliverables, (To written feedback within one week of receipt).

Duration of the assignment

• Baseline study will be conducted and completed within twenty (20) consultancy days spread from 5th November to 10th December 2023. The final report including all the comments from should be received by 10th December 2023.

Qualifications

• The ideal candidate should have postgraduate qualifications in relevant discipline such as political science, peace and conflict or any relevant social science discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in conducting baseline surveys and evaluations for development programs in East and Africa context.
• Extensive knowledge of the political, social and economic context of Kenya.
• Demonstrate record in delivering peace building, conflict resolution, research, and policy advocacy programs in the African context.
• Proven track of record on quantitative and qualitative data collection tools and analysis and participatory approaches.
• Experiences in using theory of change.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with people from different backgrounds to deliver quality products within a short time frame.
• Experiences and/or know-how in project implementation
• Flexible, adaptable, responsive and open to feedback.
• They should demonstrate alignment with Quaker values.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Exceptional skills to analyze complex information and make judgement with respect to relevance, responsiveness, and confidentiality.
• Expertise and understanding of administrative structures, policies, systems, and practices. • Strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to work independently within stipulated timelines.
• Excellent content design and customization skills.
• Ability to package information to meet the needs of the audiences.