Call for Proposals - Consultancy Services

Proposals for: Consultancy services

Project name: Effective citizen participation for accountable governance

Reference number: AfriCOG CFP 11-2012                

Date issued: 2012   

Submission deadline: 19th November 2012

Africa Centre for Open Governance (AfriCOG) is an independent non-profit organisation whose governance and anti-corruption reform initiatives are aimed at addressing the structural causes of Kenya’s governance crisis. 

AfriCOG is currently implementing a project called ‘Effective citizen participation for accountable governance’.

AfriCOG is seeking the services of consultants to support its implementation of the project. 

The consultants should have substantial experience in the following areas of expertise:Constitutional law, devolution, open government, public administration, governance and anti-corruptionDrafting and review of legislationResearch managementMonitoring and evaluationOrganization developmentEditorial consultant- language and contentLayout and design consultant- pre-publishinghave demonstrable experience in the technical area (preferably over 5 years)have an advanced university degree  or lengthy years of professional experiencehave the ability to develop relevant, user-friendly training material, reportshave exceptional report writing skills, and ability to address technical matters in accessible language.Be skilled in relevant computer applicationsHave exceptional analytical skillsHave proven ability to work reliably to tight deadlinesApplication procedure

The application should include the consultant’s resume, sample of unedited previous work, 3 references, availability and their daily rate for the duration of the consultancy. 

Consultants will additionally fill out an AfriCOG’s Consultant profile (attached) All proposals must be sent to the email address admin@africog.org, with the subject line “Call for Consultants-(consultants area of expertise) ”, no later than 4.00 p.m. on Monday, 16th November 2012

Please download  AfriCOG Consultants Template

The Africa Centre for Open Governance (AfriCOG) is an independent, non-profit making organisation with a mandate to provide cutting edge research on governance and public ethics issues and, monitor governance fundamentals in both the government and the private sector.

AfriCOG's governance and anti-corruption reform initiative are aimed at addressing the structural causes of Kenya's governance crisis by a knowledgeable citizenry.

AfriCOG facilitates the Kenyans for Peace with Truth and Justice (KPTJ) initiative, which is a coalition of over 30 Kenyan and East African legal, human rights, and governance organizations, ordinary Kenyans and friends of Kenya, convened in the immediate aftermath of 2007's presidential election debacle.

The primary aim of the KPTJ Coalition is the achievement of truth, justice and accountability for the failed elections and the violence that followed, and the institution of credible transitional justice and political and constitutional reform as a means to a just, sustainable peace.

AfriCOG seeks to recruit a motivated, energetic professional to lead the development and coordination of KPTJ Programmes.

Scope of the position

Effectively and independently manage the implementation of research, advocacy and mobilisation activities and work plans whilst ensuring compliance with the budgetary provisions.

Provide efficient overall coordination for the KPTJ and direction for the secretariat. Manage partner relations and promote growth, impact and influence of the network.

Job Title: Programme Officer

Department: Kenyans for Peace with Truth and Justice (KPTJ)

Contract Period: Renewable yearly based on performance and availability of funds and subject to 3 months probation period

Reporting Relationships

Direct reporting to the Executive DirectorWorking relationship with task force of leading organisations of the initiativeWorking relationship with AfriCOG programme staff, finance and administration, associates and service providersSpecific responsibilities of this position include;
To develop and nurture strategic partnerships and coordinate the initiative effectively to achieve results and bring about change;To develop a programme approach, work plans and budgets to achieve KPTJ objectives;To lead planning, monitoring, and information dissemination of KPTJ’s work;To mobilise resources in consultation with Head of Programmes and the Executive Director;To liaise with and manage consultants engaged on all KPTJ programmes, prepare research ToRs and follow up on timely and effective implementation of all research and advocacy activitiesTo collect data from partner organizations for monitoring purposes, maintain such data in a database, document lessons learned, and use them to strengthen programme effectiveness.To produce timely and accurate programme reports, statements, submissions, presentations, communications materials;To handle other administrative tasks as needed including supervision, planning and organising events and workshops and procurement of goods and services for KPTJ programmesTo network effectively and represent AfriCOG/ KPTJ in relevant meetings, conferences seminars etc as may be necessaryA Master’s degree in social sciences, law or similar from a recognized universityStrong administrative, communication and social skillsSolid writing and meticulous editing skillsStrong budget management, monitoring and reporting skillsStrong planning, organisational and project management skillsAt least 4 years experience in a similar position in an NGO contextExposure to and genuine interest in the civil society sectorExperience in partnership-building, high-level advocacy and networkingGeneral eligibility

This post is open to Kenyan citizens. AfriCOG is an equal opportunity employer.

Application Procedure

Please send the following documents to admin@africog.org, and put PROGRAMME OFFICER - KPTJ in the subject title

Cover Letter indicating your current and expected payCurriculum vitae with three refereesList of your last three employers with contact details

The Africa Centre for Open Governance (AfriCOG) is currently implementing a project titled Strengthening Parliament by Supporting Parliamentary Oversight Committees, whose main objective is to increase the efficacy of parliamentary watchdog committees to effectively undertake their oversight/watchdog roles in the new constitutional dispensation and the capacity of parliamentary support staff and civil society to support them.

Who we are

AfriCOG is an independent, non-profit organisation that provides cutting edge research and monitoring on governance and public ethics issues in both the public and private sectors so as to address the structural causes of the crisis of governance in the country.

Our reports, policy briefs and overall work add value to anti-corruption and governance reform processes in Kenya by stimulating policy discussion and supporting evidence-based advocacy and mobilisation work of our partners.

Background:

The adoption of Kenya’s new Constitution marked a significant milestone in Kenya’s reform process. The new constitution not only increases Parliament’s capacity and independence, but it also strengthens parliamentary oversight over the Executive.

In spite of these achievements, the impact of new constitutional dispensation and provisions on the role and structure of Parliament, particularly vis-à-vis the Executive, is yet to be adequately understood both within and outside of Parliament.

It is necessary that the implications of these changes for the operations of Parliament and in particular the targeted watchdog committees be clearly understood so that appropriate support activities can effectively be carried out.

The assignment

AfriCOG invites applications from suitably qualified persons for a consultancy opportunity to conduct an initial scoping study.

The project responds to the need to analyse the impact of the new constitution, specifically on the work of oversight committees both internally as regards operations, procedure and relationship with parliamentary standing orders, and externally with regard to relations to the Executive, public scrutiny and public participation.

The analysis will enable the designing of appropriate support mechanisms and programme interventions to Parliamentary Oversight Committees, especially, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Public Investments Committee (PIC).

AfriCOG’s proposed intervention is critical because there is little, if any, structured inquiry or real appreciation of the implications of the changes proposed in the new constitution and for the operations and role of parliament and its committees.

Scope of work

The consultant will:

Produce a situational analysis on the state and operations of parliament and the key oversight committees and identify the necessary changes in their capacity and operations as stated in the new constitution;Propose key target committee(s) for the interventionsPropose ways of ensuring public participationIdentify and outline opportunities for increasing the efficacy of parliamentary oversight committees in the context of Kenya’s new constitutionAnalyze the obligations of, and key limitations to the efficacy of parliamentary oversight committees under Kenya’s new constitutionUndertake a comprehensive review of the working of oversight committees, their roles and effectiveness in the context of the new ConstitutionIdentify gaps that may affect the efficient functioning of the oversight committeesBroadly outline the implications of the newly reconstituted oversight committees for parliamentary Standing OrdersAssess current approaches to supporting the work of parliamentary oversight committeesIdentify opportunities for the Civil Society to engage with parliamentary oversight committees in the context of the new ConstitutionIdentify gaps in the capacity of parliamentary staff providing support to the committee(s).Respond to any other related questions.Time frame:

The study will be undertaken over a 30 day period commencing October 2011.

A detailed time frame will be developed at the start of the assignment.

Methodology:

The assignment will be implemented through various methodologies including:

Desk review of literature, existing reports on capacity building interventions with ParliamentInterviews with key stakeholdersWorkshops and meetings with key stakeholdersAn inception study describing the proposed approach methodology, presenting a detailed plan of action and organisation of the consultancy of 5 pages maximumSummary notes of all meetings with AfriCOGA Report of the scoping study detailing all findings, recommendations and proposed interventions for strengthening the work of Parliamentary Oversight Committees in line with the scope of work as outlined under these ToRsA presentation of the main findings and recommendations of the study to AfriCOG at a date to be agreed upon between Consultant and AfriCOGA presentation of the final report findings from one meeting with key stakeholdersThe consultant shall present the reviewed report after incorporating AfriCOG’s comments within 10 days following the last day of the consultancy.

AfriCOG will determine the quality of the report/finished product according to AfriCOG’s standards. make the final determination as to the quality of the submitted product.

Format of reports:

i) The inception report should not exceed 5 pages. The notes to be submitted after each meeting with AfriCOG should be in “bullet point” format and not exceed 2 pages

ii) The final report will contain;

An Executive SummaryA table of contentsA list of AcronymsThe Core report and relevant annexes – 30pages maxA list of recommendationsA list of sources and people interviewedAll reports and accompanying notes will be presented in clear and accessible language. All reports must be submitted in both hard copy and electronic formats, either by email or CD

Key competencies:

A Degree in the social sciences preferably political science, law, public administration, public policy or related areasApplicants should demonstrable experience in researchThorough knowledge of the Constitution of Kenya, especially with regards to accountability and functioning of the new parliamentExcellent knowledge of parliamentary procedures, structures, standing orders etc.Excellent communication skills, both oral and writtenHow to apply:

Interested and qualified candidates should submit the following to admin@africog.org

Curriculum Vitae: detailing previous relevant research experience on similar or related work, previous publicationsOne page cover letter outlining suitability for the positionThree professional referees