Terms of Reference: Value Chain study of vegetable products in Garissa County
Organization: Adeso - African Development Solutions

Project: Resilience and Economic Growth in Arid Lands – Improving Resilience (REGAL-IR)

Assignment type: Short-term Consultancy
Study / Assessment topic: Vegetable products Value Chain Study
Assignment Location: Garissa County
Reporting to: Technical Advisor, Livelihoods Diversification
Working with: REGAL – IR management, County teams and partners
Starting date: 19th January 2015
Application deadline: 12th January 2015
Organization Background: Adeso is an expanding and vibrant African-based international development and humanitarian organization. We assist communities to help them realize their full potential, working alongside them to create facilitative environments in which they can thrive. Our belief that economic, social and environmental security is the bedrock of a healthy community drives the nature and intent of our programming. We work to prevent and overcome situations that adversely affect community well-being by reinvigorating the economy, developing skills for life and work, providing developmental assistance, and influencing policy.

For the past 20 years we have strengthened rural livelihoods through environmental awareness, training, technology transfer and innovative humanitarian projects in pursuit of a peaceful, self-reliant, and greener future. Currently, Adeso implements programs in Somalia, Kenya and South Sudan. Adeso is an exciting and dynamic organization experiencing managed rapid growth. It offers sound employment conditions with opportunities for personal growth and development.
Project Summary: Resilience and Economic Growth in Arid Lands-Improving Resilience (REGAL-IR) is a 5-year project sponsored by USAID/Kenya and Feed the Future (FTF) to reduce hunger and poverty, increase social stability and build strong foundations for economic growth amongst pastoralists and transitioning pastoralists in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs). The program is designed to empower communities to take charge of their development and to strengthen their capacity to select, design, implement and monitor activities toward increasing their social, economic, and environmental resilience to natural and human-induced shocks.

REGAL-IR is led by Adeso and is implemented by a consortium of partners. The project focuses on engaging communities and strengthening local institutions to improve their social, economic, and environmental resilience. It has six thematic areas:

Strengthening and diversifying livelihood opportunitiesAdvancing value chain inclusivenessImproving management and productivity of natural resourcesImproving conflict managementImproving drought managementImproving consumption of nutritious foodsAn intensive community engagement process - Participatory Learning, Planning and Action (PLPA) - guides program implementation in the six thematic areas above and in 5 counties: Isiolo, Garissa, Wajir, Marsabit, and Turkana. REGAL-IR situates its efforts within those of a larger family of resilience actors including REGAL-AG, the Millennium Water Alliance and the World Food Program.
 Consultancy Description: REGAL-IR intends to develop and promote profitable non-livestock based business enterprises to provide increased incomes at household level, create more employment opportunities, and have important spin-off effects on the local economy. Investment and growth of locally based non-livestock enterprises offer feasible livelihood diversification opportunities for pastoral households whose traditional livelihoods have been vulnerable to the vagaries of weather. Despite existing internal and external production and market potential for non-livestock products in Kenyan ASALs, investment by pastoralists into non-livestock based enterprises has not been forthcoming. This has been due to both external factors such as market failure, challenging climate conditions and governance, and internal factors including illiteracy, lack of capacity and low entrepreneurship acumen among pastoralists. REGAL-IR is banking on improving the resilience of pastoralists and ex-pastoralists through supporting investment in non-livestock based enterprises. The project has adopted a Self Help Group (SHG) approach through which individuals and groups have been mentored to identify profitable non-livestock enterprises which offer promising growth opportunities and suit their skills, knowledge and abilities. Upon self-identification of enterprises by SHGs, REGAL-IR provides niche trainings, mentorship sessions, linkage to service providers and financial institutions and small grants (matching funds) to spur the growth of their enterprises.
A value chain study on vegetable products in Garissa County is being sought so that appropriate linkages to markets, service providers and financial services can be modelled during the project implementation. In addition to the vegetable products value chain, the consultant is also required to conduct a desk review of two (2) other non-livestock based value chains relevant to the County; the consultant(s) are required to propose these two (2) value chains during the tender submission stage and are encouraged to use the recent county ASDSP studies, KAPP reports and other relevant studies as the basis for this proposal.
For both the primary study and the desk studies, the consultant(s) will map the value chains to identify weaknesses and opportunities for support at product, process, technological, institutional and market levels. The consultant(s) will recommend specific interventions that producers and actors within the value chain will implement to improve marketability and profitability.
The consultant(s) are required to identify with the help of REGAL-IR field staff at least one SHG that is currently undertaking vegetable production and develop a business model that the group can use for to develop production, technology transfer, market linkages and financial support for the vegetable value chain.
The key audience for the study is the local communities of the project area, priority value chain actors and potential investors in value chains, since the study will help them to understand the local market dynamics. Additionally, the study findings will be of significant value to multiple stakeholders including decision makers, public policy makers and NGOs.
Objectives of the Value Chain Study
The overall objective is to undertake a value chain study of vegetable products in Garissa County and a desk study of two other viable non-livestock value chains.
To collect relevant data on the vegetable products value chain, including volumes/quantities, prices, actors involved (including women/youth).To identify the key constraints that need to be addressed to turn the vegetable and other proposed value chains into robust market oriented value chains.To make recommendations on how the proposed value chains should be supported to become become more robust.To map out the supply chain within the value chains in Garissa County.These objectives will be achieved by:
a) Reviewing value chain studies carried out by other actors which include, ASDSP, KAPP, NDMA etc.
b) Primary data collection on the vegetable products value chain in the field.
 The consultant(s) will characterize trade of products within the priority value chains by identifying:
a. Supply chain of vegetable products
b. Volumes of product availed in the market
c. Value addition, packaging and pricing along the supply chain
e. Market potential and actors at the end market
f. Characteristics of supply chain actors
g. Relationship among supply chain actors
h. Linkage between producers, traders and processors
 a. Establish market size (local and external) and extent of market penetration by local producers.
b. Conduct a value chain analysis to identify the different actors in the chain, systemic constraints, and value shares accrued at different stages on the chain.
c. Identify constraints that limit market growth.
d. Missing or inadequate inter sectoral or crosscutting markets.
e. Estimate market potential of the prioritized products within the value chains.
f. Identify the end markets locally/externally for the identified products.
 III. Collective Marketing and Chain Efficiency
a. Assess the utility and potential for improving market efficiency through collective marketing, propose ways of achieving this and minimum quality standards required.
b. Determine the level of market orientation and market integration by producers.
c. Recommend process for institutional formation to facilitate collective marketing perspective for the products prioritized.
d. Suggest improvements in the value chain system to ensure direct linkages of the producers with the major markets and increased incomes from their products.
1. In-depth analysis of the vegetable value chain, including proposed program designs for engagement, report to include:
a. Supply chain map, identifying the market actors, establishing value shares at each stage in the supply chain.
b. Market size and level of market penetration by producers.
c. Recommendations on sustainability of the market for selected products and requirements for producers to sustain production in the medium to long term.
d. A business model for at least one SHG to engage in market-oriented vegetable production.
2. Desk review of two other viable value chains for communities/producers in Garissa County.
The ideal consultant(s) for this assignment should have the competencies and experiences as indicated below;A minimum of masters in Agricultural sciences/Agricultural economics/AgribusinessProven track record in value chain development, market systems development and business development services (BDS).Demonstrable ability to work and link with the private sector and relevant government departments.Proven experience in undertaking value chain assessments.Experience working in the ASALs.A trainee/trainer of the regional value chain and market capacity development program is an added advantageThe proposal, to be submitted in English, shall include:
A) A technical proposal incorporating;
i. A short description of deliverables, clear work plan (dates and activities) with a proposed methodology and which shall include full justification for procedures to be adopted;
ii. CVs/Profile of the firm or individuals to be engaged including experience relevant to this assignment;
iii. At least three referees for similar or related work completed.
B) A financial proposal indicating fees for the consultancy, including all costs to conduct this assignment (this should indicate man-days and fees including VAT, operational costs of collecting data).
C) A sample of a recently written report for a similar assignment.
 
Applications should be submitted by 12th January 2015. The selection committee will review all applications as they arrive. All applicants must meet the minimum requirements described above; those unable to meet these requirements will not be considered. Adeso is an equal opportunity employer.
Applications not including all of the above information will not be reviewed.
All applications should be sent to Adeso at consultancy@adesoafrica.org with the subject line: Application for Vegetable Products Value Chain Study, REGAL-IRAdeso will only respond to short-listed applicants.

Program Description: Research Care and Training Program (RCTP) is collaboration between the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and University of Washington (UW). RCTP leads the Family AIDS Care and Education Services (FACES) program, a comprehensive HIV Prevention, Care and Treatment program working in 100 clinics in Nyanza Province, Kenya.
RCTP is seeking motivated, proactive individuals to fill the following positions in the Sustainable East African Research on Community Health (SEARCH) Study. SEARCH is a five-year cluster randomized trial to test whether universal ART can improve health, Educational, and economic outcomes.
We are going to be conducting a household census in 12 communities and annual multidisease diagnostic health campaigns. We will also be supporting ART delivery through FACES clinics.
 Job Title: Study Clinical Officer Reports to: The ART Coordinator
Duration: Annual Renewable Contract
Job Summary: The incumbents will provide ART services based on the SEARCH study protocol at health facilities in the study communities in Suba.Obtain consent/assent for duty enrolment.Conduct physical examination of the study participants.Assist in follow up of the study participants.Offer HIV counseling, care and support to study participants.Provide pre/post test counseling and adherence counseling to participants.Offer contraceptive counseling and provide contraceptive methods at the site.Completing case report forms.Assist in follow-up of laboratory result.Perform accurate record keeping and check study forms for completeness and accuracy each day.Diploma in Clinical Medicine with current registration with Clinical Officers Council of Kenya.At least one year experience with clinical researchMinimum 2 years’ experience in provision of HIV care including anti-retrovirals.Experience in implementing and supervising research(Public health or clinical studies)Working experience with HIV care setting preferred.Excellent verbal and written communication skillsExcellent leadership, management and interpersonal skillsExcellent computer skillsFluent spoken English, Dholuo, and Kiswahili requiredApplications should include the followingA cover letter stating current position (if applicable); and date available to start working for the studyA current CV including email and mobile phone contact information,Name and phone number for two professional referees,Two letters of recommendation preferably froma previous employer,A copy of the latest pay slip (if applicable)Copies of academic and professional certificates.All applications must be sent electronically to the email address below followed by hard copies which should be delivered or posted so as to reach the following address by 31st October 2014
Human Resources Manager
KEMRI – RCTP/ FACES Program
P. O Box 614-40100
Kisumu
Please write the Vacancy Number, and Position applied for on the envelope and in the subject Line of the Email.
Note: RCTP or any of its programs, Studies or Projects does not solicit for Money or any form of reward for a Job applicant to be considered for employment. Any such requests should be immediately reported to the HR department. Any job applicant who tries to corrupt our employee during any stage of the staff hiring process will be disqualified.
KEMRI is an equal opportunity employer. Women, the Youth, people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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Oxfam Consultancy: Research Study for SGBV ProjectRef: INT0931

Location: Nairobi

Division: International

Oxfam and partners are implementing a project entitled “Ensuring accountability for Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) and increased participation of women in Africa”. 

The project is expected to increase state accountability for conflict related sexual and gender based violence. It is hoped that state accountability will in turn facilitate access to justice for survivors of sexual and gender based violence.
The project focus countries are Egypt, Nigeria and South Sudan with intention to carry out interventions at the continental level informed by the country level work and experiences. 
It is intended that both the country and continental level advocacy and project interventions be informed by good quality research. Oxfam and partners intend to use the evidence generated from the research to push for effective policy, legal and programmatic responses to sexual and gender based violence at national and continental levels. The research component of this project has the potential to inform on-going post conflict reconstruction and development initiatives within these countries and across the continent if leveraged successfully.

It is intended that the research be anchored on Article 10 of the Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa exploring the following;

The economic, social and political cost of SGBV in the 3 targeted countries.Providing an intersectional analysis on the level of military expenditure in the project countries and whether this contributes or undermines safety, security and social development for citizens particularly womenContrasting levels of military expenditure against the economic, social and political cost of conflict and impact of SGBV andOffering propositional scenarios the impact of redirected investments from the military and related security apparatus can have on social development and women’s rights in general and the reduction of sexual and gender based violence specifically

Hunger Safety Net Programme Phase II
Social Protection Rights Component
Call for a Consultancy to undertake Data Entry and Analysis for Longitudinal Study

Background: HelpAge International (HelpAge) undertook a longitudinal study that looked at the application of Human Rights Based Approach to Cash Transfers and the impact of an inbuilt complaint and redress mechanism in the delivery of cash transfers.  

The primary results of this study will be used to improve policy the delivery of cash transfers in the country and improve targeting processes in Kenya.
This study was undertaken to provide lessons on implementation of a human rights framework for social protection, identifying best practices and disseminating lessons learned. 
HelpAge would apply and assess human rights principles of participation, non-discrimination, transparency and accountability to the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of HSNP. Based on these findings HelpAge will derive conclusions on the following. Giving meaning to progressive realization to cash transfer rights;Minimum core obligation of the state  and social protection floors;Develop a guide into rights based complaints and grievances mechanisms for cash transfers in Kenya;Develop tailored packages of support to deal with specific needs of  various groups;Helpage has undertaken data collection activities and have 2250 questionnaires that need to be entered into a data processing system.The objective of the consultancy is to enter all questionnaires into an SPSS database.
The following activities will be undertaken under the consultancy:The consultants expected to hire 3 data entry clerks and 1 data entry supervisor. It is calculated that all the data can be entered within five days.The consultant is expected to develop the data entry interface in SPSS based on the questionnaires;The consultant will train data entry clerks for one day on the questionnaires and the SPSS data entry interface;The consultant, the data entry supervisor and data entry clerks are expected to enter all the data within 5 days;The consultant will be responsible for cleaning the data.The consultant will provide all computers required for data entry.The consultant will be responsible for preparation, organization and implementation of training activities. The consultant will conduct day of training for the data entry clerks. Emphasis in training will be on proper techniques and ensuring accuracy in data entryData entry will take place in the offices of the consultant.Expected output: The consultant will provide cleaned data from all questionnaires in SPSS ver. 13 and above in soft copy

Applications should be send to hr@helpage.co.ke. 

Deadline for submission of applications 2nd May, 2014

SPECIAL VACANCY NOTICE

VN Number: SCO/021/2013
Position Title: HIV Formative Study Researcher Department: Migration Health Division (MHD) Grade: International Consultant Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya (with travel to Mogadishu, Somalia when required) or remotely. Duration of Assignment: 30 days over a 4-month period (April 1st – 1st August 2013) Closing date: 30th March 2013.

Background

The drivers of the HIV epidemic in Somalia are yet to be determined due to the lack of adequate HIV data. According to the latest sero-surveillance survey conducted in south central regions of Somalia in 2004, the prevalence was moderately low at less than one per cent. However, the survey did not target the key populations such as sex workers who from various informal data are at greater risk compared to the general populations. Additionally, there are various factors which might amplify the epidemic. Such factors include mobility and displacement within and outside of the country caused by the severe drought and chronic fighting, and arrival of the foreign forces from the neighboring countries whose HIV prevalence is comparatively high.

In this context, under the regional migration health programme, Partnership on Health and Mobility in East and Southern Africa (PHAMESA), funded by Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is conducting a formative study for an Integrated Biological and Behavioral Surveillance (IBBS) Survey in Mogadishu. The study is intended to provide evidences and accurate data for effective HIV programming and resource mobilization for Combination HIV Prevention. It will also contribute to enhance the technical skills and knowledge of South Central AIDS Commission (SCAC) and civil society organizations involved in the implementation of the study.

The proposed formative study will target clients of female sex workers such as truck drivers, uniformed services and sea farers as primary key informants. Likewise, the study will target secondary and tertiary key informants through qualitative methods. Persons who are involved in the network of risk activities or are well acquainted with persons from the targeted populations are considered as the secondary key informants while persons involved with the targeted sub-populations in a professional capacity are considered as tertiary key informants.

Main tasks and responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of Chief of Mission of IOM Somalia and under the direct supervision of the Health Programme Coordinator of Migration Health Division (MHD), in close collaboration and consultation with Senior Programme and Research Assistant, Public Health Specialist, and other relevant colleagues, South Central AIDS Commission (SCAC), Ministry of Social Services of Federal Republic of Somalia, the incumbent will be responsible for the following specific tasks to be performed:

Conduct comprehensive literature review on HIV/AIDS in south region of Somalia in consultation with other UN and international agencies.Develop the protocol and tools for the formative study based on the tools developed in previous studies. The protocol will provide the scope of the study, methodology and sampling. Determine the sampling method for the key populations in this study. To estimate the population size of the female sex workers in Somalia with their HIV prevalence, the lead researcher will adapt available reports from Middle East and North African (MENA) countries. Assist IOM in selection and recruitment of enumerators for data collection and conduct data collection training, ensuring that 50% will be female enumerators and ensuring the participation of the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officers from SCAC and Ministry of Social services. Throughout the training, enumerators and M&E officers will review the data collection tools to ensure that they are culturally acceptable. Work closely with SCAC and Ministry of Social services for the implementation of the data collection in the field. And also support IOM to obtain ethical clearance from SCAC for conducting the study.Conduct the formative study including pre-test, collaborate and cooperate closely with IOM, its partners, SCAC and MOH for efficiency and effectiveness of the study.Provide support to IOM Somalia team in Nairobi in ensuring that the questionnaires are shipped to Nairobi and data entry is done. Data entry will be done by IOM Somalia in Nairobi.Conduct data analysis with support from Data entry team and senior programme and Research assistant.Draft the formative research report, present it for validation and present/ disseminate the study with key stakeholders.Carry out any other relevant tasks assigned by Health Programme Coordinator.

Deliverables and estimated schedule

Research tools and training (10th day of consultancy)Interim report (20th day of consultancy after conducting the field data collection)Submission of final research report for dissemination (last day of consultancy)

Payment schedule

First installment : Upon signing of contract: Second installment : Upon submission of the interim report Final instalment : Upon submission of the final report of the consultancy

Desirable Qualifications: 1. Postgraduate Degree in Public Health, Economics and Policy Studies of Technological Change, or Chemical Engineering. 2. Postgraduate qualification in Research will be an asset. 3. A minimum of three years’ experience in research with expertise in HIV, sexual behavior, most at risk populations and/or youth research, experience in formative study an asset. 4. Experience in developing research methodology and tools, writing concept notes for resource mobilization, strategic planning, working with government, especially National AIDS Commission, working in Somalia or working with Somalis (which can only be substituted by extensive and strong research as well as public health background.)

Reporting

The incumbent will report to the Health Program Coordinator on weekly basis to assess the progress of the exercise.

Languages Fluency in spoken and written English. Knowledge and understanding of Arabic is desirable.

Method of Application: Interested candidates should submit CV and a cover letter indicating the Vacancy Notice Number, with three professional references and contacts (email or telephone) to the:

International Organization for Migration (IOM), Human Resources Department, Gitanga Groove, off Gitanga Road P.O. Box 1810 - 00606 Nairobi Or send by email to: hrsomalia@iom.int

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