PROVISION OF RESEARCH AND LEARNING CONSULTANCY FOR PATHWAY TO PROSPERITY PROJECT IN KAKUMA

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR RESEARCH AND LEARNING FOR PATHWAY TO PROSPERITY PROJECT 1. Background DRC has been operational in Kenya since 2005 and has been working with refugee and host communities. DRC protects, advocates, and builds sustainable futures for refugees and other displacement-affected people and communities. It provides protection and life-saving humanitarian assistance; supports displaced persons in becoming self-reliant and included into hosting societies; and works with civil society and responsible authorities to promote protection of rights and peaceful coexistence. DRC is present in Garissa (Dadaab & Garissa), Turkana (Kakuma, Kalobeyei & Lodwar), Nairobi and Mandera counties. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark and Grundfos Foundation have granted funding to a consortium led by DRC, comprising Dan Church Aid (DCA) and Turkana Pastoralists Development Organization (TUPADO) to implement the Pathways to Prosperity (P2P) project. The project intends to promote self-reliance and resilience interventions in Turkana West Sub-County targeting both refugees and the host community population. 2. Purpose The purpose of this consultancy is to generate robust, actionable evidence and insights that will strengthen program implementation, learning, and policy influence. Specifically, the consultancy will evaluate the impact and effectiveness of P2P project interventions to determine whether they are achieving their intended outcomes, such as improved livelihoods, increased resilience and enhanced wellbeing among host and refugee communities. It will also identify key enablers and barriers affecting the implementation and uptake of these interventions, including social, cultural, institutional and systemic factors that may support or hinder success. These insights will inform strategic decisions and program design by guiding adaptations, improvements and potential scale-up of effective approaches while also ensuring that interventions remain responsive to the needs of diverse community groups. In addition, the research will contribute to broader sectoral knowledge by documenting innovative practices, lessons learned and effective models that can be shared with other organizations, policymakers, and development actors working in fragile and displacement-affected settings. 3. Objectives • Assess the effectiveness and impact of the project interventions on community resilience, livelihoods and wellbeing among host and refugee populations. • Identify key enablers and barriers affecting the design, implementation and uptake of programs across thematic areas such as market systems, financial inclusion, NRM, Climate smart agriculture and digital transformation. • Generate actionable evidence and insights to inform strategic decision-making, adaptive programming, and the design of future interventions. • Synthesize and disseminate learning through clear, user-friendly knowledge products that support reflection and wider knowledge sharing. 4. Scope of Work The consultant(s) will be responsible for leading the end-to-end research and learning process across multiple thematic areas. The work will involve both field-based and desk-based activities, using participatory and contextually appropriate methods. Specifically, the consultant(s) will be expected to: Design Research Methodologies Develop robust research frameworks and methodologies tailored to each thematic area. This may include qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-method approaches depending on the research questions. The consultant will be responsible for: Designing sampling strategies and tools (e.g., interview guides, questionnaires). Aligning methodologies with ethical research standards and safeguarding principles. Ensuring inclusion of gender, age, and diversity perspectives. Conduct Fieldwork and Primary Data Collection Lead data collection activities in collaboration with program teams and local stakeholders. This will involve: Conducting key informant interviews (KIIs) with community leaders, government officials, program staff, and other stakeholders. Facilitating focus group discussions (FGDs) with diverse community groups, including youth, women, men, and persons with disabilities. Carrying out case studies or success stories to capture lived experiences. Administering household or individual surveys where applicable. Analyze and Synthesize Data Across Thematic Areas Clean, code, and analyze qualitative and quantitative data to identify trends, relationships, and critical findings. The consultant will: Compare and contrast results across host and refugee communities. Highlight cross-cutting issues such as gender dynamics, social cohesion, and digital inclusion. Use data visualization tools and summaries to support understanding and decision-making. Facilitate Learning Sessions and Validation Workshops Organize and lead participatory learning and validation sessions with stakeholders to: Present preliminary findings. Validate key insights with communities and partners. Co-develop recommendations based on evidence. Ensure that the learning process is inclusive, reflective, and action-oriented. Produce High-Quality Knowledge Products Translate research findings into practical, user-friendly outputs that inform program and policy development. This includes: Thematic Research and Learning Briefs that summarize findings per area of focus. A Consolidated Research Report that integrates insights across all thematic areas, providing a comprehensive narrative. Practical Recommendations for program improvement, strategic planning, and policy advocacy, ensuring that they are relevant, realistic, and informed by the local context. 5. Thematic Areas of Focus The consultancy will cover the following research themes: a. Financial Inclusion Assess the impact of digitizing VSLAs (study to be scoped in later phase). Cost-benefit analysis of financial inclusion efforts. Investigate the effects of integrating Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) within VSLAs on: Group sustainability and cohesion. Member wellbeing and economic participation. Deep analysis of the challenges and how to unlock persistent barriers in Financial inclusion Assessing access to tailored financial products and the effectiveness of linkages with financial institutions. b. Natural Resource Management (NRM) and Peacebuilding Examine integrated NRM and peacebuilding approaches on conflict resolution and resource access. Assess their influence and sustainability on community stability, social cohesion, and equitable resource access. c. Graduation Approach (GA) and Transition to Employment Evaluate the role of GA in facilitating vocational training, employment transition and self-reliance for youth. d. Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) and Technological Innovation Identify current practices and gaps in CSA among host and refugee communities. What makes it climate smart? What is the breakeven period? Examine economic viability and break-even analysis of CSA interventions. Assess opportunities and strategies to enhance technological innovation uptake in CSA. e. Digital Transformation and Market Access Investigate the role of digital transformation in strengthening market access in: Digital reporting, capacity development and their impact on service delivery. Role of digital tools in financial inclusion, market access and enterprise growth. f. Livestock Market System Evaluating the availability and quality of veterinary services and disease management systems and their impact on productivity and trade. Assess effect of improving market access and linkages for livestock producers Assess role of inclusive Livestock market system in enhancing community resilience in Turkana West. 6. Expected Outputs The expected deliverables are summarized as below: Deliverable 1: final inception report including budget, methodology and qualitative research tools, approved by DRC Data collection phase Desk review, survey, FGDs, interviews and field visits Turkana County. November 2025 Data analysis and validation workshop phase Analysis and Presentation of initial findings and draft of the report. December 2025 Learning and research reporting phase Draft Thematic Reports, for comment by DRC December 2025 Deliverable 2: Learning event and products Conduct 2 learning events/workshops Produce 5 stand-alone research and learning products in line with the learning themes January- February 2026 Deliverable 3: Final Learning report summarizing the assignment. March 2026 7. Duration, Payment and Timeline The consultancy will span approximately for a period of 6 months with the majority of work being completed between October 2025 and March 2026. Specific timelines for deliverables will be finalized in the inception phase. Upon signing of the contract, delivery of an agreed Implementation Plan and Inception Report. Within the 1st month of the engagement. Upon development of tools, collection of data, data analysis and submission of draft report. Expected to take place by within the first 3 months of engagement. Upon submission completion of 2 learning workshops and submission of 5 stand-alone research and learning product. Upon submission, reviews and DRC’s approval of the final report. Within the last month of engagement 8.Composition of Team Key Personnel: Lead Researcher Research Specialist Learning and Knowledge Management Expert Field Research Coordinator 9. Eligibility Criteria The lead consultant/Researcher must be Senior Expert in Research and Learning or related subjects with vast experience in research, learning, assessments or evaluation of large and complex programs. The researcher should hold a minimum of a: Master’s degree in Development Studies, Social Science, Economics, Agriculture, Rural Development or related subject and practical knowledge in conducting similar analysis/assessments in Kenya A minimum 10+ years in of experience in research, learning and program evaluation in development or humanitarian settings with particular experience in Livelihood and food security programmes. Proven experience in producing publishable research, case studies, and policy briefs. Extensive quantitative and qualitative research and data analysis experience using statistical software’s (SPSS, Stata, NVivo and others) including RCTs over a period of time. Expertise in facilitating qualitative data collection and analyzing qualitative data using rigorous techniques. Proven ability to work with community and government stakeholders · Proven consultancy and/or work experience with NGOs as well as experience with other international and bilateral organizations on humanitarian program. Good knowledge of refugee response self-reliance interventions. Excellent writing and presentation skills. Excellent English writing skills required among someone on the evaluation team. Proficiency in English language required; Turkana, Arabic Swahili languages preferred. Prior engagements as a learning/research consultant or partner in similar work will be an added advantage 10. Conditions The engagement calls for adherence to the context security guidelines. On the same breadth, DRC does not guarantee security in relation to this engagement, and it will therefore not be liable for any eventuality. Nevertheless, any relevant security updates will be shared when necessary. The tasks must be completed within the stipulated time frame. This engagement is set to begin in August 2025 with assignment spreading within a period of 6 months. The operations must be within the agreed terms of engagement. The engagement calls for adherence to and signing of DRC’s Code of Conduct The offer for this engagement should be inclusive of all associated and agreed costs. For general information about the Danish Refugee Council, please visit www.drc.dk . 11. Reporting lines Reporting will be to the Head of Programs with provision of regular updates to Project Manager on the progress of the work as per the agreed-upon schedule. For the duration of the engagement, progress update is expected on a weekly and monthly basis to the Project Manager. 12.Travel The engagement necessitates the consultant to be based or travel to Turkana County during the exercise in understanding the context, markets and establishing possible linkages. As such, the consultant is responsible for making their own arrangements for transportation, accommodation, insurance, and meals, and should include these provisions in the Financial Proposal. 13. Application Submission process Qualified and interested consultancy firms are hereby requested to apply. The application should contain the following: A technical proposal detailing the Background, objectives of the assignment, activities, and deliverables, proposed methodology, timeframe, reporting requirements, work plan, team composition and responsibilities and demonstrating a good understanding of market systems analysis methodology, A detailed budget or a Financial Proposal for the activities should be included in the application process (To Include professional and administrative costs and all statutory taxes by the Government of Kenya). Organizational/Company profile Consultant Experience: The consultancy firm should have at least 3 experiences in conducting Research and Learning with evidence of recognition certificates from system users (at least 3 references having used the system). Detailed implementation Schedule: Realistic Timelines with clear milestones on how steps will be sequenced, corresponding targets for each step, and when each step will be achieved. Flexibility to start with projects that have urgent needs for digitization. Applications must be submitted to the following address [email protected] with ‘Research and Learning Consultancy’ in Turkana West’ in the subject line. Applications must be submitted as MS Word/PDF/Excel files, ideally packaged in a Zip file. The engagement is expected to be conducted starting the month of September 2025. 14. Evaluation All bidders’ applicants will be reviewed following a set criterion and will be assessed for profile and qualifications technical approach, and similar experience accordingly for the initial screening. Based on the screening, DRC will invite selected bidders for an interview and further conduct reference checks from at least 2 previous works as an additional mandatory requirement prior to contracting. Please find complete bidding documents in the following folder: RFP 00361244 PROVISION OF RESEARCH AND LEARNING CONSULTANCY FOR PATHWAY TO PROSPERITY PROJECT IN KAKUMA

Bids can be submitted by email to the following dedicated, controlled, & secure email address: [email protected] When Bids are emailed, the following conditions shall be complied with: - The RFP number shall be inserted in the Subject Heading of the email - Separate emails shall be used for the ‘Financial Bid’ and ‘Technical Bid’, and the Subject Heading of the email shall indicate which type the email contains - The financial bid shall only contain the financial bid form, Annex A.2 - The technical bid shall contain all other documents required by the tender, but excluding all pricing information - Bid documents required, shall be included as an attachment to the email in PDF, JPEG, TIF format, or the same type of files provided as a ZIP file. Documents in MS Word or excel formats, will result in the bid being disqualified. - Email attachments shall not exceed 4MB; otherwise, the bidder shall send his bid in multiple emails. Failure to comply with the above may disqualify the Bid. DRC is not responsible for the failure of the Internet, network, server, or any other hardware, or software, used by either the Bidder or DRC in the processing of emails. DRC is not responsible for the non-receipt of Bids submitted by email as part of the e-Tendering process. Bids to be submitted ONLY in electronically.