Consultancy - Review of Gender Policy in Energy

PRACTICAL ACTION About Us We are an international development organisation putting ingenious ideas to work so people in poverty can change their world. We help people find solutions to some of the world’s toughest problems. Challenges made worse by catastrophic climate change and persistent gender inequality. We work with communities to develop ingenious, lasting and locally owned solutions for agriculture, water and waste management, climate resilience and clean energy. And we share what works with others, so answers that start small can grow big. We’re a global change-making group. The group consists of a UK registered charity with community projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America, an independent development publishing company and a technical consulting service. We combine these specialisms to multiply our impact and help shape a world that works better for everyone. Our Aim We help people find solutions to some of the world’s toughest problems, made worse by catastrophic climate change and persistent gender inequality. Our aims are to: Make agriculture work better for smallholder farmers, many of them women, so they can adapt to climate change and achieve a good standard of living. Help more people harness the transformational effects of clean affordable energy and reduce avoidable deaths caused by smoke from indoor stoves and fires. Make cities in poorer countries cleaner, healthier places to live and work. Build disaster resilience into the lives of people threatened by hazards – reducing the risk of hazards and minimizing their impact on lives and livelihoods. PRACTICAL ACTION IN KENYA In Kenya, Practical Action has a long history of addressing systemic barriers that prevent people from accessing energy that transforms their lives, helping communities and government make cities healthier and safer, making agriculture and markets work better for small holder farmers and supporting communities and government to become more resilient. We use a mix of programming with communities and consultancy services with shapers of policy and practice to achieve our aims. About the Project In Kenya, Practical Action has been implementing interventions to address the inequalities that exist in the energy sector and empower women in partnership with ENERGIA and other partners. The Women in Energy Enterprises in Kenya (WEEK) Phase 3 Project is a 4-year project (October 2022 – 30th September 2026) funded by ENERGIA (International Network on Gender and Sustainable Energy) as part of the larger programme dubbed: Women Driving Energy Transition and Climate Justice. The programme’s main goal is to ensure that women have an equal opportunity to lead, participate in and benefit from energy access and a just and inclusive energy transition, as an essential right to development. The WEEK 3 project is committed to promoting gender equality and empowering women in all aspects of its work. This includes programs, knowledge sharing, advocacy, policy influence, external communications, and the development of our own organization. Previous and current phases of the WEEK project have demonstrated the significant advantages of collaborating with national and county governments to promote gender equality through the development of comprehensive gender-responsive policies, plans, and programs. In 2019 Practical Action supported the development and launch of the first National Gender Policy in Energy with technical and financial assistance from ENERGIA and SIDA. This was a key milestone in a long, collaborative journey of gender mainstreaming as the Policy aimed at institutionalizing the mainstreaming of gender perspectives across Kenya’s national energy policy, budgeting, planning, and project execution. This was vital to improving not only the effectiveness of energy-related programs but also the broader development initiatives that depend on energy access. The policy was grounded in the understanding that energy is central to sustainable development and poverty reduction. Importantly, the policy highlighted the distinct roles energy plays in meeting the practical and strategic needs of women, men, and marginalized groups. It aimed to address the shortcomings of gender-neutral approaches that overlook differing priorities, needs, and opportunities. Such neutrality often perpetuates existing gender-based discrimination. By challenging this, the policy marked a significant step forward, positioning Kenya as one of the few countries globally with a dedicated framework for mainstreaming gender in the energy sector. The policy’s five-year term concluded on 30th June 2023. Prior to its expiration, a mid-term review was conducted in October 2022 by a sector-wide team, culminating in a comprehensive report. This end of term review is critical not only to assess the policy’s continued relevance and effectiveness, but also to ensure that its next iteration reflects evolving societal needs, shifting understandings of gender roles, and alignment with emerging international commitments. Purpose of the assignment The purpose of this assignment is to provide technical expertise in the review and strategic advancement of the Gender Policy in Energy. Specific Objectives Identify policy gaps, needs, priorities, and existing strengths as a basis for the new policy development. Evaluate policy impacts, address new challenges, best practices and incorporate lessons learned from implementation. Provide recommendations for improving the implementation of gender policy in the energy sector, ensuring that it is effectively translated into practice. SCOPE Assignment Title: Review of Gender Policy in Energy 2019 Location: Nairobi, Nakuru, Embu and Kakamega. Duration: 3 months The assignment includes a comprehensive review of the existing policy and consultations with stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and ensure continued relevance to current realities. To inform the review, the consultant will seek input from a diverse range of stakeholders from Nairobi, Nakuru, Embu and Kakamega . Stakeholder engagement is expected to take place at multiple levels, with data gathered through semi-structured interviews, FDGs and Key informant interview. The consultant will work closely with, and receive support from, Practical Action staff and the Gender Directorate within the State Department of Energy. The consultant will then prepare a comprehensive report and disseminate it for validation and approval by MoEP. The final policy review report will be approved and owned by MoEP. The consultant’s role will be Develop a comprehensive assignment workplan, including activities and timeline, in line with Practical Action’s requirements and guidelines. Review the current policy, other relevant literature, existing data, and reports to understand the current context. Design qualitative and quantitative data tools to be used in interviews with select respondents, and key informants. Conduct a field visit to select counties for data collection. Consult with key stakeholders, including MoEP and SAGAs’ staff, County Government staff, energy entrepreneurs, local private sector actors, energy suppliers, and other relevant actors, to gather insights for the report. Analyze field data, and other relevant data, and develop a comprehensive report. Disseminate the report for validation and have the final report approval by MoEP. Expected Deliverables A work plan including methodology, timelines, and deliverables. Finalized data tools for the data collection exercise. A brief field report following the data collection exercise. Draft gender policy review report. Final gender policy review report approved by MoEP. Required Qualifications and Experience The ideal consultant will have: Advanced degree in Gender Studies, Energy Policy, Development Studies, or a related field. Proven experience in Policy analysis and gender mainstreaming. Demonstrate knowledge of Kenya’s energy sector, policy environment and gender frameworks. Strong analytical, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills. Excellent research, analytical, writing, and communication skills. Excellent communication skills, both spoken and written. Administrative and Logistical Support The consultant will work closely with, and receive support from, Practical Action staff and the Gender Directorate within the State Department of Energy. The WEEK 3 project team will provide day to day support during the assignment to support the actualization of this assignment and within stipulated timelines. Practical Action will also provide all necessary program documents required. Timeframe The consultancy is expected to commence in Sept 2025 for the policy review and be completed within three calendar months, with all final deliverables submitted and approved by end of November 2025 . Kick off meeting with PA and MoEP staff - 22nd September 2025 A work plan including methodology, timelines, and deliverables - 26th September 2025 Inception report including finalized data tools for the data collection exercise - 30th September 2025 Field visit: Data collection exercise - 6th – 24th October 2025 A brief field report following the data collection exercise - 30th October 2025 Draft policy review report - 7th November 2025 Feedback from PA and MoEP on the report - 14th November 2025 Report validation - 21st November 2025 Final Report approved by MoEP - 30th November 2025 Reporting The consultant will report to Project Manager, WEEK project and work closely with the MoEP (Ass. Director gender, State Department of Energy). Terms of Engagement Payment shall be done in three tranches as indicated below. Tranche 1 (40% of the total cost): Upon submission of the inception report Tranche 2 (30% of the total cost): submission and acceptance of the of 1st draft of the report Tranche 3 (30% of the total cost): submission and acceptance of the final report Note that the payments will be done subject to the consulting entity meeting quality and timely delivery of stated tasks. Guidelines for Submission of Application Interested candidates should submit: A technical proposal outlining their Proposed workplan: methodology, timelines, and deliverables. A financial proposal detailing cost the consultant and the support staff. CVs of the consultant(s) and proposed support staff highlighting relevant experience. Samples of previous work related to policy review and gender mainstreaming.

A detailed Terms of Reference can be accessed from Practical Action website Career Section. Interested consulting entities that have capacity to deliver this TOR are invited to submit a complete proposal to [email protected] with subject line “Consultancy - Review of Gender Policy in Energy” to reach Practical Action on or before Friday 5th September 2025. All information/data provided will be handled in utmost confidentiality and will only be used for recruitment purposes. Guidelines for Submission Interested candidates should submit: - A technical proposal outlining their Proposed workplan: methodology, timelines, and deliverables. - A financial proposal detailing cost the consultant and the support staff. - CVs of the consultant(s) and proposed support staff highlighting relevant experience. - Samples of previous work related to policy review and gender mainstreaming. Award criteria The evaluation of the quotations will be based on the best value for money, weighing up technical quality (the methodology and the CV of the consultant) and price of the quotation. Additional Information Practical Action is an equal opportunities employer, and we encourage applications from under-represented groups. We stay committed to cultivating an inclusive and diverse working environment and believe that people from different backgrounds or cultures give us different perspectives, and the more perspectives we have, the more successful we will be. By building a culture where everyone feels heard, respected and valued we give everyone working with us the opportunity to achieve their full potential. Practical Action is committed to safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults and as such candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks. Note: Practical Action reserves the right to accept or reject any application.