Consultancy Title: Mid-Term Evaluation for the “Improved Access and Uptake of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services (SRHS) for the LGBTQ Refugees of Reproductive Age in Nairobi Project

Location: Nairobi

POSITION SUMMARY:

With funding from the Swedish Association of Sexuality Education (RFSU), HIAS Kenya has been implementing this project over the past year and four months. The project’s goals were 1). Improved enabling environment among LGBTQ refugees in Nairobi. 2). Enhanced capacity of LGBTQ refugees to address their SRHR issues. 3). Enhanced capacity for LGBTQ CBOs to advocate for their SRHR in Nairobi. The project aimed to achieve the following objectives:

1. Partner agency staff and refugee leaders have enhanced capacity to provide integrated SRHR services to LGBTQ refugees
2. Health workers have enhanced capacity to provide improved, quality, and LGBTQ-friendly SRHR services that meet LGBTQ individuals’ specific needs
3. LGBTQ refugees in Nairobi have increased knowledge of SRHR issues.
4. LGBTQ CBOs have increased their capacity to advocate for issues concerning their SRHR rights at the county and national level
5. LGBTQ refugees have increased access to integrated SRHR services (including post-GBV services).

OBJECTIVES AND DELIVERABLES:

The purpose of the mid-term evaluation is to assess project performance and progress made to date against the goal, objectives, and anticipated outcomes. The evaluation will cover the period from November 2021 to November 2022 and will allow HIAS to make appropriate adjustments to ensure the achievement of the project goal, objectives, outcomes, and targets during the remainder of the project.

The purpose of the mid-term evaluation is detailed below:

1. To review progress made to date against the objective’s outcomes, and outputs of the program (against quantitative and qualitative targets/ indicators) defined in the results framework.
2. To analyze the soundness of project pathways used and the extent to which the targeted beneficiaries are accessing integrated SRHR services.
3. To assess whether the structure of the Project as well as related operational processes and procedures are effective and conducive to ensuring that the project’s goals and targets are met.
4. To analyze which, if any contextual changes may have influenced project implementation and / or may do so during the remainder of the project or during a potential new phase of the program.
5. To draw lessons (including on implementation challenges and obstacles faced) and make recommendations for the implementation of activities during the remainder of the project period.

The key evaluation questions to be addressed include:

1. Is the project on course to achieve the expected objectives, outputs, and outcomes?
2. To what extent has the project design supported increased access and uptake of SRH services for LGBTQ refugees of reproductive age?
3. Has the capacity building been provided to partners, refugee leaders, and health workers contributed to improved quality and friendly LGBTQ SRH services?
4. To what extent can the LGBTQ CBOs advocate for the issues concerning their SRH rights? e.g., number of advocacy engagements?
5. Has the operational processes and procedures been effective and conducive to ensuring project objectives and goals are met?
6. Are there contextual changes and or unforeseen challenges that may influence the achievement of the project goals and objectives?
7. What are the key lessons learned?

SCOPE OF THE ENDLINE EVALUATION

The geographical scope of the study will be within Nairobi County; Kayole, Kawangware, and Eastleigh, and surrounding areas. The design and implementation of the endline evaluation will ensure ethical considerations are put in place, e.g., principles of gender equality, inclusion, and non-discrimination are considered and acted upon throughout, and that the meaningful participation of the most vulnerable groups and other key stakeholders is promoted in the design and implementation of the baseline.

METHODOLOGY OF THE EVALUATION

The consultant will develop a detailed research methodology in consultation with HIAS program and M&E team. The following methodologies will be utilized, but should not be limited to:

1. Desk review of the project documents including the project proposal and other relevant secondary data sources.
2. Quantitative data to be collected through a representative survey.
3. Qualitative approaches, such as focus group discussions and key informant interviews, most significant change stories, participatory exercises and approaches will be used.

Triangulation of information gathered during the quantitative and qualitative research is crucial in this study, with reflection on how the findings relate to the secondary documentation. The assessment is to be consistent with SPHERE standards. The baseline survey will be organized in a participatory way, including HIAS staff, local actors, and project beneficiaries.

EXPECTED OUTPUTS AND DELIVERABLES

The expected key outputs and deliverables are:

1. Inception Report: This report will present the detailed methodology, literature review, data collection tools/instruments and a data collection and analysis plan. The inception report will be discussed with the HIAS evaluation team for any inputs.
2. Draft report for stakeholder review—clearly identifying information relevant to the baseline survey objectives; as well as data gaps and areas that may require further assessment.
3. Raw and cleaned final dataset(s) containing all data collected from the baseline survey, including survey responses and KII/FGD transcriptions.
4. Final report (incorporating inputs from the review): The main body of the report should be a maximum of 40 pages in length, excluding table of content, tables, and annexes).
5. The findings will be presented in a validation meeting with key HIAS staff and stakeholders:

INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT

HIAS MEAL team will be responsible for the overall coordination of all the evaluation tasks with the consultant to ensure timely and quality outputs. In addition, the Program Managers, Program Director, Regional technical advisors, and Country Director will provide all the necessary technical and operational support required throughout the evaluation process.

HIAS will provide:

• Relevant documentation and background information.
• Contacts of relevant stakeholders and set up meeting(s).
• Consolidated feedback/guidance on draft reports and strategy.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

We are looking for a consultant/team with the following skills and qualifications.

• The team leader should possess a postgraduate degree in research-oriented social science or a related discipline.
• Demonstrable expertise and a good understanding of refugee operations especially in Kenya, refugee protection risks, and relevant international /regional refugee frameworks
• Demonstrable expertise in SRHR and gender equality, preferably in Kenya or the region.
• An individual with demonstrable experience in qualitative & quantitative research, data analysis, and reporting with a focus on social research and evaluation, preferably in the region.
• Experience in managing and coordinating evaluation/research exercises, delivering agreed outputs on time and on budget.
• Experience in data collection and analysis using participatory methodologies.
• Excellent and demonstrated understanding of ethical issues in research.
• Experience in developing data collection tools using KOBO, ODK
• Excellent verbal and written communication in English is required.

SAMPLE HIRING PROCESS:

We are committed to a fair and respectful hiring process, and we do our absolute best to respond to every applicant. We prioritize communication and transparency with all candidates, even those who are not moving forward. Here’s a snapshot of our hiring process for consultancies:

Step 1: Submit your application!

Step 2: Video interview with the hiring manager.

Step 3: Offer, consultancy agreement and background check.

Step 4: Start your professional journey with HIAS!

Note: Some of our hiring processes may vary, and not all candidates will advance to each step.

ABOUT US:

Over one hundred years ago, the Jewish community founded HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) in New York City, the immigrant gateway to America. Supporting Jews fleeing persecution and poverty in Eastern Europe, our founders were guided by the traditions, texts and history of the Jewish people—a history of oppression, displacement and diaspora. HIAS has since helped generations of Jews facing violence because of who they were, and HIAS remains committed to helping Jewish refugees anywhere in the world. Today, our clients at HIAS come from diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, as do our staff. We bring our experience, history and values to our work across five continents, ensuring that refugees today receive the vital services and opportunities they need to thrive.

HIAS is a learning community, committed to diversity and inclusion. We do our work with integrity, accountability, transparency and a commitment to the highest ethical standards. We seek employees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to join our teams located in the United States and across the globe. People who identify as BIPOC, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ+ community and people with lived experiences of forced displacement or immigration are all encouraged to apply. We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects our vision, mission and values.

VISION:

HIAS stands for a world in which refugees find welcome, safety and opportunity.

MISSION:

Drawing on our Jewish values and history, HIAS provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.

VALUES:

Welcome • Acogimiento • Hospitalité • הכנסת אורחים (Hachnasat Orchim)

We Welcome the Stranger

Justice • Justicia • Justice • צדק (Tzedek)

We Pursue Justice

Empathy • Empatía • Empathie • חסד (Chesed)

We Approach our Clients with Empathy

Partnership • Compañerismo • Coopération • חברותא (Chevruta)

We Believe in Changing the World through Partnership

Courage • Coraje • Courage • אומץ (Ometz)

We Act with Courage to Build a Better World

Resilience • Resiliencia • Résilience • רוח (Ruach)

We Adapt and Thrive, Continuously Demonstrating our Resilience

DIVERSITY:

HIAS is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnic background, ancestry, citizenship status, religious creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, pregnancy, childbirth, military status, protected veteran status, political orientation or other legally protected status.

SAFEGUARDING:

HIAS is committed to the protection of children, vulnerable adults and any other person from any harm caused directly or indirectly due to their coming into contact with HIAS. We will not tolerate sexual exploitation, abuse or any form of child abuse or neglect by our staff or associated personnel. Any candidate offered a job with HIAS will be expected to sign and adhere to HIAS’ Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policies. All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records. HIAS also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. Likewise, HIAS will share this information when other organizations inquire about current and former HIAS staff as part of their recruitment process. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

APPLICATION PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS

Qualified and interested parties are asked to submit the following:

• Letter of interest in submission of a proposal
• A detailed technical proposal clearly demonstrating a thorough understanding of this ToR and including but not limited to the following.
  • • Consultant/Company Profile – Proposed methodology including areas of piloting, Sample Size Determination, and a proposed consultancy work plan – Demonstrated previous experience in similar assignments and qualifications outlined in this ToR (with submission of the most recent report of a similar assignment) – Proposed data management plan (collection, processing, and analysis).
• Team composition and level of effort of each proposed team member (include CVs of each team member).
• A financial proposal with a detailed breakdown of costs for the study quoted in Kenya Shillings.