BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT
Northern Kenya is a region with immense potential in terms of its livestock production system, chiefly pastoralism. This region forms 90% of the Arid and Semi-arid area coverage of Kenya. ASALs are home to 20% of the Kenyan population and 80% of the livestock. Livestock production is the main source of livelihood for over 80% of the population in this region including Marsabit County. Over the last ten years, the region has suffered recurrent drought and extreme climatic conditions with devastating effects on the environment and livelihoods of communities. Pastoral communities have observed increased frequency of drought with consecutive seasons of failed rains over the past five years. This has put pastoral communities in a very precarious situation with their livelihoods and way of life threatened. This is exacerbated further by the low capacity of communities and government departments in the region for disaster preparedness, response and reduced coping mechanisms for such eventualities as drought and livestock diseases. Early warning and response systems need to be strengthened and widened.

CONSULTANCY OBJECTIVES
Concern has over the past year developed an early response mechanism for the pastoralist based livestock sector in Marsabit County. This was based on the success of piloting a similar model in Nutrition. As malnutrition is often a manifestation of a deteriorating food security situation, it was found important to develop measures that secure people’s livelihoods to improve their food security situation. In the last year, Concern reviewed the Livestock surge mechanism established and tried to triangulate data to establish the best way in which date collected could potentially point to possible early warning and inform decision making. Secondly, the exercise also led to identification of the ward as the centre of data collection with sources of information being mothers at the village level and extension officers within the ward level. The Purpose of the consultancy is to pilot the livestock surge model data collection and support the county to establish a mechanism in which this surge model will fit within the service delivery mechanism

METHODOLOGY AND TECHNICAL APPROACH
1. Provide a comprehensive analysis of vulnerability to malnutrition the target group as well as food security pertaining livestock
2. Review the capacity of the County livestock system
3. Carry out a risk analysis to understand existing gaps in the household food security as a result of livestock body conditions and milk production levels
4. Identify the indicators to be collected at the different levels including indigenous early warning indicators
5. Establish a monitoring system within selected pilot wards
6. Work with the county to collect data, analyse and monitor the thresholds
7. Build the capacity of the extension works, and other stakeholders relevant to the livestock surge system
8. A detailed road map and deliverables for the exercise has been annexed

DELIVERABLES/OUTPUTS
• A livestock surge model to inform Early Warning and Early Action in the livestock sector

TIMELINES AND LOCATION
Five (5) months between November 2016 and April 2017

RENUMERATION
Agreed rates will be based on prevailing market competitive rates and value for money. Payment will be upon satisfactory completion of the assignment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
All logistics and field support including travel arrangements in Marsabit will be coordinated by and costs borne by Concern Kenya as per the contract. The consultant will liaise with the Senior Manager ASAL FIM and the FIM Coordinator and overall with the Programmes Director.

CONSULTANT’S PROFILE
1. Post-graduate degree in Social Sciences, NRM, Livestock Health or related fields
2. Minimum of five (5) years relevant professional experience in pastoralist areas in the Eastern Africa or the Greater Horn of Africa region
3. Knowledge and experience in working with pastoralists and pastoralist communities and wide use of participatory methodologies
4. Strong experience in conceptualizing and implementing programmes among pastoralists in the region.
5. Knowledge and experience in working with diverse audiences – INGOs, National NGOs, Private sector and government
6. Knowledge and experience of developing surge model based interventions.
7. Demonstrated ability to develop institutional partnerships and build networks
8. Excellent analytical, problem solving, planning, organizational, interpersonal, capacity building, report writing and editorial skills.
9. Proficient in the use of computers and relevant applications or software(s)

HOW TO APPLY:
Interested applicants who meet the above requirements must submit the following;
• A technical proposal including the proposed methodology, work schedule and earliest date of availability to undertake assignment (maximum 6 pages)
• A financial proposal quoted in Kenya Shillings (Kes) for the whole assignment
• Cover letter and CV (Demonstration of Capability) If quoting for an organization attach the CV of the Lead Consultant and any other personnel to be involved in the assignment
• A list of previous work done (Work Completion Certificates can be attached) including telephone and email contacts of three (3) referees who can validate technical expertise
All submissions must be addressed to the HR Coordinator, Concern Worldwide, Nairobi to the following email addresses: nairobi.hr@concern.net and quotes.kenya@concern.net with the subject of the email as ‘Livestock Surge Model Marsabit County’**.
The closing date for submission of Expressions of Interest is Monday, 28th November 2016.
Concern has a Code of Conduct and a Programme Participant Protection Policy to ensure the maximum protection of programme participants from abuse and exploitation.
CONCERN WORLDWIDE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER