BACKGROUND
Concern jointly with its partner Kisumu Medical and Education Trust (KMET) and the County Government of Kisumu will be implementing a project aimed at Enabling Devolved Governance through Inclusive and Systematic Citizen Participation with support from the European Union.The project will develop local participation and accountability systems by supporting citizens, non-state actors and the County Government of Kisumu to develop the tools, processes and skills for transparent and participatory decision-making at county level in accordance with the Constitution of Kenya, specifically targeting the inclusion of the poor and marginalized.
The Constitution of Kenya provides for a devolved system of government whose main object, inter alia, is to provide the powers of self-governance to the people, and enhance their participation in the exercise of the powers of the State and in making decisions affecting them. Given that formal public participation in county government is without precedent, the development and adoption of appropriate standards for citizen participation is a critical first step towards citizens’ realization of the right to participation and the powers of self-governance as envisioned in the Constitution. Concern Worldwide is supporting the County Government of Kisumu to develop a civic education and public participation policy that will establish appropriate mechanisms for citizen education and participation as required by the County Governments Act 2012.
CONSULTANCY OBJECTIVES
This consultancy seeks to provide technical legal assistance to the County Government of Kisumu for the development of a Civic Education and Public Participation Policy. The consultant will guide the development of a Civic Education and Public Participation Policy by providing advisory, legislative drafting and research services .The assignment will include the following tasks;
1. Advise the County Government on the conduct of civic education and public consultations for identification and validation of appropriate methodology.
2. Facilitate identification and documentation of models of civic education and public participation that are appropriate for Kisumu County, and make a presentation to the County Government
3. Synthesise the findings into civic education and public participation policy for consideration by the cabinet and the county assembly
LOCATION
Kisumu, Kenya
METHODOLOGY
The consultant will use a range of methods to gather information and develop legislative and policy drafts. The following methods might be considered: desk/literature review, interview of key informants, working sessions with County Government, KMET and Concern Staff, workshops (e.g. validation workshop), etc. The Consultant will make use of the following approaches:
• Familiarize with civic education and public participation methodology already in use in development and governance programmes in Kisumu County.
• Develop a work plan (as part of the inception report) specifying priorities, data requirements, timing, schedule of needed interactions with Concern and County staff members and key partners/stakeholders;
• Schedule (and conduct) regular conversations/meetings/interactions with key staff members of Concern and the County Government,
• Conduct interviews with key partners (outside Concern) interested and involved in public participation
• Conduct interviews with community and stakeholders at village, ward and sub-county level.
• Inform Concern and the County Government of constraints and that need to be addressed to safeguard public participation.
• Present the draft documents and outputs to selected audience for inputs and comments;
• Prepare regular progress updates (e.g. every two weeks).
The Consultant will work in close consultation with:
• Executive arm of County Government
• County Executive Committee members
• Members of the County Assembly – Kisumu County
• Residents of Kisumu County
• Civil society and Non-Governmental Organisations
• Professional associations in Kisumu County
• Business leaders
• Media
TIMELINE
This consultancy will be for 30 (thirty) working days.
DELIVERABLES/EXPECTED OUTPUTS
The Consultant will deliver the following outputs:
• An inception report, including a commented outline and a list of existing information (10-15 pages)
• Bi-weekly progress reports
• A report of public consultations
• A final draft policy document on civic education and public participation
RENUMERATION
Agreed rates will be based on prevailing market competitive rates and value for money. In full consideration of the services performed by the consultant under the terms of contract, Concern Worldwide shall pay the consultant fees as per the output schedule above.
The Consultant(s) is not an employee of Concern Worldwide or its affiliates, thus no benefits or compensation are provided as part of this agreement.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The primary recipient is the County Government and Concern as the sponsor who will follow up the whole process and provide advice where deemed necessary. The consultancy will be managed by The County Government of Kisumu through the County Chief Officer Education in partnership with Concern Worldwide through the Programme Manager-Governance and Advocacy and the overall leadership of the Programmes Director.
CONSULTANT’S PROFILE
• Master of Laws Degree or any relevant master in humanities and policy
• An advocate or policy practitioner
• At least seven (7) years’ experience in in legal drafting. Experience working in the development sector is desirable.
• In-depth knowledge and proven competency in the Constitution of Kenya and key laws on devolution
• Experience in community mobilization and consultation.
• Significant experience in facilitating and documenting stakeholder consultations
• Excellent and proven research and writing skills
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested applicants who meet the above requirements must submit the following;
• A technical (indicate earliest date of availability to undertake and complete the assignment) and 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
• A (1) report, or policy document, of a similar assignment undertaken by the Consultant
All applications must be addressed to the ****HR Manager, Concern Worldwide, Nairobi**** to the following email address:nairobi.hr@concern.netwith the subject of the email as ‘Legal Consultant-Public Participation and Civic Education’.
The closing date for Expressions of Interest is Tuesday 20thOctober 2015.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for presentations.