Trans Mara Environment Conservation Movement Survey Job in Kenya

Terms of Reference for Baseline Survey

Project Name: Trans Mara Environment Conservation Movement 2030

1.0    Introduction

Kuresok Empowerment Group [KUEG] is a non-profit making Community Based Organization (CBO) registered under the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Development with its main objective is to empower the rural community in all dimensions of socio-economic and sustainable environmental aspects. 

The organization is promoting and coordinating various activities geared towards attaining this goal, currently it is engaged in raising tree seedlings and planting, poultry farming & Bee Keeping, promotion and construction of energy efficient Jikos, water resources management and supply, advancing new agricultural techniques (Conservation Agriculture) and creation of HIV/Aids awareness in the community. Its area of operation is Kapsasian, Emurua Dikirr and Mogor Locations in Transmara East District.

The organization has received funding from DANIDA through Community Environmental Facility (CEF II) of the Community Development Trust Fund (CDTF), to implement a Three year project on Environmental conservation and improved livelihood titled: Trans Mara Environment Conservation Movement 2030.

In the view of the above, KUEG is seeking to engage consultants/firms to carry out a baseline survey in the project site covering  Kapsasian, Emurua Dikirr and Mogor locations in Trans Mara East district.

1.1  The Purpose of the Baseline study

• The purpose of this survey is to establish the pre-intervention situation prior to project start-up hereby preparing the ground for project performance measurement. 
• The principal focus of the baseline is to collect and analyze pre-intervention data relating to the objectively verifiable indicators (OVIs) for the project goals and objectives. 
• The baseline is done to establish benchmarks for the chosen indicators, i.e., to provide data on their initial status so that subsequent monitoring and evaluation can assess the effects and impacts of the project for the target population.  
• The baseline also has the purpose of assessing the measurability of the selected indicators and will, if necessary, be used to fine-tune them for future follow-up. 
• In general, the baseline study establishes the benchmarks for monitoring and evaluation of the project aimed at ensuring realistic assessment of the project performance as indicated in the logical framework analysis of the project.

1.2    Scope of the study

The study will help to establish the current status of the ecological,socio-economic and gender dimension and assist the project in developing a strong monitoring and evaluation framework in relation to the main project activities implemented  by the project which include:  Environmental conservation: tree planting and soil and water conservation; Water harvesting; Renewable energy and biomass efficient devices; Capacity building of community members and Nature based enterprises (IGA’s)

1.3 Specific objectives are to:
The baseline study shall provide:

• Baseline status of the various proposed interventions as listed in the project document
• Establish baseline indicators for the project on the basis of sound ecological, socio-economic status  and gender dimensions of poverty and environment conservation for  monitoring and evaluation of the project impacts
• Develop participatory methodologies  with clear data sets and indicators for  determining change (ecological, socio-economic and gender)
• Review the project’s M&E system including tools and provide technical advise on how they can be enhanced for impact measurement
• Highlight the extent the projects have acknowledged other cross-cutting issues e.g. HIV/AIDS, governance and reproductive health and come up with strategies to mainstream them in project.

2.0    The Consultant
2.1    Expertise required
The consultant is expected to have experience and academic qualification in the following areas:

• Advanced university degree in natural resource management/natural resources based enterprises/agronomy/agriculture, community development, development studies
• Proven experience in conducting quality surveys, evaluations, assessments
• Understanding of operations in the natural resources/agricultural sector, and value chains
• Proficiency in data analysis and report writing
• Proficiency in use of computers, especially latest word processing packages and MS Office packages in general, and software package for qualitative and quantitative data analysis.

2.2    Responsibilities of consultant
The consultant, in consultation with PIC and other stakeholders, will be responsible in the following areas:

• Identifying and define baseline priority areas and indicators
• Plan and implement data collection.
• Design, critique and refine the field data collection tools.
• Facilitate survey crew training and data collection tools field pre-testing.
• Perform data analysis and report writing.
• Revise the log frame in the project document
• Write-up of a concise baseline report with annexes.
• Present a draft report to PIC and other stakeholders in a feedback session and incorporate relevant suggestions in a final draft.

3.0 The Baseline study methodology

The baseline study methodology will include but not limited to the following aspects:

• The baseline survey is expected to use both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection for triangulation purposes.
• Document review will be conducted to complement other information sources
• The consultant will be expected to collect information widely across all groups, organizations, etc.

4.0 The Baseline Survey Expected Outputs:

• The baseline is expected to generate the following outputs among others:
• The current baseline status of the proposed interventions is determined and documented
• Clear indicators on ecological, socio-economic, and gender aspects developed.
• Participatory methodologies for measuring changes of various interventions during the project implementation period developed.
• Revised Log Frame with clearly defined indicators
• Strategies for mainstreaming cross cutting issues developed.

(Outputs: Inception report, Baseline Survey data collection tools, Draft baseline report, Final Baseline survey, Baseline database, Data analysis output/summary report)

5.0. Consultant activity schedule.

• The consultancy schedule will cover the month of November and December 2012.

6.0     Mode of Payment

• All payments will be in Kenya shillings. 
• There will be no advance payments. 
• Final payment will be made upon submission and acceptance of the final report by PIC and CDTF, which will be subjected to 10% Withholding Tax.

7.0 Expression of Interest
Firms or Consultant(s) who meet or exceed the requirements should submit expression of interest, which should include the following:

• A capability statement, including commitment for availability for the entire assignment
• An elaborate study methodology including a sample questionnaire and detailed work plan etc.
• A detailed financial proposal, including lead consultant’s fees. The financial proposal should include daily cost per major activity.

Updated Curriculum Vitae of the consultants who will undertake the work that clearly spells out qualifications and experience. 

Where more than one consultant will be involved, clearly indicate the overall lead consultant and responsible persons for the other baseline survey areas.

Commitment that the consultants whose CVs are presented will be entirely engaged if consultancy is awarded.

Please send a soft and/or hand copy of your expression of interest by 16th October, 2012 addressed to the PIC Chairman KURESOK EMPOWERMENT GROUP, CBO, P.O. Box 117 CHEBUNYO, Trans Mara East District, Narok County.

Email address;  kuresokgroupcbo@gmail.com , CC mutaiweldone@yahoo.com
The subject line should read Project Baseline.

Only pre-selected firms/consultants will be contacted, but contacts of those unsuccessful will be kept in our database for future considerations when opportunities arise.