About the Transdisciplinary Learning Initiative (TDLI).

Transdisciplinary Learning Initiative (TDLI) is a programme within Biovision Africa Trust (BvAT) which connects university students from different disciplines with Agroecology and Agrobiodiversity (AA) experts from different sectors. Transdisciplinary learning recognizes that addressing real world problems in complex systems requires an... integrative approach which includes the participation of the academia, non-academic stakeholders (practitioners) and other actors, and that knowledge co-creation will more likely result in appropriate action if all concerned actors are involved. Such approaches help high level learning institutions to educate and prepare graduate degree qualifies to have the skills and knowledge necessary to design, communicate, and collaborate in ways that allow for innovative solutions to complex socio-technical challenges.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities


Establish a secretariat that coordinates activities of the TDLI.
Work closely with key stakeholders, especially education and training institutions, to ensure joint planning, curriculum development, and implementation of TDLI agroecology courses.
Develop a 3-year programme guided by the theory of change, programme objectives and workplans – together with the involved institutions – and to institutionalize the programme from 2026.
Develop TDLI course structure and training modules with detailed content for each training module including a guide for trainers/facilitators, participant handouts/workbooks, audio-visual aids (e.g. PPT slides), and assessment tools.
Develop guidelines of transdisciplinary approaches for stakeholder engagement (including outline principles, methodologies, tools, and best practices for applying transdisciplinary approaches in various agroecology contexts).
Working closely with key institutions, coordinate the implementation of the TDLI agroecology courses.
Complementary to TDLI courses and networking activities, organize and implement high level webinars premised on critical trends, emerging issues in the agroecology landscape from policy developments, agroecology conferences and other key events.
Liaising with Partnership and Business Development department, secure funding for a comprehensive implementation of the current three-year TDLI phase.
Establish and coordinate a vibrant TDLI alumni network based on thorough needs assessments, facilitating continuous exchange, professional development, and sustained engagement among alumni and their respective institutions
Establish concrete links with the broader agroecology networks in Eastern Africa and internationally and develop enduring strategies to maintain and leverage the international perspective of TDLI programs.
Ensure TDLI progress and achievements are documented in monthly, biannual and annual progress reports and into formats for demonstrating impact to a wide range of TDLI stakeholders.


Education, Experience and Competencies


At least a Masters in Natural Sciences such as Agriculture, Ecology, Biology, One Health, Environmental Sciences or related fields.
Demonstrated fundraising experience including the development of successful funding proposals
An active network among East African universities and with stakeholders in agroecology
The successful completion of a TDLF course would be an advantage
At least 5 years’ relevant experience in ecologically organic agricultural programs and projects.
The ability to plan, execute, and evaluate training programs, workshops, and seminars/webinars from conception to completion.
A strong understanding of transdisciplinary approaches and the ability to work with faculty from various departments to develop relevant and engaging content for students
Skills in logistical coordination, including venue booking, speaker management, scheduling, and resource allocation.
Proven ability to build and nurture a vibrant professional network. This includes creating and implementing strategies to keep alumni connected to TDLI and to each other.
Expertise in planning and executing networking events, reunions, mentorship programmes, and professional development opportunities for alumni.
Experience in leveraging alumni networks to support current students (e.g., through mentorship, internships, guest lectures).
The capacity to build and maintain strong, positive relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders, including university administration, faculty members, current students, alumni, and potential industry partners or sponsors.
Familiarity with the Kenyan and Eastern African higher education landscape would be a significant advantage.
Experience in budget management, financial tracking, and preparing reports for management and donors.


Personal Attributes


Team player, good communicator (both written and spoken), excellent interpersonal skills, self-motivated and go-getter.
High regard for ecological farming, sustainable practices and farmer needs.
Strong relationship management and capable networking.
Excellent time management
Ability to prioritize workload and demonstrate deliverables/outcomes.
Good understanding of financial management and reporting processes
Fluency in oral and written english. more

Objective of the Internship

Under the Agroecology Promotion Programme in Africa ( APP) and Porticus Project in Kenya, the intern will provide technical support in IT systems, Microsoft 365, Azure and cloud optimization, email and account management, website maintenance and updates, and document/visual design within the organization.

Scope of Work / Responsibilities

Under the guidance of... the Head of Programmes ( EOA & KCOA) , the intern will support the following areas:

Software and IT Support


Assist with software installation, updating, and troubleshooting to resolve technical problems promptly to minimize any downtime.
Support staff in resolving common IT issues (hardware/software)
Document software assets and monitor license compliance
Assist in developing IT support materials such as user guides


Cloud-Based Services Management


Support administration of cloud platforms (e.g., Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Dropbox, SharePoint)
Help with account setup, access control, and permissions management
Organize and maintain shared drives, backups, and cloud folders
Troubleshoot syncing or access issues across cloud platforms
Assist with training staff on basic cloud tools use


Website and Digital Content


Assit in the development and maintenance including revisions of basic projects and events websites e.g conference websites, project websites
Support in minor website troubleshooting and CMS updates (e.g., WordPress)
Ensure website content is up-to-date, well-organized, and aligned with branding
Monitor and analyze and basic website analytics to determine website performance


Document and Design Support


Design and format documents, reports, and presentations
Create simple graphics and layouts for flyers, posters, and social media using tools like Canva or Adobe Illustrator
Maintain brand consistency in all visual materials using the organisational and project branding manuals


System Maintenance


Assist in the maintenance and monitoring of computer systems, networks, and applications to ensure optimal performance.
Perform regular system updates and backups to safeguard data integrity and security.


Administrative and Technical Tasks


Support online meetings/webinars (setup, tech check, recordings)
Organize digital files and ensure data is properly archived
Provide technical support during trainings or workshops
Provide training and support to staff on the use of hardware, software, and IT systems


Duration and Location


Duration: 12 months (renewable based on performance and organizational needs)
Location: [Physical location at Biovision Africa Trust offices located at ICIPE Duduville Campus, Kasarani, Nairobi Kenya]


Reporting Line

The intern will report to the Head of Programmes ( EOA and KCOA), and collaborate with the Communications and Fundraising Team and other departments.

Required Qualifications and Skills


Recently completed a degree in IT, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field
Familiarity with cloud-based tools (e.g., Google Workspace, OneDrive, SharePoint, Dropbox)
Basic knowledge of website CMS (WordPress preferred)
Proficiency in MS Office and document formatting
Basic graphic design skills (e.g., Canva, Adobe Suite)
Strong communication, troubleshooting, and teamwork skills


Learning Opportunities

The intern will:


Gain experience in managing software and cloud services in a professional setting
Learn about cloud storage administration and collaborative tools
Develop skills in digital communication and document design
Engage in cross-functional technical support work more

The responsibility of the drone operator will be:

Familiarize with the pre-production script to understand the shots required.
Creatively film the drone shots as directed by the videography officer.
Submit all the raw footage files to the videography officer.
Ensure drone flight operations comply with the relevant laws and regulations.
Maintain and troubleshoot their drone... equipment.

Consultancy period
The production of the drone shots will be done in two days.
Deliverable
At the end of the project, the drone videography consultant will be required to provide:

All the raw footage clips in 4k format.

Qualifications: 

Must have a Drone Pilot License or Certificate (RPL or RPA certificate) issued by the KCAA (Kenya Civil Aviation Authority).
Must have at least 2 years’ experience operating a variety of drones.
Must be knowledgeable in aviation regulations.
Ability to make quick decisions.
Good hand-eye coordination.
Attention to details.
Professional work ethic, integrity, and initiative. more

Deliverable
At the end of the project, the voice over artist will be required to provide:

Two fully produced voice over audio as per the provided script in both Mp3 and WAV formats i.e working draft and the final clean VO.

Qualifications: 

Perfect diction.
Outstanding tone modulation and voice intensity.
Experience in adaptation of the rhythm of speech.
Minimum three years’ experience... carrying out similar projects with NGOs and especially agriculture NGOs.
Professional work ethic, integrity, and initiative. more

The responsibility of the producer will be:

Conceptualize and plan for the World Food Day video documentary from start to finish.
Develop pre-production script and story board, to be presented to World Food Day publicity committee, which will guide the filming.
Develop post-production script that will guide the editing of the documentary.
Arranging frequent meetings with the stakeholders and... booking all the necessary interviews.
Collaborate with Nandi County communication team and BvAT team to determine the filming schedule and timelines.
Coordinate all aspects of the documentary production, including shooting, editing, and post-production.
Sourcing various locations in collaboration with the BvAT team and the Nandi County communication team.
Co-direct together with the BvAT videography officer on-camera interviews and B-roll during shoots.
Identifying and solving any problems that arise during the production process.
Manage World Food Day video project timelines and ensure deadlines are met.

Consultancy period
The video production will be done in a period of four weeks be completed by 10th of October 2024.
Deliverables

At the end of the assignment, our expectation is to have:
A full 30-minute documentary highlighting activities of key partners contribution to the World Food Day theme.
A 10-minute short version documentary to be shared on online and social media platforms.

Qualifications:

Degree in communications, film making or journalism
At least 5 years of experience undertaking similar assignments – video documentary production and especially for events in the agriculture and environment sector
Understanding film production techniques.
Demonstrable experience in script writing.
Have strong project planning and management skills, editorial judgment, and commercial awareness.
Excellent understanding of film genres and themes.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to conceptualize and execute creative video ideas. more

Job Purpose:
The overall purpose of this job is to support the organization in monitoring and evaluation of the organization’s programmes and projects through using and maintaining sound M&E systems, databases and tools and ensuring they are functioning appropriately.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Ensure appropriate monitoring and evaluation systems for the organization and for BvAT... programmes are in place and functioning satisfactorily.
Develop data collection tools and ensure their effective use by programme managers and co-implementing partners.
Participate in the development and use of results matrix by co-implementing partners to capture all the relevant aspects of programmes and projects.
Provide technical support to organization and co-implementing partners in development and use of realistic work plans and work schedules.
Provide technical support to co-implementing partners to ensure effective and efficient project implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
Provide technical support in data collection, management, analysis and interpretation to aid decision-making.
Ensure that the M&E databases are optimally used to store, analyse and present relevant information to the organization, donors and other key stakeholders.
Undertake Data Quality Audits (DQA) for quality and reliable information and decision making.
Monitor programme and project activities, outputs and progress towards the anticipated results and report on the findings.
Support the project managers in the preparation of quarterly, bi-annual and annual progress reports.
Document findings via case studies and lessons learnt to provide advice to the management for scale up and improvement.
Undertake any other relevant tasks that may be assigned by the supervisor.

Working Relationships
Internal Relationships: Executive Director, Project Managers and other staff.

External Relationships: Country Implementing Partners of BvAT regional programmes, Consultants, Organic Agriculture member organisations, etc.
Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics, Economics and/or Project Management.
A course/certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation.
Minimum of at least 5 years of experience in the field of M&E.Additional qualification in IT or Computer Science with hands-on ICT skills is a must.

Required Skills and Competencies:

Technical Skills

Data management
Knowledge in use of mobile data collection tools and analytical software like STATA
Report writing skills.
Computer literacy

Behavioural Skills

Fluency in oral and written Swahili and English
Have strong relationship management.
Excellent time management.
Team player with excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills
Planning skills

Responsibility for finances and physical assets:


The jobholder has accountability for the laptops and office assigned furniture.


Decision making:


The jobholder has no final authority on key decisions in the department other than routine decisions related to execution of work.


Information:


The job holder has access to confidential information – Bio data such as age, level of education, Income, etc, of stakeholders.


Working Environment:


The job is office based with minimum travels to partner countries and field offices in Kenya. more

Job Purpose:

The overall purpose of this job is to contribute to the promotion of ecological sustainable agricultural practices and technologies through participatory, market-oriented approaches to meet the needs of smallholder farmers while staying relevant to the context of the project.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Establish and update database of farmers being (currently submitted... monthly via Kobo Collect) reached through FCP activities.
Carry out farmer trainings to farmer community groups to provide relevant knowledge and skills development on ecological sustainable agriculture practices and technologies, based on the selected priority value chains.
 Establishing, preparing and maintaining demonstration plots for learning purposes to promote the adoption of organic and ecologically sustainable farming methodologies.
Participate with IEC materials in field days, agriculture shows and exhibitions.
Organize individual farm visits and carryout follow ups to monitor the progress and any improvements.
Plan for community-based exchange visits to learn new technologies from other farmers; leverage on such platforms to sensitize the public on the BvAT’s mandate.
Respond to farmers’ requests/issues on any challenges they are facing by providing timely advice and feedback based on the nature of problem.
 Train school children from participating schools on organic agriculture and agroecology.
 Establish partnerships with like-minded, faith-based organizations, NGOs and the county government and community-based organizations.
Contribute to content development to the TOF magazine, TOF radio and Infonet reference material to increase awareness on organic farming and importance of environment conservation.
 Timely preparation of monthly workplans in the KoboCollect platform.
 Undertake daily update of field activities and compile monthly reports in a timely manner and submit to the Outreach Manager.
Record and compile articles and success stories from the farmers/beneficiaries.
Complete in a timely manner staff appraisal with the Farmer Field Assistants in line with BvAT’s Appraisal system.
Any other responsibilities that may be assigned by the supervisor from time to time.

Working Relationships:

Internal Relationships: Outreach Project Officer and Outreach Manager.
External Relationships: Ministry of Agriculture, County Government departments, local Chiefs and leaders, and Partners in the agricultural sector.

Required Qualifications:

Degree in either organic agriculture, agricultural extension, rural development, crop production, livestock development, community development or any other closely related discipline in agriculture
Minimum of at least 3 years of relevant experience.
A certificate in project management/ monitoring and evaluation will be an added advantage.

Required Skills and Competencies:

Technical Skills

Knowledge in organic agriculture
Report writing skills.
Data collection skills
Ability to network and build partnerships.
Monitoring and evaluation
Networking

Behavioural Skills

Good communication skill
Ability to work with minimal supervision.
Self-discipline
Flexibility
Creativity more

Job Purpose:
The overall purpose of this job is to oversee all aspects of the Finance function by ensuring the financial controllership and integrity of all the Organization’s programmes and projects and provides consolidated financial plans and reports for the projects as needed by the organization and by the requirements of different partners. The role is responsible for Grant management,... budgeting, financial accounting and reporting, management of assets as well as implementing financial policies and procedures
Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Lead the planning and execution of the financial function including those necessary for auditing, budgeting, and financial management in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, policies, and procedures/guidelines.
Conduct analysis and reviews on variances and provide clarification where necessary to the Board, Senior Management Team and Auditors.
Managing Contracts and Grants.
Manage monthly accounting closing process as per set cut-off date and ensure timely submission of monthly bank reconciliation including analytical review of the monthly operating results.
Develop cash forecasting and budget projection models, develop mechanisms for tracking of burn rate to actual reporting by line items.
Prepare high-level financial reports to aide in decision making by senior management, the board, and donors.
Develop and review accounting and monetary management policies to ensure they are consistent with internationally recognized financial reporting standards and regulations.
Support development of new plans and proposals by ensuring budgets are prepared in compliance with requirements of BvAT’s policies and funders’ requirements.
Monitor, analyse, and interpret BvAT’s financial performance evaluation reports and make recommendations to management on policy and operational changes.
Undertake asset management and prepare quarterly reports, budgeting process and approvals and expenditure monitoring through prudent management of finance, and physical assets of the organization.
Oversee the preparation of monthly/quarterly financial projection, statements, and budgets, exercising expenditure controls of the organization.
Supervise accounting activities; update management reports; monitor and evaluate the implementation of statutory mandate.
Provide comprehensive financial and decision support to the donors through a wide variety of financially focused work to directly increase accountability and contribute effectively to business decisions.
Ensure legal and regulatory compliance regarding all financial functions.
Liaise with external auditor and prepare Audit schedules during project and institution Audits.
Provide direction and capacity building to field Finance and Administration teams; directly supervise Finance and Administrative leads; support in the financial implementation and operation functions for donor-funded projects.
Provide oversight and management support for all aspects of financial management including advisory and technical support, project planning and coordination support, procurement, human resource management, administration and information technology, innovation, and compliance management.
Manage the general ledger and the financial system for accuracy of the data posted.
Coordinate and consolidate the projection of biweekly cash requirements, monitoring cash flow and reconcile cash accounts to maintain appropriate cash balances.
Manage the monthly payroll processing to ensure compliance with the labour laws and tax requirements.
Check and verify payments before seeking approval of the same by the Executive Director or other designated officer.
Provide advice on investing in organization funds in securities that provide high returns in relation to their risks.
Work in close consultation with the Executive Director on all financial management issues and provide on the liquidity and payment decisions.
Conduct monitoring to the projects implemented by the organization through sub grantees.
Promote best management systems and practices, develop internal controls as well as ensure transparency and obligation to justify expenditure.
Undertake any other relevant tasks that may be assigned by the supervisor.

Working Relationships:

Internal Relationships: All departments
External Relationships: Donors, Partners, Government bodies, external and internal auditors

Required Qualifications:

 Master’s degree in business related field (preferably).
Bachelor’s degree in finance/ Accounting or a related field.
CPA (K)
Minimum of 12 years working experience, with at least 4 years in a similar senior finance role.
Must be a member of ICPAK.
Working experience with accounting software e.g., on use of ERP- Microsoft Dynamics

Required Skills and Competencies:
Technical Skills

IFRS Knowledge
Exchange rate Knowledge
Analytical skills
Numerical strength
Leadership Skills

Behavioural Skills

Good leadership and supervisory skills.
Good communication skills.
Sound interpersonal and team building skills.
Ability to work under pressure.
Good problem-solving skills and knowledge on conflict management.
Good negotiation skills.

Responsibility for finances and physical assets:

The job holder participated in budgeting, insurance, and branding of items as per the donor guidelines.

Decision making:

The job holder is fully involved in decision making of all finance aspects.

Information:

The job holder has access to board minutes, financial statements, and donor information. more

Purpose and Scope of the Assessment
Given the varied distribution of the countries across the five categories, the findings point to the need for an assessment that provides status of landscape of initiatives, programmes and projects in these countries sampled across the 5 typologies and establish if there is a correlation between the landscape and findings of the policy and legislation... study.

The objectives of this assessment will be:

Assessment of previous (last 10 years) and ongoing interventions (initiatives, programmes, projects) related to EOA in these countries, providing an overview of the distribution of the interventions against the prevailing policy and legislation environment and establish key donors/funders of such interventions.
Assessment of current status from the baseline to ascertain level of investment, impactareas, spatial coverage, longevity and focus on the value chain stment and target beneficiaries and establish the organizations implementing the interventions.
Identification and documentation of successful interventions in each country during the last ten years, the drivers of success and key lessons learnt.
Ranking of countries according to their “agroecologicalness” on the basis of policies and interventions formulation and implementation.
Identification of constraints and opportunities in the context of development priorities and how far the selected countries have progressed with supporting EOA related initiatives.
Provide a road map for priority setting for EOA related initiatives at national, regional, and continental levels.
Preparation of regional and continental policy briefs resulting from this assignment.

 The Deliverables

The expected key outputs of the assessment are:

An Inception Report: Elaboration of the assessment methodology and tools to be applied including a detailed schedule of activities to be undertaken across the selected countries. This should be ready within 2 weeks before signing the contract.
Draft Report: A report with findings related to all the objectives and should be ready within 75 days from the day of signing the contract.
Final Report: The technical report should include the executive summary, background, methodology, key findings, conclusions, lessons and recommendations, and annexes (key officials interviewed, documents consulted, and data collection instruments applied). The final report to include inputs from the CSC and RSC.
Policy Briefs: Preparation of national, regional and continental policy briefs resulting from this assignment.

Background Documents
In addition to relevant documents and reports to be sought at country and AU level, various documents valuable to this study will be provided including but not limited to:

Report of the study on the legal, policy and institutional development of EOA in Southern, Northern, Central and Southern Africa undertaken by AUC under the EOA-I
Report on the legislation and policy development of EOA-I in 3 eastern Africa countries of Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia.
Country specific reports, plans and strategies on Agriculture and particularly EOA, if any.
AU Decision on Organic Farming, (the basis of Ecological Organic Agriculture)
EOA Strategic Plan (2015-2025) and EOA Action Plan (2015-2020)
SDC and SSNC Project Documents (for the period 2013-2018)
Report of the Assessment of SSNC contribution to first phase of EOA in Eastern Africa
EOA Mid-term Review Report 2016
Report of the Organizational and Capacity Assessment (2018)
Baseline Study of EOA Initiative in Africa- Phase 2 – 2019

The Assessment Methodology/Approach 
The country-specific assessments will be conducted through a consultancy expected to develop an appropriate approach/methodology to address the scope provided. The study will be conducted using various tools including desk reviews, household survey, key informant interviews, focus group discussion. Overall, the methodology will include but not limited to:

 Identification and review of relevant documents on initiatives, programmes, projects etc. implemented in the country over the last 5 years and ongoing, and where possible capturing upcoming initiatives.
Data collection approaches and tools, appropriate to allow for triangulation of findings.
Data analysis techniques that are rich and informative to allow for quality decision-making.
Validation meetings for the results obtained.

The study will be conducted between February 2023 and April 2023.
Budget Considerations

The budget is expected to cover:

Field activities for data collection in at least 15% (8) of African countries, focusing on the EOA-I participating countries in Eastern African and Western Africa and randomly sampling from 7-10 from the other regions (Central, Southern and Northern Africa) including selection across the five categories of the policy study to sample of size of 15-20 countries.
Consultancy – Data collection, analysis, and reporting
Inception and validation meetings
Preparation of national, regional and policy briefs

Consultants & Minimum Qualifications
The study will be conducted by a consultant or team of consultants with the team leader and partners having the following main qualifications:

At least a master’s degree or equivalent in agriculture, sociology, development studies, economics, or related social sciences.
At least 5 years of experience in conducting policy assessment/evaluations, policy impact assessments or similar assignments in agricultural development programmes and projects.
Demonstrated ability to assess complex situations to analyze critical issues succinctly and clearly and draw conclusions and recommendations.
Proven in-depth understanding and consulting experiences on institutional set-up of complex development programmes.
Substantive knowledge of participatory M&E processes and experience with multistakeholder/community development interventions.
Excellent English writing and communication skills. more

Purpose and Scope of the Study

The purpose of this study is to:

Underscore the importance of and potential for youth participation in agroecology transformations.
Identify and clarify opportunities and entry points for youths as agents of change in promoting sustainable food systems frameworks in Africa.
Provide recommendations to donor agencies, policy makers and other stakeholders... interested in strategies for youth inspirations/ aspirations, imagined futures and future orientations in AE/EOA

Specifically, the country-specific assessments will focus on the following: 

Identifying position of youth in agroecology/EOA transformations.
Assessment of scope and role of youth in interventions related to Agroecology/EOA to provide an overview of the entry points for effective youth engagement.
Assessment of aspirations and strategies of youth participation in supporting Agroecology/EOA interventions.
Constraints and challenges to youth participation in Agroecology/EOA initiatives across dimensions of practice & advocacy, production, supply chains and consumption.
Recommendations on priority setting for youth engagement in agroecology/EOA at national, regional, and continental levels across dimensions of practice & advocacy, production, supply chains and consumption.

Deliverables

The expected key outputs of the assessment are:

An Inception Report: Elaboration of the assessment methodology and tools to be applied including a detailed schedule of activities to be undertaken across the selected countries. This should be ready within 2 weeks before signing the contract.
Draft Report: A report with findings related to all the objectives and should be ready within 60 days from the day of signing the contract.
) Final Report: The technical report should include the executive summary, background, methodology, key findings, conclusions, lessons and recommendations, and annexes (key officials interviewed, documents consulted, and data collection instruments applied). The final report to include inputs from the CSC and RSC. The final report to be submitted by 30th June 2023.
Policy Briefs: Preparation of national, regional, and continental policy briefs resulting from the findings and recommendation of this assignmen

Background Documents
In addition to relevant documents and reports to be sought at country and AU level, various documents valuable to this study will be provided including but not limited to:

Report of the study on the legal, policy and institutional development of EOA in Southern, Northern, Central and Southern Africa undertaken by AUC under the EOA-I
Report on the legislation and policy development of EOA-I in 3 eastern Africa countries of Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia.
Country specific reports, plans and strategies on Agriculture and particularly EOA, if any
EOA Strategic Plan (2015-2025) and EOA Action Plan (2015-2020)
Report of the Assessment of SSNC contribution to second phase ( 2016-2020) of EOA in Eastern Africa
EOA Phase I ( 2014-2018) External Evaluation Report 2020
Report of the Organizational and Capacity Assessment (2018)
Baseline Study of EOA Initiative in Africa- Phase 2 – 2019
EOA Phase II ( 2019-2023) External Evaluation Report 2022

Methodology

This assessment will be conducted through an assets approach to youth participation in agroecology which appreciates and mobilizes individual or group talents and strengths, rather than focusing only on deficits (needs), problems or threats and is referred to as the three-lens approach to youth participation: Youth as target beneficiaries, with youth as partners, and be shaped by youth as leaders.

The ultimate aim is to develop youth as partners and leaders in development. This is based on youth having agency: their capacity to act, their skills and capabilities and their ability to change their own lives and is the central tenet of the asset-based approach to youth participation.
For statistical purposes, the UN defines youth as individuals between the ages of 15 and 24. Youth do not constitute a homogeneous group; their socio-economic, demographic and geographical situations vary widely both within and between regions.
Identification and review of relevant documents on initiatives, programmes, projects etc. implemented in the countries over the last 5 years and ongoing, and where possible capturing upcoming initiatives where youth are involved or targeted.
Data collection approaches and tools, appropriate to allow for triangulation of findings
Data analysis techniques that are rich and informative to allow for quality decision-making.
Validation meetings for the results obtained.

This assessment will be conducted between February and April 2023.
Budget Considerations
The budget is expected to cover:

Field activities for data collection in at least 15% (8) of African countries, focusing on the EOA-I participating countries in Eastern Africa and Western Africa and randomly sampling from 7-10 countries from the other regions (Central, Southern and Northern Africa) including selection across the five categories of the policy study (Advanced EOA Sector, Active EOA Sector, Infant EOA Sector, Nascent EOA and Awaiting Inspiration) to sample of size of 15-20 countries.
Consultancy – Data collection, analysis, and reporting
Preparation, editing, design and layout of national and regional policy briefs

Consultants & Minimum Qualifications

The study will be conducted by a consultant or team of consultants with the team leader and partners having the following main qualifications:

At least a master’s degree or equivalent in agriculture, sociology, development studies, economics, or related social sciences.
At least 5 years of experience in conducting policy assessment/evaluations, policy impact assessments or similar assignments in agricultural development programmes and projects.
Demonstrated ability to assess complex situations to analyze critical issues succinctly and clearly and draw conclusions and recommendations.
Proven in-depth understanding and consulting experiences on institutional set-up of complex development programmes.
Substantive knowledge of participatory M&E processes and experience with multistakeholder/community development interventions.
Excellent English writing and communication skills. more

Overall Retreat Objective

Strengthening the team spirit and raising motivation for professional development among staff through a variety of innovative team building approaches and activities.

Specific-Objectives

 Enhance team building, collaborative spirit and internal communication.
 Generate ideas and tools that contribute to staff empowerment and development.
 Enhance management of... staff performance.

The key intervention areas as identified through a needs assessment survey among staff

members under each of the intervention areas include:
 Enhance Team building, collaborative spirit and internal communication

Improving the engagement of employee in decision making.
Promoting a culture of continuous learning new things from each other.
Entrusting people to share information, challenges, feedback, or anything that will help to make work more effective.

Empowerment of staff

Support staff’s desire for professional development and learning.
A good use of staff’s skills and abilities.
Providing the tools and resources for staff to do their job well.

Performance Management

Receiving effective feedback from supervisors for performance improvement.
Recognition of excellent performance at all levels in the office.
Encourage learning and doing news things, creativity.

EXPECTED DELIVERABLES
Planning of the team building retreat workshop

Inception meeting with the retreat planning committee.
An inception meeting report articulating the process of team building exercise.
Develop and administer a pre- and post-retreat evaluation on the overall satisfaction rate, comments, and feedback from the staff and submit findings to BvAT not later than one week after the retreat.
A customized training and team building plan clearly articulating the objectives of each of the team building exercises in line with the retreat objectives.
Interactive and flexible facilitation tools and material aids prepared prior to the event.

Facilitation of the team building retreat event

Employ both indoor and outdoor team building activities in line with the identified training/teambuilding topics.

A brief report outlining the following

Post-retreat evaluation results and analysis
The retreat events proceedings and key outcomes.
Recommendations to BvAT on the action points to address the identified gaps, promote communication and team work horizontally and vertically.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

A cohesive team that understands individual roles and their links to the overall BvAT’s strategic goals, objectives and core values.
Improved team spirit and communication between teams, supervisors and supervisees, both horizontally and vertically.

DURATION AND MANAGEMENT

The consultancy will be for 1.5 days in the 3rd week of December 2022, under the supervision of the staff retreat planning committee.
PARTICIPANTS

A total of 61 participants (48 staff and 13 interns) will attend. They comprise of staff based in head office in Nairobi, field staff from across Kenya, and staff from Uganda and Tanzania. The retreat will be held in one of the adjacent towns off Nairobi.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

The Lead Consultant(s) should possess a university degree preferably in Human Resource Management, Change Management, Psychology, and Counselling.
Demonstrated knowledge and advanced skills and at least 3 years of previous experience of facilitating team building events for international organizations or large commercial companies.
The consultants should provide a team of at least 2 experts to handle the key topics of the retreat as

Enhance team building, collaborative spirit and internal communication.

Empowerment of staff and

Performance management, outlining the sub-topics indicated in this TOR.
Applicants should have strong analytical and coaching skills, knowledge of people’s psychology, emotional intelligence, and strategic communications.
Fluency in written and spoken English. more