Conducting a feasibility study for “Building Life skills for Optimal Opportunities and Maturation (BLOOM)” project

Conducting a feasibility study for

“Building Life skills for Optimal Opportunities and Maturation (BLOOM)” project

1. Introduction

DSW is a global development organisation that focuses on the needs and potential of the largest youth generation in history. We are committed to creating demand for and access to health information, services, supplies, and economic empowerment for youth. We achieve this by engaging in advocacy, capacity development, and reproductive health initiatives, empowering young people to lead healthy and self-determined lives. Besides our headquarters in Hannover, Germany, DSW operates two liaison offices in Berlin and Brussels, as well as maintaining a strong presence in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

2. Project Background

In Kenya, girls and young women face significant barriers to realizing their potential due to entrenched gender inequalities, limited access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), and pervasive Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). Despite educational advancements, socio-economic factors, cultural norms, and gender stereotypes continue to exacerbate these disparities, leading to poor SRHR outcomes like high teenage pregnancy rates and HIV infections rates. It is possible to utilize Life Skills Education in schools, through clubs and societies, and using peer-leaning approaches, for promoting gender equality, improving SRHR, and empowering youth. The Ministry of Education, together with line Semi-Autonomous Agencies (SAGAs) such as Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), and local SRHR organizations are vital in providing leadership, education and advocacy for this intervention.

DSW Germany, in collaboration with two local organizations, plans to implement the Building Life Skills for Optimal Opportunities and Maturation (BLOOM) project. This initiative seeks to empower young women aged 10-19 in Kenya’s Kilifi, West Pokot, and Migori Counties by strengthening their agency, voice, and influence to advance gender equality, bodily integrity, and optimal health. By 2028, the project intends to achieve these objectives through structured interventions in school clubs and community-based youth groups, with linked support from Women Kongamanos. The project aligns with Kenya’s national goals of improving the well-being of adolescents and youth, as well as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to good health, quality education, and gender equality. It also supports Germany’s Feminist Development Policy, focusing on Rights, Resources, and Representation. The project will seek funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)

3. Purpose and Scope of the assignment

As part of the proposal development process, a feasibility study is required to provide an independent assessment of the project’s prerequisites, challenges, opportunities, priorities and risks. The study will:

• Assess the project concept using the OECD DAC criteria of relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability.
• Analyse the context at micro, meso, and macro levels to understand the current situation, challenges, and opportunities
• Assess the project’s alignment with local needs, existing initiatives, and relevant standards.
• Evaluate the potential of the project to address gender inequalities, Gender-based Violence (GBV) and SRHR challenges, and educational gaps.
• Identify and evaluate the vulnerabilities of communities, such as economic instability, or social inequalities. Assess the feasibility of implementing the project within the proposed timeline and budget, considering the regional and technical contexts.
• Identify any potential risks and propose strategies to mitigate them.
• Recommend adjustments to the project concept, including its impact matrix and specific measures, to ensure its success.
• Recommendations for any further actions (including program modifications)

Geographical scope: The feasibility study will be conducted in Kilifi, West Pokot and Migori Counties, at national level and at the participating organizations.

4. Methodology

• Using a participatory approach is preferred (for reflecting the needs of the target group as well as ensuring stakeholder involvement). Innovative approaches are considered an asset.
• The study should include both qualitative and quantitative methods for a comprehensive analysis.
• Ethical considerations must be addressed, especially when working with vulnerable populations.

5. Tasks and Deliverables

5.1 Tasks

Task

Context and Initial Situation Analysis

• Assess the initial situation and problem analysis on micro, meso, and macro levels, focusing on the needs of the adolescent youth in the targeted regions.
• Examine existing local potentials, structures, and social mechanisms that the project can build upon, as well as any gaps in the system.
• Identify and document the current problems and needs of the beneficiaries.
• Consider the influence of conflict dynamics, cultural and environmental factors and previous development measures in the region

Stakeholder and Partner Analysis

• Identify and engage with key stakeholders, including adolescent youth, school management committees, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions, and women’s groups, youth groups and young women groups.
• Assess the selected local project partners and stakeholders, including their roles, resources, and competencies role in project implementation.Evaluate the formal agreements and ownership structures among stakeholders.
• Identify and analyse any gaps in collaboration and coordination.

Project Concept Evaluation

• Analyse the proposed project design against the OECD DAC criteria: relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability.
• Assess the project’s alignment with local needs, existing initiatives, and relevant standards.
• Evaluate the potential of the project to address gender inequalities, SRHR challenges, and educational gaps

Recommendations and Modifications

• Formulate detailed recommendations for adjustments to the project concept, including improvements to the impact matrix and project measures.
• Suggest modifications based on the evaluation of the project design and stakeholder feedback.
• Propose strategies for enhancing the project’s effectiveness, sustainability, and coherence.

5.2 Deliverables

Task 1

Inception Report

Task 2

Develop tools for the Feasibility Study & Desk Work

Task 3

Conduct data collection

Task 4

Analyse and compile data

Task 5

Draft Feasibility Report

Task 6

Final Feasibility Report (max. 30 pages)

Task 7

Present findings to consortium and stakeholders

6. Supporting Documents

DSW and local partner organizations will provide relevant documents needed by the consultant.

Further detailed information about the BLOOM project, including specific data and additional background materials, will be provided upon the signing of the contract.

7. Skills and Experience

The consultant is expected to have the following:

Expertise

• Proven experience of conducting feasibility and other evaluation studies
• Knowledge on the current situation of youth in Kenya especially, girls and youth women and for those with multiple, compounded vulnerabilities.
• Experience in conducting studies in school environments, especially in Kenya.
• Experience in working with/interviewing young people.
• Knowledge of education, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), youth empowerment, gender sensitive programming and related sectors, notably in Kenya.

Skills

• Theoretical and practical knowledge of qualitative and quantitative data collection methods
• Experience of developing logical frameworks and defining SMART/ RACER indicators
• Ability to build up a good relationship in short period of time.
• Very good written and verbal communication skills in English
• Ability to fluently speak Kiswahili and local language will be an added advantage.
• Previous work with BMZ funded projects will be considered an asset.

8. Work plan and submission

• The assignment will start in the first week of October 2024.
• A draft report is due by the end of October 2024.
• Findings will be presented at the Proposal Development Workshop in Kenya in November 2024.
• The final report, incorporating feedback, is due by mid-November 2024. This report ought to follow the structure provided by us. This will be shared after the selection of the candidate.