Research Consultant (Green Business Tracer Study) – Nairobi, Kenya | KEN 1176-19

Research Consultant for Green Business Tracer Study – Nairobi, Kenya

Job Title: Research Consultant – Green Business Project (Remote/Onsite)

Location: Remote – Kenya-Based
Contract Type: Consultancy Contract (Fixed-term)
Company: Zizi Afrique Foundation
Project Title: Green Businesses: Creating Opportunities for Young People and Women in Rural Kenya
Project Number: KEN 1176-19
Application Deadline: September 24, 2024

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Introduction

Zizi Afrique Foundation is seeking an experienced Research Consultant to lead a Green Business Tracer Study for the “Green Businesses: Creating Opportunities for Young People and Women in Rural Kenya” project. This consultancy offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause that focuses on green skills development in rural areas, empowering youth and women, and promoting sustainable employment through vocational education.

As a Research Consultant, you will play a pivotal role in assessing the impact of the project, gathering data on employment outcomes, and providing actionable recommendations to enhance the project’s effectiveness.

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Project Overview

The Green Business Project, initiated in 2019, aims to reduce poverty and hunger in rural Kenya by promoting green skills among women and youth. The project operates in the counties of Kajiado, Kakamega, and Makueni, focusing on value chains relevant to each area, including postharvest loss reduction, food security, and value addition.

Project Highlights

• Involves five leading TVET institutions: Latia Agribusiness Solutions, Bukura Agricultural College, Makueni Agriculture College, Baraka Agriculture College, and Miramar International College.
• Targets 1,500 women and youth (at least 60% women) for training in green skills, enhancing their employability in sustainable sectors.
• Combines training on financial literacy, business management, and green competencies to equip participants with market-relevant skills.

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Key Responsibilities

As the Research Consultant, you will be responsible for conducting a tracer study to track the outcomes of the Green Business Project and provide insights into the employability of graduates. Key duties include:

1. Assess the Usefulness of Training Programs

• Evaluate graduates’ skills and competencies in relation to market demand.
• Provide feedback to TVET institutions, trainers, and stakeholders on the effectiveness of green business training programs.

2. Analyze Employment and Income Levels

• Compare participants’ employment status and income levels before and after the training.
• Utilize event history calendars to gather accurate historical data for analysis.

3. Evaluate Skills Application

• Investigate how participants have applied their green skills in daily life or work environments.
• Identify any skills mismatch and suggest ways to improve the training curriculum to better align with market demands.

4. Identify Barriers and Opportunities for Employment

• Identify challenges that hinder employment or self-employment among trainees.
• Gather feedback from employers on the preparedness of TVET graduates, focusing on their contributions to sustainability initiatives.

5. Provide Actionable Recommendations

• Offer recommendations based on study findings to enhance the Greening TVET program and increase its impact.
• Present findings to stakeholders, ensuring they are informed and engaged in the continuous improvement of the project.

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Qualifications and Skills

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Research, Monitoring and Evaluation, Education, or related fields.
• Extensive experience in impact assessment and the evaluation of vocational training programs.
• Proven knowledge of youth development, women’s empowerment, and TVET education.
• Strong understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, particularly in social norms and cultural studies.

Preferred Skills

• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Experience working with data collection tools, analyzing quantitative and qualitative data.
• Fluent in both spoken and written English.
• Ability to produce high-quality reports and present findings in a clear, concise manner.

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Project Scope

This consultancy covers the Green Business Project (2019-2025), with the aim of establishing the value addition of graduates following the green business training. The tracer study will specifically assess the employment outcomes, application of skills, and the overall impact of the training on participants’ livelihoods.

Tracer Study Objectives

1. Evaluate Training Programs: Determine the effectiveness of the green business training in meeting market demands.
2. Employment Success Indicators: Track participants’ employment outcomes, skill use, and their integration into green sectors.
3. Career Growth: Examine career growth opportunities post-training, including self-employment ventures.
4. Barriers and Opportunities: Identify the barriers to employment and propose solutions to maximize employment rates among graduates.

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Timeline and Deliverables

The consultancy contract will run from 16th October 2024 to 11th November 2024 (20 professional days). The Research Consultant is expected to provide the following deliverables:

Deliverables

1. Inception Report: Outlining the study approach and methodology.
2. Finalized Tools: Complete data collection tools and plans for fieldwork.
3. Fieldwork Report: Highlighting key findings from data collected.
4. First Draft of the Tracer Study Report.
5. Presentation of Preliminary Findings: Engage stakeholders in a discussion of initial results.
6. Final Tracer Study Report: Summarizing the study’s findings, with a focus on employment outcomes and recommendations.
7. Quantitative and Qualitative Data Sets: Complete data collected during the study.
8. Human Interest Stories: Documenting success stories from the participants, with consent forms for any photos or videos taken.

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Application Process

Interested consultants are invited to submit a detailed proposal (8 pages max) outlining the following:

• Understanding of the task
• Proposed methodology and approach
• Work plan and timeline
• Budget
• CV/Profiles of key personnel (with at least three referees)

All applications should be submitted via email under the heading ‘Green Business Project Tracer Study’ to info@ziziafrique.org, with a copy sent to wodondi@ziziafrique.org, by 24th September 2024.

TELEGRAM CHANNEL

The Green Business Project represents a unique opportunity to foster sustainable growth and create green jobs for youth and women in rural Kenya. By participating in this project as a Research Consultant, you will directly contribute to poverty reduction, sustainability, and the development of green skills that are vital for the future of Kenya’s rural communities.

Join us at Zizi Afrique Foundation in empowering the next generation of agripreneurs and creating meaningful change in Kakamega, Makueni, and Kajiado counties.

Why Join Zizi Afrique Foundation?

Zizi Afrique is a dynamic organization dedicated to sustainable development and empowering rural communities in Kenya. By joining our team as a Research Consultant, you will play a critical role in evaluating the impact of our programs and helping to shape the future of green business training in Kenya.

Key Benefits of the Role

• Collaborate with leading TVET institutions and development partners.
• Contribute to youth and women empowerment in rural Kenya.
• Gain valuable experience in impact assessment and research.
• Shape the future of green business training and education in Kenya.

Project Partners

The Green Business Project is implemented in collaboration with the following institutions:

1. Latia Agribusiness Solutions – Specializes in agribusiness training and innovation.
2. Bukura Agricultural College – Focuses on agricultural education and training.
3. Makueni Agriculture College – Offers vocational training in agriculture.
4. Baraka Agriculture College – Provides green skills training and education.
5. Miramar International College – Delivers cutting-edge vocational training in agriculture and sustainability.

About the Green Business Project

The Green Business Project focuses on promoting green skills and competencies among youth and women in rural Kenya. The project’s overarching goal is to reduce poverty and improve food security through vocational training in sustainable agriculture, agribusiness, and related fields.

Key project activities include:

• Curriculum Development for green skills training.
• Financial Literacy Training for young entrepreneurs.
• Industrial Attachments to provide practical experience.
• Mentorship Programs with local agripreneurs.

The project aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Tracer Study Importance

The tracer study will provide critical insights into the effectiveness of the Green Business Project. By tracking the progress of trainees, the study will offer a deeper understanding of how vocational training in green skills translates into tangible employment outcomes. The findings will guide the project’s future direction and help improve the employability of rural youth and women.

Apply today and help us build a sustainable future for Kenya.

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Contact Information

Zizi Afrique Foundation
Le Mac Building | First Floor | Suite 1
Off Church Road, Westlands
P.O. Box 6183 – 00100, Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: +254 705 091 682

Email: info@ziziafrique.org
Website: www.ziziafrique.org