Terms of reference for Review of Public Participation Policies from a Gender Perspective with a view of Incorporating Gender Responsive Budgetin at Oxfam

Background

The Constitution of Kenya 2010, has introduced a devolved system of government that decentralized some basic public social services thereby enabling citizens tself-govern and participate in the exercise of state power. This is particularly important when it comes tdecision making and managing of their own affairs specifically tensure the equitable sharing of national and local resources, and, promoting the provision of proximate and easily accessible services throughout Kenya. The constitution alssecures the right of public participation in all aspects of the governance processes and particularly in the mobilization, allocation and utilization of public resources. However, most citizens have still not been able teffectively engage with the budgeting, allocation and spending of the National and County resources. The people most affected by how their resources are allocated and utilized are still unable teffectively participate. Women, whare the primary users of basic social services and the most affected, are unable taccess quality healthcare, education and water for their families, with 3%-4% of Kenyans being pushed intpoverty each year, due thealthcare related expenses and only 19% of urban residents having access tproper sanitation and water. Tensure that women have the tools and capacity teffectively participate in shaping their lives, a grassroot movement of enlightened and equipped women on budget making and review must be nurtured. Oxfam together with partners is kicking off a Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB) project tensure participatory budgeting by women and treview will not only enhance service delivery but alsgenerate more resources for local development.

In this regard, Oxfam seeks the services of a consultant tsupport in the documentation of the public participation process by capturing human interest stories, a case study, photographs and a videthat highlights the successes and impact of the project activities.

Objective

The objective of this consultancy is tconduct a survey on the knowledge, attitudes and practices of women on revenue raising, allocation (budget making) and expenditure at National level and Nairobi County level and its impact. This will inform communications, advocacy and public mobilization towards the Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB) project. The project has high demands in terms of the quantity and quality of data tbe collected and used by multiple-stakeholders tmeet the Monitoring and Evaluation standards. The baseline should provide data on key project indicators tenable the project tmeasure changes taking place over the course of the project. The data tbe collected will be both qualitative and quantitative in nature, and will include information gathered on the results indicators and on knowledge, attitudes and practices of communities and duty bearers on tax systems and public participation in decision making processes. The design and implementation of the baseline must take intaccount and abide by agreed Oxfam’s principles including gender equality, inclusion and non-discrimination throughout the research cycle. Furthermore, the assessment is required tbe conducted in-line with Oxfam’s CAMSA minimum requirements and ethical standards in Monitoring, Evaluation and Research.

Scope of work and deliverables

Oxfam is looking for a consultant to:

• Produce a report survey on the knowledge, attitudes and practices of women on revenue raising, allocation (budget making) and expenditure at National and Nairobi County level and its impact
• Make a presentation of the final report tcivil society organisations and government both National and County level

Specifically, the consultants will;

• Collect and compile data from government, women’s groups, civil society and communities on the knowledge, attitudes and practices of women on revenue raising, allocation (budget making) and expenditure at National and Nairobi County level and its impact
• Develop a zerdraft for internal review
• Incorporate comments and changes as deemed fit by Oxfam Kenya and in line with the project objectives
• Compile a final draft with practical recommendations for GRB principles application in public participation focusing on government both county and national, civil society and women’s rights groups
• Make a presentation of the findings to government and civil society

Deliverables

• A review report on on the knowledge, attitudes and practices of women on revenue raising, allocation (budget making) and expenditure at National and Nairobi County level and its impact
• Zerdraft for comments by Oxfam and Peer Reviewers
• Final draft approved by Oxfam Kenya’s County Director
• Presentation of findings tgovernment and civil society actors

Skills and Experience

This study will be conducted by a team of researchers whwill possess the following:

• At least a Masters Degree in Economics/ Business Studies/Public Policy, Social Science, Gender Studies, Political Science or related field for the lead consultant and a minimum of Bachelors Degree on the relevant academic areas for research assistants.
• Seven years demonstrated experience in economic research and policy analysis in Kenya as the lead consultant
• Previous knowledge and experience on public finance management and fiscal justice
• Good understanding of Kenyan Constitution and devolution policies
• Conversant with application of cross cutting themes such as gender mainstreaming and governance
• Proven experience of using participatory methods as the means of data collection and analysis.
• Fluency in spoken and written English and Swahili.
• Excellent analytical and report writing skills with skills in using statistical packages such as SPSS, Epi data, N-Vivetc.

Bid Requirements

• Consultants whmeet the requirements of this assignment should submit Expression of Interest of NOT MORE THAN 5 PAGES which should include the following:
• Proposed study methodology including a detailed work plan.
• Updated curriculum vitae of the consultants and assistants that clearly spell out their qualifications and experience.
• Contacts of 3 professional organizations that have recently contracted the consultant tcarry out similar study/research tasks.
• Financial proposal with daily costs per activity which shall be part of the 10 pages expression of interest.

Administration notes

Logistics: The consultant will meet their own costs related ttransport and food.

Reporting structure: The consultant will report tOxfam Kenya Tax Justice Programme Officer during the review period. Final products will be reviewed and signed off by Oxfam’s Country Director

Ownership: the materials produced will be the property of the Oxfam in Kenya