CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: RMEAL CONSULTANCY

TERMS OF REFERENCE (TORs) 

Assessing Community Engagement and Access to Financing under the FLLoCA Program in Kenya

1. Introduction

Natural Justice is a non-profit organization rooted in the struggles of communities in Africa. As a team of pioneering lawyers and legal experts, we specialize in human rights, environmental justice, climate, land, indigenous, and heritage law. Our mission is to enhance the collective rights of people and protect the relationships Indigenous Peoples and local communities have with nature. We work through legal empowerment, research, policy advocacy, and strategic litigation to ensure communities can know, use, and shape the law.

Headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa, with regional hubs and staff in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dakar, Senegal, Natural Justice also has staff in Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Somalia.

2. Background

The African Activists for Climate Justice (AACJ) is a five-year program (2021–2025) that unifies and amplifies African voices, ensuring vulnerable groups—women, youth, and Indigenous communities—can defend their human rights and live dignified lives in a sustainable environment.

Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the Power of Voices program, AACJ is implemented across eight African countries: Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Mozambique, Senegal, Somalia, and South Africa. The program focuses on strengthening climate movements, promoting African climate justice narratives, empowering communities, and scaling best practices for climate adaptation.

A key component of AACJ is ensuring the inclusion of marginalized groups in climate action. Indigenous Peoples are often viewed as victims rather than key agents of adaptation. Their traditional knowledge provides valuable insights into climate resilience, yet they remain excluded from global decision-making and regulatory frameworks. This exclusion weakens their customary rights and reduces their resilience.

The Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Program, launched by the Government of Kenya in partnership with the World Bank and development partners, aims to strengthen community capacities for managing climate risks. The program prioritizes citizen engagement and local leadership in climate governance, addressing structural inequalities and ensuring transparent and accountable climate financing mechanisms.

To assess FLLoCA’s effectiveness, Natural Justice seeks a consultant to evaluate community involvement in climate governance and extract lessons for future climate financing initiatives.

3. Objectives of the Study

The main objectives of the study are:

1.      Assess Community Engagement: Evaluate the extent to which FLLoCA has enabled community participation in climate governance, particularly among marginalized groups.

2.      Identify Best Practices: Document effective approaches for community-level climate financing that enhances climate action.

3.      Analyze Barriers to Access: Identify key obstacles communities face in accessing FLLoCA funds and utilizing them effectively.

4.      Provide Actionable Recommendations: Develop concrete recommendations to strengthen the effectiveness, accessibility, and sustainability of climate financing initiatives in Kenya.

4. Scope of Work

The consultant will undertake the following tasks:

1.      Comparative Analysis: Conduct a desk review of existing climate financing initiatives, particularly in Africa, to establish benchmarks for FLLoCA’s performance.

2.      Primary Data Collection: Engage communities, CSOs, government officials, and other stakeholders through qualitative and quantitative research methods (e.g., interviews, focus groups, and surveys).

3.      Case Study Analysis: Select three counties where Natural Justice operates and where FLLoCA implementation has been prominent to provide in-depth insights.

4.      Validation and Synthesis: Facilitate stakeholder validation sessions to discuss findings and refine recommendations.

5.      Final Report and Dissemination: Develop a comprehensive report with findings, lessons learned, and recommendations for improving climate financing mechanisms in Kenya.

5. Deliverables

1.      Inception Report: Outlining methodology, approach, and study timeline. This will include draft data collection tools for approval.

2.      Raw and Processed Data: From qualitative and quantitative data collection.

3.      Draft Report: Presenting preliminary findings from the literature review, primary data, and case study analysis.

4.      Validation Report: Documenting stakeholder feedback and necessary refinements.

5.      Final Report: A comprehensive, well-structured report presenting key findings, insights, and policy recommendations to strengthen climate financing mechanisms. Additionally, a visually engaging summary infographic will distil the study's key takeaways for easy and rapid dissemination.

6. Consultant Qualifications

The ideal consultant should have:

• Education: A Master’s or Ph.D. in Environmental Studies, Climate Science, Public Policy, Development Studies, or a related field.
• Specialization in Climate Change & Governance: Demonstrated expertise in climate policy, adaptation, mitigation, and community-led climate action.
• Proven Research Experience: Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills, including experience in survey design, stakeholder engagement, and participatory data collection.
• Knowledge of Climate Finance: Understanding of global and local climate finance mechanisms, including World Bank-funded initiatives.
• Strong Analytical & Writing Skills: Ability to synthesize complex data into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Language Skills: Proficiency in English and Swahili is required.

7. Application Details

Interested applicants should submit the following:

1.      Technical Proposal detailing the study approach, methodology, and work plan.

2.      Consultant CV(s) demonstrating relevant expertise and experience.

3.      Proposed Timeline with key milestones from inception to final report submission.

4.      Previous Work Samples showcasing experience with similar assignments.

5.      Financial Proposal with a detailed, itemized budget, including professional fees, travel, and other costs.

Proposals should be submitted to recruitment@naturaljustice.org by 17:00 hours on 28^th March 2025

8. Supervision & Payment Terms

• The consultant will report to Natural Justice’s East Africa Hub RMEAL Coordinator.
• Payment will be made via cheque or electronic funds transfer as follows:
• 30% upon contract signing
• 30% upon submission of a satisfactory draft report
• 40% upon submission and approval of the final report

The consultant can propose Alternative payment plans at the discretion of Natural Justice.

9. Proposed Timelines

10. Conclusion

This study presents an opportunity to assess and improve the effectiveness of locally led climate financing initiatives in Kenya. We invite qualified consultants to apply and contribute to strengthening climate governance and resilience in local communities.

For inquiries, contact Natural Justice at recruitment@naturaljustice.org