Study on the Impact of Beneficiary Welfare Committees on the Delivery of Social Protection Initiatives and Interventions in PEPFAR Supported Counties
Project background
USAID Health Equity and Resource Optimization (USAID HERO) is a three-year (March 2023-March 2026) project implemented by Kenyatta University (KU) and Abt Global. The overarching goal of the USAID HERO mechanism is to improve equity, quality, and resource optimization through a strong, well-functioning health system that achieves better health outcomes for Kenyans. To achieve this goal, the HERO Mechanism focuses on the following three sub-purpose (SP) areas:
SP 1: Improved domestic resource mobilization for sustainable financing of essential health services;
SP 2: Improved financial protection and social inclusion systems for health;
SP 3: Improved availability and use of quality evidence to inform policy, planning, and implementation of health services.
The project is implemented in 10 counties across Kenya (Kwale, Kilifi, Taita-Taveta, Kajiado, Meru, Nyandarua, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Baringo) and is aligned with the government's priority of Universal Health Care (UHC). The project works with national and county governments, and other key stakeholders in health and social protection services to achieve its goals.
USAID HERO is seeking a consultant based in Kenya to support a study on the impact of Beneficiary Welfare Committees (BWCs) on the delivery of social protection initiatives and interventions in PEPFAR supported counties.
Aim of the Consultancy
The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection (MLSP) in 2014 issued guidelines for the establishment and operationalization of the Beneficiary Welfare Committees (BWCs) for the effective management and communication of the Inua Jamii program. These locational-based committees are made up of fifteen Inua Jamii cash transfer programs beneficiaries. Vast locations may opt to establish sub-location based BWCs depending on the number of beneficiaries. Gender, geographical, and minority groups representation are some of the criteria considered when electing the members. The main purpose of the establishment of BWCs was to increase programme ownership, efficiency, accountability, transparency, and awareness; and act as a key link between the beneficiaries and the programme officers thereby reducing bureaucracy, and quick complains and grievance resolutions. However, since their establishment their impact on the Inua Jamii program has not been comprehensively documented. Therefore, the aim of the consultancy is to determine the proportion of functional BWCs and their impact on identification, enrolment, and health service delivery including grievance reporting for vulnerable households as identified using Harmonized Targeting Tools/Methodology or other agreed mechanism. The results of this consultancy will be used to strengthen the capacity of the BWCs to effectively support the government in the delivery of social protection initiatives as defined by the National Social Protection Policy of 2011 and National Social Protection Policy of 2023 at the locational and sub-locational levels Kenya.
Specific Objectives
The consultant will support the project to:
Deliverables
The proportion of functional BWCs in PEPFAR supported counties.
The effects of BWCs on service delivery for vulnerable populations in PEPFAR supported counties.
The role of BWCs on grievance reporting for vulnerable households in PEPFAR supported counties.
The role of BWCs on improving access for social health protection services in PEPFAR supported counties.
The role of BWCs on demand creation for social health protection services in PEPFAR supported counties and,
The financing streams for BWCs in PEPFAR supported Counties.
3. A policy brief on BWCs based on the findings of the study
4. A PowerPoint presentation deck of the final study report
Qualifications:
Minimum of an Advanced degree in Social policy, Statistics, Economics, Social sciences or related field.
At least 7 years’ experience in social protection services.
Experience working with the National Social Protection Secretariat and Counties.
Substantive experience in conducting similar consultancies, particularly supporting the development of social protection governance systems and evaluation
Analytical and conceptual ability and demonstrated skills in facilitating teamwork and satisfactorily completing documentation
Clear understanding of the social protection landscape in Kenya or comparable developing country
Demonstrate ability to work in a multi-cultural environment
Excellent communication, report writing, and presentation skills.
Level of Effort and Period of Performance:
The level of effort expected for completing this scope of work is no more than 30 working days. The assignment will be spread over a two-month period (September-November).
How to Apply:
Applicants are instructed to submit a technical and financial proposal
The financial proposal should be all-inclusive and include a breakdown (professional fees, travel related expenses, communications, utilities, consumables, insurance, etc.)
Application process.
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications including the following:
1. Capability Statement/Detailed Curriculum Vitae
2. Technical and financial proposal for implementing the assignment
Please submit your CV, and an application letter and a sample of recently completed related work by 4th October 2024, 1700hrs EAT.
Interviews for this position will be conducted on a rolling basis. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Disclaimer: Abt will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.