Mercy Corps Call for Proposals: Conflict Early Warning / Early Response Training and Hub Establishment


Call for Proposals: Conflict Early Warning / Early Response Training and Hub Establishment
 
1. Summary
 
Mercy Corps seeks proposals from individuals/consulting firms/teams that are interested in and have the technical capacity in training and establishing Early Warning and Early Response (EWER) teams/mechanisms and have experience in conflict mitigation and management for a USAID-funded peacebuilding program in Kenya.
 
2. Background
 
Since the reintroduction of political pluralism, Kenya has experienced violent conflicts in every election year, with the most vicious being the 2007-8 post-election violence (PEV) where an estimated 1300 deaths were reported and over 600,000 individuals displaced. 

A big portion of this conflict which pitted different ethnic groups against each was played out in the Rift Valley. The Rift Valley is vulnerable to political and ethnic manipulation due to its meshwork of different ethnicities. 

As we approach the March 4, 2013 election the prospect for another conflict cannot be dismissed; it could once more threaten the stability of the region hence the need to be proactive in putting in place measures to curb a repeat of the violence.

Mercy Corps  USAID funded Rift Valley Local Empowerment for Peace Program (LEAP) aims to strengthen the capacity of local actors and institutions in Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Nakuru, Kericho and Bomet counties to develop and advance sustainable peace. 

To achieve this goal, Mercy Corps is working to strengthen Early Warning and Early Response mechanisms in these targeted counties.
 
3. Purpose of training and establishing Conflict EWER systems in the Rift Valley
 
The objective is to assist communities avoid or minimize violent conflict and in the event of conflict - put in place response mechanisms to avoid escalation.

The early warnings systems will not only prepare for short term containment and relief strategies, but also build support for and implement longer term proactive strategies and development programs that can reduce the likelihood of future conflicts. 

Besides flow of information and reports from the ground regarding highly visible or rapidly escalating crises, it should also provide reliable analyses that identify latent, low-level conflicts or instabilities and build conflict management capacities of communities. 

The early warning systems should generate analyses that identify key factors driving the instability, providing a basis from which to assess likely future scenarios, and recommend appropriate options for local and international policy makers oriented toward preventive action.

4. Proposal Preparation and Submission
 
Interested and qualifying parties should submit proposal of no more than 5 pages (in MS Word documents using 12 point font) outlining the following: 
  1. Proposed approach/methodology, activities and method of analysis. The proposal should demonstrate understanding of the TOR. 
  2. Proposed work plan with timeline.
  3. Realistic and detailed budget including a narrative describing and justifying expenses such as daily rates for proposed team members, number of days, supplies and other direct costs.
  4. Summary details of qualifications and experience of the consultant/firm/team including relevant samples of work demonstrating competence in conducting community-based conflict mitigation and formation of EWER systems.
  5. Curriculum vitae/Bio Data of proposed team of up to two pages each (this will not contribute to the 5 page limit for the proposal). 
  6. Company/Organizational profile to include: company/Organizational background, physical location and Organizational structure
  7. Copy of company’s/ Organizations’ current business license or certificate of registration.
It is anticipated that the assignment will start on January 20, 2013 and be concluded on April 4, 2013.
 
5. Terms of Reference (TOR)
 
The training is to be a participatory, inclusive process working jointly with Mercy Corps LEAP program team, implementing partners and other stakeholders in the targeted communities.

The consulting team, in consultation with Mercy Corps and its implementing partners will be responsible for carrying out the following activities:
  • Develop detailed work plan for the training for review by the Program team.
  • Establish 10 EWER hubs in each of the six counties and build the capacities of 120 individuals to oversee the hubs.
  • Train 420 monitors on EWER
  • Develop an easy to use EWER handbook
  • Develop and code EWER indicators
  • Update Mercy Corps Chief of Party on the progress of the TOR on a weekly basis.
The assessment should be completed within 20 days from the date of signing of the contract.

6. Responsibilities of MERCY CORPS International

MERCY CORPS will be responsible for the following:
  • Provide relevant contacts in the communities.
  • Review and provide guidance on proposed approach, work plans and tools.
  • Assist with contacting and bringing together LEAP partners and EWER monitors.
  • Manage logistics for the trainings, establishment of hubs, printing and distribution of handbook.
7. Deliverables
 
The final products of this assignment will include:
  1. An easy to use EWER response handbook
  2. 60 functional EWER response hubs with 2 EWER overseers in each hub.
  3. 420 monitors trained on EWER.
  4. Assessment data.
8. Evaluation Criteria
 
The evaluation weighting ratio is 60% technical and 40% cost.
 
Technical (total weighting 60%):
  1. Experience in conducting Early Warning Early Response training post conflict settings. (20%)
  2. Previous experience working in Rift Valley (15%)
  3. Understanding of the opportunity. (15%)
  4. Recent experience in similar engagements (5%)
  5. Proposed approach - (5%)
Cost (total weighting 40%):
  1. Reasonable  20%
  2. Justifiable   20%
9. Qualifications and experience
 
MERCY CORPS is seeking for consultants with the following qualifications:
  • Experience in designing, managing conflict mitigation and early warning/early response programs.
  • Experience in working for USAID-funded programs in Kenya
  • Experience in working with diverse communities, state and non-state actors
  • Should have undertaken at least one assignment of a similar nature in the last two years
  • Experience and working knowledge of USAID requirements
  • Excellent writing, communication and facilitation skills
  • Good team worker
  • Proficient in both spoken and written English and Kiswahili.
The bids must be received no later than 4:00 pm, January 10, 2013. 

Proposals should be emailed to the following address: hr@ke.mercycorps.org. 

Proposals received after the stipulated date and time will not be accepted. Bids delivered through courier and post will also not be accepted. 

Failure to furnish all the information required for this call for proposal or submission of a proposal which does not substantially respond to the request for proposals may result in rejection of the proposal.
 
The proposal and all correspondence and documents relating to the proposal shall be in English.
 
All prices shall be quoted in Kenyan Shillings (KES.)