HelpAge International Cash Transfer Programmes Learning Documentation


Terms of Reference: Cash Transfer Programmes Learning Documentation 
 
1.0 About HelpAge
 
HelpAge International in Kenya: HelpAge is a global network of not-for-profit organizations with a vision of a world where older people fulfill their potential to lead active, dignified, healthy and secure lives. 

With more than 70 affiliates and 300 partners across more than 50 countries the HelpAge network brings together hundreds of organizations worldwide. 

HelpAge has a secretariat with offices in London and Brussels, seven regional centres in Africa (2), Asia/Pacific (2), Latin America, the Caribbean and Central Asia in addition to country programme offices.
 
HelpAge International has been managing programmes in the region for over 20 years. 

HelpAge International strategy on emergency is linked to the organizational goal for ensuring that older people claim their rights, challenge discrimination and overcome poverty. 

In line with this strategy, HelpAge International has been one of the leading International NGOs responding to emergencies in Northern Kenya.

2.0 About HelpAge’s Cash Transfer Programmes

Through the Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) in October 2011, HelpAge International secured funds to support its emergency activities in Turkana and Dadaab in Kenya.

This has seen 3,000 older people and their families benefit from cash transfer of Ksh 3,000 (USD 36) per month in the nine (9) sub locations in Turkana District.

In 2008, HelpAge International (HelpAge), as part of a group of organizations, commenced implementation of Phase I of the Government of Kenya led and DFID-financed Hunger Safety Net Programme (HSNP). 

The objective of Phase I (April 2007 - March 2012) was to design and pilot cost-effective mechanisms for beneficiary targeting, payment delivery and grievance management in four districts in Northern Kenya (Turkana, Marsabit, Mandera and Wajir). 

The focus of this activity was to be a comparison of the cost-effectiveness of three different types of targeting methodology: a social pension (for all elderly people aged over a certain age threshold), community-based targeting (similar to the EMOP targeting process), and targeting based on household ‘dependency ratio’. 

It’s in this regard that HelpAge International intends to conduct an assessment through external consultancy services to document lessons learnt in its cash transfer programmes and HSNP phase 1 contribution to community resilience in Turkana with the following objectives in mind;

3.0 Objectives of the Assignment

1.
 To determine the effectiveness of the implementation mechanisms of the cash transfer programmes and systems including the mobilization, targeting, registration and cash distribution; noting any potential; Security issues, Private sector partnerships, cost effectiveness, barriers e.g. infrastructure e.t.c

2.
 To analyze the degree to which the programmes were transparent and participatory from the perspective of beneficiaries, particularly noting any beneficiary feedback mechanisms or complaints mechanisms; and to provide recommendations for improvements on such mechanisms (Give real examples from the beneficiaries -the problem and how they think it can be improved)
 
3. To analyze the efficiency of the approach for implementing a humanitarian cash transfer delivery program in comparison to other delivery mechanisms as in the case of the Emergency Response Programme
  • Cost– time taken by beneficiary to collect his/her dues
  • Time taken to implement the project
  • Recipients and the local market
4. To measure the contribution of HSNP phase 1 program on community resilience in Turkana at the household level capturing specific beneficiary stories.

5.
 To analyze the appropriateness of the program particularly in comparison to food aid delivery and comparison to more traditional method of cash transfer delivery by humanitarian actors. This should factor in the cost benefit ration (VfM) i.e. the methodology adopted in distributing cash compared to how efficient, effective and economical this was.

6.
 Document key lessons learnt as a result of the cash transfer programmes. Should be able to capture whether cash transfer programmes in an emergency situation could be used as a means to increase resilience in the community in Turkana.

7.
 Analyze cash transfer contribution to strengthening livelihood and coping strategies in Turkana

4.0 Methodology

The lead evaluator will be responsible for developing the evaluation design, including identifying methods and developing relevant tools. 

The design should take into account the following principles:
  • A collaborative approach, engaging staff, partners and other key stakeholders as appropriate
  • A participatory evaluation with particular emphasis on capturing a cross-section of views from all segments of the beneficiaries –gender and age factors.
  • Use of semi-structured interviews,  focus group discussions and PRA techniques
  • Triangulation and cross checking of data through use multiple sources
5.0 Output

Key output shall include;
  • Assessment design methods and tools
  • Primary data
  • Presentation of Key findings
  • Final report
6.0 Management of the Assessment

The Regional Monitoring Evidence and Learning Coordinator, Emergency Programme Manager and the Regional Social Protection Manager respectively (both based in Nairobi) will be directly responsible for the planning and execution of the assessment.

7.0 Contractual Matters

Binding agreements will be drawn in a form of a contract to which this TOR will serve as an annex or addendum. 

The contract will stipulate all the legal and statutory obligations as required by law and relevant to the two contracting parties.

8.0 Timing/Work plan

The Consultancy is expected to take a maximum of 15 days. 

The consultant will be expected to come up with his/her work plan to be reviewed by HelpAge before commencement of the assignment.

9.0 Consultant qualification and experience
 

The consultant should have the following competencies and qualifications
  • Masters degree in relevant field of study  
  • Special skills in both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis
  • Strong practitioner of participatory methodologies
  • Experience working with/in diverse cultural settings, evaluation of humanitarian work as well as hostile and insecure environment
  • Credible profile of evaluation of humanitarian projects in line with the sphere standards and relevant standards
  • Excellent presentation and report writing skills
  • Knowledge in cash transfer programming a desirable
10.0 Application procedure

Send your Technical Proposal to: helpage@helpage.co.ke and copy dmwachi@helpage.co.ke  

Application deadline is 28th January, 2013.

“HelpAge International is an equal opportunity employer. 

Applicants from both genders all ethnic background are highly encouraged to apply. 

Canvassing may lead to automatic disqualification”