Background
Tanzania has one of the world’s youngest populations, with 45 percent being under the age of 15, 35 percent between the ages of 15–35, and with a median age for the population of 17.3 years. The unemployment crisis disproportionately affects already vulnerable groups, including youth living with disabilities, refugee youth, and internally displaced youth. These segments confront additional barriers, hindering their access to work opportunities and perpetuating societal marginalization. More than 12 percent of women and men in Tanzania have a disability (NBS 2014). People with disabilities are among the most vulnerable groups in society. They are often undereducated, untrained, often unemployed, or underemployed and poor – especially women, youth and those living in rural areas. In Tanzania, the disability movement is quite well-established. Different disabled persons’ organizations and the umbrella organization regularly take part in discussions with the government on issues affecting the lives of people with disabilities.
Similarly, internally displaced youth and those living with disabilities necessitate targeted support to overcome the distinct hurdles impeding their access to work and achieving financial stability. The urgency of these challenges has prompted AGRA Tanzania to initiate a program aimed at creating work opportunities for financially disadvantaged youth, with a specific focus on these marginalized groups. The mapping exercise outlined in this RFP is a crucial step toward understanding and addressing the nuanced circumstances of internally displaced youth and youth living with disabilities, ensuring their effective inclusion in the program and the broader economic landscape. For information about AGRA, please visit www.agra.org
Objectives of the Assignment
The overarching objectives of this consultancy are as follows:-
1. Comprehensive Mapping: Conduct an exhaustive mapping exercise to identify and locate internally displaced youth and youth living with disabilities in targeted regions of Tanzania, encompassing demographics and contextual nuances.
2. Needs Assessment: Undertake a comprehensive needs assessment to gain insights into the challenges faced by the targeted youth groups, including economic, social, and cultural barriers.
3. Skills and Aspirations Analysis: Identify and document the unique skills, talents, and aspirations of the youth, crucial for determining areas where they can actively contribute and thrive.
4. Opportunity Identification: Assess existing opportunities and potential areas for engagement within the work opportunities program.
Scope of Work
The consultant will undertake the following activities to achieve the outlined objectives:
1. Methodology Development: Devise a robust methodology for the mapping exercise that integrates both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, ensuring a holistic understanding of the targeted youth groups.
2. Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with local authorities, community leaders, NGOs, and representatives from the targeted youth groups to facilitate effective information gathering and community participation.
3. Field Visits and Data Collection: Conduct on-site field visits, employ interviews, surveys, and focus group discussions to gather comprehensive data on demographics, challenges, skills, and aspirations.
4. Collaboration with Local Organizations: Establish partnerships with local organizations and service providers to gain nuanced insights into existing resources, support services, and potential opportunities for the youth.
5. Data Analysis and Reporting: Analyze the collected data meticulously and produce a draft mapping report. Upon receiving feedback, prepare a final comprehensive mapping report, including actionable recommendations for
Key Qualifications and Experience Required
The required consultant should have the following attributes:
a) Education:
• A master’s degree in a relevant field such as social sciences, development studies, or a related discipline.
b) Professional Experience:
• At least 8 years of proven experience in conducting socio-economic mapping exercises, needs assessments, and program evaluations, with a focus on youth-related initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience in working with vulnerable populations, including youth living with disabilities, refugees, and internally displaced persons.
c) Technical Skills:
• Proficient in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
• Strong data analysis skills, including the use of relevant software tools.
• Familiarity with mapping and geographic information systems (GIS) is an added advantage.
d) Knowledge and Understanding:
• In-depth knowledge of the socio-economic challenges facing youth in Tanzania, particularly issues related to unemployment, poverty, and inequality.
• Understanding of the unique challenges faced by internally displaced youth and youth living with disabilities.
e) Stakeholder Engagement:
• Proven ability to effectively engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, including local government officials, community leaders, NGOs, and representatives from marginalized youth groups.
f) Cultural Sensitivity:
• Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and an understanding of the local context in Tanzania, ensuring respectful and inclusive interactions with diverse communities.
g) Communication Skills:
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to communicate complex findings and recommendations in a clear and accessible manner.
h) Team Collaboration:
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with local organizations and service providers to ensure effective coordination and data collection.
i) Innovation and Problem-Solving:
• Capacity for innovative thinking and problem-solving to address the unique challenges faced by marginalized youth in the context of work opportunities.
j) Commitment to Ethical Practices:
• Commitment to upholding ethical standards in research and ensuring the protection of the rights and dignity of all participants, particularly vulnerable populations.
k) Flexibility and Adaptability:
• Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability to navigate challenges that may arise during fieldwork and a commitment to adjusting methodologies based on the evolving needs of the project.
Submission of Proposals
Electronically via Oracle System
DEADLINE: 12th June, 2024, 5:00PM, East African Time.
