Development of Knowledge Product (KP)
Terms of Reference.
Background and Context
Youth Alive! Kenya with support from Uraia Trust is implementing the Strengthening Public Accountability and Responsiveness in Kenya (SPARKe) project with the Youth Serving Organizations (YSO) in Coast, Central, and Western Clusters. The 8-month project is working towards creating strong youth organizations that collaboratively address youth issues for enhanced social and political accountability. To achieve this, the project will work towards enhancing the capacity of youth and youth organizations, enabling them to engage in governance and democratic processes, advocating for the prioritization of youth issues in these processes as well as improving access to a youth-friendly guide demonstrating the role and strategies and effects of non-participation of young people in political, social, and economic processes.
Background of the Assignment
Youth civic awareness in Kenya has seen a remarkable resurgence, particularly fueled by recent demonstrations and increased youth participation in national development issues through the use of technology and increased digital access. However, translating this awareness into active participation has been a challenge, especially among urban and rural youth of Kenya.
This lack of participation has been entrenched by systemic disregard of youth voices in key decision-making processes, lack of proper youth engagement structures, and failure of the political class to fulfill commitments contained in their manifestos towards robust social economic development rooted in good governance principles. Over the years, young people have felt unheard and disenfranchised, exacerbated by skyrocketing unemployment among the youth population and the high cost of living that has threatened their livelihoods. These elements have collectively stifled the importance of youth participation in civic and democratic processes. Although many young people are involved in community engagements, their involvement in electoral processes, party engagements, and governance and leadership remains limited.
Recently, Kenya’s Generation Z and millennials have emerged as a powerful force in civic and political activism. The significant youth turnout in protests against the proposed Finance Bill, the EndFemicideKe movement, and other social justice initiatives highlight a renewed interest in political and social participation. The innovative use of technology and social media has enabled broader political discourse, increased scrutiny of government actions, and empowered young people to challenge traditional power structures.
Youth Alive! Kenya aims to harness this renewed interest and develop a Knowledge Product (KP) to promote youth participation in political, social, and economic life. Recognizing the disinterest among youth in government processes and the lack of awareness, this guide will aim to showcase diverse forms of participation using digital platforms and leveraging global youth movements by capitalizing on the current wave of youth activism. This knowledge product is essential in enabling young people to better understand and engage in democratic processes.
Objective of the Assignment: The consultant will support Youth Alive! Kenya in compiling and producing youth-friendly infographic guides that demonstrate the importance of youth participation in fostering a healthy democracy. The guides will highlight various forms of participation, utilize existing digital resources, and leverage influencers to enhance dissemination.
Scope of Work:
1.Design of the Knowledge Product: The consultant will focus on the design work of the Knowledge Product that will focus on the National Budget, County Planning And Budget Cycle, Social Accountability and Elections. Youth Alive! Kenya will provide the content to be transferred into the Knowledge Product. The number of pages will be determined during the progress meeting with the consultant.
2. Youth-Friendly Design: Develop a knowledge product that is comprehensively informative, visually appealing, and easily understandable by youth. The design should be engaging and attractive to young people, incorporating interactive and visually stimulating elements that resonate with their interests and behaviors.
Deliverables:
The consultant will be expected to deliver a comprehensive, visually appealing, and easily understandable Knowledge Product (KP) that effectively captures insights on youth participation in key democratic processes. The KP should be designed to engage and attract young people, utilizing interactive and visually stimulating elements to ensure the content is both informative and engaging.
Timeline: The development and design of the knowledge product should be completed within 21 days, with regular weekly progress and milestone updates.
Qualifications:
- Degree in Communications, Media, Design, or a related field from a recognized university.
- Strong design portfolio demonstrating expertise in creating engaging and youth-friendly materials.
- Proven experience in developing educational or informational materials targeting youth.
- Familiarity with youth engagement and democracy promotion issues is preferred.
Reporting: The consultant will report to the SPARKe Project Lead at Youth Alive! Kenya.
Application Process: Interested candidates should submit:
- A detailed proposal outlining their approach to achieving the objectives.
- Relevant experience and qualifications.
- A portfolio of past youth-friendly design work.
- Proposed budget and timeline.
Interested candidates should submit their proposals, including a detailed methodology, qualifications, and budget, to hr@youthalivekenya.org on or before 31st July 2024 C.O.B.
