Disability Inclusion Expert – Kenya

Background:

USAID/Kenya and East Africa’s 2020–2025 Country Development Cooperation Strategy focuses on inclusive systems and services to enhance skills and promote meaningful inclusion for persons with disabilities. Despite progress through various initiatives in 2023 and 2024, the strategy aims to be more impactful by integrating disability inclusion across all objectives, establishing clear frameworks and indicators, amplifying the voices of persons with disabilities, and using disaggregated data for planning and evaluation. Stronger institutional frameworks and accountability mechanisms are also necessary to prioritize inclusion and meet goals.

The newly adopted USAID Disability Policy 2024 seeks to empower persons with disabilities as equal partners in development by dismantling barriers, fostering accessibility, engaging diverse disability groups, improving data collection, and advancing inclusive programming. It emphasizes promoting political will and institutional accountability for disability-inclusive practices.

Scope of Work:

The LISA program, implemented by SoCha, is seeking a local Disability Inclusion Expert to support the development of a comprehensive strategy for disability inclusion in the USAID/Kenya and East Africa Country Development Cooperation Strategy (2026-2030). The Disability Inclusion Expert will be responsible for conducting in-depth analyses, documenting best practices, and developing an action framework to guide disability inclusion efforts.

The Disability Inclusion Expert will be contracted by SoCha and will report directly to the designated supervisor. They will implement the following tasks:

• Conduct a SWOT Analysis: Evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to disability inclusion within the target context.
• Document Best Practices and Recommendations: Identify effective practices in disability inclusion and provide actionable recommendations for enhancement.
• Develop a Disability Inclusion Action Framework: Create an action-oriented framework with measurable outcomes and key indicators.
• Consolidate Findings into a Final Report: Produce a comprehensive and well-structured report synthesizing analyses, best practices, and recommendations.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

• Advanced degree in social sciences, development studies, disability studies, or a related field.
• At least ten (10) years of demonstrated engagement and expertise in the complexities of disability-related issues in the Kenya or African contexts.
• Proven track record of conducting SWOT analyses and developing results frameworks for development programs.
• Demonstrated experience in documenting best practices and producing evidence-based reports.
• Expertise in disability inclusion strategies in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Kenya or similar contexts.
• Experience working with USAID and USAID implementing partners and stakeholders is an added advantage.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to synthesize complex data and insights.
• Excellent writing and communication skills, including.
• Proven ability to produce high-quality, concise, and structured reports.
• Proficient in stakeholder engagement and consultation.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• A passion for advancing the rights and inclusion of individuals with disabilities, and a deep understanding of the challenges they face.

Location: Nairobi, with expected travel to the counties.

Period of Performance: January 2025 – April 2025.

Level of Effort: 40 days.