Consultancy Services for a Research on Women’s Labour Rights

The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) is a national NGO with the mission to promote, protect and enhance the enjoyment of all human rights by all individuals and groups.

The KHRC intends to award a consultancy to a highly competent, qualified and experienced research consultant or firm having the relevant technical background, to conduct a research on women’s labour rights.

Purpose of the consultancy:

In line with the KHRC’s goal of the year (2011- 2012) “investing in the new constitution for accountability and Justice”, KHRC towards improving access to economic, social and cultural rights intends to carry out a study on women’s labour rights, who make a majority of labour force within the horticulture industry.

The research targets an in-depth understanding of rights situations and experiences of workers as regards equality between male and female workers on

a) equal pay for equal work,

b) maternity and paternity leave

c) child support,

d) sexual harassment,

e) dismissal, and

f) casual labour and contracts.

The research also aims to consider companies human resource policies and their implementation in relation to compliance with the Employment Act and rights entrenched in the Constitution, as well as interplay between legislations, policy and practice.

The study locations will be Naivasha, Thika and Athi River.

The research recommendations and follow up advocacy will contribute towards improving workers livelihoods (income) / standard of living (social and cultural rights) through increased understanding of the Employment Act (2007), Constitutional provisions on equality and non-discrimination and women’s labour rights violations by the public, women workers and employers.

This will consequently influence market demand for products that adhere to high standards with regards to workers rights.

Specifically, the study will;

1. Explore the legal and organisational policy provisions for women’s rights as workers.
2. Assess levels of understanding by women workers of their labour rights as provided for in the Employment Act 2007, Constitution of Kenya (2010) and organisational policies.
3. Examine the situation of women workers / their practical realities and the extent of respect for their rights
4. Establish in what ways there is alignment of or a mismatch between legislation, organizational policy and reality.
5. Consider measures adopted by the employers towards improving employment practices– have these reform agendas improve access to economic and social rights and service delivery for women workers
6. Identify any model companies with regards to compliance with outlined women labour rights observance; to profile as a learning point by other companies
7. Provide recommendations on necessary actions by workers and employers to improve women’s rights as workers

Primary Tasks:

Towards delivery of the assignment, the successful consultant will be expected to

1. Attend meetings with KHRC team to discuss and map out key issues and targeted areas for the assignment by 27th Sept
2. Carry out desk review of legal instruments, policy papers, reports and other publications in line with the study;
3. Develop and present research tools, methodology for the study and the preliminary desk review report to KHRC and a select team of stakeholders for comments and approval by 12th October 2011;
4. Conduct field based interviews in the 3 focus areas as per the agreed sampling design and methodology by 30th October 2011
5. Analyze and interpret the findings;
6. Share the report with a select team (KHRC and some key stakeholders) for validation and final inputs by 14th November 2011
7. Submit the final report with clear research findings and relevant policy recommendations by 25th November 2011

The consultant is required to possess

1. Professional experience in conducting research (data collection & analysis) and reporting – both qualitative and quantitative
2. Good analytical skills
3. Demonstrable experience in assignments of similar nature, including understanding of workers and livelihood issues; and relevant regulatory frameworks
4. Excellent documentation and writing skills, attested by past written papers.
5. A relevant degree in social science discipline
6. Ability to interact effectively with local communities and as part of a technical team.
7. Availability to meet project deadlines.

For more information read the Concept Notes - Labour Rights Research Here

KHRC invites interested consultants (individuals / firms) with experience in executing similar assignments to submit their expression of interest accompanied by a detailed profile, stating their capability, availability, a detailed work‐plan, expected consultancy fee for this assignment and contacts of three referees.

EOI should be submitted on or before 15th September 2011 by email to vmunyua@khrc.or.ke.

Only short-listed applicants will be notified.