Tor To Conduct Research On The Impact Of Torture On Women, Girls, And Women Human Rights Defenders At Independent Medico Legal Unit

Introduction

The Independent Medical Legal Unit (IMLU) is a governance, health, and human rights non-governmental organization. Our work is fostered by a holistic approach that includes litigation, medical and psycho-social rehabilitation, socio-economic empowerment, oversight of government compliance with human rights obligations, and advocacy of political, legal, and institutional reforms that promote accountability, healing, and justice.

Over the last three decades, the organization has supported more than 6,000 victims of torture, and cruel, degrading, and inhumane treatments. We have a national presence of over 300 professionals: doctors, trauma counsellors, advocates, human rights monitors, and journalists. During this period, IMLU women girls and women human rights defenders have continuously faced unprecedented challenges in the fight against sexual violence including security risks.

Background

In the recent days, Kenya has experienced widespread protests and demonstrations across different Counties with Kenyans presenting their views and petitions targeting different offices in the government. The most current protest in the country was led by the youth famously known as Gen Z, to protest against the 2024 finance bill. IMLU witnessed gross human rights violations including the use of excessive force against peaceful protesters, arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. All these forms of torture have led to the loss of life, serious injuries, trauma, fear, and anxiety among Kenyans. Women, girls, and women human rights defenders have been adversely affected by the occurrences witnessed during this period.

Women, girls, and women human rights defenders often encounter heightened security risks, including threats of violence, harassment, and sexual assault, particularly in volatile environments during freedom of assembly events. Instances of gender bias and discrimination from authorities and community members further hinder their ability to gather information and gain cooperation. Additionally, the psychological toll of documenting and responding to gross human rights violations is especially pronounced for these women, particularly when dealing with cases of extrajudicial executions.

The objective of the Consultancy

The overall objective of this short-term consultancy is to conduct researchon the impact of Torture on Women and Girls in Kenya. The findings of this research should inform our programming and ensure that our interventions are relevant and survivor-centered.

Specific Objectives:

1. To assess the prevalence and types of torture experienced by women, girls, and women human rights defenders
2. To analyze the physical, psychological, and social impacts of torture on women, girls, and women human rights defenders
3. To evaluate the effectiveness of existing legal and support mechanisms in preventing and response to torture
4. To identify the gaps in the current response mechanisms and provide recommendations for improving protection and support to women, girls and women human rights defenders.

Scope of Work

The consultant will be expected to conduct comprehensive research on the impact of torture to women, girls, and women human rights defenders with a case study for Nairobi and Kisumu counties. From our data base, we have documented high numbers of human rights violations in these counties hence informing our targeting. Women bear the burden of human rights violations following death, abductions, torture, or even long-term injuries to the victims and survivors. The consultant will document the short-term and long-term impacts of torture on survivors including the health consequences, psychological trauma, and social stigmatization. The consultant will also be expected to review the national and international legal frameworks related to the prevention of torture and the protection of women and girls. The availability and effectiveness of the support services including medical, psychological, legal, and social support will also be assessed. The consultant will further propose actionable recommendations for policymakers, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to enhance protection and support for survivors.

Key Deliverables

The following are key deliverables for the assignment;

• Develop a detailed inception report with a clear research plan including the methodology, work plan, and timelines.
• Comprehensive interim report including preliminary findings and issues encountered and recommendations.
• Final Research Report incorporating all the feedback from key stakeholders. The final report shall be accompanied by the raw data and cleaned data files for cross-referencing.
• Presentation and dissemination of findings in a workshop organized by IMLU. Develop a PowerPoint presentation of the report for dissemination to stakeholders.

Timelines

The duration of the assignment will be 20 working days from the date of signing the contract. This research will begin in the month of August 2024.

Future Use of Data

During the data collection exercise, the consultant should take in to consideration the do-no-harm, survivor-centered, gender, and safeguarding principles. Due to the level of sensitivity of the data collected, it will be paramount that the consultant adheres to IMLU’s data protection policy and the Data Protection Act of Kenya.

All data collected will be the sole property of IMLU. The consultant must not use the data for their own research purposes, nor license the data to be used by third parties without the written approval by IMLU. The raw and synthesized data will be shared with IMLU for future use in the forms/ format agreeable to the consultant.

Requirement and Competencies

1. Functional Competencies

The applicant(s) in the consultancy firm should possess the following;

• Expert knowledge of human rights, gender, legal framework, health and the law;
• Experience in conducting human rights research, particularly on gender-based violence and torture
• Strong analytical skills and ability to research and write at a high level;
• Ability to research and conduct interviews with key informants; and
• Experience in the usage of mobile data collection, data analysis and data visualization software’s.

1. Core Competencies:

• Ability to produce high-quality outputs in a timely manner while understanding and anticipating the evolving client needs.
• Strong organizational skills;
• Sound judgment, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage competing priorities;
• Demonstrates integrity by modeling IMLUs values;
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of IMLU;
• Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

1. Education

• The lead consultant should have minimum master’s degree in law, statistics, gender, communication, or other social sciences.
• Minimum of 5 years’ demonstratable experience in research in the human rights field especially in torture and ill-treatment in Kenya.
• The lead consultant must have a demonstrated consultancy track record and be recognized as a seasoned professional with a high degree of proficiency, and extensive experience in the field of human rights and or gender.

Bid Requirements

Interested consultant(s)/ Firms who meet the requirements stated should submit an expression of interest (maximum of 5 pages), which should include the following:

• A technical proposal, work plan, and research framework, including a commitment to be available for the entire assignment period.
• A detailed financial proposal (Attached as an annex)
• Updated resume that clearly spells out qualifications and experience for the key Consultant(s). (attached as annex)
• Reference organizations that have recently (preferably in the last 3 years) contracted the consultant/ the firm to carry out relevant research or related work.
• The consultant/ firm must be registered under recognized professional bodies and within the laws of Kenya.
• Two sample reports of similar work done in the last five years with International Non-governmental organizations.

Evaluation Criteria

The evaluation committee shall evaluate the proposals on the basis of their responsiveness to the Terms of Reference, applying the evaluation criteria;

• Preliminary evaluation
• Technical evaluation
• Financial evaluation

Preliminary evaluation

The following shall form the basis for preliminary evaluation. Interested bidders MUST attach the following or relevant documents.

• Certificate of registration from a recognized professional body/ incorporation (for consultancy firms).
• Copy of VAT/PIN certificate from KRA.
• Valid Tax compliance certificate

Technical evaluation.

The evaluation committee shall evaluate the proposals on the basis of their responsiveness to the Terms of Reference, applying the evaluation criteria as follows:

1a) Experience in conducting similar services within the last five years. Attach contracts, purchase orders, recommendations, reports etc. 20 points ***(*At least two proof of previous work experience are required)

1b) Relevance; a previous consultancy experience conducting research in similar assignments with CSOs with a focus on Human rights, gender, legal framework, advocacy, and reforms. (Attach sample report) 10 points.

Total 30 points

2a) The lead consultant must have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in conducting research preferably with human rights organizations with a broad understanding of human rights issues and gender. (Attach a detailed CV) 20 points

2b) The consultant/applicant must have a master’s degree in either law, statistics, governance, gender, communication or other social sciences. (Attach academic certification) 10 points

Total 30 points

3. Adequacy of methodology in responding to the terms of reference and a proposed work plan.

(30 points will be awarded for an adequate methodology and 10 points for the work plan)

Total 40 points

Each responsive proposal will be given a technical score. A proposal shall be rejected at this stage if it does not respond to important aspects of the Terms of Reference or if it fails to achieve the minimum technical score of 70%

Financial evaluation

Technical proposals determined to be substantially responsive to the requirements of the terms of reference shall be subjected to price comparison.