Background context:

Kenyans are increasingly seeking employment opportunities outside the country due to various push and pull factors locally and abroad. They possess immense human, material and financial resources. These workers make significant contributions to the social and economic development of the country mainly through remittances, knowledge and skills transfer, and technological advancements. Kenya therefore stands to gain immensely from orderly labour migration.

Remittances has continued to be the country’s top foreign exchange earner. The Government of Kenya has realized the diaspora’s potential and thus seeks for avenues to promote and involve them in the national development programs by ensuring that Kenyans abroad have improved knowledge on their rights and enhanced capacity to contribute towards national development programs that are in line with the aspirations and goals of the Kenya Vision 2030 development blueprint. The number of Kenyans living and working in the diaspora has steadily been on the rise and currently, stands at over 4 million according to statistics from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS). In 2022, Kenya’s remittances amounted to USD 4.027 billion constituting 3.6% of Kenya’s annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and were the largest source of foreign exchange, outstripping income from exports.  Kenyans living and working abroad sent home a total of $1.2 billion in the first three months of 2024.

Despite the significant benefits accrued by the country from labour migration, Kenyan migrant workers continue to face numerous challenges in the countries of destination. Key among these challenges include violation of the fundamental rights of migrant workers; lack of accurate, up-to-date and reliable data and information on labour migration and migrant workers and lack of effective mechanisms for pre-departure, return and re-integration of migrant workers. In addition, prospective migrant workers face several challenges including exploitation by unscrupulous recruitment agencies, lack crucial information on the destination countries,cultural shock and language barriers on arrival in the destination country.

Despite their economic importance, remittance costs to sub-Saharan Africa are among the most expensive in the world, averaging 7.9% for a typical $200 USD send, far in excess of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10.c target of 3%. Meeting this target would save remitters to SSA $2.6 billion USD in additional fees per annum. For Kenya the average price is greater still at 8.34%. On the UK-Kenya corridor, with greater competition and the emergence of digital payment providers the average cost is 4.8% for a $200 (GBP 157) send. Banks are generally the most expensive channel through which to send remittances, with digital options being cheaper. There is opportunity to move closer to the 3% target as more remitters take advantage of these digital solutions.

Through this TOR, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) aims to engage a consultant to tailor make  a Financial Literary curriculum and develop a TOT Manual for the delivery of participatory community outreach to enhance remittance receivers knowledge and expand  their financial capabilities that will enable them to economically contribute to the economy in Kenya by promoting economic stability, protecting against exploitation, fostering entrepreneurship, and facilitating integration into formal financial systems. By equipping the remittance receivers with  skills, financial literacy training contributes to broader socio-economic development and empowerment within communities.

Additionally, the curriculum will also include information on the digital remittances and be shared in pre departure orientation to prospective migrant workers to strengthen their financial resilience. This is crucial as migration and migrant workers significantly contribute not only to the sustainable development of their countries of destination, but also in their countries of origin through the transfer of skills and financial resources, with as high as one in nine people around the world depending on remittances. The Curriculum and TOT Manual and IEC materials will target IOM’s implementing partners, civil society partners, migrant/community leaders, and relevant local government counterparts.

Under the overall guidance of the Deputy Chief of Mission of IOM Kenya, the direct supervision of the Senior Project Manager  of Labour Mobility,  and Protection, the incumbent will   responsible for working closely with the government of Kenya counterparts from the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection , National Employment Authourity, National Industrial Training Authourity, Associations of Private recruitment agencies, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the State Department for Diaspora Affairs amongst others.

Expected Activities to be carried out under this assignment  ?

Conduct desk review of IOM and external materials, including IOM’s Financial Literacy and Remittance Management modules; and other financial literacy modules that can be included in the curriculum

1. Convene consultations with key government counterparts and other  partners including civil society to understand the informational gaps and needs of migrant workers (aspirant migrants, returnees, migrants’ families) on existing financial literacy materials as well as recommended delivery modalities.
2. Tailor-make  a Financial Literacy curriculum, and develop a ToT Manual and IEC materials (digital remittance booklet) for distribution at the community level
3. Deliver      in person TOT sessions for selected counties to relevant  partners, civil society partners, migrant/community leaders and Government agencies as relevant, specifically to strengthen the financial literacy components of existing PDO programmes.
4. Deliver community engagement sessions cascaded through workshops for local communities and female-led households in the communities to create awareness on digital financial services and the benefits of using these services for remittance transfers.

Tangible and measurable output of the work assignment:

1. An inception report outlining a detailed workplan which includes activity timeline and a draft outline of the financial literacy curriculum and TOT manual based on desk reviews.
2. A financial literacy curriculum and TOT manual after consultation with IOM and civil society and relevant government partners.
3. 1 finalized training package and materials (including financial curriculum, manual for trainers copyedited and in line with the IOM House Style manual and IOM Spelling List).
4. 1 Developed accessible Information Education and Communication (IEC) materials based on the Digital Remittance Booklet in local language (English & Swahili) for dissemination at local level, including brochures and online content
5. Two in person TOT sessions (30 pax (15 for each ToT)) for IOM’s implementing partners, civil society partners, migrant/ community leaders, and government stakeholders as relevant.
6. 2 community led workshops held at local level on the financial literacy  modules and cascading of the IEC materials (25 pax for each meeting –      total 50pax)

Performance indicators for evaluation of results (value of services rendered in relation to their cost:

•  Satisfactory completion of tasks indicated
•  Timely delivery of outlines
•  Compliance with IOM house style guidelines
•  Delivery of any other tasks indicated above

Additionally, the consultant must have the ability to: 

1. Produce high quality outputs in a timely manner, while understanding and anticipating the evolving needs on the ground.

2. Assess situations or circumstances, and to draw sound conclusions.

3. Think strategically, manage competing priorities and be highly organized.

4. Work independently and produce high quality outputs.

5. Display sensitivity towards culture, gender, religion, race and nationality.

6. Willingness and ability to travel within the Country for an extended period of time.

7. Strong communication and presentation skills and attention to detail.

8. Advanced knowledge in the usage of computers and office software packages.

9. Ability to work with the government.

Required Competencies; Behavioral

• Takes responsibility and manages constructive criticism;
• Works effectively with all clients and stakeholders;
• Promotes continuous learning; communicates clearly;
• Takes initiative and drives high levels of performance management;
• Plans work, anticipates risks, and sets goals within area of responsibility;
• Displays mastery of subject matter;
• Contributes to a collegial team environment;
• Incorporates gender-related needs, perspectives, and concerns, and promotes equal gender participation;
• Displays awareness of relevant technological solutions;
• Works with internal and external stakeholders to meet resource needs of IOM.

Submission must Include the following:-

•  A technical and financial proposal to be provided
•  Publication/Reports of similar assignment
• A detailed CV of the expert including records on experience in similar assignments and name, contacts and designation of the references and a Technical portfolio to also be attached in the submission in the application