Call for EOI: Voices for Just Climate Action – climate communications research Kenya

November 18, 2021

Hivos is looking for a consultant or a team of consultants to carry out research into the current environment around climate communications in Kenya. The task is to – through a number of methods – ascertain the messaging around climate change and climate justice that influence how it is discussed, or even IF it is discussed.

Region: Kenya
Office: Hivos East Africa
Application deadline: Friday December 3rd, 2021

Background

Hivos, alongside Akina Mama wa Afrika, Slumdwellers International, South South North and WWF is currently implementing the Voices for Just Climate Action (VCA) program. The program aims to ensure that by 2025, local civil society and underrepresented groups will have taken on a central role as creators, facilitators and advocates of innovative climate solutions. Their inclusion is crucial for effective and lasting climate responses, and because the climate crisis is also a societal challenge with ethical and human rights aspects.

The overall approach of the program is to work with civil society to build wide societal support for locally shaped climate solutions through an inclusive and rights-based approach. This includes building a broad-based climate alliance at country level, bridging divides (urban-rural, gender, youth) that amplifies voices in new unusual ways. In addition, it will influence national and global policies and financial flows (e.g. climate finance, private sector investments) in support of these locally shaped solutions.

Background of task

Hivos is looking for a consultant or a team of consultants to carry out research into the current environment around climate communications and provide relevant recommendations to advise its programs. The VCA program and Hivos’ strategy in particular rely heavily on interacting with key stakeholders including government, the public and the media

Assignment

We are looking for a dynamic researcher or team with an understanding of systems thinking, and a creative flair to their approach. The task is to – through a number of methods – ascertain the messaging around climate change and climate justice that influence how it is discussed, or even IF it is discussed. The key stakeholders we are keen to understand are the government (within and out of the relevant ministries such as Ministry of Environment), the mainstream media, and the general population (rural and urban). For the general population, we would like the study to reflect diverse views including those of women and girls, Indigenous people and youth, including youth from informal settlements.

Step 1: Exploring the issue

The first step is to explore current perceptions about climate change and climate justice with our target audiences. A perception study and, if needed, a desk research should answer the following questions:

  • How does the media discuss climate change?
  • What is the current dominant narrative about climate change in Kenya? In government? Of the general public?
  • How does (if at all) the media cover issues of climate justice?
  • What is the current understanding of climate justice by key stakeholders – media, government, general public?
  • What approaches will best influence the key stakeholders (different approaches for each, consider inward-facing and external communications (e.g. persuasive email or research report versus articles in press or policy brief)

Step 2: Report with recommendations on key approaches VCA should adopt

Understanding current narratives and perceptions will aid Hivos in developing a concrete communications strategy. we will develop a new strategy and narrative. This includes new frames and advice on type of evidence, examples and communication material needed.

Deliverables

  • Research report on perceptions of target audiences about climate change and climate justice
  • New narrative, including frames and key messages
  • Advice on communication strategy, including a list of communication materials needed

Timeframe

This assignment is expected to take a maximum of eighteen (18) days including planning with the Hivos team, finalizing methodologies, secondary research and primary research including focus group discussions and key informant interviews.

Who can apply?

The researcher/research team should meet the following requirements:

  • A good understanding of climate change and the climate justice debate in Kenya
  • Experience in science communications/journalism
  • Networks or ability to access the three groups targeted within this research
  • Experience in using dynamic or creative approaches to communications
  • Have ability to conduct this research in Kenya

Proposal

Please send a short Expression of Interest with the subject “EOI: Climate Comms” to eastafricajobs@hivos.org by Friday 3rd December, 2021.

This should include a description of your understanding of the assignment, explanation of your methodology, CVs that includes references and examples of similar research products. Please include your cost for this assignment; split into professional costs and activity costs.

 

About Hivos

Hivos is an international development organization guided by humanist values. Together with citizens and their organizations, we aim to contribute towards just, inclusive and life-sustaining societies where people have equal access to opportunities, rights and resources. We work in partnership with others in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Latin America on three impact areas: civic rights; gender equality, diversity and inclusion, and climate justice. Our approach is solution driven, and we build wider movements for change by amplifying and connecting voices.