PROJECT BACKGROUND
The Government of Kenya (GoK), in collaboration with African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), launched in 2010 the Capacity Building Project for Economic Policy Analysis: A Comprehensive Approach to Strengthening the Policy Analysis and Economic Management Capacities in the Treasury. The project became effective in January 2011. This collaboration was premised on AERC’s strong reputation as one of the most extensive and active Research and Capacity Building Institutions (RCBIs) in sub-Saharan Africa, with a proven track record in advancing policy-relevant economic research and training. Under the project, the Government of Kenya provided a grant (Grant Number: DEA/AERC/CBP/01/16/09/2010) to AERC to enhance economic policy analysis and financial management capabilities within the National Treasury—the lead government institution responsible for economic management and implementation of national policies. To achieve this objective, the Government established a Capacity Building Endowment Fund of KES 150 million per annum over a six-year period.

The first phase of the project concluded in June 2017. Subsequently, the Principal Secretary, National Treasury, approved a no-cost extension on 24 November 2017, allowing AERC to utilize remaining funds on planned activities through 31 March 2022. A second no-cost extension was approved by the Cabinet Secretary, National Treasury, on 6 September 2021, following AERC’s request dated 10 August 2021. A second no-cost extension was approved by the Cabinet Secretary, National Treasury, on 6 September 2021, following AERC’s request dated 10 August 2021. As a result, the project formally ended on 31 December 2025.

In line with good project management practice, the Government of Kenya and AERC, through the Capacity Building Project for Policy Analysis, seek the services of a qualified consultant to conduct a Final Evaluation of the first phase of the project. The purpose of the evaluation is to provide an independent, systematic, and in-depth assessment of the project’s overall performance in terms of effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, and sustainability. The evaluation will also review the project’s design, governance, and implementation structures and processes against its stated objectives and results achieved.

For the Terms of Reference. Click https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:EU:25e8d179-fa26-448d-9e76-6877dce5c2b3

CONSULTANT PROFILE/QUALIFICATIONS
The consultant should demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and experience required to conduct an independent, rigorous, and forward-looking evaluation of a capacity-building project of this nature. The ideal consultant should possess the following qualifications and competencies:

1. Academic Qualifications
   • A Master’s degree in Economics, Public Policy, Development Studies, or a related social science discipline is required.
   • A PhD in a relevant field is strongly preferred.
2. Professional Experience
   •At least six (6) years of extensive experience in evaluating capacity-building, policy-oriented, or development projects, preferably within governmental or multilateral contexts.
   • Proven experience in project management, governance, and performance assessment, including monitoring and reporting on project outputs and outcomes.
   • Demonstrated experience in conducting evaluations that inform the design and implementation of subsequent project phases is highly desirable.
3. Technical Skills
   • Strong proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research methods, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
   • Ability to assess project design, implementation processes, outputs, outcomes, and impact in line with international evaluation standards (e.g., OECD-DAC criteria).
   • Familiarity with financial management, monitoring and evaluation systems, and institutional capacity-building frameworks.
4. Analytical and Communication Skills
   • Excellent analytical, report-writing, and presentation skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable recommendations.
   • Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, project staff, beneficiaries, and partner.
5. Independence and Integrity
   • Ability to conduct objective and impartial evaluations, free from conflicts of interest.
   • Adherence to professional ethical standards and principles of transparency, accountability, and integrity.
6. Knowledge of the Local Context
   • Familiarity with Kenya’s public sector, National Treasury operations, and higher education system is an asset.
   • Understanding of sub-Saharan African policy research and capacity-building initiatives is desirable.

Duration of Consultancy
The consultancy is expected to be completed within 30 working days.

Application Procedure
Interested consultants are invited to submit a technical and financial proposal responding to the TORs, with particular emphasis on the key selection criteria. An elaborate work plan and detailed budget breakdown based on expected daily rates and initial time plan should be provided. In addition, the team of consultants must attach a curriculum vitae and submit a minimum of three (3) references. Applications should be submitted no later than Friday, 6 February 2026 at 17:00 hours (EAT). All submissions must clearly reference: “Consultancy for Final Evaluation of the GoK–AERC Capacity Building Project for Policy Analysis.”

Submit Application to:
The Executive Director
African Economic Research Consortium (AERC)
3rd Floor, Middle East Bank Towers, Jakaya Kikwete Road
P.O. Box 62882 – 00200 Nairobi, Kenya
E-mail: procurement@aercafrica.org