Terms Of Reference - Consultancy Services For Employability Training In Embu And Nyamira Counties

1.0 About Light for the World

Light for the World is a global disability and development organization. We empower people with disabilities and enable eye health services in low-income countries. Over the last three decades we have improved health systems, enabled education for all, and amplified the voices of people with disabilities.

Our programmes include:

• Eye Health – preventing blindness and promoting eye health for all.
• Inclusive Education – ensuring children with disabilities receive quality, inclusive education.
• Inclusive Economic Empowerment – ensuring that barriers are removed for men and women with disabilities to access decent work.

In Kenya, our country strategy for the year 2026-2030 focuses on advancing disability inclusion as a systems change agenda. It aims to ensure that persons with disabilities fully access inclusive education, decent work, quality health services, and protection systems. The strategy emphasizes strengthening national and county systems, influencing policy implementation, and building strong partnerships with government, private sector, and organizations of persons with disabilities. It prioritizes inclusive livelihoods and employment, inclusive education, and disability-inclusive humanitarian response, with the overall goal of embedding inclusion within institutions so that it becomes a standard practice rather than a separate intervention.

Program Background

The We Can Work (WCW) program is one of the programs under Light for the World that aims at reaching 1,000,000 Young women and men with disabilities to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030. The mission is to economically empower communities of persons with disabilities through inclusive collaborations. The program has transitioned to 2 (two) additional counties (Embu and Nyamira).

Under Pillar 1, the program begins with Core Life Skills training, aimed at helping participants approach their job and career search from a point of self-acceptance and understanding. This training covers critical skills in communication, self-advocacy, and other essential life skills. Participants are then exposed to different opportunities in Entrepreneurship, Waged Employment, or Technical Skills Tracks, allowing them to choose based on their interests and ambitions.

The Employability Training aims to enhance the employability of youth with disabilities by providing comprehensive training, including modules on resume and cover letter development, as well as interview skills. The training will be conducted in Embu and Nyamira counties. The Inclusive Employment Advisor and the Employability Consultants will collaborate to deliver these trainings.

The inclusion of an Employability Consultant is crucial as they bring specialized expertise in employability training, career coaching, and human resources. This expertise ensures that participants receive high-quality, tailored guidance that directly addresses their individual needs and enhances their prospects in the job market. The consultant's role is pivotal in providing personalized feedback, conducting mock interviews, and delivering practical training, all of which are essential for achieving the program's objectives effectively.

2.0 Scope of Work

The Consultant is expected to employ participatory and learner-centred training methodologies to enhance participants’ understanding and practical application of the skills being delivered. In line with contemporary labour market trends, the Consultant will design and facilitate practical employability training for young women and men with disabilities, integrating digital technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), and assistive technologies (AT) to strengthen participants’ readiness for the evolving world of work. The training should equip participants with practical competencies in areas such as AI-enabled job search and application processes, digital collaboration tools, professional branding, and the use of assistive technologies to enhance workplace productivity and inclusion.

The Consultant will also be required to adopt inclusive training approaches that accommodate the diverse needs of participants with disabilities, ensuring that appropriate accessibility measures and reasonable accommodations are provided throughout the training process. This includes ensuring that training materials, digital platforms, and practical exercises are accessible and that participants are supported to effectively leverage both mainstream and assistive technologies to access employment and thrive in increasingly digital work environments.

Specifically, the consultant is expected to:

• Conduct Resume and Letter Writing training sessions through
• Conducting workshops on resume and cover letter writing and the importance of creating tailored resumes and cover letters that effectively highlight participants' qualifications and experiences.
• Provide guidance on formatting, content, and customization for each job application.
• Offer examples and templates to assist participants in crafting compelling documents.
• Provide participant support through reviewing and providing feedback on resumes and cover letters and conducting one-on-one sessions to address specific participant needs.
• Conduct Interview Skills training sessions through:
• Outlining key interview preparation techniques, such as researching the company, practicing common interview questions, and preparing relevant anecdotes.
• Offering tips on presenting oneself professionally, including body language and dress code.
• Conduct mock interviews to help participants gain confidence and refine their communication skills.
• Providing constructive feedback and tips for improvement to the participants.
• Conduct individual coaching sessions for participants needing additional assistance.
• Conduct pre and post training tests to determine increased in knowledge and skills through
• Preparing a pre and post test
• Administering the tests before and after the training
• Analyse the pre and post test include the findings in the final report.

Expected Outputs and Deliverables.

1. Training Materials

• Develop and provide training materials, including presentations, handouts, and templates for resumes and cover letters.
• Create a toolkit with sample resumes, cover letters, and interview preparation guides.
• Introduce AI-powered tools to support CV optimization, grammar checking, and tailoring applications to specific job descriptions.

2. Training Session in Embu and Nyamira Counties

• Train participants on how to use AI tools effectively and responsibly for job searching, preparing applications, and exploring career opportunities.
• Train participants on how to use online job platforms, professional networking sites, and digital communication tools, and strengthen their personal branding and professional communication skills.

3. Conduct interview skills training sessions

• Equip participants with interview preparation techniques, including researching employers, common interview questions and preparing relevant examples.
• Strengthen professional presentation and communication skills through guidance on body language and dress code
• Organize and facilitate mock interview sessions during the trainings in both in-person and virtual interview etiquette.

4. Participants Feedback

• Provide detailed feedback in writing on each participant's resume, cover letter, and interview performance.
• Document and report on participant progress and areas for improvement at the end of the training.
• Develop the individualized mentorship follow up plan aligned to current labour market demands

5. Final Deliverables

• Deliver a comprehensive report at the end of the consultancy detailing the overall outcomes of the training program. This should include quantitative data, qualitative feedback, key successes, challenges, recommendations for future training programs, and an assessment of the increase in participants' skills and knowledge.
• An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) -compliant CV and cover letter for each participant.

4.0 Qualifications and Experience

The consultant should meet the following minimum qualifications and experience requirements:

Qualifications.

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Psychology, Social Sciences or Education from a recognized institution.
• Professional certification in HR (CHRP-K, IHRM membership, SHRM, CIPD)
• A postgraduate qualification in Human Resource Management,
• Training in Career Development and Training Development will be highly desirable

Experience

• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive experience in Human Resource Management, Career Coaching, Recruitment, or Training and Development.
• Proven experience in CV writing, cover letter development, and interview preparation training for job seekers, youth, or professional groups.
• Demonstrated experience in facilitating soft skills training, especially employability skills such as communication, self-presentation, and job readiness.
• Experience working with government programs, NGOs, TVET institutions, youth empowerment initiatives, or employability projects will be an added advantage.
• Demonstrated knowledge and practical experience in disability inclusion, inclusive employment practices, or workplace accommodation.
• Demonstrate knowledge and practical experience in emerging technologies, artificial intelligence tools, and digital accessibility/assistive technologies.
• Ability to adapt training materials and methodologies to ensure inclusive participation of all trainees, including persons with disabilities.
• Familiarity with Kenya’s disability inclusion frameworks and relevant legal/policy provisions will be an added advantage.
• Excellent knowledge of modern CV writing standards and interview preparation techniques.
• Strong report writing and documentation skills.

Personal Attributes

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusion, equity, and youth empowerment.
• Ability to work independently and deliver within tight timelines.
• High level of professionalism and cultural sensitivity.

Local Residency Requirement

• Must be a resident of either Embu County or Nyamira County (applications should clearly indicate preferred county).
• Strong understanding of the local labour market dynamics, youth employment challenges, and community structures in the respective county.

5.0 Reporting and Coordination

The consultant will report to Light for the World Kenya’s Inclusive Employment Advisor

6.0 Duration of Engagement:

The consultancy is expected to take 5 working days for each county, and the task should be completed in 2 months including training and reporting.

7.0. Consultancy Fee

The consultancy is budgeted at KES 100,000, inclusive of all professional fees, applicable taxes, and any other associated costs. Payment will be made upon satisfactory completion and approval of the agreed deliverables in accordance with the contract terms.

How to apply

Interested consultant should submit through this linkhttps://www.activityinfo.org/c/cwkoiqkmppiuegdc/c827f5 :

• Technical proposal outlining approach to delivering the training session
• Financial Proposal
• Updated CV
• Two samples of similar work
• Three professional references

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and place a high value on diversity and inclusion in our organization. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Successful candidates may be required to undergo background checks in line with safeguarding policies.