Terms of Reference for Consultancy Services for the We Can Work Programme Employability Training Full Time

1.0 About Light for the World

Light for the World sparks lasting change on disability rights and eye health. We believe in a world where people with eye conditions and disabilities can fully exercise their rights to health, education, work, and protection in emergencies. Over the last three decades, Light for the World has contributed to improving eye health systems and amplifying 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, Light for the World promotes the socioeconomic inclusion of people with disabilities. We focus on empowering people with disabilities by helping them build skills and access opportunities for growth. At the same time, we influence systemic changes to ensure people with disabilities thrive in inclusive environments. Our dual approach emphasizes on the empowerment of people with disabilities alongside broader social transformation.

Through our programmes, we create opportunities for inclusive business and employment. Our Inclusive Business approach equips entrepreneurs with the tools and networks they need to succeed in competitive markets, while advocating for a business environment that embraces diversity. We also partner with organisations and institutions to foster inclusive workplaces by addressing barriers such as a lack of accessibility, negative attitudes and policies.

2.0 Project Background

The We Can Work program co-created by young people with disabilities and our partners, aims to promote access to dignified and fulfilling work for youth with disabilities. The program is based on three pillars that equip young persons with disabilities with leadership skills, support new and existing Young Africa Works programs on becoming more disability inclusive, and directly provide skills training to the most marginal of this youth. The We Can Work Academy equips young people with disabilities with core life skills training and a choice of employability, technical, entrepreneurship and leadership training.

Under Pillar 1, the We Can Work program supports young women and men with disabilities to become role model economic actors and drive system change towards a more inclusive society. 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 We Can Work program 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 Nairobi and Makueni. The Inclusive Employment Officer and the Employability Consultant will collaborate to deliver this training. 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.

3.0 TOR Objectives

The Employability Consultant will support the Inclusive Employment Officer in achieving the following objectives:

1. Equip participants with the skills to create effective resumes and cover letters by conducting workshops that focus on resume and cover letter writing, providing templates and personalized feedback. The goal is to ensure 90% of participants complete their resumes and cover letters by the end of the training sessions. The consultant will utilize proven methods and materials to guide participants in creating tailored resumes and cover letters, enhancing their employability prospects. This objective is to be completed by the end of the training period in June 2025.
2. Prepare participants for successful job interviews by teaching essential interview skills through training sessions on interview preparation techniques, including company research, common interview questions, and professional presentation. The consultant will conduct mock interviews with at least 80% of participants, providing individual feedback. Practical exercises and role-playing scenarios will be used to build confidence and skills, recognizing that strong interview skills are critical for participants to secure employment. This objective is to be completed by the end of the training period in August 2025.

4.0 Scope of Work

Cover Under the supervision of the Inclusive Employment Officer The consultant will be responsible for:

4.1. Conduct Resume and Letter Writing training sessions through

1. Conducting workshops on resume and cover letter writing and importance of creating tailored resumes and cover letters that effectively highlight participants’ qualifications and experiences
2. Provide guidance on formatting, content, and customization for each job application.
3. Offer examples and templates to assist participants in crafting compelling documents.
4. Provide Participant Support through reviewing and providing feedback on resumes and cover letters and conducting one-on-one sessions to address specific participant needs.

4.2. Conduct Interview Skills training sessions through

1. Outlining key interview preparation techniques, such as researching the company, practicing common interview questions, and preparing relevant anecdotes.
2. Offering tips on presenting oneself professionally, including body language and dress code.
3. Conduct mock interviews to help participants gain confidence and refine their communication skills.
4. Providing constructive feedback and tips for improvement to the participants.
5. Conduct individual coaching sessions for participants needing additional assistance.

4.3 Conduct pre and post training tests to determine increased in knowledge and skills through

1. Preparing a pre and post test
2. Administering the tests before and after the training
3. Analyse the pre and post test include the findings in the final report.

5.0 Expected outputs and Deliverables

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.

Training Sessions:

• Conduct nine training sessions (six in Nairobi and three in Makueni).
• Organize and facilitate mock interview sessions

Participant 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

Individualized follow up sessions:

• Conduct one-on-one follow-up sessions with participants to address specific needs, provide personalized feedback, and ensure continued support and guidance.
• Develop the individualized mentorship follow up plan

Final Report:

• 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.

6.0 Reporting

The consultant will report to the Inclusive Employment Officer and provide regular updates on the progress of the training sessions and participant development. The expected reports are:

Daily Debrief: At the end of each training day, provide a brief report summarizing the day’s activities, participant engagement, any immediate issues encountered, and preliminary feedback. This will include attendance records and a summary of key learning points covered.

Weekly Progress Reports: Summarize the activities conducted, participant attendance, and key outcomes of the engagement/follow up sessions. Include any challenges encountered and how they were addressed.

Final Report: At the end of the consultancy, deliver a comprehensive report detailing the overall outcomes of the training program. This should include quantitative data (e.g., number of participants trained, number of resumes and cover letters reviewed), qualitative feedback from participants, key successes, challenges, and recommendations for future training programs. The final report should also showcase the increase in participants’ skills and knowledge, demonstrating their progression throughout the training period.

7.0 Target

The target group for this training is youth between the ages of 18 and 35 with diverse impairments, including some with high support needs. Participants also have varied literacy levels, ranging from low literacy to high. The youth will have completed the Core Life Skills training in the academy and have selected the waged employment track.

8.0 Duration

The consultancy will take place over a period of two months, dates to be communicated, with an estimated commitment of 5 days per month.

9.0 Qualifications

• Proven experience in employability training, career coaching, or human resources.
• Strong knowledge of resume and cover letter writing, as well as interview preparation techniques.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to provide constructive feedback and tailor support to individual participant needs.
• Strong TOT skills.
• Preferred experience working with people with disabilities.
• Desirable: Previous experience conducting similar training for persons with disabilities, demonstrating an understanding of inclusive content delivery methodologies.

Tagged as: Kenya, Light for the World