Terms of Reference: Holistic needs assessment on youth civic participation in 8 Districts (Burera, Gicumbi, Gisagara, Huye, Ngororero, Nyamasheke, Nyaruguru, and Rutsiro)

Background: 

Rwanda’s Vision 2050 stipulates the country’s long-term strategic direction by emphasizing the importance of institutional collaboration and synergies among institutions and all key actors, “in particular, civil society, media sector, and academia will have a key role to play in policy formulation and in advocating for citizen participation in all activities”. Effective, inclusive, and accountable institutions at all levels are key to the achievement of the SDGs and Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation -1 (NST-1, 2018-2024).

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The Government of Rwanda (GoR) is ranked as the 7^th most responsive to change, and 5^th in terms of long-term vision globally. Rwanda is also a pioneer for inclusive leadership on the continent, with over 61% female representation in parliament leadership positions. Rwanda’s decentralized government system streamlined through the “Imihigo” (goal/performance setting) framework fosters local leadership participation and accountability. Other channels, initiatives, and mechanisms for citizen participation have been deployed by GoR at the community level, such as “Umuganda” (Community work), “Inteko z’abaturage” (Citizens assemblies), “Umugoroba w’ababyeyi” (Parents’ evening forum), “Inama Njyanama” (Councils), to mention a few. 

However, despite the legislative and programmatic initiatives designed to empower and ensure the inclusion of the most vulnerable groups, there are substantive gaps and challenges in ensuring the full inclusion of women, youth and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in the national development agenda and, increasing their participation in governance and decision-making mechanisms.

Despite a growing proportion of citizen participation, the quality, effectiveness and inclusivity of the participation of these groups remains a big challenge. While youth make up the largest proportion of the population, their participation in democratic processes and leadership is also still low. A baseline survey conducted by USAID and Never Again Rwanda shows the rate of youth participation and engagement in decision-making processes set at only 31.7%.

Despite the positive progress in increasing citizen participation in governance, key gaps persist around the use of data to drive local decisions, the effectiveness and capacity of non-state actors (CSOs and media), and the inclusivity of women, youth, people with disability, and other vulnerable groups in citizen participation forums, initiatives and/or mechanisms.

The Rwanda Civil Society Platform in partnership with UNDP Rwanda is working on promoting inclusive and effective participation and citizen engagement in Rwanda. 

Main objective

This holistic needs assessment intends to provide valuable insights into the state of youth civic participation in the 8 districts, enabling the development of targeted strategies to empower and engage the youth in civic affairs. 

Specific Objectives:

1. Provide an actual status of youth participation in relevant laws, policies, and initiatives and generate an intersectional gender and power analysis of youth civic participation in the target districts.
2. Identify patterns, trends, and best practices related to youth civic participation.

3. Evaluate the challenges and barriers hindering youth participation in civic affairs and recommend relevant remedies including potential allies in promoting youth civic engagement in each district. 

Geographical scope:

1. The assessment will cover 8 specified districts, namely; Burera, Gicumbi, Gisagara, Huye, Ngororero, Nyamasheke, Nyaruguru, and Rutsiro. 

Methodology:

The prospective firm/individual will propose appropriate methodological approaches to achieve the objectives of the assignment: 

Deliverables:  

1. Inception Report, including work plan within the first week of the assignment (to be approved by RCSP).
2. Draft assessment report which includes at minimum: context analysis, gender analysis in relation to the youth civic engagement in Rwanda, stakeholder mapping, and actionable recommendations and steps to be taken by RCSP. The draft study will be commented on and approved by RCSP.
3. Final assessment report integrating feedback from RCSP.
4. Final debrief meeting with RCSP. 

Time schedule:  

The assessment is expected to be completed within a maximum of 30 days (from the date of commencement).

Profile and competencies required

1. Relevant academic background a Master’s degree or higher in relation to governance, social sciences, and/or other relevant field.
2. Demonstrable experience conducting similar assessments i.e in the areas of Governance, civic engagement, and youth engagement initiatives.
3. Excellent knowledge of youth’s rights, youth participation, advocacy, and youth empowerment.
4. Demonstrated knowledge about the Government institutions/Sectors and civil society working context, and multi-stakeholder engagement including at sub-national level (District/Sector).
5. Fluency in English and ability to produce concise and analytical reports in English. Must also be able to conduct meetings and oral work in Kinyarwanda.
6. Work with a human rights-based approach that is participatory, culturally, and conflict-sensitive.

How to apply

Submission of expression of interest /Application should include: 

1. An updated CV.
2. A technical proposal including a detailed methodology to conduct the assessment and timeframe.
3. A financial proposal whereby the fees are tax inclusive
4. References to previously similar completed assessments. 

Interested candidates should submit their expression of interest/application to: rwandacsplatform@gmail.com with the subject “Application to conduct a holistic needs assessment on youth civic participation in 8 Districts” addressed to the Executive Secretary of Rwanda Civil Society Platform no later than 16^th August 2023.