EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR PROVISION OF LEAD CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR KENYA’S COUNTRY STRUCTURAL VULNERABILITY AND RESILIENCE ASSESMENT PROCESS

OFFICE OF THE PRIME CABINET SECRETARY AND MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AND DIASPORA AFFAIRS TENDER OCTOBER 2025 

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS/EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI) FOR CONSULTING SERVICES

Background Information
One of the principal objectives of the African Union (AU) is to promote
peace, security and stability on the continent. The Protocol Relating to the
Establishment of the Peace and Security Council establishes the primary
decision-making organ, which is the Peace and Security Council (PSC).
Through the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC), the AU seeks to “anticipate
and prevent conflicts.” Article 12 of the PSC Protocol provides for
the establishment and operationalization of the Continental Early Warning
System (CEWS) whose primary objectives are the anticipation and prevention
of conflicts as well as the provision of timely policy options for the AUC
Chairperson. At its 463rd meeting in October 2014 the PSC held an open
session on the theme “Structural Prevention of Conflict – Reinvigorating
States in Fragile Situations in Africa”. The PSC Session commended efforts
by the AUC to finalize the elaboration of a Continental Structural Conflict
Prevention Framework (CSCPF), which includes a Country Structural Vulnerability
and Resilience Assessment (CSRVA) and Country Structural Vulnerability
Mitigation Strategy (CSVMS) tools to support member states efforts in
the identification of Structural Vulnerability and Resilience factors to conflict
in countries at an early stage with special emphasis on seven areas that are
relevant in identifying drivers of conflict. These include:
• Socio-economic development;
• Good governance, the rule of law, democracy and human rights;
• Security sector;
• Environment and climate change;
• Gender and youth;
• Post-conflict peacebuilding; and
• Transitional justice and reconciliation.
The PSC underscored the need for a comprehensive and holistic approach
to conflict prevention, comprising both direct and operational measures to
prevent the eruption of large-scale violence, and a strategic focus on the
structural causes of conflict. In this respect, the PSC reiterated the need to
build robust, responsive and accountable institutions, as well as promote
inclusive political processes and economic empowerment to prevent conflicts
and consolidate peace. At its 502nd Meeting in April 2015, the PSC,
recalled its 463rd session deliberations and encouraged Member States “to
fully take advantage of the CSRVA and CSVMS tools in their efforts towards
the structural prevention of conflict and consolidation of peace and stability.”
The PSC went further to request the AU Commission in collaboration with
RECs to avail all necessary resources to Member States. The Commission has
since elaborated on the CSCPF, put in place the CSVRA and CSVMS tools and
finalized Guidelines and Methodology.
The communique of the 1163rd meeting of the AU PSC convened at the
Ministerial level on July 21, 2023, underscored the need for Member States
to fully embrace the Continental Conflict Prevention Frameworks, which
include the voluntary Country Structural Vulnerability and Resilience Assessment
(CSVRA) and Country Structural Vulnerability Mitigation Strategies
(CSVMS).
The process of undertaking the CSVRA and developing the CSVMS is voluntary,
and country driven. The CSVRA is generated through a request from a
Member State, simultaneously to the REC it belongs to, as well as to the AU
Commission. So far, five (5) Member States have acceded to the CSVRA/
CSVMS process namely: The Republic of Ghana (2017), the Republic of Cote
d’Ivoire (2019); the Republic of Zambia (2021); the Republic of Malawi
(2023) and the Republic of Kenya (2023, through COMESA).
The Ministry is currently soliciting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for an eligible
lead consultant for Kenya’s Country Structural Vulnerability and
Resilience Assessment Process as per the given Terms of Reference.

Scope of the Assignment and Specific Outputs
The lead consultant will be in-charge of the team of three experts who will
provide technical and strategic support to the development of a Country
Structural Vulnerability and Resilience Assessment (CSVRA) and Country
Structural Vulnerability Mitigation Strategy (CSVMS) report including a draft
Implementation Strategy/ Matrix and Lesson Learnt Report. The specific outputs
include:
a. Inception Report based on Desk Top Research and consultations
with AU-DPAPS & APRM, COMESA, EAC, IGAD, and Kenya Government
SVA Bureau and Stakeholders as well as Members of the Technical
Working Group on CSVRA;
b. Regional consultation reports – highlighting the outcomes from the
regional consultations.
c. CSVRA and CSVMS for Kenya.
d. Draft mitigation /Implementation Strategy/ Matrix;
e. Lesson Learnt Report.

Profile and Roles of the Consultant and the Shortlisting
Criteria
The Lead Consultant will: –
a. Have extensive experience in conflict and cooperation analysis, drafting,
diplomacy and negotiations with policy makers;
b. Provide overall experts’ team coordination and leadership in the execution
of the assignment;
c. Main liaison/ contact person between the focal institution of the Government
of Kenya, Members of the CSVRA/CSVMS National Bureau,
Experts and national and local stakeholders including civil society actors;
d. Provide strategic, facilitation, logistical and organisational support to
the convening of consultations as well as the review and validation of
the report with relevant national and sub-national stakeholders;
e. Responsible for delivery of the inception report and the draft CSVRA/
CSVMS reports including the Implementation Plan to the focal
institution of the government of Kenya, the National Bureau, AU and
COMESA.
In addition to the above requirements, the lead consultant should have the
following: –
• An advanced degree in Political Science, International Relations,
Peace and or Conflict Studies or International Law and Social Studies
or related fields with evidence of the expertise;
• At least ten (10) years relevant work experience in the diplomatic service,
the AU, any REC/RMs or UN and UN Agencies, a policy research
think tank, civil society; or as a lecturer/researcher at a university on
one of the disciplines mentioned above;
• Experience of early warning systems (practical or academic), in particular
familiarity with the African Union’s Continental Structural Conflict
Prevention Framework (CSCPF) and its underlying analytical tools will
be an added advantage;
• Proven country expertise on the history and political system of Kenya
and that of the region;
• Excellent analytical and writing skills as well as good communication
and presentation skills;
• Excellent command of English as the working language, both spoken
and in writing and knowledge of Kiswahili will be an added advantage;
• A publication record (academic or policy oriented) is a distinct advantage;
• Women experts are particularly encouraged to apply.
Further, the Lead Consultant should demonstrate competencies and expertise
in undertaking the assignment by providing evidence of at least three
similar assignments previously accomplished.
The assignment is expected to be completed within eight calendar months
starting from the date of signing of the contract agreement. Further, note
that the successful applicant through a committee of experts (appointed
by the Government of Kenya) will be nominated to play the role of a Lead
Consultant for the overall assignment after recruitment by the Africa Union
(AU) in collaboration with COMESA, EAC and IGAD. The consultant will be
engaged and remunerated by the AU in accordance with the applicable procurement
guidelines, terms and conditions.

Further information regarding the Expression of Interest (EOI) can be obtained
from the State Department for Foreign Affairs; Economic Affairs Department
Upper Hill 316 Chambers, Upper Hill, 13th Floor Room 1311 or
the Ministry’ s website www.mfa.go.ke from Monday to Friday excluding
weekends and public holidays; from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.; or from Mr.
Evans Maturu or Janet Chepkorir on Tel. No.3318888 Ext. 873/874 or Email:
economic@mfa.go.ke / economicaffairs2018@gmail.com. Expressions
of interest in a written form in English language should be addressed to;
Principal Secretary, State Department for Foreign Affairs; P.O. Box
30551-00100 Nairobi and be deposited in the Tender box located at Old
Treasury building Main reception; Ground floor, Harambee Avenue,
Nairobi on or before 12th November, 2025 at 11.00 A.M. East African
Time. Submitted documents should be clearly marked ‘EXPRESSION OF
INTEREST FOR PROVISION OF LEAD CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR KENYA’S
COUNTRY STRUCTURAL VULNERABILITY AND RESILIENCE ASSESMENT
PROCESS. The expressions of interest shall thereafter be opened in
public at Old Treasury Building Boardroom in the presence of applicants or
their representatives who will chose to attend.
Principal Secretary
STATE DEPARTMENT FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS