TERMS OF REFERENCE (ToR) CONSULTANCY TO ENHANCE THE ACCESSIBILITY OF THE RCK WEBSITE

REFUGEE CONSORTIUM OF KENYA (RCK) TENDER APRIL 2025 

TERMS OF REFERENCE (ToR) CONSULTANCY TO ENHANCE THE ACCESSIBILITY OF THE RCK WEBSITE

Ref: RCK/AM-ACCESS/2025/01v – Contingent Upon Funding

1. Project Context and Funding Area

Introduction:
The Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK) is executing its Strategic Plan (2023-2027) to protect and promote the well-being, dignity, and voice of displaced and host populations in Kenya. The strategy is focused on five key pillars: Legal Aid and Governance, Peace and Social Justice, Women and Girls’ Empowerment, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, and Organizational Development.

RCK has launched a Disability Framework and is in the process of enhancing its Inclusion and Accessibility Infrastructure, aiming to provide digital platforms that serve people with disabilities and other marginalized groups. This initiative aligns with Aktion Mensch’s principles of self-determination, participation, and universal access.

The consultancy will focus on improving the accessibility of RCK’s website to ensure it is inclusive and fully accessible for people with multiple disabilities, including physical, sensory, intellectual, and mental disabilities.

2. Objective of the Assignment

The primary objective of this consultancy is to transform RCK’s website into an inclusive, fully accessible digital platform that meets both international accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA or higher) and national best practices in accessibility.

Key purposes of the website include:

• Providing legal and psychosocial outpatient services.
• Sharing information on refugee rights and support services.
• Enhancing community engagement and visibility of RCK’s inclusion projects.

This work is a part of RCK’s digital transformation strategy, aimed at improving usability, interaction, and empowerment of persons with disabilities, as well as individuals in challenging social situations.

3. Project Goals and Measures

The consultancy will focus on the following key areas:

1. Identify Barriers to Access and Use

• Conduct an accessibility audit to identify existing barriers related to:

1. i)Visual design (contrast, font size, etc.).
2. ii)Logical navigation and content structure.

iii)   Compatibility with assistive tools like screen readers.

1. iv)Language and cognitive accessibility challenges.
2. Develop and Implement Inclusive Measures

• Propose and implement accessibility improvements that comply with WCAG 2.1 (AA) standards or higher.
• Introduce accessibility tools such as:

1. i)High-contrast toggles and resizable text.
2. ii)Screen reader compatibility.

iii)   Captioning for audiovisual content.

1. iv)Keyboard-only navigation.
2. v)Multi-language options or plain language text for complex legal terms.
3. vi)Mobile responsiveness and cross-device accessibility.
4. Structural and Investment Measures

• Make technical adjustments to the Content Management System (CMS) and source code.
• Integrate third-party accessibility tools or plugins.
• Provide RCK with a checklist/manual to maintain accessibility compliance post-project.
• Conduct capacity-building workshops for staff on creating accessible content.

1. Inclusive Nature of the Project

• Ensure the website serves persons with disabilities by removing digital access barriers.
• Incorporate user testing and design reviews from affected groups to ensure inclusivity.
• Foster a long-term inclusive structure that promotes participation and independence.

4. Duration and Timeline

The consultancy is expected to last 6 weeks, starting from the contract signing date. Specific milestones will be agreed upon during the inception phase.

5. Income and Other Funding

This project does not generate direct financial income. However, the enhanced website may later support optional cost-recovery activities such as training workshops or e-learning events, which will be kept minimal or subsidized.

6. Deliverables

The consultant(s) will be expected to deliver the following:

• Inception Report: Including the schedule, methodology, and work plan.
• Accessibility Audit Report: Detailing findings and a roadmap for improvements.
• Functional Website: With all implemented accessibility enhancements.
• Staff Training Session: Conduct a training session for RCK staff on accessible content creation, followed by a post-training toolkit/manual.
• Final Report: Including before/after accessibility scores and a sustainability plan for ongoing maintenance.

7. Required Qualifications of Consultancy Firm

The consultancy firm should have:

• Proven experience in implementing WCAG standards and digital inclusion strategies.
• Experience working with or designing for persons with disabilities.
• Strong capacity for staff training and user-centered design.
• A proven track record of successful accessible website development, especially within the non-profit sector.

8. Submission Guidelines

Interested firms should submit the following documents:

• A brief technical concept including methodology and timeline for implementation.
• A budget proposal, clearly itemizing the costs of tools/plugins and implementation.
• Company profile and relevant references highlighting similar past work.
• A statement on how the consultancy aligns with RCK’s Diversity and Inclusion framework in terms of accessibility and inclusion.

9. Submission Deadline

All applications should be submitted by 15 May 2025 to the following email addresses: careers@rckkenya.org cc: refcon@rckkenya.org

Access the detailed TOR Here: https://reliefweb.int/job/4146986/terms-reference-tor-consultancy-enhance-accessibility-rck-website