Consultancy for Transport Allowance Study

1. Background The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) is an international organization working for better lives and better planet through livestock. ILRI’s mission emphasizes the interconnections between people, animals, and the environment, aiming to improve the lives of more than 300 million people in low- and middle-income countries through livestock science that supports equitable and resilient livestock systems, ultimately contributing to food systems transformation with climate and environmental benefits. This mission is delivered through two core strategic objectives: co-designing and deploying sustainable, science-based livestock solutions, and leveraging science to inform and influence policy and investment decisions. ILRI is a member of the CGIAR, a global research alliance that works to transform food, land and water systems in a climate crisis and is the only CGIAR centre dedicated to addressing multiple development challenges through sustainable livestock solutions. Following an internal review, ILRI has made a strategic decision to transition from staff bus transport to a transport allowance. The objective is to identify an allowance model that provides staff with greater flexibility, convenience, and choice in meeting their transport needs, while aligning with evolving urban transport options and remaining cost-effective, administratively efficient, and sustainable for ILRI. ILRI therefore intends to engage a qualified consultant to undertake an evidence-based study to develop an appropriate transport allowance, taking into account current transport arrangements and costs, prevailing commuting costs, peer-organisation practices, tax implications, and the potential impact of the transition on staff. 2. Objective The objective of the assignment is to recommend an appropriate flat-rate transport allowance for all nationally recruited ILRI staff, taking into consideration current transport costs, relevant market practices, tax implications, affordability, ease of payroll administration, and the potential impact on staff salaries and on ILRI. 3. Scope of Work The consultant will undertake the following: a) Transport Cost Analysis: Review ILRI’s current bus routes, available benchmark data, and associated transport costs to establish a cost baseline, taking into account route distances and available modes of transport. b) Tax and Staff Impact Assessment Assess the tax implications of providing a transport allowance on staff net pay, the affordability of transport, equity and ease of payroll administration. The staff impact assessment should cover the impact across key staff groups, such as current staff bus users, non-bus users, lower and high-grade staff, staff from different duty stations, and employees with varying commuting distances. c) Allowance Recommendation Based on the above analysis, recommend an appropriate flat-rate transport allowance for all nationally recruited staff, clearly setting out the methodology, assumptions, and rationale used to determine the proposed amount and projected financial implications for ILRI. d) Implementation Guidance and Risk Management: Identify key implementation risks and propose mitigation measures. 4. Deliverables The consultant will provide: • An inception report outlining the methodology and work plan. • A draft report presenting the analysis and proposed transport allowance. • A final report with the recommended allowance, rationale, key implications and implementation considerations. • A concise implementation roadmap setting out the timeline, key activities, responsible functions, communication approach, payroll readiness steps, implementation risks and mitigation measures. • A presentation of the findings and recommendations to ILRI management. 5. Duration The assignment will be completed within 7 days of contract signature. 7. Consultant Requirements The assignment is intended for an individual consultant with strong hands-on experience in designing compensation and benefits financial modelling of employee benefit programs, cost analysis, taxation, and market benchmarking, with demonstrated knowledge of the Kenyan employment market and practical transport modalities. Evaluation Criteria • Individual consultant’s hands-on experience in compensation and benefits design, allowance modelling, Kenyan market benchmarking, and transport modality analysis: 50% • Technical approach and methodology, including practical work plan and stakeholder engagement approach: 30% • Financial proposal: 20% 8. Reporting Arrangements The consultant will report to the Interim Head of People and Culture at ILRI and work closely with relevant ILRI functions, including Supply Chain and Finance, to access information and validate the analysis.