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Inclusive Climate Entrepreneurship Program 2025-2026

The 3ZERO House, with funding from Climate KIC, is implementing an 11-month programme supporting 30 entrepreneurs to create and scale inclusive climate solutions, embedding DEI principles across the climate innovation ecosystem. The programme will: (1) Equip start-ups and Entrepreneur Support Organisations (ESOs) with practical knowledge and tools to integrate DEI into their work, (2) Support climate start-ups and ESOs with inclusive Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) tools to drive continuous improvement, and (3) Enhance investment readiness through targeted capacity building.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Objective of the Assignment

The DEI Expert will play a central role in guiding:

  1. The development and integration of a DEI Strategy for the 3ZERO House, and
  2. The development of an inclusive MEL tool that can be applied by diverse actors across the climate entrepreneurship programmes.

This will be achieved through co-creation processes, workshops, and knowledge sharing to ensure DEI principles are embedded in programme delivery and outcomes.

Scope of Work

The DEI Expert will work in close collaboration with the 3ZERO House team to strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) integration across the Inclusive Climate Entrepreneurship Programme. The expert will undertake the following assignments:

Needs Assessment Support

  • Provide guidance on the approach and methodology for embedding DEI within the assessment.
  • Review the data collection tool to ensure it effectively captures demographic, inclusivity, and equity-related variables.
  • Assist in reviewing the final needs assessment report; ensuring the findings accurate, highlighting successful DEI-driven models, and provide actionable recommendations for strengthening inclusive policies and practices across the climate entrepreneurship ecosystem.
  • Support the DEI report launch & dialogue event.

Co-Development of the DEI Strategy

  • Contribute to the creation of a DEI Strategy for 3ZERO House that embeds inclusive practices across its operations and in the support, it provides to start-ups.
  • Ensure the strategy is practical, adaptable, and serves as a model for participating entrepreneurs to implement within their own ventures.

Capacity Building on DEI

  • Support the design and facilitation of internal and external DEI training sessions to strengthen understanding and practical application of DEI in climate-related business models.

National & Global Webinar Series

  • Co-design and help deliver a series of webinars at national and international levels to showcase lessons, share best practices, and promote DEI integration across the climate entrepreneurship ecosystem.

DEI-Aligned MEL Tool Development

  • Review the draft MEL tool to assess alignment with DEI frameworks and inclusive measurement standards.
  • Advise on appropriate DEI-sensitive indicators and data disaggregation approaches.
  • Validate that the tool captures both qualitative and quantitative dimensions of inclusion. Ensure the tool is adaptable for start-ups and ESOs to conduct self-assessments and foster continuous learning.

Training on MEL Tool Use

  • Support in facilitating and designing training sessions for start-ups and ESOs on effective application of the MEL tool to measure and improve DEI integration.

Expected Deliverables and Delivery Timelines also stated in the TOR_ here

Duration and Timeline

The DEI Expert’s services will be spread over roughly 120 working hours (equivalent to 15 working days) between September 2025 – March 2026, aligned with key programme milestones and activities.

Qualifications and Experience

The ideal expert should meet the following criteria:

  • Master’s degree in Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), sociology, organisational development, entrepreneurship, business development, or other related fields.
  • Advanced qualifications and certificates in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) and/or Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI)
  • Proven experience in designing and implementing DEI driven programmes in diverse sectors, preferably in climate innovation, entrepreneurship, or development sectors.
  • Demonstrated experience in designing inclusive MEL frameworks.
  • Familiarity with how Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles are being integrated by climate entrepreneurs and ecosystem enablers in Kenya is essential.
  • Strong facilitation and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.