Community Engagement - Air Cavities Redesign Consultant
Background
Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) is anchored on a fundamental vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. This vision has been the driving force in all HFHI’s actions and activities and has seen HFHI helping more than 65 million people around the world build or improve the place they call home. To further this vision, HFHI established the Terwilliger Centre for Innovation in Shelter (TCIS) to build and expand inclusive housing markets by supporting local firms to innovate and expand client-responsive services and products. TCIS understands that the role of local markets is critical in closing housing gaps among the low-income and incremental building market segment and strives to make markets work more effectively for low-income people in need of decent, affordable housing.
Project Overview
HFHI through TCIS launched the Air Cavities Redesign Challenge in partnership with HeroX and SeaFreight Labs in 2025. The goal of the challenge is to refine, prototype, and field-test improved air cavity designs that balance functionality, affordability, and user acceptability, and in alignment with Habitat for Humanity’s global Healthy Housing objective of integrating public health, climate resilience, and affordable housing innovation. This project aims to refine the air cavities solution as a viable alternative to conventional windows through a collaborative design competition and community engagement process. The competition enlisted skilled solvers from around the world through HeroX, a crowdsourcing platform and innovation network, with mobilization being done using social media platforms and in collaboration with professional bodies like the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK).
Purpose
The purpose is to engage the community in an evaluation, co-creation and decision-making process to select 3 solutions, out of 5 solutions, that are acceptable to the community and with the highest probability for adoption and scale. The consultant will gather insights on the community’s knowledge, attitudes and practices to further advise how responsive approaches to promoting adoption and scale of the final solutions. The exercise will be conducted in Kadenge Ratuoro Village, Siaya County. More information on the 5 solutions can be obtained from the entries page of the challenge on the HeroX platform: Reducing Malaria in Homes with Improved Air Cavity Ventilation | HeroX
Objectives
1.Deliver regulatory coordination and community engagement services enabling safe demonstration and feedback on air cavity prototypes
2.Facilitate community entry and mobilization, and conduct structured feedback sessions with households, artisans and county authorities
3.Gather community feedback on the 5 housing solutions on privacy, thermal comfort, aesthetics, installation, quality and possible modifications among others
4.Identify solutions the community is willing to adopt and apply to their homes and document details of households that are ready to uptake the modifications
Methodology
The consultant will develop the methodology to meet the objectives, deliverables, tasks and responsibilities. The methodology will integrate qualitative and quantitative methods to comprehensively capture households’ understanding of the 5 air cavities solutions.
Deliverables
1.Inception report (methodology, tools, schedule, stakeholder map, risks, etc.)
2.Stakeholder engagement report from meetings with relevant government officials, community heads and opinion leaders
3.Technical documentation on the demonstration wall (Construction and installation steps, observations, artisan feedback)
4.Community engagement report (engagement plan, mobilization summary and community feedback-qualitative & quantitative)
5.Draft report for review with visual outputs (videos and photos)
6.Final comprehensive report after review of draft with visual outputs (videos and photos)
7.PowerPoint summarizing the findings, lessons, conclusions and recommendations
Tasks & responsibilities
a)Collaborate with HFHI and SeaFreight Labs to develop and validate the community engagement plan
b)Lead the creation of prototypes, construction of demonstration walls and installation of prototypes on the walls
c)Co-lead the community engagement with HFHI and be responsible for community mobilization and ensuring integrity of data and completion within the agreed timeframe and following HFHI’s Data Privacy Policy
d)Analyze data and submit a detailed report outlining the methodology used, presenting the findings with their interpretations, and discussing the strengths, limitations, and implications of findings
e)Debrief with the project team to share the preliminary findings
f)Submit a final study report incorporating insights and feedback from the debrief sessions
g)Prepare PowerPoint presentations summarizing the study findings, lessons and recommendations
Duration
The community engagement will be conducted between December 2025 to February 2026. This represents calendar period and not consultancy days.
Experience and qualification
1.Experience conducting community engagements in Kenya, marketing research and other relevant fields
2.Min. 10 years demonstrated experience in qualitative and/or mixed methods research
3.Strong commitment and capacity to engage partners via participatory and consultative approach in strategy development
4.Extensive experience in data management and analysis, including data collection tools design and data quality checks
5.Understanding of Market Systems approaches and experience working with housing programs is an added advantage
6.Experience carrying out related evaluations on housing products is desirable
7.Demonstrable understanding and experience in Healthy Housing
Safeguarding: HFHI requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguarding our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work. Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children), and promotes the implementation of HFHI’s code of conduct.
Data Protection: The contractor will be required to abide by HFHI’s data protection and security policy during the assignment period. All data, documentation, photos, and insights collected through this assignment are the property of HFHI.
Submission
Interested individuals or companies should submit the following:
A max. 5 pages technical proposal clearly outlining understanding of the terms of reference, methodology, duration, the technical team, evidence of work and references. A detailed financial proposal, and profile/resume of the lead expert
Application and Decision Process
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Written proposal (technical and financial) including CVs of key personnel should be sent to [email protected] by 30th December 2025, via email on with subject line: Community Engagement for Air Cavities Redesign Challenge.
Please note that the selected consultant will be required to show proof of professional indemnity cover.
ONLY CANDIDATES WHO FOLLOW APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR THE ROLE.
Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) is anchored on a fundamental vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. This vision has been the driving force in all HFHI’s actions and activities and has seen HFHI helping more than 65 million people around the world build or improve the place they call home. To further this vision, HFHI established the Terwilliger Centre for Innovation in Shelter (TCIS) to build and expand inclusive housing markets by supporting local firms to innovate and expand client-responsive services and products. TCIS understands that the role of local markets is critical in closing housing gaps among the low-income and incremental building market segment and strives to make markets work more effectively for low-income people in need of decent, affordable housing.
Project Overview
HFHI through TCIS launched the Air Cavities Redesign Challenge in partnership with HeroX and SeaFreight Labs in 2025. The goal of the challenge is to refine, prototype, and field-test improved air cavity designs that balance functionality, affordability, and user acceptability, and in alignment with Habitat for Humanity’s global Healthy Housing objective of integrating public health, climate resilience, and affordable housing innovation. This project aims to refine the air cavities solution as a viable alternative to conventional windows through a collaborative design competition and community engagement process. The competition enlisted skilled solvers from around the world through HeroX, a crowdsourcing platform and innovation network, with mobilization being done using social media platforms and in collaboration with professional bodies like the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK).
Purpose
The purpose is to engage the community in an evaluation, co-creation and decision-making process to select 3 solutions, out of 5 solutions, that are acceptable to the community and with the highest probability for adoption and scale. The consultant will gather insights on the community’s knowledge, attitudes and practices to further advise how responsive approaches to promoting adoption and scale of the final solutions. The exercise will be conducted in Kadenge Ratuoro Village, Siaya County. More information on the 5 solutions can be obtained from the entries page of the challenge on the HeroX platform: Reducing Malaria in Homes with Improved Air Cavity Ventilation | HeroX
Objectives
1.Deliver regulatory coordination and community engagement services enabling safe demonstration and feedback on air cavity prototypes
2.Facilitate community entry and mobilization, and conduct structured feedback sessions with households, artisans and county authorities
3.Gather community feedback on the 5 housing solutions on privacy, thermal comfort, aesthetics, installation, quality and possible modifications among others
4.Identify solutions the community is willing to adopt and apply to their homes and document details of households that are ready to uptake the modifications
Methodology
The consultant will develop the methodology to meet the objectives, deliverables, tasks and responsibilities. The methodology will integrate qualitative and quantitative methods to comprehensively capture households’ understanding of the 5 air cavities solutions.
Deliverables
1.Inception report (methodology, tools, schedule, stakeholder map, risks, etc.)
2.Stakeholder engagement report from meetings with relevant government officials, community heads and opinion leaders
3.Technical documentation on the demonstration wall (Construction and installation steps, observations, artisan feedback)
4.Community engagement report (engagement plan, mobilization summary and community feedback-qualitative & quantitative)
5.Draft report for review with visual outputs (videos and photos)
6.Final comprehensive report after review of draft with visual outputs (videos and photos)
7.PowerPoint summarizing the findings, lessons, conclusions and recommendations
Tasks & responsibilities
a)Collaborate with HFHI and SeaFreight Labs to develop and validate the community engagement plan
b)Lead the creation of prototypes, construction of demonstration walls and installation of prototypes on the walls
c)Co-lead the community engagement with HFHI and be responsible for community mobilization and ensuring integrity of data and completion within the agreed timeframe and following HFHI’s Data Privacy Policy
d)Analyze data and submit a detailed report outlining the methodology used, presenting the findings with their interpretations, and discussing the strengths, limitations, and implications of findings
e)Debrief with the project team to share the preliminary findings
f)Submit a final study report incorporating insights and feedback from the debrief sessions
g)Prepare PowerPoint presentations summarizing the study findings, lessons and recommendations
Duration
The community engagement will be conducted between December 2025 to February 2026. This represents calendar period and not consultancy days.
Experience and qualification
1.Experience conducting community engagements in Kenya, marketing research and other relevant fields
2.Min. 10 years demonstrated experience in qualitative and/or mixed methods research
3.Strong commitment and capacity to engage partners via participatory and consultative approach in strategy development
4.Extensive experience in data management and analysis, including data collection tools design and data quality checks
5.Understanding of Market Systems approaches and experience working with housing programs is an added advantage
6.Experience carrying out related evaluations on housing products is desirable
7.Demonstrable understanding and experience in Healthy Housing
Safeguarding: HFHI requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguarding our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work. Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children), and promotes the implementation of HFHI’s code of conduct.
Data Protection: The contractor will be required to abide by HFHI’s data protection and security policy during the assignment period. All data, documentation, photos, and insights collected through this assignment are the property of HFHI.
Submission
Interested individuals or companies should submit the following:
A max. 5 pages technical proposal clearly outlining understanding of the terms of reference, methodology, duration, the technical team, evidence of work and references. A detailed financial proposal, and profile/resume of the lead expert
Application and Decision Process
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Written proposal (technical and financial) including CVs of key personnel should be sent to [email protected] by 30th December 2025, via email on with subject line: Community Engagement for Air Cavities Redesign Challenge.
Please note that the selected consultant will be required to show proof of professional indemnity cover.
ONLY CANDIDATES WHO FOLLOW APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR THE ROLE.
Location:
Kenya
Position Category:
Consultant
Type:
Consultancy
Function:
Housing and Shelter
Travel:
About Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity, founded in 1976, is a global, Christian-based nonprofit organization that grew out of an intentionally multi-racial community in rural Georgia. Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat brings together people of all faiths and people of no faith to build homes, communities and hope. Working alongside each other, we help families and individuals build and improve places to call home and achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Habitat seeks individuals who have a willingness to affirm these principles and values.
At Habitat for Humanity International, we are compelled by our Koinonia roots to put God’s love for all into action and pursue housing equity and opportunity by bringing all people together to build community and drive impact. We strive to build a culture rooted in learning, accountability and trust, attracting and retaining mission-driven talent reflective of the global communities we serve.
As an equal opportunity employer, we realize our success depends on courageously committing to being a workplace where all staff feel safe, welcome, visible, respected, supported and valued, and building a workforce that reflects a variety of lived experiences, backgrounds and perspectives, in which every person experiences dignity and respect.
We also require that all staff take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguarding our intended beneficiaries, their communities (especially children) and all those with whom we work. In line with the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse, all staff must pass a thorough background screening and will be held accountable to upholding our policies around ethical behavior, including safeguarding and whistleblowing.