TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR CONSULTANCY SERVICES

To Review Climate-Related Policies and Design Strategies to Raise Awareness on the Green Humanitarian Aid Approach in Somalia

Project “Strengthening local climate-sensitive and universal WASH capacities using and disseminating the Green Humanitarian Aid approach”.

Action for Social and Economic Progress (ASEP)

April 2024

I.        Background

Somalia is facing increasingly severe climate-related challenges, including recurrent droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events. These challenges exacerbate existing vulnerabilities and pose significant risks to communities, livelihoods, and ecosystems. Addressing climate change and its impacts requires comprehensive policies and plans at various government levels to ensure effective mitigation and adaptation measures. Additionally, there is a growing recognition of the need for innovative approaches such as the Climate Charter and Green Humanitarian Aid Approach to integrate climate considerations into humanitarian actions and thus enhance resilience.

Action for Social and Economic Progress (ASEP) www.asepsomalia.org, is a local NGO that has been active in Somalia for nearly 30 years. Since its establishment in 1995, ASEP has implemented projects in core humanitarian and development sectors. The organization's mission is to facilitate WASH and livelihood improvement and strengthen resilience amongst vulnerable communities in Somalia.

ASEP has a long-standing partnership with arche noVa, (www.arche-nova.org) a German-based international NGO. The two organizations have significant operational experience in Somalia in humanitarian, recovery and transitional development aid in urban and rural contexts. ASEP is currently implementing three projects in partnership with arche noVa with funding from the German Federal Government and the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development to address humanitarian needs in the country. These include:

·         Strengthening local climate-sensitive and universal WASH capacities using and disseminating the Green Humanitarian Aid approach.

·         Adaptation to Effects of Climate Change and COVID-19 For Communities in Gedo Region of Jubbaland State of Somalia

·         Humanitarian response in WASH and Food Security for people affected by multiple natural hazards and conflicts in Somalia

II.        Aims and Objectives of the project under review

ASEP is looking for a consultant to Review Climate-Related Policies and Design Strategies to Raise Awareness on the Green Humanitarian Aid Approaches, under the project; Strengthening local climate-sensitive and universal WASH capacities using and disseminating the Green Humanitarian Aid approach. The project aims to ensure vulnerable communities have inclusive WASH capacities that take into account the impacts of climate and environmental risks, and are able to prepare for, anticipate and provide proactive humanitarian assistance in response to extreme weather events.

The consultancy therefore aims to enhance local humanitarian actors’ awareness and capacity to integrate the Climate Charter commitments and the Green Humanitarian Aid approaches into their environmental risk mitigation and adaptation strategies, thereby strengthening local climate resilience and environmental sustainability, particularly in Jubbaland State of Somalia.

Objectives

·         The primary objective of this consultancy is to conduct a comprehensive review of climate-related policies and plans at different government levels. This is meant to identify opportunities for advocacy and policy dialogue on the integration of the principles of the Climate Charter and Green Humanitarian Aid approach into existing frameworks.

·         Furthermore, the consultant will assess existing risks and potential future threats resulting from various humanitarian actions, with a focus on environmental risk mitigation.

Expected Outcome:

·         Enhanced Understanding of the Policy Framework: The consultant's review and analysis will lead to more understanding of existing climate-related policies and gaps in environmental risk mitigation strategies. This outcome will provide insights into areas for policy advocacy and dialogue with relevant authorities in the country.

·         Improved Risk Management: Through risk assessment and predictive modelling, the consultant will identify current and potential future environmental risks. The outcome will be a detailed assessment report outlining specific threats and vulnerabilities, empowering the implementation of targeted interventions and adaptation measures.

·         Strategic Stakeholder Engagement: The consultant's findings and recommendations will provide guidance on developing an action plan to advocate for the adoption of the Climate Charter principles and the Green Humanitarian Aid approaches. This outcome will facilitate strategic stakeholder engagement and foster collaboration towards more sustainable and resilient humanitarian practices.

·         Increased Awareness and Cooperation: The dissemination of findings through presentation materials and engagement with stakeholders will raise awareness about the importance of the Climate Charter and the Green Humanitarian Aid approach. The outcome will be increased cooperation among stakeholders towards a more integrated and effective approach to the environment.

III.        Scope of Work:

The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

·         Conduct a thorough review of existing climate-related policies, strategies, and plans at national, regional, and local government levels, with special emphasis on the Jubbaland state of Somalia.

·         Assess the coherence, effectiveness, and implementation status of these policies and plans in addressing climate change and related risks.

·         Identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities for integrating the climate charter and Green Humanitarian Aid approach into existing frameworks.

·         Analyze the environmental risks associated with current humanitarian actions in Somalia and assess their potential impacts on ecosystems and communities.

·         Develop a comprehensive report detailing the findings of the policy review and risk assessment, including recommendations for advocacy and policy dialogue.

·         Outline a plan to inform and engage local humanitarian actors, government bodies and other relevant stakeholders about the importance of adopting the climate charter and Green Humanitarian Approach for effective environmental risk mitigation.

IV.        Deliverables:

·         Inception Report: A detailed plan outlining the methodology, data sources, and work plan for the consultancy.

·         Draft Report: A comprehensive report presenting the findings of the policy review, risk assessment, and recommendations for advocacy and policy dialogue, including presentation materials for disseminating findings to stakeholders.

·         Final Report: Revised based on feedback received, incorporating any additional inputs or recommendations.

Duration: The consultancy is expected to be completed within four weeks from the signing of the contract.