Terms of Reference for Consultancy services on Capacity Strengthening and Operationalisation of Community Feedback and Accountability Mechanisms for Responsive Local Governance .

Terms of Reference

for

Consultancy services on Capacity Strengthening and Operationalisation of  Community Feedback and Accountability Mechanisms for Responsive Local Governance .

Date of issue:

8 Aug 2026

Project title:

SSF III – Democratization, Local Governance and Accountability (DLGA) Project

Deadline for submission of offers:

20 August 2026

Location:

Abudwaq and S.Galkacyo

Contracting authority:

Horncenter HC Dialogue

1           Introduction & Background

Horncenter HC Dialogue is seeking qualified consultant to support the implementation of workshops on Capacity Strengthening and Operationalisation of  Community Feedback and Accountability Mechanisms for Responsive Local Governance (HC) South Galkacyo & Abudwak under the Strengthening Inclusive Local Governance for Democratic Somalia (HORUMAR) project. The HORUMAR project aims to strengthen inclusive local governance for democratic Somalia through participatory governance approaches, accountability, and community engagement. The project emphasizes gender equality, social inclusion, conflict sensitivity, and Somali-led governance processes aligned with the Wadajir Framework and National Reconciliation Framework.

1.1         Background HC

Horncenter (HC) Dialogue is an independent, not-for-profit think tank based in Galmudug and operating throughout South and Central Somalia. HC Dialogue is committed to the peaceful resolution of conflicts,community cohesion, and integration across Somalia's communities and regions. We also focus on examining policy issues and challenges affecting institutions and state-building in Somalia, and on developing policy solutions. We advance policy debate, build capacity, raise media awareness, and generate ideas on a variety of topics, including governance enhancements, economic and social development, dialogue, peace, and research. Our team comprises experienced practitioners, former diplomats, academicians, and local Somali activists.

2           Objectives

The assignment aims to identify community priorities, service delivery gaps, and governance concerns through inclusive consultations in Abudwak and South Galkacyo, providing a basis for the design of relevant capacity-strengthening interventions. Building on the consultation findings, the second component will focus on developing practical training modules on the identified community feedback and accountability channels, while supporting stakeholders to operationalize these mechanisms through clear procedures, roles, referral pathways, and response processes. Ultimately, the assignment will strengthen citizen participation, accountability, transparency, and responsive local governance in the two districts.

11.Required Expertise and Qualification

·         Master’s degree       in   governance,     Public    Policy,    Social    Sciences,     International

Development, Peace and Conflict Studies, Gender Studies, or another relevant field.

·         Minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience in local governance,

peacebuilding, civic engagement, institutional strengthening, or related areas.

·         Demonstrated experience in designing and delivering capacity-building programmes, training workshops, mentorship, and facilitation for diverse stakeholders.

·         Proven expertise in developing training manuals, facilitation tools, guidance materials, or institutional capacity-strengthening frameworks.

·         Strong knowledge of local governance systems, decentralization processes, and inclusive governance approaches in Somalia. Familiarity with the Wadajir Framework is an advantage.

·         Proven experience working effectively in fragile, conflict-affected, and politically sensitive contexts.

·         Demonstrated ability to engage constructively with government institutions, civil society, community actors, and development partners.

·         Strong planning, coordination, analytical, and report-writing skills, with ability to work independently and deliver quality outputs within tight timelines.

·         Familiarity with project implementation, monitoring, accountability, learning, and results reporting processes.

·         Previous experience working with INGOs, local organizations, and public institutions in Somalia is highly desirable.

·         Excellent communication and facilitation skills in both Somali and English (spoken and written).

Application procedure

Any candidates / bidders / consultancy firms that fail to share the above documentations satisfactorily will be disqualified. Further, shortlisted candidates / bidders / consultancy firms will be subjected to technical interviews to assess their competence regarding the delivery of the consultancy, in line with the consultancy qualifications and bids evaluation criteria listed above.

Deadline for submission of tender bids/offers is on 22nd August 2026 at 23:50 A.M (East Africa Time Zone). Candidates’ / bidders / consultancy firms must send their offers via email to no later than the deadline as aforementioned. Any tenders received after the deadline will not be considered. Candidates must put “Capacity Strengthening and Operationalisation of  Community Feedback and Accountability Mechanisms for Responsive Local Governance (HC) South Galkacyo & Abudwak” in the subject line of their emails. No tender may be changed or withdrawn after the deadline has passed.

The bidders shall bear all costs associated with the preparation and submission of the offer, and HC will in no case be responsible or liable for these costs, regardless of the conduct or outcome of the procurement process. Canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification. Please note, only short-listed candidates will be notified for interview. Thank you!