Terms of Reference (ToR) for External Consultant to Conduct an Impact Study on Youth Empowerment, Social Cohesion, and Advocacy Through Sport in Somaliland

Terms of Reference (ToR) for External Consultant to Conduct an Impact Study on Youth Empowerment, Social Cohesion, and Advocacy Through Sport in Somaliland 

Position: Impact Study Consultant – Somaliland Youth Programs

Organizations: GAME & SCORE

Focus: Youth Empowerment, Gender Equality through Sport, and Youth Civic Advocacy

Location: Somaliland

Duration: Estimated 21 days working days between August and October 2025

Application Deadline: August 6th 2025

Start date: Week 33

Introduction to GAME and SCORE

GAME is a non-profit organization that works to create inclusive and youth-led street sports communities with a focus on social change. Through training local youth as Playmakers, GAME creates safe spaces for sports, empowerment, and civic engagement in underserved communities.

SCORE is GAME’s local partner in Somaliland, implementing GAME’s methodology and programming in close collaboration with local stakeholders. Together, they have rolled out multiple community-focused projects aimed at strengthening youth leadership, gender equality, and social cohesion through sport

Background and context

SCORE, in partnership with GAME, has been implementing youth-led sports and advocacy programming in Somaliland since 2019 with activities centered in Hargeisa Burao and Berbera, working across internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and host communities.

The programming has focused on strengthening youth leadership and life skills through the Playmaker model, promoting gender equity in sports, and fostering community cohesion through inclusive street sports and community dialogue.

This consultancy will conduct a cross-project impact study, reviewing and synthesizing data from five (5) completed interventions implemented over the past 5 years. The aim is to assess the contribution of these interventions to youth empowerment, social cohesion, gender inclusion, and local advocacy capacity, particularly through the experiences of Playmakers (youth leaders) and Zone Kids (younger participants).

Purpose of the Study

The study aims to assess the outcomes and impact of GAME & SCORE’s work in Somaliland with a focus on three thematic areas:

1. Youth Empowerment and Social Cohesion

·       Strengthened relationships between IDP and host communities

·       Youth leadership, confidence, and interpersonal skills

·       Social inclusion through play and sport

2. Gender Equality through Sport

·       Increased participation of girls in sports

·       Shifts in youth, community and parental attitudes towards girl participation in sports

·       The role of youth and Playmakers in advocacy for girls' rights in sports

3. Civic Advocacy and Community Engagement

·       Increased capacity of youth to engage in civic spaces

·       Playmakers’ ability to lead and influence local issues, including gender equality

·       Changes in parental and community attitudes through advocacy and dialogue sessions

Key Objectives

·       Review and synthesize existing data from relevant projects

·       Conduct targeted qualitative data collection to strengthen the evidence base (e.g., interviews, focus groups)

·       Analyze key outcomes across the three thematic areas

·       Identify impact, lessons learned, and actionable recommendations for future programming

Scope of Work

The consultant will be expected to:

1.       Review existing materials: Final project reports, survey data, MSC quotes, training materials, workshop reports, and other relevant project documentation.  

2.       Design and implement follow-up qualitative data collection:

·       Conduct semi-structured interviews and/or focus group discussions with Playmakers, Zone Kids, and/or community stakeholders (e.g., parents, local leaders).

3.       Analyze findings in relation to the study’s three thematic areas

4.       Produce a clear and engaging impact report with:

·       Key findings and outcomes

·       Human-centered insights and quotes

·       Recommendations for future programming and advocacy

Deliverables

·       Inception report in English (max 3 pages) including methodology and data collection plan

·       Draft report for review and feedback

·       Final impact report in English

·       PowerPoint slide deck summarizing key findings

Timeline

Deliverables

Deadline

Bid/proposal

August 6th 2025 (Week 32)

Kick-off meeting 

Week 33 (exact date TBD)

Inception report

5 days from Kick-off Meeting 

Final report & presentation deck:

October 1st 2025

Available Data and Resources

GAME and SCORE will provide access to relevant project data, including but not limited to final project reports for the 5 chosen projects, surveys, workshop outputs, and monitoring information, as available.

Limitations and Considerations

·       Qualitative data from each project is limited in depth

·       Some workshop reports contain limited participant reflections or direct quotes

·       Quantitative survey tracking is not longitudinal at the individual level

Ethical Considerations

The consultant is expected to uphold ethical research standards, including ensuring informed consent, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity in all interactions. Since the study involves youth participants, the consultant should ensure appropriate safeguarding and consent protocols are followed in line with GAME and SCORE’s policies.

Qualifications and Experience

·       Degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Gender Studies, or related field

·       Minimum 5 years of experience in impact assessments, MEL, or research within youth, gender, or sport-for-development sectors is desirable but not essential.

·       Demonstrated experience in qualitative research methods

·       Strong analytical and communication skills

·       Familiarity with the socio-cultural context of Somaliland is an advantage

Interested consultants should submit the following documents by August 6th, 2025:

·       A brief technical proposal (max 3 pages), including

o   Understanding of the assignment

o   Proposed methodology

o   Timeline

·       CV(s) of the consultant or team, highlighting relevant experience

·       Financial proposal (separate document), indicating the total budget including daily rate and any anticipated expenses

Please send applications to: [email protected]
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.