TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR HIRSHABELLE CONFLICT MAPPING ASSESSMENT

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR HIRSHABELLE CONFLICT MAPPING ASSESSMENT

1.    BACKGROUND:

Over the past 30 years, Somalia has experienced a surge in violent conflicts. These conflicts have resulted in human loss, large-scale displacements, injuries, and material damages. Therefore, an understanding of these conflicts is necessary to determine the most appropriate means of mobilizing early and effective responses or interventions. In this regard, conflict mapping and analysis serves as an important source of information to gain a deeper understanding of the conflict contexts and plan effective interventions in areas affected by violent conflicts and insecurity.

Among the most affected regions is Hirshabelle State, where chronic violence has eroded social cohesion, disrupted service delivery, and undermined local governance. To foster peace and reconciliation among the communities in Hirshabelle State, it is vital to initiate and facilitate inclusive and constructive public dialogue and to establish participatory and accountable local governance structures that can address the needs and grievances of the people and prevent and resolve new conflicts. To achieve this goal, a thorough understanding of the local conflict dynamics, root causes, actors, stakeholders, spoilers, opportunities, and challenges is required.

Notwithstanding, the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) has recognized the importance of peacebuilding and reconciliation in its National Reconciliation Framework (NRF), which was approved by the cabinet in March 2019. The NRF provides the strategic direction for the implementation of the National Reconciliation Process/Plan (NRP), which was launched in June 2019. The Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation of the FGS (MoIFAR) and its counterparts in the Federal Member States (FMS) are responsible for carrying out the activities outlined in the NRP. One of the key activities under Pillar 3 (Restoring and Transforming Community Relationships) of the NRP is to conduct conflict mapping in collaboration with FMSs and stakeholders. This activity aims to identify and analyze the sources, drivers, dynamics, and impacts of conflict in each state and to inform the design and implementation of context-specific peacebuilding and reconciliation interventions. This activity also aligns with Pillar 4 (Building Trust in Government Institutions) of the NRP and seeks to enhance the capacity of the Reconciliation Department of MoIFAR-FGS and the reconciliation units in FMS line ministries to effectively lead and coordinate the peacebuilding and reconciliation process.

The aim of the conflict mapping assessment is to identify active conflicts in the State of Hirshabelle that negatively impact the lives of ordinary citizens. The mapping assessment will collect and analyze data on active conflicts at the district, regional and state levels, with the intention of informing MOIFAR and FMS line ministries about the number of conflicts in the Hirshabelle state and their characteristics, including different types of conflicts, root causes, drivers, triggers, main actors, perpetrators, victims, influential stakeholders, and so forth.

Regarding this, the Hirshabelle State Ministry of Reconciliation and Peacebuilding (MoRAP) intends to conduct a conflict mapping assessment of the Hiran and Middle Shabelle regions in close collaboration with MOIFAR-FGS. Through the support of the FCA Mideeye project, the MoRAP will recruit a consultant to conduct a participatory conflict mapping data collection exercise in the state, visiting eight (8) selected districts, namely Beledweine, Bulo-Burte, Mataban, and Mahas districts in Hiran region, as well as Jowhar, Warsheikh, Adale, and Bal'ad in Middle Shabelle region.

2.    OBJECTIVE OF THE CONFLICT MAPPING ASSESSMENT

·         To identify both active and latent conflicts in Hiran and Middle Shabelle regions.

·         To understand the nature of these conflicts, including their root causes, drivers, triggers, main actors, perpetrators, victims, and influential stakeholders.

·         To inform MOIFAR, MoRAP FMS line ministries about the number of conflicts in the Hirshabelle state and their characteristics with the intention to design reconciliation and advocacy plans.

·         To provide evidence to support design of interventions for peacebuilding efforts and to inform policies to address issues regarding conflict derivers in region.

3.    SCOPE OF WORK

The Responsible party is requested to complete the following activities:

·         Map all the conflicts in the two regions of Hirshabelle and form a typology of conflicts with clear visualization of the conflicts, their geographical locations, their timeline and parties involved.

·         Overview of previous conflict resolution efforts in the region and any peace agreements / cease fire agreements that are in place in relation to these, and status of implementation (this is important for the entry point and do no harm analysis of intervention design).

·         Analyse the gendered dimension of the conflicts and identify roles for women in conflict resolution and reconciliation.

·         Identify who are the key actors working in reconciliation efforts in the State, and what interventions are taking place? This is the stakeholder analysis that we can identify resources, knowledge, access, networks, for the reconciliation efforts.

·         Identify who are the actors that are capable of instigating violence including armed groups, political factions, and regional or clan-based entities.

·         Identify factors that can escalate conflicts such as resource and land disputes, political power struggles, clan rivalries, or ideological differences.

4.    METHODOLOGY

The methodology for the conflict mapping assessment in the State of Hirshabelle will be participatory and inclusive. The consultant will work with a team of local researchers and experts to collect data through a variety of methods, including:

• Interviews: The consultant will conduct interviews with key stakeholders, including community members, government officials, security forces, and civil society actors.
• Focus groups: The consultant will hold focus groups with community members to discuss their experiences of conflict and their views on peacebuilding.
• Document reviews: The consultant will review documents and reports on conflict in the region.
• Mapping: The consultant will use mapping tools to visualize the conflict landscape in the Hiran and Middle Shabelle regions.

The data collected through these methods will be analyzed to identify the different types of conflicts, their root causes, drivers, triggers, main actors, perpetrators, victims, and influential stakeholders. The findings of the assessment will be shared with the MoRAP and MOIFAR , as well as with other relevant stakeholders. This information will be used to inform the development of peacebuilding and reconciliation plans, strategies and interventions that are tailored to the specific needs of the Hirshabelle state.

These key principles will further guide the methodology of the conflict mapping assessment:

• Participatory: The assessment should be participatory and inclusive, with the active involvement of local communities and stakeholders.
• Informed consent: All participants should be informed about the purpose of the assessment and their rights, and they will provide their informed consent to participate.
• Confidentiality: The confidentiality of all participants will be protected.
• Accuracy: The assessment should be conducted in an accurate and impartial manner.
• Relevancy: The findings of the assessment will be relevant to the needs of the Hirshabelle state.
• Sensitivity: The assessment should take into consideration the values and ethical standard of the conflicts and adhere the Do no harm principle.

  5. RECOMMENDATIONS

The key recommendations that are expected to be derived from the conflict mapping assessment in the State of Hirshabelle are the following but not limited to:

• Recommendations for addressing the root causes of conflict: The assessment should identify the root causes of conflict in the Hiran and Middle Shabelle regions and make recommendations for addressing these causes. This could include recommendations for addressing issues such as poverty, inequality, lack of access to resources, and political marginalization.
• Recommendations for building trust and cooperation between stakeholders: The assessment should identify ways to build trust and cooperation between different stakeholders in the conflict, including community members, government officials, security forces, and civil society actors. This could include recommendations for holding dialogue and negotiation sessions, creating joint initiatives, and building capacity for conflict management.
• Recommendations for strengthening local peacebuilding capacities: The assessment should identify ways to strengthen local peacebuilding capacities in the Hiran and Middle Shabelle regions. This could include recommendations for providing training and resources to local peacemakers, supporting the development of peacebuilding initiatives, and building networks between local peacebuilders.
• Recommendations for advocacy for peacebuilding funding and policies: The assessment should identify ways to advocate for peacebuilding interventions and policies at the state, national and international levels. This could include recommendations for developing local peacebuilders, strategies, efforts and approaches, as well as local peace and reconciliation funding initiatives, increasing funding for peacebuilding initiatives, and advocating for peacebuilding at the United Nations and other international forums.

The key recommendations from the conflict mapping assessment will be essential for building a more peaceful and stable Hirshabelle state. By addressing the root causes of conflict, building trust and cooperation, strengthening local peacebuilding capacities, and advocating for peacebuilding funding and policies, the Hirshabelle state can create the conditions for sustainable peace.

DELIVERABLES

The consultant is expected to provide the following deliverables:

a)    Inception Report:

Within the first week of commencing the assignment, the consultants must present an inception report outlining their understanding of the task, propose a proven and appropriate methodology, work plan, and data collection tools.

b)    Draft Review Report:

The consultants will submit a comprehensive draft review report that includes findings, analysis, and preliminary recommendations. This draft report will be subject to review and feedback from MoRAP, FCA/NRTP MIDEEYE team.

c)    Final Reviewed Assessment

A revised and updated Hirshabelle conflict mapping assessment, must incorporate the recommendations and feedback received during the review process from the stakeholders’,

d)    Presentation of the findings

A final presentation of the findings, recommendations, and revised assessment to MoRAP and other relevant stakeholders.

6.    DURATION OF CONTRACT

Duration of this contract is Forty days.

7.    SERVICE TERMS

FCA Somalia country office will contract qualified consultant(s) Firm for Thirty days (40 days).

8.    VALIDITY

Tenders/Offers shall remain valid and open for acceptance for a period of 14 days after the closing date for the submission.

9.    TIMEFRAME FOR THE HIRSHABELLE STATE CONFLICT MAPPING ASSESSMENT

 The consultancy firm will work a maximum of forty working days.

The expected duration of submitting the final report is 1 month upon signing of the contract. The tentative schedule of deliverables are as follows:

6.    PAYMENT MODALITIES

The purpose of this section is to provide a detailed payment schedule and modalities against the deliverables. The payments will be processed upon completion and after receiving completion letter from MoRAP the following milestones.

·         20% after completion, submission, and acceptance of conflict mapping assessment inception report.

·         30% after completion, submission, and acceptance of detailed conflict mapping assessment draft report.

·         50% Submission of final version conflict mapping assessment completion and acceptance of the report.

7.    REPORTING AND COMMUNICATION

The consultancy firm will be required to maintain regular communication with MoRAP. Progress updates and any challenges encountered during the review process should be promptly communicated.

6.    COMPETENCE, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATION OF THE CONSULTANT

·         Demonstrated a strong understanding of conflict analysis and peacebuilding principles and practices and be able to identify the different types of conflicts, their root causes, drivers, triggers, main actors, perpetrators, victims, and influential stakeholders

·         Should have at least 5 years’ experience in conducting conflict mapping assessments in similar contexts, and be familiar with the different methods for collecting and analyzing conflict data

·         Expertise in designing and writing high-quality documents for publication. 

·         Good knowledge and proven experience in research design and data analysis. 

·         Good knowledge of rights-based approaches in peace and reconciliation. 

·         Master's degree in conflict study, development studies, social sciences, or any other relevant academic qualification or equivalent experience and expereince in working conflict-affected areas.

·         Sound knowledge of the context in Somalia specially in Hirshabelle State and the geographical scope of the conflict mapping study 

·         Excellent should have excellent communication, analytical, interpersonal, and flexibility skills

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7.    BUDGET

The consultancy firm or the individual consultant(s) should provide a detailed budget proposal, outlining all anticipated costs, including fees, travel expenses, accommodation, and any other necessary expenditures related to the study process. The budget must be an Indicative budget (maximum 1 page). Rates should be in US Dollars and inclusive of VAT.

8.    AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

MoRAP reserves the right to amend or terminate the contract if circumstances warrant such action.

9.    PROPOSAL SUBMISSION ANNEX

Interested candidates or consulting firms are required to submit a detailed technical proposal (maximum 3 pages) outlining their understanding of the assignment, methodology, detailed work plan, team composition, and relevant experience. The proposal must be accompanied by the CVs of key team members, Samples of previous work relevant to the assignment (in English), financial proposal, and Cover letter including a description of suitability of the consultant(s) (maximum 1 page).

Deadline for submission of offers is on 17th October 2023 and Time 1500 . (East Africa Time Zone) Candidates must send their offers via email to both [email protected]  and [email protected]  no later than the deadline as aforementioned. Any tenders not sent to both emails and received after the deadline will not be considered. The candidate shall bear all costs associated with the preparation and submission of the offer and the Contracting Authority (FCA) 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.