TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR) For Consultant – Business Regulations and Institutional Support to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), Jubaland

TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)

EXPERT CONSULTANT

Job Title: Consultant – Business Regulations and Institutional Support to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), Jubaland
Program: Strengthening the Socio-Economic Participation of Women (SEPOW)
Location: Kismayo – Jubaland State of Somalia
Duration: 3 Months
Reporting Line: Director General, MoCI
Administrative Supervision: ALIGHT
Application Deadline: 31st August 2025

1. Background

ALIGHT, in partnership with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) of Jubaland State, is focused on fostering a more inclusive and enabling business environment in Kismayo, Jubaland. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to support socio-economic development at the regional level. The MoCI has a vision to create a vibrant, competitive private sector contributing to sustainable economic development, and its mission includes promoting private sector growth through improved regulatory frameworks and enhanced business facilitation.

The consultancy sought under these ToRs aims to strengthen the institutional capacity of the MoCI, enhance dialogue with key stakeholders—including government, community groups, and private sector actors—and review and revise the business regulatory frameworks to better support women’s economic empowerment and the inclusion of ultra-poor entrepreneurs. This is in recognition of the need to address barriers such as limited access to finance, skills, and markets. MoCI aims to review the state’s business registration system to facilitate formalization and ease of doing business, addressing statutes that impede these groups from full participation in the economy

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) of Jubaland State, in partnership with the GIZ SEPOW project and ALIGHT, is committed to creating a more inclusive and enabling business environment. This consultancy seeks to strengthen MoCI’s institutional capacity, foster dialogue with key stakeholders, and revise business regulatory frameworks in support of women’s economic empowerment and the inclusion of ultra-poor entrepreneurs in Kismayo.

2. Purpose of the Assignment

To engage a qualified Consultancy Expert to support MoCI to:

·       Provide technical and institutional support to the MoCI, with a goal to create a supportive and inclusive business environment that propels sustainable economic growth and social inclusion in Kismayo, Jubaland.

·       Reviewing and revising key business regulations and procedures affecting small businesses and women entrepreneurs.

·       Support the facilitation of 3 dialogue sessions with other Ministries and relevant government institutions. MoCI, will lead the development of a joint Ministerial statement, advocating the adoption of mainstreaming the reality of economic difficulties (needs) of vulnerable ultra-poor persons and women in conducting business in Kismayo, including call for development of cost waiver policy arrangements and processes.

·       Facilitate inter-ministerial and public-private dialogues on inclusive economic development. This will be done through stakeholder discussion including government, small business owners, women, legal service providers, financial institutions, religious leaders and NGO partners. The forums will focus on systemic (system-based) & cultural barriers and ways to improve access to credit among the ultra-poor women

·       Supporting MoCI in the review and revision of the Jubaland State Business Registration and Licensing Law, in line with SEPOW project objectives and stakeholder input.

3. Scope of Work a. Regulations Review and Stakeholder Engagement

·       Review current business and regulatory frameworks that hinder small business growth, particularly for ultra-poor women.

·       Develop recommendations to reduce bureaucratic obstacles, facilitate access to finance, and promote inclusivity.

b. Facilitation of Dialogue Sessions

·       Facilitate three intra-governmental dialogue sessions focused on inclusive revision of key government regulations including ID Card access, security clearance and bank account access

·       Support MoCI in drafting a Joint Ministerial Statement advocating for simplified procedures, cost waiver policies, and women-friendly provisions in business regulation.

c. Targeted Revision of the Jubaland Business Registration and Licensing Law

The consultant will:

a)     Collect Inputs from:

o   MoCI technical teams

o   GIZ and ALIGHT SEPOW project staff.

b)    Draft an Initial Revised Version of the Law:

o   Ensure alignment with SEPOW objectives, including accessibility for ultra-poor and women-owned businesses.

c)     Conduct Stakeholder Consultations:

o   Facilitate three public consultation meetings with:

§  Private sector actors and SMEs

§  Relevant government institutions and officials specifically Ministries of Security, Interior, Finance, Women and the agencies for the ID Card, security agency, Kismayo municipality and Banks

d)    Finalize the Revised Law:

o   Incorporate stakeholder feedback into the final version.

o   Submit the finalized law to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for endorsement. 

d. Conduct Capacity building for relevant ministry official.

The Consultancy is expected to carry out capacity assessment and deliver training for relevant ministry officials.

4. Expected Deliverables

Phase

Deliverables

Timeline

Phase 1

Inception report with detailed work plan and policy review findings. Initial engagement with MoCI, GIZ, and ALIGHT.

By Day 15

Phase 2

Facilitate 3 intra-governmental dialogue sessions; support MoCI in drafting Joint Ministerial Statement.

End of Month 2

Phase 3

Submit first draft of the revised Business Registration and Licensing Law based on MoCI, GIZ, and ALIGHT inputs. Conduct public consultations.

Mid-Month 3

Phase 4

Finalize revised law incorporating feedback. Submit final version to MoCI. Conduct capacity-building training.

End of Month 3

NB: The consultant will be paid on result-based performance. All payments will be subject to satisfactory accomplishment of the deliverables.

5. Reporting and Coordination.

·       The consultant will report directly to the Director General, Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI).

·       The consultant will work in close coordination with ALIGHT, GIZ SEPOW, and relevant MoCI departments.

6. Duration

·       The consultancy will be for three (3) months.

7. Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate should have:

·       A Master’s degree in Public Administration, Law, Business Administration, or a related field.

·       Minimum 6 years of experience in legal and policy reform, public administration, and inclusive economic development.

·       Proven experience drafting or revising business regulatory frameworks.

·       Demonstrated ability to conduct high-level stakeholder consultations and policy dialogue.

·       Fluency in Somali and English is required.

8. Application Process

Interested candidates should submit:

·       An updated CV

·       A cover letter outlining relevant experience and qualifications

Applications must be submitted to [email protected] no later than 31st August 2025.