Terms of Reference (ToR) for Consultant - Researcher - (3 Positions)

Terms of Reference (ToR) for Consultant-Researcher Background

Somali Public Agenda (SPA) is implementing an EU-funded project titled “Increased Opportunities for Somali Citizens’ Scrutiny of Fiscal and Financial Governance.” This initiative aims to empower citizens to express their views, priorities, and concerns to District Councils, enhancing engagement in public financial management (PFM). The project promotes transparency, accountability, and active participation, particularly for marginalized communities, by providing access to relevant information about District Council activities.

Research Topics

SPA seeks three qualified researchers to conduct a comprehensive study on the following topics:

1. Dynamics of Taxation: Focus on cultural, religious, and social factors influencing tax compliance in Somalia.
2. Role of Public Finance Management (PFM)Systems: Examine how PFM systems improve fiscal performance of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and Federal Member States (FMS).
3. Budget Formulation Limitations: Analyze constraints in the budget formulation and approval processes at the federal level.

Expected Deliverables

The final deliverable will be a comprehensive research report outlining key issues and practical recommendations for stakeholders. The consultants/researchers will undertake the following tasks:

1. Research Framework Development

• Design: Develop a comprehensive research framework detailing objectives, methods, and anticipated outcomes.
• Methodology: Create a robust methodology that is culturally relevant and sensitive.

2. Data Collection Plan

• Develop a detailed plan to gather qualitative and quantitative data aligned with SPA requirements.

3. Data Analysis

• Analyze and interpret collected data using appropriate tools and techniques.
• Employ triangulation methods to ensure validity and reliability of findings.

4. Stakeholder Engagement

• Actively engage with key stakeholders, including government officials and public finance experts, to gather insights and facilitate discussions.
• Foster relationships to enhance trust with target research participants.

5. Key Informant Interviews (KII)

• Conduct interviews with stakeholders, including officials from federal and state ministries of finance and PFM experts.
• Ensure ethical conduct of interviews, respecting participants' rights.
• Ethical Considerations: Include informed consent and confidentiality measures for participants.

6. Final Research Report

• Produce a final report detailing findings and offering tailored recommendations based on data and observations.

Duration of Assignment: The assignment is expected to last a maximum of three months from the date of signing contract.

Location: Mogadishu, Somalia.

Reporting: Consultants/researchers will report directly to a Senior Program Support Officer.

Qualifications & Experience

Researchers/Consultants are expected to have:

1. Education: Bachelor’s or preferably Master’s degree in Public Finance,Enomics or a related field.
2. Experience: Proven record in research design, data collection, and analysis, particularly in similar contexts.
3. Publications: Previous research on relevant subjects available upon request.
4. Data Science Knowledge: Familiarity with data science principles.
5. Experience: 3-5 years in relevant roles.
6. Language Skills: Fluency in Both English and Somali language, with strong communication and presentation abilities.
7. Report Writing: Proven ability to write comprehensive research reports.

Interested candidates should submit their applications to https://somalipublicagenda.org/terms-of-reference-tor-for-consultant-researcher-submission-form/  by June 6, 2025 .

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further discussions.