TERMS OF REFERENCE

Consultancy to Develop the Somaliland Nursing and Midwifery Association (SLNMA) Advocacy and Communication Plan 1. Background

The Somali Midwives for Improving Lives and Enhancing Sexual and Reproductive Health (SMILES) Project is a five-year initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada and led by CARE International Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Association of Midwives (CAM), CARE Somalia, the Somalia Midwives Association (SOMA), Puntland Association of Midwives (PAM), and the Somaliland Nursing and Midwifery Association (SLNMA).

The project aims to contribute to improved sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for women and adolescent girls and to strengthen the capacity of midwifery associations to promote gender-responsive SRHR and advance the midwifery profession.

Under Output 1131, the project will support Midwifery Associations to develop and implement advocacy and communication strategies that promote the profession and engage key stakeholders. The baseline assessment identified strengths in representational and governance functions but gaps in technical management, policy influence, policy negotiation, and advocacy.

SLNMA therefore seeks to engage a qualified consultant to provide technical assistance in translating the priorities identified by the SLNMA Board into an actionable and measurable Advocacy and Communication Plan and supporting advocacy and communication tools.

2. Purpose of the Consultancy

The purpose of this consultancy is to strengthen SLNMA’s capacity to effectively advocate for the nursing and midwifery professions, influence relevant policies and decision-making processes, improve stakeholder engagement, and increase the visibility and recognition of nurses and midwives in Somaliland.

The consultant will work closely with the SLNMA Board, management, staff, and project focal point to develop a practical, evidence-informed, gender-responsive, and implementable Advocacy and Communication Plan.

3. Objectives

The specific objectives are to:

1.       Support SLNMA to identify and prioritize key advocacy and communication issues.

2.       Translate SLNMA Board-defined priorities into clear advocacy objectives, strategies, activities, and measurable results.

3.       Develop a practical Advocacy and Communication Plan aligned with SLNMA’s strategic priorities and the SMILES Project Output 1131.

4.       Develop or recommend appropriate advocacy and communication messages and products for different stakeholder groups.

5.       Strengthen SLNMA’s capacity to engage government, professional bodies, development partners, media, civil society, members, and other relevant stakeholders.

6.       Ensure that advocacy and communication approaches are gender-responsive, inclusive, rights-based, and centered on the voices of nurses and midwives.

Required Qualifications and Experience

The consultant should have:

·         A university degree in communications, public relations, development studies, social sciences, public health, health policy, advocacy, or a related field.

·         At least 7 years of relevant professional experience in advocacy, communication, policy engagement, organizational development, or related areas.

·         Demonstrated experience developing advocacy and communication strategies/plans for NGOs, professional associations, government institutions, or development organizations.

·         Strong understanding of the Somaliland health and development context.

·         Experience working with professional associations, civil society organizations, government institutions, or development partners is an advantage.

·         Strong stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills.

·         Excellent report writing and communication skills in English.

·         Strong Somali communication skills.

·         Knowledge of gender equality, inclusion, human rights, and SRHR is highly desirable.

·         Experience developing communication products for different audiences and media platforms is an advantage.

Submission of Applications

Interested and qualified consultants should submit their CV, technical proposal, financial proposal, anSubmission Details:

·         📧 Email: [email protected]

·         📍 Location: Hargeisa, Somaliland

·         ⏳ Deadline: 05 September 2026

Applications should be submitted by email to [email protected] no later than the stated deadline.

d relevant references to SLNMA through [email protected] not later than 05/09/2025