Terms of Reference (ToR) for Consultancy in Conducting a Functional Review of the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), Somalia

1.    Introduction

The Federal Republic of Somalia is at a pivotal juncture in its history, embarking on a comprehensive National Transformation Program aimed at addressing long-standing challenges while capitalizing on its potential for sustainable development, governance reform, and economic revitalization. Central to this transformative agenda is the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), which has historically played a crucial role in coordinating government activities and ensuring the implementation of national policies and programs.

In recent years, the OPM has evolved to become the nerve center of the Somali government's efforts to foster a cohesive and effective public service. With a dedicated workforce of 351 staff and an organizational structure comprising 14 departments, the OPM has been instrumental in facilitating inter-ministerial coordination, policy formulation, and strategic planning. The office's responsibilities have expanded significantly in response to the growing complexities of governance and the increasing expectations of the Somali people for transparent, accountable, and responsive leadership

The National Transformation Program represents an ambitious endeavor to redefine the trajectory of Somalia's development. It encompasses a wide range of initiatives aimed at strengthening governance, promoting economic growth, enhancing security, and improving the welfare of the Somali population. This program adopts a whole-government and whole-nation approach, recognizing that sustainable transformation can only be achieved through the collective efforts of all government entities, the private sector, civil society, and international partners.

Given the OPM's central role in this transformative agenda, there is a pressing need to ensure that its organizational structure, departmental functions, and human resources are fully aligned with the goals and requirements of the National Transformation Program. The dynamic nature of the challenges facing Somalia demands an agile and adaptable public service, capable of responding effectively to emerging opportunities and threats.

The functional review of the OPM is envisioned as a strategic intervention to optimize its organizational efficacy and enhance its capacity to lead and coordinate the government's transformation efforts. This review will critically assess the alignment of the OPM's structure and workforce with the objectives of the National Transformation Program, identifying opportunities for improvement, innovation, and capacity building. By realigning the OPM's functions and resources with the national transformation agenda, the office will be better positioned to drive the implementation of critical reforms, foster inter-ministerial collaboration, and contribute to the realization of Somalia's development aspirations.

2.    Objective

The primary objective of this consultancy is to conduct a comprehensive functional review of the OPM to assess the alignment of its departments and workforce with the goals of the National Transformation Program. This review will aim to identify areas for improvement in the office structure, departmental functions, and staff capabilities to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and responsiveness to the needs of the transformation program.

3.    Scope of Work

The consultant will:

•       Conduct a thorough analysis of the current organizational structure, departmental functions, and staff roles and responsibilities within the OPM.

•       Evaluate the existing capacities, skills, and competencies of the OPM staff in light of the requirements of the National Transformation Program.

•       Identify gaps, redundancies, and misalignments in the organizational structure, departmental functions, and workforce capabilities.

•       Recommend strategic interventions for organizational restructuring, capacity building, and skills development to align the OPM's functions and workforce with the objectives of the National Transformation Program.

•       Develop an implementation roadmap for the proposed functional review recommendations, including timelines, responsible parties, and monitoring mechanisms.

4.    Deliverables

The consultant will provide the following deliverables:

•       A comprehensive functional review report (Somali and English Version), including an analysis of the current organizational structure and workforce, identification of gaps and recommendations for alignment with the National Transformation Program.

•       A final presentation to the OPM leadership and key stakeholders summarizing the findings and recommendations of the functional review.

•       An implementation roadmap for the functional review recommendations.

5.    Duration

The consultancy is expected to be completed within 30 days, from the date of commencement.

Qualification of the Consultant

•       Advanced Degree in Organizational Development, Public Administration, or a Related Field: The consultant should possess an advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in organizational development, public administration, public policy, or a closely related field, providing a strong theoretical foundation for the complexities of governmental restructuring and capacity building.

•       Extensive Experience in Governmental Functional Reviews: Demonstrated experience in conducting comprehensive functional reviews within government entities, preferably with a focus on transition or post-conflict countries. The consultant should have a track record of successful organizational assessments, resulting in actionable recommendations that have significantly improved governmental efficiency and effectiveness.

•       Expertise in Organizational Restructuring and Capacity Building: Proven capability in advising on and implementing organizational restructuring, including redesigning organizational structures, optimizing departmental functions, and enhancing human resource capabilities. Experience in developing and conducting tailored capacity-building programs for public sector staff is crucial.

•       Familiarity with the Somali Governance Structure and Public Sector Reforms: In-depth knowledge of Somalia’s governance structure, legal framework, and public sector reform efforts. Familiarity with the cultural, political, and economic dynamics of Somalia or similar contexts is vital for ensuring that recommendations are feasible and tailored to the local context.

•       Strong Analytical, Communication, and Facilitation Skills: Exceptional analytical skills to dissect complex organizational structures and identify areas for improvement. Excellent communication and facilitation skills are essential for engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, and international partners, to gather insights and build consensus around the functional review process and its outcomes.

•       Experience in Strategic Planning and Implementation Roadmap Development: Ability to translate functional review findings into strategic plans and detailed implementation roadmaps. The consultant should demonstrate proficiency in setting realistic timelines, defining milestones, identifying resource requirements, and establishing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.

•       Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English is required. Knowledge of Somali or Arabic would be an added advantage, facilitating deeper engagement with local stakeholders and a better understanding of the context.

Interested consultants or consultancy firms are invited to submit their proposals, including a technical and financial proposal, detailed methodology, work plan, and CVs of the team members, to the OPM by 20th April, 2024. Please send the technical and financial proposal to [email protected]                           

8.    Evaluation and Selection

Proposals will be evaluated based on the consultant's experience, proposed methodology, work plan, and cost-effectiveness. The OPM reserves the right to select the consultant that best meets the requirements of this ToR and the objectives of the National Transformation Program.