Somali Livelihood Initiative and disability Organization (LIDOSOM)

Terms of Reference

Location:  South Central Somalia/Jubaland State
Application Deadline: 8 November 2023
Contract Type: Professional Service Contract
Working Language: The report will be submitted in English
Expected Starting Date: November 2023
Contract Period: November 2023 – March 2024

A.                  Project Title:  Shifting Power - Strengthening Local Leadership in Humanitarian Coordination (Local Consultant)

B.       About us: 

Somali Livelihood Initiative and Disability Organization (LIDOSOM) is a developmental, Non-Profit, non-partisan National Disability Organization that advocates for the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities, women and children in Somalia. LIDOSOM is committed to promoting policy changes that ensure equal opportunities and accessibility through sustainable, innovative life-supporting programs for people with disability, women and children in Somalia to have access to quality health care, education, food security, nutrition, protection, and public integration through mobilizing resources. LIDOSOM is headquartered in Luuq, with a sub-office in Mogadishu, Somalia. 

C.                   Project Description: 

Through the Shifting Power learning grant, this project strengthens LIDOSOM’s institutional and operational capacity by providing technical support in governance, financial management, development, external relations and human resource management. The project’s core focus is on strategically planning and leading LIDOSOM’s future development, guided by a long-term vision to empower people with disabilities, women and children in Somalia through sustainable programs in healthcare, education, food security, nutrition, protection and public integration.

As part of the Shifting Power initiative, a qualified Consultant from Somalia will facilitate the delivery of the LIDOSOM Action Plan, coordinate activities and further localise the process to enhance local leadership in humanitarian coordination.

D.                        Scope of Work:

The project aims to strengthen the governance structures and procedures of LIDOSOM. Following the 5 month project duration, it is anticipated that LIDOSOM will have either established or improved its governing entities, which may include boards of directors or management committees. The Board will receive the requisite skills and knowledge to proficiently supervise the organization’s activities and decision-making processes. This bolstered governance will also result in heightened transparency, accountability and stronger commitment to ethical standards within LIDOSOM.

The project is expected to enhance LIDOSOM’s financial management capacities. This encompasses the establishment of sound book-keeping practices, effective budgeting methods, robust financial reporting mechanisms, and the implementation of stringent internal controls. Consequently, LIDOSOM will be better prepared to efficiently oversee its financial resources, guarantee adherence to donor stipulations, and showcase responsible fund utilization.

LIDOSOM is anticipated to enhance its human resource management systems. This includes the refinement of job descriptions, recruitment and selection procedures, the establishment of performance evaluation methods, the formulation of staff development strategies, and the creation of policies governing employee rights and responsibilities. As a result, LIDOSOM will be in a stronger position to both attract and retain highly qualified staff, cultivate a positive workplace atmosphere and optimally harness its human capital to advance its humanitarian goals. The scope of work under this encompasses:

·         Enhanced Financial Management

a.       Conduct an audit of existing financial systems to ensure efficient financial information flow to the accounting department

b.       Review record-keeping practices to ensure accuracy and compliance

c.        Evaluate the accounting system for effectiveness

d.       Assess internal control policies and recommend improvements

e.       Compare internal and external financial records to identify discrepancies

f.         Review tax records for compliance

·         Financial Training

a.       Provide financial training on accounting systems

b.       Offer training on software application development, specifically QuickBooks

·         Human Resources and Administration Training

a.       Deliver training on policies and procedures related to HR and administration

b.       Provide guidance on the hiring process

c.        Develop a risk management policy and procedure

d.       Create sample job descriptions (JD) for advertisements

e.       Establish HR policies concerning screening and on-boarding/ recruitment procedures

f.         Develop a Duty of Care Policy

·         Training of Board Members

a.       Deliver training on risk management, authority matrix and annual operational reporting guidelines

E.                   Expected Outputs and Deliverables

At the close of the assignment period, the deliverables expected from the consultant are as follows:

·         Comprehensive financial audit report

·         Financial training materials and manuals

·         Completed software application development training

·         HR and administration training materials

·         Developed risk management policy and procedure

·         Sample job description for advertisements

·         HR policies for screening and on-boarding/ recruitment

·         Duty of care policy document

·         Governance training materials

·         Annual operational reporting guidelines

B.                   Duration of work: The duration of the contract is 24 days commencing as soon as possible after recruitment is finalized. All work under this assignment should be submitted by 14 January 2024.

C.                   Duty Station: The duty station will be Luuq and Mogadishu, Somalia.

Education

Educational Background: A minimum of a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field is often required. Advanced degrees, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation, can be advantageous.

Professional Experience: Consideration of candidates with substantial experience in financial management is crucial. Look for consultants with at least 5-10 years of relevant experience, including experience in your specific industry or sector.

Financial Analysis Skills: The consultant should possess strong financial analysis skills, including the ability to analyse financial statements, assess financial risks, and make data-driven recommendations.

Regulatory Knowledge: A good understanding of financial regulations and compliance requirements relevant to your location and industry is essential.

Budgeting and Forecasting: Expertise in budget development, financial forecasting, and variance analysis is important for effective financial management.

Audit and Internal Controls: Knowledge of audit processes and internal control systems is valuable to ensure financial integrity and compliance.

Financial Software Proficiency: Familiarity with financial management software, such as accounting and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and QuickBooks.

Communication Skills: Effective communication, both written and verbal, is essential for conveying financial information and recommendations to stakeholders.

Problem-Solving Abilities: Consultants should demonstrate the ability to identify financial challenges and develop effective solutions.

Ethical Standards: High ethical standards and integrity are crucial in financial management to maintain the trust of stakeholders.

References and Past Performance: Will Request and check references from past clients or employers to verify the consultant's ability to deliver quality financial management services.

Knowledge of Development Sector: If the financial management project is within the development sector, experience in working with non-profit organizations, government agencies, or international development institutions can be an additional qualification.

Experience

The consultant should have a relevant educational background, such as a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Many auditors also have advanced degrees or professional certifications like a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Working experience in the United Nations or similar organizations is desirable.

Requirements

·         License/ability to operate in Somalia

·         Evidence showing a minimum of three audit experiences with Standards of Auditing

·         Evidence showing a minimum of three audit experiences with Standards of Auditing (ISA) 800 (“Special considerations audits of financial statements prepared in accordance with special purpose frameworks “) or ISA 805 (“Special considerations audits of single financial statements and specific elements, accounts or items of a financial statement”).

Language requirements

Fluency in oral and written English is required.

A.                  Scope of Price Proposal and Schedule of Payments:

·         Services will be delivered on a call basis and paid in USD upon successful completion of the assignment as certified by the supervisor. 

·         The consultant fee will be paid based on a daily fee. 

·         Payment will be made upon submission of an invoice specifying the attained deliverable 

·         The contract does not warrant that any quantity of services will be purchased during the term of the contract as this will be subject to requirement.  

·         All duty travel costs carried out in the fulfillment of this Terms of Reference including travel to and from duty station, will be borne by the consultant. 

The award will be made based on the qualifications, experience, and availability of an individual combined with the price offer.

Application Procedure: Interested consultants can send their applications to Procurement via email at [email protected]  with the subject title– Strengthening Local Leadership in Humanitarian Coordination for local Consultant before December 16, 2023, by attaching:

1. Profile of the institution/auditor team and CV of the consultant

2. Budget proposals and estimates (in Excel)

A.                  Approval: This TOR is approved by:

Signature                                                                                             

Name and Designation                                                                    

Date of Signing