Terms of Reference 

Consultancy for Integrating Research Findings into the Ministry of Agriculture Strategic Plan (2026–2030) and Developing a Strategic Plan for the Department of Durable Solutions under the Ministry of Resettlement and Humanitarian Affairs (MoRHA) 

1. Organization Background 

TAAKULO was established in 2007 by a group of intellectuals from diverse fields, including youth and women leaders, with the aim of addressing extensive humanitarian needs, reducing poverty levels, promoting gender equity, and creating hope for young people seeking employment opportunities and a better life. TAAKULO’s headquarters is in Hargeisa, with field offices across all regions, including Borama, Buroa, Laascaanood, Garowe, Mogadishu, Baidoa, and Kismayo, as well as in Jigjiga, Ethiopia. 

TAAKULO is governed by a Board of Directors elected by the General Assembly. The Board is responsible for strategic decision-making and oversight, while day-to-day operations are led by the Executive Director, supported by the Head of Programs and sector leads who form the Senior Management Team. 

TAAKULO is committed to accountability, transparency, and gender equity, ensuring that all its programs are inclusive. Each year, an independent auditor reviews TAAKULO’s financial statements, and donor/partner-funded projects undergo project’s specific audits as required. 

1. Background of the project and Context 

TAAKULO in partnership with SOS Children’s Villages and in collaboration with government line ministries, University of Burao, academic institutions, and humanitarian actors, has been piloting Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices such as hydroponics and kitchen gardens in displacement-affected and host communities. 

The research, led by the University of Burao, was designed to generate evidence and learn from these pilots and to answer two key questions: 

• What is the impact of CSA on food security and nutrition at household and community levels for the context of non-farming backgrounds? 

• How does CSA affect gender dynamics, community resilience, and inclusion, particularly for women, youth, and displaced groups? 

Climate smart agriculture has been tested for nearly two years, and evidence shows that CSA can enhance food security, improve nutrition, create livelihood opportunities, and foster community resilience. It also provides lessons on gender inclusion, particularly the empowerment of women and youth, and reducing aid dependency for displaced populations. 

The Ministry of Agriculture Development (MoAD) has prioritized CSA, food security, and resilience building in its Strategic Plan (2026–2030), which emphasizes: 

• Expanding CSA technologies (hydroponics, drip irrigation, and short-maturing crops). 

• Promoting food and nutrition security at household and national levels. 

• Building resilience to climate shocks through sustainable farming systems. 

• Mainstreaming gender equality and youth participation. 

At the same time, the Ministry of Resettlement and Humanitarian Affairs (MoRHA) through its Department of Durable Solutions has a mandate to lead long-term displacement responses. However, the department currently lacks a comprehensive strategic plan to guide durable solutions for IDPs and returnees. 

1.  Purpose of the Consultancy 

The consultancy will: 

1. Develop a Strategic Plan for the Department of Durable Solutions (MoRHA) that sets out clear priorities, vision, and pathways for durable solutions for IDPs and returnees. 

1. Incorporate findings and policy recommendations from CSA research, led by the University of Burao, into the MoAD Strategic Plan (2026–2030) to make it more responsive to displaced communities, women, and youth. 

1.  Objectives of the Assignment 

1. Support MoRHA’s Department of Durable Solutions to develop a strategic plan that: 

• Defines durable solutions priorities such as: 

• Skills training and vocational capacity building. 

• CSA adoption and sustainable livelihoods. 

• Women and youth empowerment. 

• Resilience building and self-reliance. 

• Housing and settlement support. 

• Land tenure and access rights. 

• Social cohesion and conflict-sensitive integration. 

• Access to basic services (health, education, WASH). 

• Draw lessons from regional and global best practices (durable solutions approaches). 

1. Ensure MoAD Strategic Plan (2026–2030) integrates: 

• CSA evidence from field research and community-driven assessments. 

• Policy recommendations around food security, nutrition, livelihoods resilience, and gender inclusion. 

• Tested approaches piloted in IDPs and host communities over the years. 

1. Strengthen collaboration across government, academic institutions, humanitarian actors, NGOs (local and international), and affected communities to ensure inclusivity and long-term sustainability. 

1. Scope of Work 

The consultant/firm will: 

• Review strategic plans and policies of MoAD, MoRHA, and other relevant ministries. 

• Review and synthesize research findings from University of Burao-led CSA pilots. 

• Conduct interviews with humanitarian actors (local NGOs, INGOs, UN agencies) to capture their perspectives on durable solutions for IDPs. 

• Undertake stakeholder consultations with government authorities, IDPs, host communities, academic institutions, and humanitarian partners. 

• Draft: 

• A comprehensive Strategic Plan for MoRHA’s Department of Durable Solutions. 

• Integration notes and evidence-based updates for MoAD’s Strategic Plan (2026–2030). 

• Organize validation workshops and incorporate stakeholder feedback. 

• Produce policy briefs (in English and Somali) to guide implementation and advocacy. 

1.  Deliverables 

1. Inception Report. 

1. Gap Analysis & Recommendations Report for MoAD. 

1. Draft Strategic Plan for MoRHA (Durable Solutions department). 

1. Validation Workshop Report. 

1. Final Deliverables: 

• Updated MoAD Strategic Plan sections. 

• Strategic Plan for MoRHA (2026–2030). 

• Policy briefs on CSA, resilience, and durable solutions. 

1.  Duration of the Assignment 

Estimated 7 weeks, covering inception, reviews, consultations, drafting, validation, and finalization. 

1.  Qualifications and Experience 

• Have an advanced degree in Agriculture, Humanitarian Affairs, Development Studies, or Public Policy from a reputable and accredited higher-education institution 

• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning with government line ministries. 

• At least have 7+ years’ experience in strategic plan development  

• Technical expertise in CSA, displacement, durable solutions, and gender inclusion. 

• Experience with participatory approaches, working with IDPs, returnees, and host communities. 

• Strong facilitation, policy analysis, and report-writing skills. 

1. Reporting Structure 

The consultant will report to TAAKULO Somali Community working closely with MoAD and MoRHA and Humanitarian actors.  

1. General Requirements 

The consultant(s) must meet the following requirements: 

• The consultant/firm should have a valid tax clearance certificate (for firms registered in Somaliland). 

• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, policy development, and evidence-based integration in collaboration with line ministries, preferably in Somaliland or similar contexts. 

• Proven technical expertise in Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA), displacement, durable solutions, and gender inclusion. 

• Possess necessary resources to undertake works of such magnitude, including qualified personnel, facilitation skills, and logistical capacity (include CVs of personnel, evidence of past assignments). 

• Submit a detailed Technical Proposal including proposed methodology, stakeholder consultation plan, data analysis and synthesis approach, reporting, and work schedule. 

• Submit a Financial Proposal quoted in USD, clearly specifying consultancy fees and costs for the duration of the assignment. 

• Provide evidence of proven experience on similar tasks and assignments (include work completion certificates, contracts, sample reports, or published strategic plans/policy frameworks). 

• Submit at least one sample report of a similar assignment carried out by the consultant/firm. 

• Provide contact details of at least three previous clients (government, NGO, or INGO) for reference checks. 

1. Ethical Considerations & Safeguarding 

The consultant must adhere to: 

• Do No Harm and conflict-sensitive principles 

• Protection and safeguarding standards 

• PSEA (Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse) 

• Informed consent and confidentiality 

• Secure data storage and anonymization 

Consultants will sign TAAKULO’s Code of Conduct. 

1. RFQ Invitation 

Taakulo Somali Community (TAAKULO), in partnership with SOS Children’s Villages, is inviting all qualified and interested independent policy consultants or consultancy firms to apply for this consultancy and submit the following documentation: 

• Expression of Interest (EOI). 

• Company Profile or Consultant Lead Profile: including CV, relevant academic/professional qualifications, accreditation/certification (if applicable), and examples of similar consultancy work in strategic planning, durable solutions, or CSA. 

• Team Composition (if applicable): If a team of consultants is proposed to carry out the assignment, the technical proposal should outline the specific roles and responsibilities of each member, with their CVs and certifications attached. 

• Technical Proposal: A comprehensive proposal demonstrating understanding of the ToR, including but not limited to: 

• A clear methodology outlining how the consultant intends to integrate CSA research findings into MoAD’s Strategic Plan (2026–2030). 

• A structured process for developing MoRHA’s Department of Durable Solutions Strategic Plan. 

• A proposed timeline includes a work plan and activity schedule. 

• Financial Proposal: A detailed cost breakdown quoted in United States Dollars (USD), specifying consultancy fees for the lead consultant and team members, along with any related costs. 

1. Submission Details 

• Closing Date: 22nd November 2025 11:59 pm.  

• Submission Address: [email protected] with the subject “ToR for Consultancy for Developing Strategic Plan for MoRHA and MoAD Strategic Plan (2026–2030)” 

• Only shortlisted consultant firms/consultants will be contacted.