TERMS OF REFERENCE (ToR) for Consultancy to Research, Compile and Develop an Annual National Report on Progress in Eliminating Harmful Practices

TERMS OF REFERENCE (ToR)

Consultancy to Research, Compile and Develop an Annual National Report on Progress in Eliminating Harmful Practices

1.      Organization Background

Save Somali Women and Children (SSWC) is a registered non-government and non-profit civil society organization based in Mogadishu with offices in South and Central Somalia. SSWC was founded in 1992 in Mogadishu by a group of Somali women intellectuals from cross-section of the community. SSWC core brand is the empowerment of vulnerable Somali women to regain dignity. It was established with the prime intention of addressing humanitarian gaps for women and children wellbeing in their community. Save Somali Women and Children (SSWC) contribute to the creation of a safe and sustainable situation by supporting women to overcome marginalization, violence and poverty in their communities. It operates as a non-profit making organization that has the right to network with a variety of organizations that share similar values and vision. In Somalia women face a range of complex challenges that require multiple solutions. We work in the belief that women through their own efforts and in collaboration with local, national and international allies are central to transforming their own lives and the lives of their communities and population of which they are part. SSWC is women-led and women-centered organization (so its programs reflect the needs of those served) that have well-functioning management, finance and programmatic structures and systems.

2.      About the project

Future4Binti is a regional initiative funded by the State of the Netherlands and led by Amref Health Africa (the Grantee) in partnership with Plan International, working with a strong network of local civil society organisations across Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia and aims to eliminate harmful practices including FGM/C, CEFM/U, and to advance gender equality for girls and young women. Future4Binti aligns with the Dutch MoFA Focus Framework (2026–2030), the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, national policies, and SDGs related to health, equality, reduced inequalities, and strong institutions. The programme integrates gender equality, inclusion, climate resilience, conflict sensitivity, digital innovation, and follows a strict Do No Harm approach.

The programme combines service delivery with dialogue, improving and strengthening services to protect and empower girls, engaging key stakeholders from the community to the regional level, and collaborating with national and regional bodies to reinforce the enabling environment and promote sustainable social change.

3.       Purpose of the Consultancy

The purpose of this consultancy is to produce a comprehensive Annual National Report that documents and analyzes progress towards eliminating harmful practices in Somalia, with particular emphasis on evidence and data generated by civil society organizations.

The Consultant will synthesize available CSO data, review relevant literature and secondary sources, conduct additional consultations where necessary, draft the report, facilitate stakeholder review and validation, and finalize the report based on feedback received.

4.      . Objectives

The specific objectives of the consultancy are to:

1. Review and synthesize available data and evidence from CSOs working on the prevention and response to harmful practices.
2. Analyze progress, trends, achievements, challenges, gaps, and emerging issues related to the elimination of harmful practices.
3. Review relevant national laws, policies, strategies, frameworks, reports, and other available sources relevant to harmful practices.
4. Develop an evidence-based Annual National Report that presents key findings on progress towards eliminating harmful practices.
5. Document promising practices, lessons learned, and key challenges identified by CSOs and other relevant stakeholders.
6. Facilitate a stakeholder review and validation process to strengthen the accuracy, relevance, and ownership of the report.
7. Finalize the report based on feedback received during the review and validation process.
8. Provide practical and evidence-based recommendations for government institutions, CSOs, communities, religious leaders, development partners, and other relevant stakeholders.

5.       Scope of Work

The Consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

5.1 Inception and Planning

The Consultant will develop an inception report outlining the proposed methodology, work plan, data sources, analytical framework, and approach to stakeholder engagement.

The inception phase should clearly outline how available CSO data will be collected, compiled, reviewed, and synthesized while ensuring appropriate confidentiality and data protection.

5.2 Data Compilation and Synthesis

The Consultant will compile and synthesize available quantitative and qualitative data from participating CSOs and other relevant sources.

This will include:

• Reviewing available CSO monitoring and program data.
• Reviewing reports, assessments, studies, and other relevant documentation.
• Identifying available data relating to FGM/C, CEFM, and other relevant harmful practices.
• Analyzing key trends, achievements, challenges, gaps, and emerging issues.
• Identifying areas where data is limited or unavailable.
• Ensuring that data from different sources is appropriately reviewed and presented.

The Consultant will work closely with SSWC and relevant CSOs to identify and access available data and supporting documentation.

5.3 Desk Review

The Consultant will conduct a review of relevant secondary sources, which may include:

• National laws, policies, strategies, and action plans.
• Government reports and official statistics where available.
• Previous reports on harmful practices.
• Research studies and assessments.
• Reports and data produced by civil society organizations.
• Relevant regional and international frameworks and commitments.
• Other credible sources relevant to eliminating harmful practices.

5.4 Analysis of Progress and Gaps

The Consultant will analyze available evidence to assess progress towards eliminating harmful practices.

The analysis should, where data permits, address:

• Progress made in prevention and awareness raising.
• Changes in community attitudes and social norms.
• Progress in policy and legal frameworks.
• Access to prevention, protection, and response services.
• Referral pathways and coordination mechanisms.
• Community and religious leader engagement.
• CSO contributions and achievements.
• Key implementation challenges and barriers.
• Geographic and population-level gaps.
• Emerging trends and priority issues.

The analysis should clearly distinguish between available evidence, reported progress, and areas where further data or research is required.

5.5 Drafting of the Annual National Report

The Consultant will prepare a comprehensive draft Annual National Report based on the findings from the data synthesis, desk review, and stakeholder consultations.

The report is expected to include, at a minimum:

• Executive Summary.
• Introduction and background.
• Purpose and methodology.
• Overview of harmful practices in Somalia.
• National progress and key developments.
• Findings from CSO data and evidence.
• Progress, achievements, and promising practices.
• Key challenges, gaps, and emerging issues.
• Analysis of available trends and data.
• Lessons learned.
• Conclusions.
• Practical and evidence-based recommendations.

The report should be written in clear, professional, and accessible language and should be suitable for use in advocacy, policy dialogue, programming, and public dissemination.

5.6 Stakeholder Review and Validation

The Consultant will facilitate a structured review and validation process with relevant stakeholders.

The process may include CSOs, government institutions, community representatives, religious leaders, women and youth representatives, and other relevant stakeholders, as appropriate.

The review and validation process will aim to:

• Verify the accuracy of key findings.
• Identify any gaps or inconsistencies.
• Gather stakeholder feedback and recommendations.
• Strengthen ownership and relevance of the report.
• Validate key conclusions and recommendations.

The Consultant will document the key feedback received and revise the report accordingly.

5.7 Finalization of the Report

The Consultant will incorporate agreed feedback from the review and validation process and submit the final Annual National Report.

The final report should be professionally written, evidence-based, and ready for publication and dissemination.

1.       Required Qualifications and Experience

Academic Qualifications

• Advanced university degree in Social Sciences, Statistics, Monitoring and Evaluation, Public Health, Gender Studies, Human Rights, Development Studies, Research, or another relevant field.

Professional Experience

• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in research, data analysis, monitoring and evaluation, report writing, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience conducting research and producing analytical or national-level reports.
• Demonstrated experience compiling and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data from multiple sources.
• Experience working on FGM/C, CEFM, gender equality, child protection, human rights, or related harmful practices is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience working with CSOs and community-based organizations.
• Experience facilitating stakeholder consultations, review, or validation processes.
• Strong understanding of the Somali context and relevant social, policy, and institutional dynamics.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent research, analytical, and report-writing skills.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative data analysis skills.
• Ability to synthesize information from multiple sources into clear and coherent findings.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills.
• Ability to present complex findings in a clear and accessible manner.
• Ability to work independently and meet agreed deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and coordination skills.

Language Requirements

·         Fluency in English and Somali, both written and spoken, is required.

·         Strong report-writing and communication skills in English are essential.

·         Ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders and community representatives is an added advantage.

1.      Application Requirements

Interested individual consultants or consulting firms should submit:

1. A cover letter expressing interest in the assignment.
2. A technical proposal outlining the proposed methodology and approach.
3. A detailed work plan and proposed timeline.
4. Curriculum Vitae (CV) of the proposed Consultant and/or key personnel.
5. At least two examples of previous relevant research, reports, assessments, or analytical publications.
6. Contact details for at least three professional references.
7. A financial proposal detailing the consultancy fee and any other proposed costs.

1.       How to Apply

Interested and qualified consultants or consulting firms are invited to submit their technical and financial proposals, together with the required supporting documents, by 21st September 2026

Applications should be submitted to [email protected], cc:[email protected], [email protected] with the subject line:

“Consultancy to Research, Compile and Develop an Annual National Report on Progress in Eliminating Harmful Practices.”

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

SSWC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the rights, dignity, and protection of women, girls, and children. Qualified Somali consultants and consulting firms with demonstrated experience in research, data analysis, monitoring and evaluation, and harmful practices are strongly encouraged to apply.