Terms of Reference (ToR) for Artisan industry market and economic opportunity analysis in Hargeisa, Borama and Burao in Somaliland

Terms of Reference (ToR)

Artisan industry market and economic opportunity analysis in Hargeisa, Borama and Burao in Somaliland

1.    BACKGROUND

The International Solidarity Foundation (ISF) is a Finnish development organization founded in 1970. ISF envisions a world where women and girls are empowered to build their own future, their self-determination is fully realized, and their right to bodily integrity is respected. ISF’s 2022-2025 program aims to strengthen the bodily integrity and livelihood resilience of women and girls in Kenya, Somaliland, and Ethiopia. The program consists of development projects implemented by local partners. ISF is currently planning its next four-year development cooperation program (2026-2029). In the new program, ISF plans supports the development of businesses in promising industries, focusing on women’s inclusion in the green economy. For this purpose, ISF need to map local production opportunities and studies markets to identify viable livelihood options.

2.    PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study is to map and document an overall picture of artisan sector and its obstacles and economic opportunities in Hargeisa, Borama and Burao in Somaliland, including circular economy solutions in artisan sector. The findings will help develop actionable strategies to support livelihood resilience and help identify opportunities and partners for youth entrepreneurship and livelihood improvement with focus on women.

The scope of the study will include the following key areas:

•       Identify and profile existing artisan activities in Hargeisa, Borama and Burao, including successful project-level initiatives, traditional artisanal interventions, designers and product development and circular economy solutions that unlock opportunities for engagement in recycling, reusing or reducing waste and residues.

•       Describe the local product offering and competitive environment, market trends and promising products, demand patterns, supply chain challenges and the regulatory environment that affects the industry.

•       Highlight the main obstacles faced by the artisan industry, such as availability of materials and qualified designers or instructors, as well as the opportunities for intervention and growth.

•       Outline potential areas where ISF can contribute effectively. This will include recommendations for initiatives that can support or enhance the artisan industry and potential cooperation stakeholders.

3.    DATA COLLECTION METHODS

•       Desk Review: Review existing written material, including reports, studies, policy documents, registers of actors and social media platforms.

•       Key Informant Interviews: Conduct interviews with key stakeholders, including private sector actors, consumers, NGOs and government actors, to gather insights on market environment, existing artisan activities, challenges, and opportunities.

•       Focus Group Discussions: Organize focus group discussions with relevant stakeholders to map an overall picture of artisan sector and its obstacles and economic opportunities.

•       Field Visits: Conduct field visits to assess the markets and to observe operating artisan activities, interact with local actors, and gather primary data.

•       Workshop: If relevant and applicable, it is possible to engage key actors in facilitated workshops to identify key actors, input-output flows, relationships, bottlenecks, and opportunities.

4.    TIMING, DURATION, AND EXPECTED DELIVERABLES

The study is scheduled to commence during May 2025 and will last 25 days, including:

•       Development of tools and Inception Report (3 days): The consultant will produce an inception report outlining the proposed methodology, data collection tools, timeline, and travel plan. The report will also include a list of suggested interviewees and a detailed budget. The consultant will revise tools incorporating ISF feedback.

•       Data Collection (15 days): Conduct interviews, focus group discussions, and field visits in Hargeisa, Borama and Buroa.

•       Data Analysis and Draft and final Reports (7 days): Analyse the collected data and produce a draft report that includes key findings, conclusions, and recommendations. finalisation of the report incorporating feedback from ISF.

Expected Deliverables:

•       Inception Report including revised consultancy plan

•       Draft and final reports: Detailed report on market environment, existing opportunities for women and youth in artisan industry, main obstacles and gaps and actionable recommendations.

•       The consultant should possess a university degree in a relevant field such as business administration or a related discipline. Previous experience in value chain analysis, market research or circular economy work will be an advantage.

•       The consultant should have at least 7 years of professional experience in relevant fields, demonstrating a deep understanding of product development, markets, women’s economic empowerment and their application in project-scale initiatives.

•       The consultant should have experience working with international organizations and be familiar with their processes, standards, and expectations.

•       Proficiency in English is essential for clear communication and reporting.

•       The consultant should demonstrate a commitment to punctuality and the ability to meet deadlines.

A complete consultancy proposal, including a budget and CV(s), must be submitted by 25th May 2025 to [email protected]. Only shortlisted consultant will be contacted.

Requested information:

•       a draft consultancy plan (1-2 pages) including a short description on the methods, duration of the consultancy (number of days), consultant team

•       CVs of all the consultant team members

•       2 sample of previous similar task accomplished

•       cost of the tender including facilitation fee/day, other costs

ISF will choose the consultant according to a) the professional capacity of the consultant(s), b) the quality of the tender, c) the cost of the tender.