Terms of Reference Consultancy for Conducting a Baseline Study Somali NGO Coalition for Better Living Conditions for Women and Marginalized Communities in Somaliland

1.1 Implementing Organisation(s)

Deutsche Welthungerhilfe e. V. (WHH) is one of the largest non‑governmental organizations in Germany working in the fields of humanitarian assistance and development cooperation. Established in 1962 as the German section of the United Nations’ “Freedom from Hunger Campaign,” it was one of the first international initiatives focused on eradicating hunger. Today, Welthungerhilfe’s work remains guided by its founding vision: all people have a right to a self‑determined life in dignity and justice, free from hunger and poverty. In line with its Strategy 2025–2030: Zero Hunger on a Healthy Planet, Welthungerhilfe promotes systemic change through evidence‑based and impact‑oriented approaches that are environmentally sustainable and socially just. The organization works in close partnership with local actors and communities to strengthen resilience, ensure food and nutrition security, and advance the realization of rights and agency among people affected by hunger and poverty. WHH has been active in Somaliland since 2001, supporting both emergency response and long‑term development. Its work in the region spans nutrition, livelihoods, WASH, gender equality, and strengthening local civil society. WHH’s presence is marked by strong partnerships with national organizations, collaborative planning with communities, and a commitment to accountability, quality, and learning throughout its programming.

ACRIF (African Children’s Rights Initiative Foundation), formerly known as ANPPCAN Somaliland, is a non‑governmental development and humanitarian organization based in Hargeisa. ACRIF works to advance children’s rights and equality for girls and boys and to ensure healthy starts in life, access to learning opportunities, and protection from harm. Over the past years, ACRIF has implemented integrated programs in health, nutrition, education, agriculture, protection, human rights, and social work across Somaliland’s regions, with a focus on vulnerable children, adolescent girls, and women. Its work also emphasizes community engagement, behaviour change communication, capacity strengthening and stakeholder advocacy to improve nutrition practices and policies.

Beydan Development Organization is a local non‑governmental organisation based in Hargeisa, Somaliland. Founded by youth intellectuals with a commitment to sustainable development, Beydan focuses on strengthening agriculture, food security, livelihoods, democracy, and good governance. The organisation implements programmes that support sustainable agriculture, resilient livelihoods, small business development, food security, and inclusive governance. Beydan actively engages with local communities and stakeholders to empower people with knowledge, skills and opportunities that foster community self‑reliance and resilience.

VOSOMWO (Voice of Somaliland Minority Women Organization) is a non‑governmental, non‑profit voluntary organisation established by minority women activists and human rights defenders in Hargeisa, Somaliland. VOSOMWO focuses on promoting human rights and social justice for outcast minority communities (such as the Goboye, Tumals and Yibirs) and especially minority women and children, who experience social stigma, marginalisation and exclusion. The organisation works across human rights advocacy, education and skills training, income generation, health literacy, environmental protection, peace‑building and community development, aiming to improve social, economic and political participation and to eliminate discrimination and gender‑based violence.

ERDO (Environmental and Rural Development Organization) is a local non‑governmental and non‑profit organisation registered in Somaliland. Established by professionals with a shared vision for sustainable community development, ERDO works to enhance livelihoods, nutrition, health, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), environmental protection and education. The organisation’s interventions aim to address vulnerabilities related to poverty, food insecurity and lack of access to basic services by promoting sustainable livelihoods, inclusive community development and health and nutrition outcomes for targeted populations.

1.2 The Project and its context

The Somali NGO Coalition for Better Living Conditions for Women and Marginalized Communities in Somaliland project is implemented by four national organisations — ACRIF, Beydan Development Organization, ERDO, and VOSOMWO — with leadership and support from Deutsche Welthungerhilfe e. V. (WHH). The project operates in selected communities across the Maroodi Jeex, Saahil, Sanaag, and Togdheer regions of Somaliland.

The intervention responds to interconnected challenges in Somaliland, including food and nutrition insecurity, limited economic opportunities for women and marginalized groups, and weak civil society influence in local planning and policy. Many households in the target areas experience chronic poverty, poor access to nutritious food, and structural barriers that restrict access to livelihoods, services, and social support — conditions that undermine human capital, deepen inequality, and limit development prospects for vulnerable populations.

Objectives and expected results

Overall Objective (Impact)

The economic independence and food security of women and other marginalized population groups in the Woqooyi Galbeed, Togdheer, and Sanaag regions of Somaliland have been improved.

Project Objective

1,940 members of marginalized population groups (with a particular focus on women) in five communities in three regions of Somaliland are using innovative methods to produce and process algae as food and animal feed, implement income‑generating activities along rural value chains, and civil society actors contribute to strengthening inclusive food systems and strategic planning through community‑based advocacy work.

Expected Results (Sub‑Goals)

Sub‑Goal 1:
230 smallholder farmers have been trained in seaweed cultivation and processing methods and have the necessary production resources and infrastructure at their disposal.

Sub‑Goal 2:
450 members of marginalized population groups (with a particular focus on women) will have improved knowledge, organizational structures, and the necessary equipment to implement entrepreneurial activities.

Sub‑Goal 3:
1,160 members of marginalized communities (with a focus on women and young people) will use support services for career guidance and job search and will take advantage of local legal and social counseling services.

Sub‑Goal 4:
Members of the civil society network SLCSN‑SUN (25 NGOs) have the necessary knowledge and coordination mechanisms to carry out evidence‑based and rights‑based advocacy work to promote inclusive food systems.

Sub‑Goal 5:
The capacities of the four national implementing partners in project‑relevant areas have been improved and internal management processes strengthened.

Stakeholders and Participants

Direct Participants:

·         Women and men from marginalized population groups in the target communities of Maroodi Jeex, Saahil, Sanaag, and Togdheer, who participate in livelihood, vocational, and entrepreneurial activities.

·         Youth from these communities taking part in career guidance, job skills development, and supportive services.

Change Agents:

·         Community facilitators, trainers, and service providers engaged in implementing project activities such as vocational training, savings group support, seaweed/algae production support, and community empowerment work.

Civil Society Stakeholders:

·         Members of the Somaliland Civil Society Network for Scaling‑Up Nutrition (SLCSN‑SUN) and affiliated organizations working to increase coordination, advocacy capacity, and evidence‑based engagement in food systems and policy processes.

Implementing Partners:

·         ACRIF, Beydan Development Organization, ERDO, and VOSOMWO — the four national civil society organizations responsible for implementing project activities in their respective outcome areas.

Target Groups in numbers:

• Project participants (Micro): 1,940 individuals (Women, youth, minority groups).
• Institutional (Meso/Macro): 1,053 individuals (Local administration, CSOs, policymakers).
• Indirect Reach: Approximately 643,000 people via media campaigns and policy changes.

This survey requires a consultant able to work in the study areas without limitations. The assignment is open to both individual consultants and consultancy firms with substantial experience in the services outlined.

Organizational Requirements

·         Legal Status: Valid registration certificate and updated tax clearance certificate in Somaliland (if applying as a firm).

·         Experience: Minimum 5–7 years of experience conducting baseline studies and evaluations in Somaliland or comparable contexts.

·         Sector Expertise: Proven track record in livelihoods, food security (including MAHFP/FCS indicators), women’s economic empowerment, and community‑based programming.

Team Composition and Qualifications

The proposed evaluation team must include the following key personnel:

Lead Consultant

·         Master’s degree in development studies, Economics, Statistics, Social Sciences, or a related field.

·         Strong experience in mixed‑methods research and evaluation design, with demonstrated experience in baseline evaluations.

·         Proven analytical and report writing skills.

Field Coordinator

·         Experience in field logistics, team management, and supervision of field data collection.

·         Familiarity with working in project areas such as Sanaag, Togdheer, Saahil, and Maroodi‑Jeex.

·         Ability to coordinate enumerators and manage field operations safely and effectively.

Data Analyst

·         Technical expertise in quantitative and qualitative data analysis.

·         Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., SPSS, Stata, R, or similar) and qualitative analysis tools.

·         Experience in preparing data visualisations and analytical reporting.

Local Presence and Contextual Knowledge

·         Demonstrated capacity to operate in the target areas of the project (Sanaag, Togdheer, Saahil, and Maroodi‑Jeex).

·         Strong understanding of local socio‑economic conditions, language(s), cultural norms, and logistical realities in Somaliland.

8.      SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS AND COMMUNICATION

Offers must be signed or include the phrase “valid without signature.” Submissions will be accepted from individual consultants, consultancy firms, commercial companies, NGOs, and academics.

Proposals should be submitted in English by email to: [email protected] and CC: [email protected] with the subject line: “Endline Evaluation Proposal – SOM1092 Project”. The deadline for submission is latest 12th February, 2026 on 23:59 pm EAT, Late submissions will not be considered.