Call for Research Proposals for Presentation at the 2nd National Quality Infrastructure Conference (NQIC)

Concept Note: Call for Research Proposals
Theme: Strengthening Quality Infrastructure in Somalia’s Livestock Sector and Beyond The Somali Bureau of Standards (SOBS) invites qualified institutions to submit research
proposals for presentation at the 2nd National Quality Infrastructure Conference (NQIC), to be held in Mogadishu in September 2025.
The selected institutions will be working directly with SOBS to carry out specific research and writing assignments aligned with the national quality infrastructure agenda.
Scope of Assignment
Selected institutions will be assigned one or more thematic areas and will be responsible for developing research papers and related materials to support technical discussions at the NQIC.
The commissioned papers will focus on the following key areas:
 Livestock Sector: Strengthening food safety systems, Halal certification, veterinary oversight, slaughterhouse standards, and quality assurance across the livestock value chain
 Regional Integration and Standards Harmonisation: Exploring Somalia’s alignment with regional and continental standards frameworks (IGAD, EAC, COMESA, AfCFTA) and their impact on national systems
 Trade Facilitation: The role of QI in supporting export readiness, easing customs procedures, and using digital tools for certification and traceability
 Climate Resilience: How quality infrastructure contributes to adaptation, early warning systems, and sustainable livestock practices in the face of climate shocks
All work will be carried out in close coordination with SOBS and follow standard guidelines for research presentation and policy relevance.
Who Can Apply
This opportunity is open to:
 Universities, research institutions, and policy research centres, both within Somalia and internationally
 Organisations with demonstrated experience in quality infrastructure, livestock systems, trade facilitation, or climate resilience
 Entities with a proven record of research, policy engagement, and technical writing,
particularly those familiar with Somalia or the wider Horn of Africa context Women-led research institutions are highly encouraged to apply.

Proposal Requirements
Interested institutions should submit:

1. A brief technical proposal outlining the institution’s understanding of the assignment, proposed approach, and research methodology
2. A profile of the organization, including past experience in similar work, and CVs of key team members
3. A proposed work plan and delivery timeline
4. (Optional) Up to two recent examples of relevant research or policy work
   Evaluation Criteria
   All submitted proposals will be evaluated by a technical review panel using the following criteria:

Criteria Maximum

1. Relevance and Understanding of the Assignment Clarity in understanding the objectives, scope, and thematic areas outlined in the call.

Score: 20

1. Technical Approach and Methodology
   Soundness, feasibility, and appropriateness of the proposed research methods, data
   sources, and work plan.

Score:25

1. Institutional Experience and Capacity
   Proven track record in conducting similar assignments, quality infrastructure, trade, livestock, or climate-related research.

Score: 20

1. Team Composition and Expertise
   Qualifications and experience of key personnel, including subject matter expertise and writing skills.

Score: 15

1. Gender Consideration and Inclusivity
   Inclusion of women in the research team; status as a women-led institution. 

   Score:10

2. Quality of Sample Work (if submitted)
   Relevance, clarity, and standard of previous written outputs or published research. 

   Score:10
   Budget information is not required at this stage.
   Timeline
    Call Opens: 5 July 2025
    Deadline for Submission: 25 July 2025
    Notification of Selected Institutions: 05 August 2025
    Assignment Period: August – September 2025
    Conference Presentation: 15–16 September 2025, Mogadishu

Expected Outputs
 Research papers ,tailored to assigned thematic areas
 Summary presentations for the NQIC
 Policy briefs or technical notes as needed for stakeholder discussions
Outputs may be published by SOBS or presented to national and regional bodies as part of Somalia’s QI development efforts.

Submission and Enquiries
Proposals and supporting documents should be submitted by email to: To [email protected] and cc [email protected] , [email protected]
For enquiries, contact the Somali Bureau of Standards. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered