Save Somali Women and Children (SSWC)
Job Description
BACKGROUND
Save Somali Women and Children (SSWC) is a non-governmental, non-profit organization founded in 1992 in Mogadishu by a group of Somali women intellectuals from various community sectors. The organization is dedicated to empowering vulnerable Somali women and children, aiming to restore their dignity and improve their socio-economic status. SSWC operates nationally, with offices in South and Central Somalia, focusing on promoting women’s political rights, leadership, and participation in peacebuilding and local governance.
SSWC through the funding of Finish Church Association is implementing a STRONG Project which is aimed at promoting reconciliation and inclusive local governance in Jubbaland, Galmudug states and the Benadir region. A key aspect of project is supporting the formation of district councils that accurately reflect the diverse demographics of the Federal Member States.
In line with its mission, SSWC has established two women’s networks in the Galmudug and Jubbaland states of Somalia. These networks serve as platforms for women to engage in leadership roles, collaborate on community development projects, and advocate for women’s rights and gender equality within their regions. To ensure the sustainability, accountability, and effectiveness of these networks, SSWC seeks to develop robust governance structures tailored to the unique cultural and social dynamics of Galmudug and Jubaland.
To achieve this objective, SSWC is inviting consultancy firms with expertise in organizational development and governance to submit proposals for developing and implementing governance frameworks for the two women’s networks. The selected consultant will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive needs assessment, engaging with key stakeholders, and designing governance structures that facilitate clear decision-making processes, accountability mechanisms, and effective representation of women’s interests in both states.
The activity has these outcomes-
Comprehensive needs assessment- that will serve to determine where decision-making processes are unclear, accountability is lacking, or women’s voices are underrepresented. This data-driven approach will provide a clear roadmap for reform, ensuring that any interventions are tailored to the specific needs of the communities.
Design of governance structures that will create clear decision-making processes, reduce inefficiencies and ensure that decisions are made transparently and in a timely manner. Accountability mechanisms will be embedded into these structures, holding leaders and institutions responsible for their actions and fostering greater public trust.
Foster sustainable development by creating governance systems that are not only efficient but also equitable as empowerment of women will benefit families, communities, and society as a whole and also counter resistance to change, gaps in implementation, and the need for sustained commitment which will be addressed through continuous engagement, capacity-building, and adaptive management.
PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT
1. Strengthening Governance and Institutional Capacity.
2. Promoting Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment
3. Fostering Inclusive and Participatory Decision-Making
4. Enhancing Accountability and Transparency
5. Addressing Systemic Inequalities and Promoting Social Justice
6. Supporting Sustainable Development
7. Building Trust and Social Cohesion
8. Empowering Communities and Building Local Capacity.
SCOPE OF WORK/OBJECTIVES
1. Identify gaps and challenges in the current governance and operational frameworks of the women’s networks in Galmudug and Jubaland. A detailed needs assessment report that provides a clear roadmap for reform, highlighting specific areas for intervention and tailored recommendations.
Ø Conduct a thorough analysis of the existing decision-making processes, accountability mechanisms, and representation of women’s interests within the networks.
Ø Identify areas where decision-making is unclear, accountability is lacking, or women’s voices are underrepresented.
Ø Engage with key stakeholders, including network members, community leaders, government officials, and civil society organizations, to gather insights and perspectives.
2. To ensure that the governance structures are inclusive, participatory, and reflective of the needs and aspirations of the communities. Conduct stakeholder engagement plan and report summarizing key findings, feedback, and recommendations from consultations.
3. Develop governance frameworks that are clear, transparent, and effective in promoting women’s leadership and gender equality. The consultant shall develop the governance framework document outlining the proposed structures, processes, and mechanisms, along with an implementation plan
4. Equip the network members and leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively implement and sustain the new governance structures.
5. Other technical assistance and tasks that might be required by SSWC to be discussed if needed.
REPORTING
To whom will the consultant report?
The consultant will closely work with SSWC Head of programs and the project officer.
What type of reporting will be expected from the consultant and in what format/style will the submissions of reports/outputs be done?
Progress report and final report in the format of word and power point presentation.
How will consultant consult and deliver work and when will reporting be done:
Through emails, phone, virtual teams and in person.
EXPECTED DELIVERABLES
In alignment with the scope of work as described above, the consultant will be expected to perform the following activities and deliverables as per the schedule and estimated dates below:
| Tasks | Deliverable/Outcome
(e.g. Inception, progress, final reports, training material, Workshop, etc.) |
Estimated # of days | Planned Completion date | % of total fee payable |
| Assessing the needs of the women networks in terms of the implementation and development of the governance of governance structures. | Progress Report | 10 | 12th November 2024 |
30% |
| Design, and develop documentations and governance structures that are clear, transparent and effective in promoting women’s leadership and gender equality | Progress report and completed documents of the assignment. | 10 | 22nd November 2024 | 40% |
| Onboarding and training the networks on the developed documents. | Training and mentorship reporting | 10 | 1st December 2024 | 30% |
However, as the actual starting date may impact the dates estimated in the ToR, a detailed work plan with exact time frames and actual delivery dates will be jointly agreed upon between the consultant and the SSWC upon contract signature.
PERFORMANCE INIDICATORS FOR EVALUATION OF RESULTS
The performance of work will be evaluated based on the following indicators:
· Completion of tasks specified in TOR
· Compliance with the established deadlines for submission of deliverables
· Quality of work
· Demonstration of high standards in cooperation and communication with SSWC.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
All payments, without exception, will be made based on the satisfactory and quality completion of deliverables and upon receipt of the respective and approved invoice.
DESIRED COMPETENCIES, TECHNICAL BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE
Education:
● Advanced university degree in project management, public administration, international relationship, gender studies, political science, peace and conflict studies, sociology, law.
Work experience:
· Advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in a relevant field, such as gender studies, development studies, public administration, governance, social sciences, or a related discipline.
· At least 7–10 years of professional experience in governance, gender equality, organizational development, or related fields
· Expertise in designing and implementing governance structures, including decision-making processes, accountability mechanisms, and representation frameworks.
· Experience with not-for-profit organizations/ International Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO), is highly desirable.
· Ability to build the capacity of local organizations and networks to sustain governance structures over the long term.
· Sensitivity to cultural differences and the ability to work effectively in diverse environments.
· Experience of working in the UN or other international development organizations is most preferable.
· Experience working in the Somalia context is an added advantage.
Technical skills, knowledge and competencies:
● In-depth understanding of gender equality and women’s rights.
● Knowledge of political processes and governance structures.
● Technical knowledge of gender mainstreaming, women’s leadership, and strategies for promoting gender equality in governance and community development.
● Experience in designing and delivering training programs on governance, leadership, and accountability for diverse audiences.
● Understanding of the challenges and opportunities for governance and women’s empowerment in such environments.
● Experience in developing accountability mechanisms and inclusive decision-making processes.
● Familiarity with the political, social, and cultural context of Galmudug and Jubbaland is a significant advantage.
● Ability to handle work quickly and accurately under time constraints, with minimum of supervision.
Languages:
● Excellent oral and written English and Somali skills are required.
SSWC CODE OF CONDUCT
SSWC is committed to maintaining the highest degree of ethical conduct among all of its employees, consultants and contractors and expects all to act in a manner consistent with the core values of respect, integrity, commitment and excellence while carrying out their professional responsibilities.
Bill of quantities
Prospective consultants are required to use this sample detailing the activities and quote per unit, quantity, and unit costs in USD and total cost in USD including taxes, transport, human resource, or other costs:
Documents to be submitted
Interested consultants should provide the following:
1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Brief technical proposal (no longer than five pages) demonstrating the consultant’s understanding of the
Assignment and approach/methodology to the assignment
3. Financial quotation including a breakdown of their all-inclusive fees.
4. References details
HOW TO APPLY
Interested parties should send a soft copy of their application (Application should be received in English) by email to info@sswc-som.org/hr@sswc-som.org the deadline for submissions is 30th October 2024.
Only applicants who meet the stated requirements will be considered.