Job

Job Description

TERMS OF REFERENCE (ToR)

Consultancy to Research, Develop and Facilitate Endorsement of Faith-Based Position Papers and Friday Khutbah Guides on FGM/C and CEFM

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 develop high-quality faith-based position papers and practical Friday Khutbah guides that clearly articulate Islamic perspectives on the prevention and elimination of FGM/C and CEFM.

The Consultant will undertake a literature review, engage and consult with relevant Islamic scholars and religious leaders, draft the materials, facilitate a scholarly review and endorsement process, and finalize the documents based on feedback received.

4.       Objectives

The specific objectives of the consultancy are to:

Conduct a comprehensive review of relevant Islamic teachings, scholarly interpretations, existing faith-based resources, laws, policies, and research related to FGM/C and CEFM.
Develop evidence-based and contextually appropriate faith-based position papers on FGM/C and CEFM.
Develop practical Friday Khutbah guides that religious leaders can use to communicate clear messages on the prevention and elimination of FGM/C and CEFM.
Facilitate consultations with Islamic scholars and relevant religious leaders to ensure theological accuracy, cultural relevance, and contextual appropriateness.
Support a structured scholarly review and endorsement process for the developed materials.
Finalize the position papers and Khutbah guides based on feedback and recommendations from the consultation and endorsement process.
5.       Scope of Work

The Consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

5.1 Literature and Document Review

The Consultant will conduct a comprehensive review of relevant documents and resources, including:

Islamic teachings and scholarly literature relevant to the protection and rights of women and children.
Quranic principles and authentic Islamic sources relevant to dignity, protection from harm, justice, consent, marriage, and the well-being of women and children.
Existing Islamic and faith-based position papers and guidance addressing FGM/C and CEFM.
Relevant national laws, policies, strategies, and action plans related to harmful practices.
Available research and evidence on the prevalence, drivers, consequences, and social norms surrounding FGM/C and CEFM.
Existing Friday Khutbah materials and religious messaging related to the protection of women and children.
The review should identify key theological, social, cultural, and practical issues to be addressed in the proposed materials.

5.2 Development of Faith-Based Position Papers

The Consultant will develop comprehensive faith-based position papers addressing FGM/C and CEFM.

The position papers should:

Clearly articulate Islamic perspectives relevant to FGM/C and CEFM.
Be based on credible Islamic scholarship and authentic sources.
Address common misconceptions and questions that contribute to the continuation of harmful practices.
Promote the protection, dignity, rights, health, and well-being of women and girls.
Reflect the Somali social and cultural context.
Provide clear and practical messages for religious leaders, communities, policymakers, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.
Be written in clear and accessible language while maintaining theological and academic credibility.
5.3 Development of Friday Khutbah Guides

The Consultant will develop practical and user-friendly Friday Khutbah guides for use by Imams and religious leaders.

The guides should include:

Key Islamic messages and principles related to the prevention of FGM/C and CEFM.
Suggested Khutbah themes and structures.
Relevant Quranic verses and authentic Hadith, appropriately referenced and contextualized.
Key messages promoting the protection and dignity of women and girls.
Guidance for addressing harmful social norms and misconceptions.
Practical messages encouraging families and communities to prevent FGM/C and CEFM.
Suggested calls to action for communities and religious leaders.
The guides should be practical, concise, culturally appropriate, and suitable for adaptation and use in different communities.

5.4 Consultation with Islamic Scholars and Religious Leaders

The Consultant will identify and engage relevant Islamic scholars and religious leaders, in coordination with SSWC, to review the draft materials.

The consultation process will aim to:

Validate the theological accuracy of the materials.
Gather feedback and recommendations from scholars and religious leaders.
Ensure that the materials are appropriate for the Somali context.
Build ownership and support among key religious stakeholders.
Identify areas requiring revision or clarification.
The Consultant will document key feedback and recommendations received during the consultation process.

5.5 Facilitation of Scholarly Review and Endorsement

The Consultant will support and facilitate a structured process for scholarly review and endorsement of the faith-based position papers and Friday Khutbah guides. This will include:

Preparing materials for scholarly review.
Facilitating consultation and validation discussions.
Incorporating agreed recommendations into the documents.
Supporting the identification of appropriate mechanisms for formal scholarly endorsement.
Documenting the endorsement process and outcomes.
5.6 Finalization of Materials

Based on the feedback received through the consultation and endorsement process, the Consultant will revise and finalize all materials.

The final documents should be professionally written, technically sound, theologically accurate, and ready for dissemination and use.

1.       Expected Deliverables

The Consultant will be expected to produce the following deliverables:

Deliverable	Description
Inception Report and Work Plan	A detailed methodology, work plan, timeline, stakeholder engagement approach, and proposed structure for the position papers and Khutbah guides.
Literature Review Report	A summary of key findings from the review of Islamic scholarship, relevant evidence, existing resources, laws, policies, and contextual issues related to FGM/C and CEFM.
Draft Faith-Based Position Papers	Draft position papers presenting clear Islamic perspectives on FGM/C and CEFM.
Draft Friday Khutbah Guides	Practical Friday Khutbah guides for use by Imams and religious leaders, addressing FGM/C and CEFM.
Scholar Consultation Report	Documentation of consultations conducted, including participants, key issues discussed, feedback received, and recommendations.
Revised Materials	Revised position papers and Khutbah guides incorporating feedback from the consultation process.
Endorsement Process Documentation	Documentation of the scholarly review and endorsement process and outcomes.
Final Faith-Based Position Papers	Finalized and endorsed position papers ready for dissemination.
Final Friday Khutbah Guides	Finalized and endorsed Khutbah guides ready for dissemination and use by religious leaders.
Final Consultancy Report	A concise report summarizing activities undertaken, methodology, consultations conducted, key outcomes, challenges, recommendations, and final deliverables.

1.       Methodology

The Consultant is expected to propose an appropriate methodology for undertaking the assignment. At a minimum, the methodology should include:

Desk review and literature review.
Review of relevant Islamic sources and scholarly interpretations.
Stakeholder mapping and engagement with Islamic scholars and religious leaders.
Drafting and technical review of the position papers and Khutbah guides.
Structured consultation and validation sessions.
Incorporation of scholarly feedback and recommendations.
Facilitation of the endorsement process.
Finalization and submission of dissemination-ready materials.
The Consultant is expected to use a participatory and consultative approach throughout the assignment and ensure that the views and expertise of relevant Somali Islamic scholars and religious leaders are appropriately reflected.

2.       Duration and Duty Station

The consultancy will be completed within 27 working days from the date of contract signing. The duty station for this assignment will be Dhobley, Jubaland, Somalia. The Consultant will undertake the assignment through a combination of desk-based work and consultations with relevant Islamic scholars, religious leaders, and other stakeholders as required. The detailed work plan and schedule will be agreed upon during the inception stage of the consultancy.

3.       Reporting and Supervision

The Consultant will report directly to the Head of Programmes, Project Manager with technical oversight from the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Manager.

The Consultant will work closely with relevant project staff and stakeholders throughout the assignment.

All draft and final deliverables will be reviewed and approved by SSWC before final acceptance.

4.       Required Qualifications and Experience

The Consultant or consulting firm should demonstrate the following qualifications and experience:

Academic Qualifications

Advanced university degree in Islamic Studies, Sharia, Theology, Social Sciences, Gender Studies, Law, Human Rights, Public Health, or another relevant field.
Additional qualifications or demonstrated expertise in Islamic jurisprudence and scholarly interpretation will be an added advantage.
Professional Experience

At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in Islamic studies, religious engagement, gender, child protection, human rights, harmful practices, or related fields.
Demonstrated experience working on FGM/C, CEFM, gender equality, child protection, or related social norms issues.
Demonstrated experience developing faith-based guidance, position papers, religious messaging, training materials, or advocacy materials.
Proven experience engaging and facilitating consultations with Islamic scholars, religious leaders, and faith-based institutions.
Strong understanding of the Somali context, including cultural and religious dynamics.
Experience facilitating validation and endorsement processes involving religious scholars will be an added advantage.
Skills and Competencies

Strong knowledge of Islamic teachings and relevant scholarly sources.
Excellent research, analysis, and report-writing skills.
Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills.
Ability to communicate complex theological and technical issues clearly and appropriately.
Ability to work independently and meet agreed deadlines.
Strong interpersonal and coordination skills.
Language Requirements

Fluency in Somali and English, both written and spoken, is required.
Knowledge of Arabic and the ability to review and reference relevant Arabic Islamic sources will be an added advantage.
5.       Application Requirements

Interested individual consultants or consulting firms should submit:

A cover letter expressing interest in the assignment.
A technical proposal outlining the proposed methodology and approach.
A detailed work plan and proposed timeline.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) of the proposed Consultant and/or key personnel.
At least two examples of previous relevant work, preferably involving Islamic scholarship, faith-based engagement, FGM/C, CEFM, gender, child protection, or social norms change.
Contact details for at least three professional references.
A financial proposal detailing the consultancy fee and any other proposed costs.

1.       Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation Criteria	Description	Percentage
Academic Qualifications and Technical Expertise	Relevant qualifications in Islamic Studies, Sharia, Theology, Gender, Human Rights, Child Protection, Social Sciences, or other relevant fields.	10%
Relevant Professional Experience	Demonstrated experience in Islamic studies, religious engagement, gender, child protection, harmful practices, or related fields.	20%
Experience on FGM/C and CEFM	Demonstrated experience working on FGM/C, CEFM, social norms change, gender equality, child protection, or related harmful practices.	15%
Experience Developing Similar Materials	Proven experience developing faith-based guidance, position papers, religious messaging, Khutbah guides, advocacy materials, or similar resources.	15%
Technical Proposal and Methodology	Quality, relevance, and practicality of the proposed methodology, approach, work plan, and understanding of the assignment.	20%
Knowledge of Somali Context and Language Capacity	Demonstrated understanding of the Somali cultural and religious context, as well as proficiency in Somali and English.	10%
Financial Proposal and Value for Money	Reasonableness, cost-effectiveness, and value for money of the proposed financial offer.	10%
Total		100%

1.       Ethical Considerations

The Consultant must conduct the assignment in accordance with principles of respect, confidentiality, inclusion, cultural sensitivity, and Do No Harm.

All materials developed under this consultancy will remain the property of SSWC. The Consultant may not reproduce, distribute, or use the materials for other purposes without prior written authorization.

The Consultant will be expected to ensure that all references to Islamic teachings and sources are accurate, appropriately verified, and presented respectfully.

2.       Payment Schedule

Payments will be made upon satisfactory completion and approval of the agreed deliverables, according to the following schedule:

Payment	Deliverables	Percentage
First Payment	Submission and approval of the Inception Report, detailed work plan, and Literature Review Report.	30%
Second Payment	Submission and approval of the draft Faith-Based Position Papers and Friday Khutbah Guides, including completion of consultations with Islamic scholars and religious leaders.	40%
Final Payment	Submission and approval of the final Faith-Based Position Papers and Friday Khutbah Guides, including incorporation of feedback, documentation of the scholarly endorsement process, and Final Consultancy Report.	30%
Total		100%

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 hr@sswc-som.org, cc ahmednasir@sswc-som.org, ayan@sswc-som.org  with the subject line:

“Consultancy to Develop Faith-Based Position Papers and Friday Khutbah Guides on FGM/C and CEFM.”

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, including women and individuals with demonstrated experience working with religious and community leaders, are strongly encouraged to apply.