Save Somali Women and Children (SSWC)
Job Description
TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)
Individual/ Company Consultant
Development and Piloting of Digital Data Collection Tools
for CSOs to Monitor Harmful Practice Incidents and Response Services
VACANCY AT A GLANCE
Duty Station: Dhobley-Lower Jubaland
Duration: 33 days
Application Deadline: 9th July 2026
Expected Start Date:19th July 2026
Contract Type: Individual /Company
BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT
SSWC, in partnership with AMREF, is implementing a multi-year programme to eliminate harmful practices, including Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Child, Early and Forced Marriage (CEFM), in Dhobley district, Jubaland. Despite legislative frameworks prohibiting these practices, comprehensive, real-time data on incident reporting and service response remains fragmented and largely paper-based, limiting the ability of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to advocate effectively, allocate resources, and hold duty-bearers accountable.
Current monitoring systems rely on periodic surveys and ad-hoc reporting, creating significant delays in identifying trends, hotspots, and gaps in service provision. The absence of standardized digital tools prevents CSOs from capturing disaggregated data (by age, sex, disability, geographic location, and type of harmful practice) and sharing information securely with relevant authorities and service providers.
This consultancy aims to address this critical gap by developing and piloting user-friendly, secure, and context-appropriate digital data collection tools that enable CSOs to systematically monitor harmful practice incidents and the availability, accessibility, and quality of response services (health, psychosocial, legal, and shelter).
OBJECTIVES OF THE CONSULTANCY
Overall Objective:
To design, develop, and pilot-test digital data collection tools and a corresponding data management system that empowers CSOs to monitor harmful practice incidents and response services in real-time, in compliance with data protection and ethical standards.
Specific Objectives:
· Conduct a comprehensive needs assessment and landscape analysis of existing digital data collection platforms used by CSOs in the target region for child protection and gender-based violence (GBV) monitoring.
· Develop a modular digital data collection toolkit (mobile application and web dashboard) tailored to CSO capacities, incorporating offline functionality, multi-language support, and end-to-end encryption.
· Design standardized data collection forms and indicators aligned with global frameworks (UNICEF Child Protection Monitoring Framework, UNFPA GBV Information Management System, SDG Indicator 5.3).
· Develop a comprehensive user manual, training curriculum, and data protection protocol for CSO staff.
· Build the capacity of CSO focal points and government counterparts on tool deployment, data analysis, and ethical data use.
SCOPE OF WORK AND KEY DELIVERABLES
| Deliverable | Description |
| Inception Report | Work plan, methodology, stakeholder engagement plan, and implementation timeline. |
| Needs Assessment Report | Summary of consultations, existing systems review, data gaps, and functional requirements. |
| Digital Data Collection Package | Fully configured digital forms, database, dashboards, reporting templates, and user accounts. |
| Data Management SOPs | Standard Operating Procedures covering data collection, quality assurance, confidentiality, referral tracking, and data protection. |
| Training Materials | Training curriculum, facilitator guide, participant manual, quick reference guide, and presentation slides. |
| Training Report | Documentation of training conducted, participant attendance, and pre/post-training assessment results. |
| Pilot Implementation Report | Findings from pilot testing, user feedback, system performance, challenges encountered, and recommendations for improvement. |
| Revised Digital System | Updated digital tools incorporating feedback from the pilot phase. |
| Final Consultancy Report | Comprehensive report documenting activities undertaken, outputs achieved, lessons learned, recommendations, and sustainability plan. |
METHODOLOGY
· The consultant will adopt a participatory and user-centered approach that combines desk review, stakeholder consultations, digital tool development, pilot testing, and capacity building. Existing monitoring systems, project documents, and stakeholder needs will be reviewed to inform the design of practical and user-friendly digital data collection tools.
· The consultant will develop and pilot the digital tools using an appropriate platform (e.g., KoboToolbox or ODK), incorporating data validation features and reporting functions. Feedback from the pilot will be used to refine the tools before finalization.
· Training will be provided to CSO staff on the use of the digital tools, data quality assurance, and ethical data management. Throughout the assignment, the consultant will ensure compliance with data protection, confidentiality, and survivor-centered principles to support the safe and effective management of sensitive information.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
The consultant should possess the following qualifications and experience:
· An advanced university degree (master’s preferred) in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Monitoring and Evaluation, Data Science, Public Health, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field.
· At least 5 years of demonstrated experience in designing and implementing digital data collection and monitoring systems for development or humanitarian programmes.
· Proven experience in developing digital data collection tools using platforms such as KoboToolbox, ODK, CommCare, SurveyCTO, or similar applications.
· Experience in monitoring and evaluation (M&E), data management, and information systems for programmes related to protection, gender, child protection, GBV, FGM/C, or other social development sectors.
· Demonstrated experience in conducting capacity-building and training for CSOs, government institutions, or community-based organizations.
· Experience working in Somalia or other fragile and humanitarian contexts is highly desirable.
· Excellent report writing, analytical, and communication skills in English. Knowledge of Somali is an added advantage.
Technical Competencies:
· Demonstrated expertise in designing and deploying digital data collection systems using platforms such as KoboToolbox, ODK, CommCare, or similar applications.
· Strong knowledge of data management, data quality assurance, reporting, and dashboard development for monitoring and evaluation.
· Good understanding of data protection, confidentiality, ethical data collection, and safeguarding principles, particularly when handling sensitive protection-related data.
· Proven ability to develop user-friendly digital tools, facilitate training, and provide technical support to CSOs and other stakeholders.
· Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to deliver high-quality outputs within agreed timelines.
Language Requirements:
Fluency in English (written and spoken) is mandatory. Working knowledge of Somali, is a strong asset.
Desirable:
· Experience working in Somalia or similar humanitarian contexts.
· Experience with FGM/C, GBV, child protection, or protection programmes.
· Knowledge of MEAL frameworks and data visualization tools.
· Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills.
· Knowledge of Somali language is an added advantage.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
| Criteria | Weight |
| Relevant technical experience and qualifications | 30% |
| Proven track record in similar assignments (with references) | 25% |
| Technical approach and methodology | 25% |
| Understanding of the local context and CSO landscape | 10% |
| Financial proposal (value for money) | 10% |
| TOTAL | 100% |
SUPERVISION AND REPORTING
The consultant will report to the Head of Programs/ Project Officer at [SSWC], with technical oversight from the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Manager. Regular coordination meetings will be held weekly (virtual) and bi-weekly (in-person during field missions).
LOGISTICAL ARRANGEMENTS
· The consultancy will be conducted in Dhobley District, Jubaland State, Somalia.
· The consultant will work under the supervision of the implementing organization and in coordination with relevant government authorities and CSOs.
· The implementing organization will facilitate stakeholder coordination and access to project sites, as required.
· The consultant will provide the necessary equipment and software to undertake the assignment.
· Travel and field logistics will be managed in accordance with the consultancy contract and organizational policies.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
| Deliverable | Percentage |
| Upon approval of the Inception Report and work plan | 20% |
| Upon submission and approval of the digital data collection tools and completion of pilot testing | 50% |
| Upon submission and approval of the final consultancy report, finalized digital tools, and all deliverables | 30% |
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should submit the following documents in English by 9th July 2026, 23:59 hrs to hr@sswc-som.org and cc mistaosman@gmail.com with the subject line:
“Consultancy 001 – Digital Data Collection Tools for Harmful Practices Monitoring – [Your Name]”
1. Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting relevant experience (maximum 5 pages).
2. Technical Proposal (maximum 10 pages) outlining: understanding of the assignment and context; proposed methodology and work plan; sample of previous similar work (links to apps, portfolios, or published reports); three professional references with contact details.
3. Financial Proposal in USD indicating daily consultancy fee and any other anticipated costs.
4. Cover Letter (maximum 1 page) explaining motivation and suitability.
SSWC is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from qualified women, persons with disabilities, and candidates from underrepresented communities.
To apply for this job email your details to hr@sswc-som.org