Job Description

Terms of Reference (TOR) - Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Study

I. Background

The Somali economy relies heavily on traditional agriculture and livestock sectors, which face numerous challenges including conflict, environmental degradation, and limited access to markets and services. Despite these obstacles, these sectors remain crucial for economic development and poverty reduction. Women play a significant role in micro-enterprises, particularly in rural areas, but face barriers such as limited education and access to credit.

The proposed e-WINS project aims to address gender equality and inclusive economic development. By prioritizing the empowerment of women entrepreneurs and promoting their equal access to finance and business opportunities, the action aligns with the call's focus on mainstreaming gender equality (SDG5, GAP III) and promoting inclusive growth. Additionally, the action's commitment to leaving no one behind, especially groups in vulnerable situations such as women, minorities, and those with disabilities, resonates with the call's emphasis on ensuring inclusivity in development initiatives.

e-WINS' relevance extends to specific subthemes and sectors and directly addresses challenges faced by traditional agriculture, livestock and fisheries sectors, aligning with the focus of revitalizing key economic sectors. Moreover, the action's emphasis on enhancing women's perspectives in business dialogue and policy aligns with the emphasis on promoting local ownership and participation in decision-making processes. By targeting four specific corridors and tailoring interventions to local needs, the action ensures a contextually relevant approach that promotes local ownership and sustainability.

The proposed action primarily aims to enhance women's participation in economic activities and decision-making processes. Through tailored training sessions on negotiation skills and business management, alongside the establishment of knowledge-sharing platforms among women-led organizations, the action seeks to empower women economically. Furthermore, by implementing digital platforms and strengthening women's engagement in formal business associations, the action directly contributes to improving access to financial services for women entrepreneurs. Additionally, the action's emphasis on outreach campaigns and the development of customized financial products aims to enhance the economic and social well-being of women in remote and vulnerable areas. Finally, the action will also conduct research to identify gaps in the regulatory framework and organizing policy dialogues to advocate for gender-inclusive policies supporting women entrepreneurship and access to finance. By addressing gender disparities and promoting inclusive economic development, the action ensures alignment with the proposed expected outcomes outlined in the guidelines for applicants, thereby contributing to gender-inclusive economic empowerment in Somalia.

II. PURPOSE OF THE EXTERNAL STUDY

The e-WINS project aims to empower women in Somalia through innovative solutions. However, to ensure its success, a deep understanding of the existing gender landscape in Somalia is crucial. This GESI study serves as a critical first step, providing a comprehensive analysis of the gendered barriers and opportunities women face within the economic sphere in Somalia.

This in-depth study will delve into the legal, regulatory, social, and cultural factors that shape women's economic participation in Somalia. By examining these elements, the study will identify key challenges women encounter in accessing resources, engaging in economic activity, and leveraging technology. Furthermore, the study will explore existing best practices and success stories that have fostered women's economic empowerment in similar contexts.

The goal of this GESI study is to inform the design and implementation of the e-WINS project. The findings will be used to tailor the project's components to directly address the specific needs and challenges identified.

Specifically, the study will aim to:

1. Analyse the legal, regulatory, and policy frameworks impacting women's access to economic resources, including land, credit, and markets.
2. Assess the role of social norms, cultural practices, and traditional institutions in shaping women's economic opportunities.
3. Identify the specific challenges women face in different sectors of the economy (e.g., agriculture, trade, services).
4. Analyse the gender gap in skills and training opportunities available to women entrepreneurs.
5. Evaluate the effectiveness of existing initiatives and programs aimed at promoting women's economic empowerment.
6. Identify key stakeholders, including government ministries, private sector actors, civil society organizations, and community leaders, who hold influence over women's economic opportunities.

Requirements related to gender and age

Study design, methodology, data collection and analyses should adequately capture the situations and experiences of people identifying with all genders. The Consultant/study team should collect appropriate sex- disaggregated data and

ensure that a study is gender-sensitive or “engendered.” To engender a study is to view the study process, dynamics, design, and the key elements of each study stage through a “gender lens” to make sure that the study and associated data collection and analysis practices are fully informed by an awareness of how gender shapes and is shaped by both programs and studys.

Engendering an study means that all stages of the study reflect:

1. an awareness that the degree and meaning of program participation, program results, and potential sustainability are shaped by gender and youth;
2. a recognize on that explicit attention to gender issues must be integrated into the study if gender equality objectives are to be addressed; and
3. a commitment to examining the extent to which gender equality was achieved as a result of the strategy, project, of approach that was implemented.

The study must follow the instructions of data disaggregation according to the sequence 0-17, 18-49 and 50+ in order to make a relevant comparison of the results according to gender and age.

III. Scope of Work

The consultant/contractor will be responsible for the following activities:

1) Desk Review and Literature Review

• Conduct a comprehensive review of relevant literature, including government reports, policy documents, research studies, and academic publications on GESI and women's economic participation in Somalia.
• Analyse national development plans and strategies with a specific focus on gender equality components related to economic empowerment.

2) Data Collection and Analysis

• Develop a GESI-sensitive methodology for data collection, employing a mixed-methods approach that may include:
• Focus group discussions with women entrepreneurs, business owners, and community leaders.
• Key informant interviews with government officials, representatives of financial institutions, and civil society organizations.
• Quantitative surveys (if feasible) to gather data on women's economic activities and access to resources.
• Ensure data collection tools are culturally appropriate and translated into Somali if needed.
• Train data collectors on GESI principles and ethical research practices.
• Collect data in various regions of Somalia to capture diverse experiences and perspectives.
• Analyse the collected data using appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Disaggregate findings by gender, age, location, and other relevant factors

3) Reporting and Dissemination

Prepare a comprehensive GESI study report that includes:

• An overview of the methodology used.
• A detailed analysis of the legal, regulatory, social, and cultural factors impacting women's economic participation.
• Key findings on women's access to resources and opportunities in different sectors.
• Recommendations for policy changes, program interventions, and capacity-building activities to promote women's economic empowerment.
• Actionable recommendations for specific stakeholders, including government ministries,

private sector actors, civil society organizations, and community leaders.

• Develop an executive summary of the report for dissemination to a wider audience.

IV STUDY MANAGEMENT

For the study, ADRA will contract an independent third-party consultant/study team firm to collect reliable, accurate, valid, and timely data.

Responsibilities of Consultant / Consulting firm:

• Consultant/study team firm is fully responsible for the implementation of this assignment, including methodology design, data collection, and reporting.
• Consultant/study team firm will liaise with ADRA staff throughout the process, providing regular updates and seeking their input and advice where necessary.
• Consultant/study team firm will prepare a detailed task timeline and draft methodology (inception report) and work with ADRA to finalize the methodology
• Consultant/study team firm is responsible for methodology design, including sampling and tools for data collection
• Consultant/study team firm will adhere to the timeframe of the consultancy.
• Consultant/study team firm will deliver periodical and final report.

Responsibilities of ADRA Germany / ADRA Somalia:

• Providing all background materials and data for the research consulting firm;
• Ensuring the participation and support of implementing partners and beneficiaries;
• Monitoring adherence to specified deadlines; facilitating access to required information;
• Providing guidance throughout all phases of execution, approving all deliverables, and facilitating, access to any documentation (or any person) deemed relevant to the process;
• Share deliverables with stakeholders;
• Perform quality control, as required for all deliverables;
• Providing information about the project, implementation stages, success and difficulties;
• Facilitating the consultant's interview process with selected project beneficiaries;
• Enabling insight into data on the implementation of activities;
• In cooperation with ADRA partners, providing support to the consultant for other information that is necessary for the successful implementation of the study

V. DELIVERABLES AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

The consultant/study team should submit the following deliverables during the study process:

• Draft methodology for the Study (including study design) – (max. 4 pages) The proposal outlining the methodology of the planned study and the work plan are part of the documents which needs to be submitted before the kickoff workshop.
• inception report (methodology, sampling, tools for data collection, approach to data analysis and details of Study Work Plan (draft implementation schedule)) The inception report should set out the planned approach to meeting the study aims and objectives, methodologies to be used and questions to be answered through the reviews and planned interviews. It should provide a description on how data will be collected and drafts of suggested data collection tools such as questionnaires and interview guidelines. The proposal outlining methodology and work plan should be used as basis for the inception report. The inception report should be submitted after the kickoff workshop.
• Draft and final report of Study submitted in English; final report will incorporate ADRA’s feedback into the draft report;
• Datasets – quantitative data/datasets created or obtained in performance of this task; datasets) must be delivered in non-proprietary, machine readable format; dataset must be organized and documented for use by those not fully familiar with the intervention or study.

Content of the study report(s)

ADRA expects that the final reports will include the following sections, at a minimum:

• Cover Page
• Acronym List
• Executive Summary
• Project Background
• Purpose and Scope of the Study
• Literature Review (relevant sources cited in APA style)
• Study Questions
• Study Methodology
• Study Results
• Conclusions (successes and challenges)
• Lessons learned
• Recommendations
• Recommended Tools for Proposal Development
• Bibliography
• Attachments (study SoW/ToR, data collection instruments, photos, charts, graphs, additional analyses)

VI. STUDY SCHEDULE

The below study schedule can be modified and adjusted according to the Intervention overall implementation plan. In order to perform all scheduled tasks, Consultant/study team firm shall be hired for the period July 2024 – August 2024. The consultant/study team shall prepare and implement the work plan in consultation with and support by the relevant personnel of ADRA and partner organizations, in accordance with the following dynamics:

Activity

Time-frame

Drafting of the work plan and preparation of detailed work methodology and submitting the Inception report with a detailed work plan and methodology for the study: July 04, 2024

Data collection: July,07 2024 – July 20, 2024

Study – draft report: July 22, 2024

Study – final report: July 25, 2024

A total of a maximum 20 days is envisioned for the purpose of this consultancy to undertake and produce the final study. Expressions of interests should include a rough plan and outline of the proposed approach. Specific Dates are subject to mutual agreement.

V. Project Management

The consultant/contractor will be responsible for managing all aspects of the study, including developing a detailed work plan, managing the budget, and ensuring timely delivery of all deliverables. ADRA will provide overall guidance and approval of the study methodology, data collection tools, and final report. Additionally, ADRA will provide travel support within Somalia.

Experiences and Qualifications

• Proven experience in conducting GESI studies, particularly in a developing country context.
• Strong understanding of gender equality concepts and methodologies.
• Familiarity with the Somali context, including social norms, cultural practices, and the legal framework.
• Expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Excellent communication, writing, and reporting skills.
• Experience working with stakeholders from government, private sector, and civil society organizations.
• Fluency in English and Somali languages is required.

VIII. SELECTION CRITERIA

In addition to the quality of the content of the offer, the total price and the scope of the services offered, previous experience, references and target group orientation are also taken into account when the offer is awarded. The basis for the study is as follows:

• technical approach (methodology and implementation plan) = 40 points
• key personnel qualifications = 35 points
• fees and associated costs = 25 points

All documents and data collected are confidential and, in the case of personal data, are to be treated in accordance with the data protection regulations (in particular the EU GDPR and the Federal Data Protection Act) and are to be used exclusively for the study. No later than one year after completion of an study, the contractor will destroy the data and documents permanently and in compliance with data protection.

Skills Required

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