Job Description

Term of Reference (ToR) for Consultancy on the Impact of Climate Change on

Vulnerable Groups in Awdal, Maroodi Jeex and Saaxil regions                                                                                                 

1. Introduction:

ActionAid International Somaliland (AAIS) is part of a global federation committed to ending poverty and injustice. For over 29 years, AAIS has worked to empower communities in Somaliland through integrated programs focused on women’s rights, humanitarian response, resilience building, food security, and education. Guided by the “Action for Global Justice” strategy, AAIS continues to align with marginalized groups, asserting women’s rights, strengthening accountability, and building resilience against shocks and hazards.

2. Project Background

The research is part of the Transformative Impact Fund (TIF) project, aimed at achieving economic and climate justice. The project focuses on scaling up women and youth-led adoption of agroecological practices in Somaliland while advocating for grassroots-led climate justice movements. This study will assess the impact of climate change on vulnerable groups in the Awdal, Maroodi Jeex, and Saaxil regions and provide recommendations on adaptation mechanisms, particularly for women and girls.

3. Assignment Objectives:

The consultancy will conduct a research study to:

1. Assess the impact of climate change on vulnerable groups in the Awdal, Maroodi Jeex, and Saaxil regions.
2. Identify the current community adaption to climate change.
3. Provide recommendations on climate adaptation mechanisms, particularly for women and young girls.

4.  Key Research Questions: 

• How does climate change impact vulnerable groups in target locations?
• Does climate change impact women, girls, and men proportionally?
• What is the coping mechanism in place for the vulnerable community to minimize the adverse impact of climate change?
• What support community getting from humanitarian actors, goverment and wider stakeholders to tackle climate impact?
• What are the key adaptation methods working currently for the community?
• What are the key recommendations for policy makers, humanitarians, and goverment to tackle the adverse impact of climate change?

5. Data collection Methods:

The consultancy will utilize mixed methods, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques. This includes surveys, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs).

6. Outcome Expectation:

The research aims to enhance existing knowledge on climate change and contribute to ActionAid programming. The findings from the research paper will be shared with ActionAid's international Wider Federation, including its Global Platform Secretariat, and circulated on social media for broader visibility. The research will also be presented to relevant government and non-governmental institutions, the UN, research institutions, and Universities.

7. Key Deliverables.
8. Inception Report:  Including detailed methodological approach, research design, respondent selection criteria, target locations, sample size, data collection tools, and ethical considerations.
9. Research Paper should include the following outline:
10.             Executive Summary
11.             Introduction: Country context particularly climate related and literature Review

                            III.            Methodology and Approach

1.             Key research findings:

.          Survey Summary Results 

.          Climate change adaptation strategies awareness

.          Agropastolist  participation in climate change policy and advocacy

1.             Conclusion and policy recommendations
2.             Reference

8. Period of Consultancy:

The duration of the research exercise in the field shall be 60 days (1st November to 30th  December 2024) from a mutually agreed date no later than 30th December 2024.  The research  will follow the key phases:

-             Phase I: Inception report and tools development [ 5 days]

-             Phase I – Literature review: Review of documentation and Inception report [16 days]

-             Phase II: Field Data Collection [24 days]

-             Phase III – Data analysis and production of research  report [15 days]

Note: The final Report will be due on 10th December 2024

9. Consultant Type

The assignment is open to both Individuals and Firm.                  

10.      Responsibility for Enumerators and Logistics and Costs.

AAIS will pay the consultant fee in a lump sum, with no additional reimbursements for any incurred costs during the assignment. The consultant will be responsible for covering all expenses related to data collection, including enumerators' costs, logistical arrangements, participants' refreshments, as well as any other related costs; including food, accommodation, and transport.  Any other costs associated with data collection work and overall project activities will also be the consultant’s responsibility.

11. Taxation Provisions

The consultant is responsible for paying all applicable taxes according to local regulations.

12. Travel Requirements

If the consultant is based outside of Somaliland, they will be responsible for covering their own travel costs, including flights, meals, and accommodation.

Experiences and Qualifications

1. Consultant Qualifications and Research Criteria:
2.             Educational Qualifications: A minimum of a master’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Food Security and Nutrition, Public Health, Social Sciences, Statistics, or a related field
3.             Professional Experience:

o   At least 8 years of relevant professional experience in conducting final research s for multisectoral projects, focusing on climate change, climate adaptation, and its impact on agropastoralist communities in terms of (Health, Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Food Assistance, Economy, and Protection).

o   Proven experience in similar assignments in Somaliland with reputable organizations. Please attach copies of at least two contracts as evidence.

Previous experience in working with ActionAid is highly recommended and will be an added value.

            iii.        Technical Expertise:

o   Ability to perform statistical analysis to evaluate project impact

o   Proficiency in mixed-method approaches (e.g.,  Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), to complement quantitative data with qualitative context.

1.             Communication Skills:

o   Excellent written and verbal communication skills, particularly in report writing.

1.             Familiarity with ActionAid Work:

o   Knowledge of ActionAid’s social research programming is an asset.

2. Proposal Submission Guidelines

o   Financial Proposal:Submission of a realistic and acceptable financial proposal, including a detailed budget breakdown and cost considerations.

o   Sustainability Policies:The consultancy firm must have its own sustainability policy or policies. A copy of the policy must be provided with the submission.

o   Commitment to Sustainable Development:Demonstrated commitment to global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

o   Work Plan and Methodology:A clear and adequate description of the work plan, methodology, and techniques to be applied, with a detailed description of tasks in the Scope of Work.

Submission Documents:

o   Technical proposal aligned with the ToR.

o   A Financial Proposal.

o   Detail work plan.

o   Participants CVs

o   Past experience at least 3 related reports or research on climate change.

o   Past contract of Social research on climate change.

3. Submission Deadline and Method:

o   Submission Deadline: All proposals must be submitted by October 15th, 2024. Late submissions will not be considered.

Skills Required

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