Terms of Reference for Civic Space assessment in Somalia
Somalia has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including political instability, armed conflicts, and the ongoing threat of terrorism. Despite these difficulties, civil society organizations (CSOs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) have played a vital role in promoting social and economic development, advocating for human rights, and supporting vulnerable communities. Oxfam has contributed immensely to the growth of civil society in Somalia for over three decades. However, the civic space in Somalia has increasingly been constrained, with negative impact on these organizations. Yet, the continuing dire humanitarian situation driven by multiple and persistent crises and shocks, coupled with new opportunities that debt relief may open up for Somalia for increased economic, development and climate financing, requires a vibrant civil society that can advocate for the needs and priorities of marginalized groups and contribute to mediation and conflict resolution.
Therefore, to better understand the state of civic space in Somalia and develop strategies to support and strengthen civil society, Oxfam is launching a Civic Space Monitoring Initiative. This initiative aims to assess the current landscape of civic space, identify key successes, challenges and opportunities to inform future programming and advocacy efforts.
Oxfam is seeking a qualified consultant to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the civic space in Somalia. The main objectives of this consultancy are to:
Ø Undertake a detailed analysis of the current state of civic space in Somalia, including the regulatory, socio-political, economic, and technological environments that shape civic engagement.
Ø Adapt Oxfam’s Civic Space Monitoring Tool to the Somali context and apply the contextualized tool to assess and analyze the evolving civic space in Somalia.
Ø Provide actionable recommendations to Oxfam and its partners on strategies to protect, strengthen and expand civic space in the country.
The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:
Ø Adaptation of Civic Space Monitoring Tool: Review Oxfam's civic monitoring tool https://policy-practice.oxfam.org/resources/civic-space-monitoring-tool-understanding-what-is-happening-in-civic-space-at-a-620874/, which is a comprehensive framework for assessing the state of civic space based on nine key dimensions: (1) Regulatory Framework, (2) access to funding, (3) administration and bureaucracy, (4) safety and well-being of people, (5) Access to information, (6) Freedom of Assembly, Association and Dissent, (7) Dialogue and Consultation, (8) Access to Justice and Legal Services, (9) Legitimacy and Accountability of Civil Society.
Ø Adapt the Civic Space Monitoring Tool with a Humanitarian – Development – Peacebuilding (HDP) Nexus lens and governance lense ensuring the dimensions, categories and guiding questions are relevant and feasible in the Somali context.
Ø Identifying appropriate data sources and collection methods for each adapted dimension, considering the availability and accessibility of information in the Somali context.
Ø Desk Research: Conduct a comprehensive review of existing literature, reports, and data on the state of civic space across all nine dimensions in Somalia, including relevant laws, policies, government development and transformation plans and trends. This will involve a detailed analysis of academic publications, NGO reports, media articles, and government documents to gain a thorough understanding of the civic space landscape.
Ø Stakeholder engagement: Organize and facilitate focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with a diverse range of stakeholders, including representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), media outlets, human rights defenders, and government officials. Oxfam and partner organizations will identify the stakeholders and provide contacts to the consultant. The partner organizations will also be responsible for organizing the focus group discussions. These qualitative data collection methods will provide valuable insights into the lived experiences, challenges, and perspectives of key actors within the civic space.
Ø Civic Space Monitoring Workshop: Develop the monitoring workshop methodology in close cooperation with Oxfam staff; present the preliminary findings of the desk research and stakeholder engagement during the workshop with Oxfam, partners and other stakeholders and collect feedback and additional data across the nine dimensions of civic space to be incorporated in the final report
Ø Prepare a comprehensive report highlighting the findings of the research, including detailed analysis across the nine dimensions of civic space, key trends and drivers and actionable recommendations. The report will draw on the insights gathered from the desk research, stakeholder engagement, and Monitoring Workshop as well as other collection methods as identified during the Monitoring Tool Adaptation.
Ø Present the final synthesis during a Strategizing Workshop with Oxfam and other stakeholders, stimulating discussions on the implications of the findings and potential next steps.
Ø Develop a dissemination plan to ensure the research findings and recommendations are shared with a wider audience of stakeholders, including civil society, government, and international partners.
5 Deliverables
The consultant will be responsible for the following deliverables:
Ø Inception Report, outlining the detailed work plan, methodology, and timeline for the consultancy.
Ø Civic Space Monitoring Tool, adapted for the Somali context, including revised dimensions, guiding questions and rating categories and the identification of suitable data collection instruments.
Ø Final Comprehensive Report, presenting the findings of the desk research, stakeholder engagement and Civic Space Monitoring Workshop, and including a civic space assessment across the 9 dimensions, key trends and drivers, and actionable recommendations.
Ø Presentation of preliminary findings during the Monitoring Workshop and presentation of final synthesis during the Strategizing Workshop with Oxfam and other stakeholders.
The consultant should have the following qualifications:
Ø Advanced degree in social sciences, development studies, or a related field.
Ø Minimum 7 years of experience in conducting research and assessments on civic space, human rights, or civil society development, preferably in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.
Ø Strong knowledge and understanding of the civic space landscape in Somalia and the broader East Africa region.
Ø Proven track record in designing and implementing monitoring and evaluation frameworks, including the adaptation of existing tools to local contexts.
Ø Excellent qualitative and quantitative research skills, including experience in stakeholder engagement, data collection, and analysis.
Ø Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including civil society organizations, government agencies, and international partners.
Ø Excellent communication and writing skills in English, with the ability to produce high-quality reports and presentations.
Ø Fluency in Somali language is highly desirable.
Interested candidates should submit the following documents:
Ø Technical Proposal, outlining the consultant's understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology, work plan, and relevant experience.
Ø Financial Proposal, detailing the consultant's daily rate and estimated number of days for each task including travels and accommodation
Ø CV, highlighting the consultant's qualifications and relevant experience.
Ø Two recent references from clients or partners.
The application should be submitted to som.consultancies@oxfam.org lasts by 26th of September 2024.
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