Tender Description

Locations Southwest state (Awdhile District), Jubaland (Jamame Luuq Districts), Hirshabelle (Beledweyne District) Consultancy Type National 

Introduction:

ActionAid International is a development organization working in partnership with people fighting for a better world without poverty and injustice, ActionAid has a presence in 70 countries around the world with programmes in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. In Somalia, we are registered as an International Non-Governmental Organization and has been in operation in since 1992 implementing development programmes that empower women, youth, and marginalised communities to claim their rights and lead change in several federal states. 

ActionAid’s work in Somalia is rooted in a human rights-based approach that prioritises local leadership, women’s empowerment, accountability, and resilience-building. The organisation partners with Somali civil society, women-led and youth-led organisations, and community structures to deliver integrated humanitarian and development programmes across multiple regions, including Banadir, Lower Shabelle, Puntland, Somaliland, Galmudug, and Jubaland.

1.Background

Somalia faces one of the most severe and protracted humanitarian crises globally. Decades of conflict, political instability, recurrent climatic shocks, and economic fragility continue to undermine livelihoods and access to essential services. Insecurity, displacement, and the erosion of coping capacities have deepened vulnerability among millions of Somalis.

According to the 2025 INFORM Risk Index, Somalia ranks among the highest-risk countries worldwide (8.4/10), characterised by very high vulnerability and low coping capacity. The Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO 2025) estimates that 5.9 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, with more than 1.9 million internally displaced due to conflict, drought, and flooding. Recurrent disease outbreaks (cholera, measles, malaria) and high malnutrition rates exacerbate the crisis, while restricted humanitarian access and funding shortfalls threaten the sustainability of critical assistance.

Under the DG ECHO Humanitarian Implementation Plan (HIP) 2026 for the Greater Horn of Africa, Somalia remains a priority country. DG ECHO advocates for a multi-sectoral, integrated, and people-centered humanitarian response that addresses the complex and interlinked drivers of vulnerability, with a focus on:

1. Responding to sudden and slow-onset shocks such as conflict, droughts, and floods.

2. Tackling acute food insecurity and malnutrition.

3. Preventing and mitigating the impact of epidemics and disease outbreaks that increase morbidity and mortality; and

4. Strengthening disaster preparedness, anticipatory action, and response capacities at national and community levels.

To support these priorities, ActionAid International Somalia (AAIS) will commission an independent Multi-Sectoral Needs Assessment (MSNA) to generate a comprehensive and credible evidence base for humanitarian decision-making. The assessment will analyse the severity, geographic distribution, and interlinkages of needs across sectors and population groups, ensuring that future interventions under the 2026 HIP are evidence-driven, contextually grounded, and inclusive. The focus of the assessment will be on districts that are inaccessible and areas where security is fragile, and communities are affected by drought, conflict, and displacement. The assessment will be led by ActionAid; however, partners including Nomadic Assistance for Peace and Development (NAPAD), Save Somali Women and Children (SSWC), and Development Action Network (DAN), who are present on the ground in some of the districts, will support the consultant and other team members undertaking the assessment.

Through this MSNA, ActionAid International Somalia aims to strengthen the foundation for integrated humanitarian programming across Somalia, producing disaggregated and actionable data to guide programme design, targeting, and adaptive management for 2026–2027 interventions supported by DG ECHO and other strategic partners.

2. Purpose of the Assignment

The purpose of this consultancy is to design and conduct a comprehensive Multi-Sectoral Needs Assessment (MSNA) across selected districts of Somalia. The assessment will inform the design of DG ECHO-funded integrated humanitarian interventions by ActionAid and its national partners, as well as contribute to national-level coordination, planning, and cluster strategies.

3. Specific Objectives

The MSNA will:

1. Identify the scale and severity of humanitarian needs across major sectors (Health, Nutrition, WASH, Protection, Education, Shelter/NFI, Food Security & Livelihoods).
2. Map and rank priority areas and population groups requiring urgent multi-sectoral assistance.
3. Analyse inter-sectoral linkages and recommend integrated, area-based response packages aligned with ECHO priorities.
4. Examine access constraints, service functionality, and barriers to assistance, including protection and gender-based risks.
5. Identify actors and sectoral interventions already happening in targeted districts to ensure integration
6. Assess cash feasibility and market functionality, identifying potential for multi-purpose or sectoral cash interventions.
7. Provide actionable recommendations to strengthen coordination, localisation, accountability, and the humanitarian–development–peace (HDP) nexus.

4. Scope of Work

4.1 Geographic Scope

The MSNA will target high-severity and displacement-affected districts including Awdhigle, Jamame, Luuq and Beledweyne.

4.2 Target Populations

The MSNA will prioritize Internally Displaced Persons, including both those who have been displaced for extended periods and those newly displaced. It will also target non-displaced but vulnerable households, as well as returnees and host communities residing in areas experiencing high levels of stress. Special attention will be given to marginalised and minority groups, alongside female- and child-headed households, older persons, and persons with disabilities, ensuring that assistance reaches those most in need and at risk of exclusion.

4.3 Thematic Coverage

The assessment will cover the following sectors and cross-cutting themes:

SectorKey Dimensions to AssessHealth & NutritionService coverage, disease prevalence, maternal/child health, malnutrition (GAM/SAM proxies), medicine/supply stockouts.WASHAccess to safe water, sanitation, hygiene practices, WASH in IDPs, host communities, schools, health facilities, and environmental risks.Food Security & LivelihoodsFood consumption, coping mechanisms, income sources, market functionality, cash feasibility.ProtectionGBV risks, child protection, SEAH, HLP issues, movement restrictions, and access to protection services.EducationAccess, enrolment, teacher availability, ALP, school safety, gender and disability barriers.Shelter/NFIHousing adequacy, overcrowding, exposure to hazards, and access to essential NFIs.CrosscuttingSafety and secuirty, accessibility, Gender equality, disability inclusion, climate risks, localization, and accountability to affected populations (AAP).

5. Methodology

The consultant/firm is expected to propose a mixed-methods approach comprising quantitative and qualitative data collection. The methodology must ensure gender and protection of sensitivity, representativeness, and reliability of findings.

Suggested Components

1. Secondary Data Review (SDR): Analysis of existing sources (HNO, cluster reports, DTM, IPC, FSNAU, SRF, etc.).
2. Household Surveys: Structured questionnaires administered using representative sampling, disaggregated by sex, age, displacement status, and disability.
3. Key Informant Interviews (KIIs): Interviews with community leaders, health and education staff, humanitarian actors, local authorities, and market vendors.
4. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs): Separate FGDs for men, women, adolescents, and persons with disabilities to understand perceptions, risks, and priorities.
5. Facility and Market Assessments: Physical verification of service functionality and commodity availability.
6. Observation: Direct field observation on settlement conditions, infrastructure, and safety.
7. Maps: Identifying key vulnerable WASH and Health Nutrition facilities using a GIS mapping system and GPS coordinates.
8. Data Analysis and Triangulation: Integration of quantitative and qualitative findings into a unified severity ranking and sectoral synthesis.

6.The assessment will be guided by ActionAid’s approaches, values, and principles particularly: 

1. Human Rights Based Approach (HRBA)

2. Humanitarian Signature (annex)

3. Feminist principles and values

The assessment will also ensure the elements of the Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS) are reflected in the overall process. 

All questionnaires and interviews will begin with a statement aimed at getting the interviewee(s)' consent. Potential respondents will be informed of the assessment's aim, confidentiality, and anonymity, as well as the fact that participation is entirely voluntary. The interviewer will then explicitly request their permission to participate in the assessment. Respondents who decline to participate will be politely excluded.

7.Expected Deliverables

• Inception Report – Detailed methodology, sampling approach, tools, workplan, and ethics/risk management plan.
•  Data Collection Tools – Structured questionnaires, FGDs, Key Informants Interviews, Observation tools, and data methodology guidelines for review and approval (in English and Somali).
• Training Report – Enumerator training materials and summary of field preparation.
• Draft MSNA Report – Initial analysis and key findings.
• Validation Workshop – Presentation to ActionAid International Somalia
• Final MSNA Report – Comprehensive report including feedback and recommendations.
• District/Area Factsheets – Visual summaries highlighting key indicators and sectoral priorities.
• Thematic Briefs – At least three briefs covering Protection, Cash & Markets, and Nutrition/WASH.

7. Ethical and Safeguarding Considerations

The consultancy will adhere to ActionAid International’s Safeguarding, Child Protection, PSEAH Policies, and relevant data protection laws.
The consultant must ensure:

• Informed consent and voluntary participation.

• Confidentiality and data security.

• Appropriate referral pathways for GBV and child protection disclosures.

• Enumerator training on ethics, cultural sensitivity, and do-no-harm principles.

8.Application Requirements

Interested individual consultants or consultancy firms are invited to submit the following:

• Cover Letter – Introducing the consultant or firm. For firms, the letter should outline team composition and specify the role of each team member.

• Technical Proposal (maximum 10 pages) – Clearly demonstrating understanding of the Terms of Reference (ToR), proposed methodology, sampling framework, data collection strategy, and detailed workplan with timelines.

• Financial Proposal (in USD) – Inclusive of all taxes, consultancy fees, enumerator/data collection costs, logistics, and administrative expenses.

• CVs of Key Personnel – Providing relevant qualifications and experience of the consultant or team member (for firms).

• Evidence of Relevant Experience – Including examples or reports of similar assignments (preferably EU/ECHO-funded), and with similar target locations, will be added value, with links or attachments where available.

• Company Registration and Tax Compliance Certificates – Applicable to firms only.

9.Timeframe

The assignment is expected to take approximately 30 days from inception to final report submission, including data collection, analysis, validation, and dissemination.

10. Consultant/Team Qualifications

For Firms

• At least 5 years’ experience conducting large-scale humanitarian or development assessments in Somalia or the Horn of Africa.
• Proven technical expertise in at least four key sectors (Health/Nutrition, WASH, Protection, FS/Livelihoods).
• Demonstrated experience in quantitative and qualitative methodologies, data management, and GIS mapping.
• Capacity to manage fieldwork across multiple insecure regions.
• Strong data analysis and report writing capabilities.
• Active registration and compliance with Somali legal requirements.

For Individual Consultants

• Advanced degree in Humanitarian Affairs, Public Health, Social Sciences, or related fields.

• Minimum of 7 years’ relevant experience in humanitarian assessments, MEAL, or research.

• Proven analytical and writing skills, with at least four comparable studies completed.

• Strong understanding of gender, protection, and inclusion principles.

• Fluency in English required; Somali language skills are an asset.

11. Management and Reporting

The consultant/firm will report to the ActionAid Somalia Area Manager and under the technical supervision of the MEAL Coordinator.
Weekly progress reports/updates are required during fieldwork and analysis phases.

Skills Required

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