Terms of Reference
The Development of National Gatekeeping Guideline
for Children in Alternative Care.
Duty station: Hargeisa, Somaliland
Project duration: 3 Months (70 working days)
Deadline for application: 24-04- 2024
1. Introduction
SOS Children’s Villages is a global federation of 136 national SOS Children’s Villages associations,
working in more than 2000 project locations worldwide. We work together with a single vision: every
child belongs to a family and grows with love, respect and security.
SOS Children’s Villages is committed to the welfare of children who lost parental care or at risk of
losing parental care – often ensuring that children grow up in a loving family environment, and to
strengthening families and communities as a preventive measure in the fight against child
abandonment and social neglect, and upholds child protection policy as part of their commitment to
the protection of children and youth from abuse.
SOS Children’s Villages in Somaliland (SOS CV), part of SOS Children’s Villages International, the
umbrella organization to which all SOS Children’s Villages including SOS Children’s Villages in
Somaliland Association is affiliated. SOS CV is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) that is not
for profit, non-sectarian and non-partisan and which has been in existence since 1999. SOS
Children’s Villages in Somaliland shares vision with SOS CV International and beliefs that every
child belongs to a family and grows with love, respect and security. To realize this, SOS Children’s
Villages in Somaliland builds families for children in need, help them shape their own futures and
share in the development of their communities.
SOS Children’s Villages in Somaliland is implementing ‘Leave No Youth behind’ project. The overall
objective of the project is - young people in Somaliland to be resilient and self-reliant to become
independent and contributing members of society with a special focus on youth leaving care (YLC).
This project is to contribute to the realization of a better society where young people are self-reliant
and depend on their own powers, resources and abilities to meet their needs and manage their
own affairs. The project also aspires to make young people resilient to adversities/challenges in life
and capable to withstand and recover quickly from difficult conditions.
The project will address the problems of discrimination, marginalization and stigmatization of young
people aged 15–25 who grow up without parental care. Whether they have been placed in residential
care facilities, in foster care or other types of care, they are at high-risk suffering from a variety of
SOS Children’s Villages National Gatekeeping Guideline Terms of Reference 2/9
challenges including poor social networks, mental health problems, un- employment and
homelessness. Cultural and gendered norms give young women and men different vulnerabilities as
they grow out of care and transition to independent living.
The project focuses on 3 major outcomes with their relevant outputs to achieve the above
stated goal and focuses on human rights-based approaches and targets duty bearers to demonstrate
capacity and commitment to fulfil their responsibility to respect, promote and realize the rights
of youth, and Rights Holders (youth leaving care) to have the capacity to exercise and claim their
rights, hold duty bearers accountable and understand their corresponding entitlements in relation
to specific duty-bearer.
In summary, the project aims to achieve the following outcomes:
Outcome 1: Policy Environment: Decision makers put policies/laws in place that strengthen the
support for YLC.
Outcome 2: Strengthening Duty Bearers: Social protection systems respond to the needs and rights
of young care leavers on their journey to independent living
Outcome 3: Empowering Right Holders:
During the program design, an area of interest was to find solutions and way forward from the
Government and other stakeholders to solve issues of youth leaving care. One of these solutions
is to develop and implement policies in favour of youth specifically touching issues related to YLC
like Foster Care and Gatekeeping Guidelines.
In summary, the project aspires to realise a conducive policy environment, increased willingness and
capacity of duty bears to address issues related to youth and specifically YLC, have a strong and
motivated social workforce providing professional services to the YLC and an effective network of
institutions standing for the support of YLC related issues.
On this, the first desired outcome of the project is that decision-makers put policies/laws in place
that strengthen support for young care leavers. This means that the National Gatekeeping Guidelines
are prioritized with the aim of preventing inappropriate placements and ensuring that the child/young
person receives the most suitable support during placement and after care.
2. Background and rationale
The primary objective of gatekeeping guideline is to prevent unnecessary separation of children from
their families and to divert children from entry into the formal care system (i.e. into any care situation
where the child's placement was made by order of a competent authority.
Secondly, gatekeeping aims for a proactive approach when seeking reunification options for children
already in the formal care system.
In countries where there is an overreliance on residential care, gatekeeping helps to restrict or
prevent the entry of children into residential care, as well as support children’s timely exit from
residential care back.
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These terms of reference are framed within the context of the UN Guidelines for the Alternative
Care of Children that gives a direction to support efforts on keep children in, or return them to, the
care of their family or, failing this, to find another appropriate and permanent solution. Additionally,
the placement of children under different childcare options is said to be informed by the principle of
Necessity as indicate in the guidelines. Thus, should it become necessary for a child to be placed
outside the family of origin, gatekeeping services are needed to assess the necessity of such a
placement, and then find a placement that is appropriate to the needs of the individual child. The
‘necessity principle’ concerns the establishment of a robust ‘gatekeeping’ mechanism capable of
ensuring that children are admitted to the alternative care system only if all possible means of
keeping them with their parents or wider (extended) family have been examined. Hence, the need
for national guideline set clear gatekeeping systems which may include; child admission procedures,
re-unification and integration criterion and processes.
It is expected that the developed guidelines will seek to address such topics as: Mechanisms for
placement in care inside family setting and outside of families, Deinstitutionalization, including family
reunification (with a detailed overview of the process and methods being used), Preparation of young
people leaving care and after care services to support social reintegration and independent living,
Data management system and data collection tools at different stages of case management, Key
actors, relevant stakeholders, and their roles in case management processes, To prevent unnecessary
separation of children whenever possible and in the best interests of the child (i.e., necessary), To
ensure that when alternative care is required that the option selected best meets the unique needs
and situation of the individual child (i.e., suitable), To support timely reintegration of children who
are in alternative care, with particular focus on ensuring that the placement is safe and sustainable.
On the other hand, even though the government of Somaliland has enacted policies and guidelines
through the various agencies and ministries such as the national youth policy, employment policy,
the national development plan three, sector development plan 2022 to 2026 of the Ministry of
Employment and Family Affairs, Child policy, child rights act, national alternative care policy and
Miumum standards of care and their implementation plans; however, finalization and implementation
of such policies and guidelines is very minimal. Besides, there are limited focus on children and
young people who are living or have left care. The government of Somaliland has put in place
efforts to address the holistic issues of that affect young people as a vulnerable group i.e
unemployment, education access among others. It was found that, there is no specific focus or
arrangement to target children and young people who are in care or have left care in Somaliland.
In addition, the Government of Somaliland recognizes the importance of protecting children from all
forms of abuse, exploitation, and neglect. Gatekeeping plays a crucial role in this endeavor, as it
involves identifying and responding to potential risks children face when interacting with various
institutions and services. However, there is currently a lack of clear and comprehensive national
gatekeeping guidelines in Somaliland, which hinders effective child protection efforts.
Currently, Somaliland lacks a national gatekeeping guideline for children in alternative care. This
absence creates inconsistencies in practices, vulnerabilities for children, and challenges for
stakeholders involved in their care and protection.
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To address this gap, the Government of Somaliland seeks to develop and implement national
gatekeeping guidelines for children. These guidelines will provide a framework for professionals
working in various sectors, such as education, health, social welfare, law enforcement, and justice,
to identify and report suspected child abuse and neglect
In conclusion, the Ministry of Employment Social Affairs and Family (MESAF) with the support of
SOS Children’s villages is seeking a consultant to develop a comprehensive national gatekeeping
guideline for children in alternative care in Somaliland.
3. Objectives of the guideline
3.1.Overall objectives
The overall objective of this consultancy is to develop a national gatekeeping guideline for children
in alternative care in Somaliland that promotes their best interests, safety, and well-being within
different care arrangements.
3.2.Specific Objectives
1. To assess the current situation of gatekeeping practices for children in alternative care in
Somaliland, in line with the UN guidelines on alternative care, and domestic law/policies
and guidelines and traditional best practices in identifying strengths, and gaps.
2. To convene inclusive consultations sessions for the development of gatekeeping with
different stakeholders
3. To draft a comprehensive national gatekeeping guideline for children in alternative care,
outlining clear procedures and standards for assessment, decision-making, placement,
monitoring, and evaluation.
4. To examine and validate outcomes from stakeholders’ consultation sessions
5. To develop a plan for the implementation and monitoring of the gatekeeping guidelines.
6. To develop standard forms for the child placement processes to be used by the different
stakeholders
7. To develop comprehensive service delivery referral pathway for children in alternative care
4. Scope of work
The consultant will be responsible for the development and validation of the National Gatekeeping
Guideline as well as incorporating all feedback from all relevant stakeholders. In this process, the
Consultant should be guided by local and international policies, guidelines and legislation that
regulates the placement of children in alternative care setting as well as child protection and
safeguarding.
5. Key Deliverables
At the end of the assignment, the consultant is expected of the following:
I. An inception report that included all aspects identified above including a detailed work plan
with a detailed schedule of activities, methodology and tools to be applied.
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II. A rapid assessment of the current situation of gate keeping practices for children in alternative
care in Somaliland to inform the development of the national gatekeeping guideline.
III. A detailed consultation plan for different stakeholders (e.g., government officials, social
workers, community members, children and young people, Residential care centers
management, courts, care givers, child focused organizations).
IV. A clear report/outline from stakeholder engagements
V. Draft a comprehensive national gatekeeping guideline for children in alternative care, outlining
clear procedures and standards for assessment, decision-making, placement, monitoring, and
evaluation
VI. Final gatekeeping guideline and its Implementation plan, Monitoring & Evaluation Plan,
standard forms, referral pathways and Risk Management Plan as well as implementation
roadmap.
VII. Develop a detail implementation plan for the guideline
6. Methodology
The Consultant will engage stakeholders including Government, children and young people,
residential care centers management, alternative care givers, district courts as well as child
focused organizations and other relevant sector-professionals who provide services to children.
These consultations will provide the basis for the following:
i. Desk Review: Review relevant literature, legal frameworks, policies, guidelines, strategies,
and standards which relates to Gatekeeping of children in alternative care, protection systems
and review existing best practices, as well as generic case management processes in
Somaliland and globally. The consultant is also expected to review tools regarding Child
Admission, Reunification, Integration and After Care support and follow up.
ii. Data Collection: Conduct consultations with key stakeholders, including government officials,
child protection professionals, civil society organizations, community representatives, and
children and young people, through focus group discussions, interviews, and other appropriate
methods. Analyze the collected data to identify strengths, and gaps in current gatekeeping
practices.
iii. Guideline Development: Draft a national gatekeeping guideline for children in need of
placement of suitable care, based on the findings of the desk review, data collection, and
stakeholder consultations, the consultant should compile a national gatekeeping guideline for
children in need of care placement. The guideline should:
• Be clear, concise, and easy to understand for all stakeholders.
• Align with relevant national and international legal frameworks, policies, and standards
specifically UN guidelines on alternative care.
• Outline clear procedures and standards for assessment, decision-making, placement,
monitoring, evaluation and follow up of children in alternative care.
• Be culturally sensitive and adaptable to the specific context of Somaliland.
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iv. National level consultation and validation workshops: Facilitate the national level
consultation and validations meetings to prioritize and approve on key expected result areas
for the new gatekeeping guideline.
v. Final Document: Produce final gatekeeping guideline.
Required Qualification and Experience
Education
• Advanced University Degree in Law, Social Science, Social Work, Public Policy or related
areas. Or any other related technical field.
Experience
• At least 5 years of experience working on child protection and alternative care issues,
preferably in a developing country context.
• High level of practical understanding of current issues around vulnerable children and
international development and the ability to conduct in-depth analysis of emerging trends and
historic evidence-based research.
• Extensive experience in working with policy makers and government authorities in developing
countries to strengthen their policy/regulatory, institutional framework and alternative care
services for vulnerable children especially children without parental care.
• Knowledge of child protection, alternative care, CRC, the UN Guideline for the Alternative
Care (2010), the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and the context of
Somaliland.
• Experience working in Somaliland is an asset.
• First-hand knowledge of the socio-cultural, economic and political situation in Somaliland will
be an added advantage.
• Willingness to work in difficult circumstances, including traveling to Somaliland regions
• Demonstrated ability to work independently
Desirable
Extensive experience in developing guidelines or policies on children’s care and protection issues,
especially in Somaliland.
Language Skills
• Excellent command of spoken and written English and Somali language.
Skills and Competencies
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Exceptional writing skills.
• Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills.
• Conceptual and analytical skills with ability to produce high quality work.
• Ability to work under time constraints and deadlines in challenging settings.
• Ability to work in multicultural and multi ethnic environments.
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• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish effective working relations with other
stakeholders.
• Experience in convening and facilitating consultations.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to work in a team and good interpersonal skills.
• Must be committed to respecting deadlines of delivery outputs within the agreed timeframe;
Interested individuals or companies are requested to submit the following:
a. Cover letter highlighting expertise and experience in relation to this assignment, and
summary of technical expertise,
b. Technical proposal with methodology, and proposed schedule for deliverables
c. CV of consultants who will be responsible for the task.
d. Degree/diplomas of each consultant (will be verified by SOS Children Villages)
e. Two sample documents previously produced by the consultants relevant to this task (soft
copies – and it will be verified by SOS Children Villages. Any fraud will be grounds for
disqualifications.)
f. Detailed financial proposal which includes all anticipated costs.
11. Evaluation Process
Each proposal will be assessed first on its technical quality and compliance and subsequently
on its cost/price. The proposal with the best overall value, composed of technical merit and
price, will be considered for final approval. SOS Children’s Villages in Somaliland has a
procurement committee to lead the overall process, review and evaluate bids and decide based
on the criteria listed.
12. Evaluation Criteria:
• Quality/merit of technical proposal (knowledge of subject matter, understanding of the
requirement, effectiveness of the methodology and timeline)
• Qualification and experience of the consultants in the specific areas of requirement listed
above.
• Quality and relevance of the sample documents submitted.
• Information provided by references to be contacted by SOS Children’s Villages
• Other relevant criteria deemed essential by the evaluators to ensure the best value for
cost.
13. SOS Children’s Villages in Somaliland has the right to:
• Contact any or all references supplied by the bidder(s).
• Request additional supporting or supplementary information from the bidders.
• Arrange interviews with the bidders.
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• Reject any or all or parts of proposals submitted.
• Accept any proposals in whole or in part.
• Negotiate cost, timeline and methodology with the winning bidders ranked from one to
three.
• Contract any number of candidates as required to obtain best value for cost.
14. Application submission address
• The full application and required documents listed above must be sent to
procurement@sos-somaliland.org.
15. Deadline for application:
• Applications must be submitted 24-04- 2024– 14:00 Hrs. EAT time.
• Submissions after the deadline will not be considered.
SOS Childrens Villages is an equal employer. Qualified and competent candidates are encouraged
to apply. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
SOS Children’s Villages is committed to safeguarding the rights of children, young people and
communities. Therefore, it is expected that any partner, service provider or third party who works
with the organization fully understands the responsibility of protecting and safeguarding young people.
Note: The title of the consultancy and location should be clearly indicated on the subject of the
application email.
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