2023-10-16

Terms of Reference (ToR) for Role of Gatekeepers in Cash and Voucher Assistance Programming in Somalia

Somalia
Posted on October 16, 2023

Concern Worldwide

Terms of Reference (ToR) for Role of Gatekeepers in Cash and Voucher Assistance Programming in Somalia

Terms of Reference (ToR)

Role of Gatekeepers in Cash and Voucher Assistance Programming in Somalia

Introduction

The Somali Cash Consortium (SCC) is a group of humanitarian organizations working together to provide cash-based transfers to vulnerable households in Somalia. The SCC is led by Concern Worldwide (Concern) as the lead agency and its Implementing Partners (IPs) Save the Children International (SCI), ACTED, COOPI, Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), Danish Refugee Council (DRC) and IMPACT Initiatives. The SCC aims to provide cash transfers to vulnerable households affected by conflict, displacement, and natural disasters in Somalia and implements both short-term humanitarian assistance and long-term social safety net programmes. Cash transfers allow beneficiaries to purchase the items they need most urgently, whether it be food, shelter, or other basic necessities. By providing cash transfers instead of in-kind aid, the SCC aims to empower beneficiaries to make their own choices and support local markets. The SCC also works closely with local partners and community-based organizations to ensure that the cash transfers reach those who need them most. In addition to providing cash transfers, the SCC also conducts assessments and monitoring to ensure that its programmes are effective and meet the needs of beneficiaries.

On the other hand SCC works in close collaboration with BRCiS Consortium which aims to building resilient communities in Somali. BRCiS takes a holistic approach to supporting Somali communities in South and Central parts of Somalia in developing their capacities to understand and manage hazards and shocks so that they can build a better future for themselves. Created in 2013, the Consortium now has eight members and is led by The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC). It manages a portfolio of contracts implemented in all Federal Member States of Somalia and funded by various donors, including FCDO, the World Bank, USAID, QFFD and more.

SCC ECHO HIP 2023

Under HIP 2023, DG ECHO awarded the SCC to implement a 12 months Integrated Implementation of Multipurpose Cash Assistance to Support the Famine Prevention Response and Crisis-Affected Somali Households project. The action has no predefined focus districts, but targets any locations in Somalia based on needs, following the HCT endorsed Integrated Response Framework (IRF).

Through the Integrated Response Framework, under Result 1 of the project, the SCC is proposing to meet the immediate needs of 25,551 vulnerable drought-affected households with 3-month-cycles of Unconditional Cash Transfers (UCT). The action will target newly displaced populations as well as critically underserved people living in Operational Priority Area (OPA) 1, rural and urban areas classified as hard-to-reach or extreme access constraints. The action will also incorporate, under Result 2, the design and completion of studies/research as well as a guidance document/SoP on a number of topics, including: 1) targeting minority and marginalized groups in CVA programming, 2) role of gatekeepers in CVA programming in Somalia, 3) Hard to Reach areas CVA programming and 4) shock responsive cash based assistance (CVA and social transfers) (nexus programming).

Further, the action will build synergies and coordinate with other humanitarian, resilience and durable solutions programmes, and aims to integrate with other sectoral responses, particularly health, nutrition, WASH and protection.

Description/Justification of the study

In the context of CVA programming in Somalia, gatekeepers are individuals or groups who control access to resources in a particular community or area. They may include local leaders, government officials, businesspeople, landowners, civil society organizations, clan elders, or other influential individuals or groups. Gatekeepers can play an important role in CVA programming in Somalia, as they can help to ensure that the cash transfers or vouchers reach the intended beneficiaries[1]. . Furthermore, Gatekeepers should not solely be perceived as greedy or exploitative; they reflect a state – and aid community – that is not able to provide citizens with the most basic of services[2].However, gatekeepers can also pose a risk to the effectiveness of CVA programming if they use their position of power to exploit the program for their own benefit or to exclude certain groups from receiving assistance. A recent study published in July 2023 by Ground Truth Solutions indicated that: ‘proper mechanisms to hold gatekeepers accountable are lacking. Gatekeepers’ accountability is mostly upwards to those helping them maintain their positions[3] such as district commissioners, clan leaders, businesspeople, or landowners. Mechanisms of downward accountability to IDPs are very limited’. The role of gatekeepers is well known by humanitarian organizations and significantly influence how humanitarian organizations conduct CVA programming.

Hence, this study aims to propose alternatives to address power imbalances between gatekeepers and the ultimate recipients of humanitarian aid, especially in the context of CVA programming. It also seeks to suggest ways to enhance the positive impact of gatekeepers and their involvement in the design of CVA actions, while recommending potential mitigation measures for adverse effects.

The study will cover the following geographical areas:

Diinsoor (Bay Region), Afgoye (Lower Shebelle Region); Belet hawa (Gedo), Beletweyne (Hiraan), Galkacyo North (Mudug), Baidoa (Bay), Wajid (Bakool), Mogadishu (Banaadir)

Purpose of the assignment

Bearing in mind the intricate social dynamics in which gatekeepers operate, the purpose of this consultancy is to document positive practices –if any- of engaging with gatekeepers, propose alternatives to address power imbalances and mitigate the negative impact of gatekeepers while ensuring positive impacts in CVA programming in Somalia. Consultants will lead the process to carry out experiential learning co-design process to re-design solutions and how they would apply to different types of projects.

Research questions

What roles do gatekeepers play, encompassing both detrimental and beneficial aspects, in the context of CVA programming within Somalia? And how does it compare to other programming? How could gatekeepers be better integrated in CVA programming and design of assistance activities to boost efficiency and avoid aid diversion?
What measures can be implemented to address the adverse impacts of gatekeepers during the execution of CVA programming in Somalia?
What strategies are or can be implemented to not only enhance the effectiveness but also ensure the accountability of gatekeepers in the context of CVA (disaggregated to the different profiles and context of gatekeeping people / practices)?
How do the stakeholders envision the future role of gatekeepers evolving within the humanitarian community, given that they are a ubiquitous presence in aid provision?
Drawing from established precedent studies on gatekeepers, conduct a comprehensive review of past recommendations to distinguish between what has proven effective and what has not.

Methodology

The methodology involves a comprehensive approach, including an in-depth analysis of existing literature and a critical evaluation of past strategies; it also includes closed-door sessions with influential practitioners to foster collaborative problem-solving and identify change agents

The methodology should also prioritize a qualitative approach, focusing on extensive consultations with key staff of implementing agencies, humanitarian practitioners with extensive experience and knowledge of Somalia , key government staff and local authorities, donors and key stakeholders, to provide a well-rounded understanding of gatekeepers’ roles within the different types of CVA programs (cash for work, safety nets, crisis modifier response, MPCA, etc.), understanding the intricate social dynamics in which they operate to identify risks and identifying opportunities and strategies for humanitarian actors providing CVA and provide recommendations to ensure transparency and accountability to people affected by crisis (see research questions above).

In order to enhance the research, the consultant will foster greater participation in the identification and design of recommendations and solutions (using experimental learning) and ensuring adequate consultations with donor and government side as part of the solutions and recommendations to be shared with stakeholders. Consultant methodology will include learning co-design process to re-design solutions and how they would apply to different types of projects.

The consultant will engage in both in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with gatekeepers and relevant stakeholders. These qualitative methods will capture nuanced insights, experiences, and perspectives. Moreover, quantitative methods may be employed to collect data on specific research questions, but they do not constitute the primary focus of the research.

The recommendations issued will be based on the analysis of information collected through primary and secondary sources of information. The consultant will conduct an extensive literature review[4] to understand the existing knowledge on the role of gatekeepers and the social dynamics in the located places. The proposal will include stakeholder consultation, including relevant government agencies, INGOS and UN agencies and community representatives, through interviews and focus group discussions to gain insights into current practices and challenges. To the extent that security conditions allow, the retained consultant will visit project implementation sites to talk with gatekeepers, implementers of CVA programs and interact with beneficiaries to gauge their perceptions and experiences.

As part of the methodology it is strongly recommended to compare the findings with international standards, best practices and other possible existing examples on informal power/decisional structures and consult with experts in the field of governance, protection and humanitarian assistance to gain additional perspectives and insights.

In the current context of Somalia, others studies / research are ongoing on the issue of gatekeeping and aid diversion, the consultant should take this into consideration and liaise with ongoing efforts, in particular with Somalia HCT PDAD task force.

After gathering the information, conducting the analysis, and developing the report, the consultant will generate a Learning Briefing paper (LB). This paper will succinctly outline the essential facts and pertinent information concerning the subject matter. It will also encompass a set of key messages that emphasize the primary takeaways and implications of the role gatekeeper play in ensuring services to basic services. Furthermore, the consultant will provide recommendations aimed at alleviating negative impacts and fostering improved accountability and efficacy of gatekeepers. These recommendations will seek to enhance transparency, accountability, and mitigate the adverse effects of gatekeepers in the implementation of CVA programming in Somalia.

The study will cover the following geographical areas:

North Kismayo (Lower Juba), Belet-Hawa (Gedo), Baidoa (Bay), Diinsoor (Bay), Wajid (Bakool), Afgoye (Lower Shebelle); Beletweyne (Hiraan), Galkacyo North (Puntland), Mogadishu (Banaadir).

Expected deliverables

During the period of this assignment, the Consultant is expected to provide the following deliverables:

Inception report – refined appropriate study methodology including the analysis framework, study objectives, data collection tools, sampling techniques, and realistic work plan as well as confirming the consultant’s understanding of the terms of reference as well as their technical and financial proposal for this piece of work.
One Learning brief/paper (LB) clearly providing deepen understanding of the social phenomenon of gatekeeping, risks and opportunities for humanitarian agencies providing cash-based assistance and detailed recommended policy actions and advocacy points.
Prepare a presentation with findings and recommendations from the research that will be presented through workshops/conferences and through other channels for information and knowledge sharing.
Produce the final report accommodating the inputs and feedback provided.
Produce infographics for the study that can be easily used for advocacy purposes.
Organize information sharing sessions of the final paper with key people of the Somali Cash Consortium, donors and external stakeholders as required.

Period of the consultancy

This consultancy assignment will take a maximum of 45 working days, including travel and weekends.

The consultant will provide a detail calendar explaining what the key steps for the consultancy are:

[1] Cash Barometer: Overcoming power imbalances, Ground Truth Solutions, Somalia, July 2023 (page 2)

[2] Engaging the gatekeepers. Using informal governance resources in Mogadishu, IAAP, March 2017, (page 9)

[3] Aoife McCullough and Muhyadin Saed. December 2017. “Gatekeepers, elders and accountability in Somalia.”

[4] e.g. Gatekeepers, elders and accountability in Somalia | 11938.pdf (odi.org)

e.g. Engaging the Gatekeepers: Using informal governance resources in Mogadishu – Somalia | ReliefWeb

Collective resolution to Enhance Accountability and Transparency in Emergencies Southern Somalia Report CREATE_Somalia_report_2016.pdf (transparencycdn.org)The Offensive & Gatekeeping: Reflections from Somalia – PeaceRep Can we (ever) have an honest conversation about corruption and accountability in Somalia? – PeaceRep

Consultant/firm’s Profile

The consultant should be an expert (or team of experts) with the following competencies:

At least 5 years of demonstrated experience in policy & advocacy brief development
Strong experience in conducting research and assessments
Experienced in policy work with local and national government in Somalia
Can travel to locations within Somalia
Excellent communication and coordination skills
Fluency in written and spoken English and Somali
Experience in working in Somalia and knowledge of the context of Somalia is considered an asset
Demonstrated experience and skills in facilitating stakeholder/working group consultations
Experience in working with Government and NGOs/INGOs/Donors

How to apply

Application procedures and the requirements

The consultant that fits the requirements should submit an expression of interest in English that is a maximum of 15 pages long and should include the following:

A technical proposal with a detailed response to the TOR, with a specific focus on the specific objectives, deliverables, and key selection criteria for respondents.
A financial proposal detailing the itemized breakdown of the consultancy work, i.e. the number of units/days and day rates, and other modes of payment.
Methodology and Implementation Plan.
Company profile and CVs of the core experts that sufficiently demonstrates his/her background in Policy and Advocacy research.
Samples of similar work undertaken by the company or the lead consultant.
List of at least 3 client references for similar work undertaken by the company or the lead consultant.
Initial work plan based on realistic timelines.

The deadline for the application is on Saturday 28th October 2023. Applications should be sent by email to: som.vacancies@concern.net. The subject of the application should be “Somali Cash Consortium – Role of Gatekeepers”. Application submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

Terms and Conditions:

Terms and conditions will be set in the consultancy contract. The consultant will also be required to sign and adhere to child safeguarding and child Protection Policy, and any violation to these policies will result in immediate termination of the contract.

Copyright and Intellectual Property Rights

The titles rights, copyrights, and all other rights of whatever nature in any materials used or generated under the provisions of this consultancy will exclusively be vested with Somalia Cash Consortium. All products developed under this consultancy belong to the Somalia Cash Consortium exclusively, guided by the rules of the grant contract. Under no circumstances will the consultant use the information of this study for publication or dissemination to any individual or organization without official prior written permission from Consortium Management Unit.

………………………………………………………………………………………