Terms of Reference (ToR) / Advertisement Consultancy: Development of a Strategic Plan to Enhance Women’s Participation in Peacebuilding and Security in Southwest State, Somalia

Background

The Ministry of Women, Family Affairs and Human Rights Development (MoWFAHRD) in Southwest State, with support from partners, has established and strengthened women’s peace networks at community and district levels. These networks are envisioned as platforms for women to convene, mobilize resources, and lead initiatives on peacebuilding, reconciliation, and social cohesion.

To build on these efforts and align with commitments under the Somali Women’s Charter, UNSCR 1325, the Southwest State Local Action Plan (LAP 1325), and relevant mechanisms, MoWFAHRD seeks to engage a qualified consultant to facilitate the development of a five-year strategic plan for women’s peace networks. This plan will guide their participation, coordination, and leadership in peacebuilding and security processes at community and state levels.

Objectives of the Assignment

The overall objective of this consultancy is to develop a strategic plan that strengthens women’s peace networks and enhances their role in peacebuilding and security in Southwest State.

Specifically, the consultant will:

1. Conduct a situational analysis of women’s peace networks, identifying strengths, gaps, opportunities, and challenges.
2. Facilitate inclusive consultations with women peace networks, civil society, government institutions, and other stakeholders.
3. Align the plan with national and international frameworks (Somali Women’s Charter, LAP 1325, National Gender Policy, and UNSCR 1325).
4. Draft a practical and results-oriented five-year strategic plan with clear vision, mission, goals, strategic objectives, and measurable actions.
5. Provide recommendations for institutional arrangements, resource mobilization, and sustainability of women’s peace networks.

Scope of Work / Key Tasks

• Review existing documents.
• Conduct key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) with network members, grassroots women, CSOs, line ministries, and traditional/religious leaders.
• Facilitate a consultative workshop to validate findings and collect inputs for the strategic plan.
• Develop a draft strategic plan document (including logical framework, implementation roadmap, and M&E framework).
• Present the draft to stakeholders and integrate feedback into the final version.

Expected Deliverables

1. Inception Report (methodology, tools, and workplan).
2. Draft Strategic Plan for women peace networks.
3. Validation Workshop Report.
4. Final Strategic Plan (5-year) with implementation framework, indicators etc. as relevant

Duration of the Assignment

The consultancy is expected to be carried out over a period of 15 working days between 1-15^th October, 2025.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Advanced degree in Peace and Conflict Studies, Gender Studies, Political Science, Development Studies, or related field.
• At least 4 years of experience in strategic planning, peacebuilding, gender, or governance.
• Proven knowledge of UNSCR 1325, Somali Women’s Charter, and Women, Peace and Security frameworks.
• Strong facilitation and participatory research skills, including experience working with women’s groups, CSOs, and government.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills in English and Somali.
• Familiarity with the Somali/Southwest State context is highly desirable.

Reporting & Management

The consultant will work under the overall guidance of the MoWFAHRD Southwest State, with technical oversight from the Director General and Project Coordinator. Regular progress updates will be required.

Application Process

Interested applicants are invited to submit the following:

• A technical proposal outlining their understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology, and work plan.
• A financial proposal indicating daily consultancy fee (USD) and total costs.
• Updated CV and profile highlighting relevant experience.
• At least two samples of similar strategic documents authored by the applicant.

Please send applications latest by 27^th of September 2025 to:
Email: procurement@mwhrd.sw.so
Subject line: Consultancy – Strategic Plan for Women’s Peace Networks