Somalia Stabilization Assessment Team Leader

Social Impact (SI) is a global development management consulting firm. We provide monitoring, evaluation, strategic planning, and capacity building services to advance development effectiveness. We work across all development sectors including democracy and governance, health and education, the environment, and economic growth. Since 1997 we have worked in over 100 countries for clients such as US government agencies, bilateral donors, multilateral development banks, foundations, and nonprofits.

Background

Somalia has faced significant instability since the early 1990s, including political conflict, civil unrest, and humanitarian crises. Since 2007, USAID through the Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI), the Democracy, Stabilization and. Governance Office and other offices and programs have implemented a multitude of stabilization efforts that aim to address root causes of violent extremism and instability, while fostering sustainable peace and democracy. USAID/Somalia has invested over $300 million in stabilization during this timeframe.

USAID’s key stabilization programs include:

• Transition Initiatives for Stabilization (TIS)
• Transition Initiatives for Stabilization + (TIS+)
• Transition Initiatives for Stabilization Saddex (TIS3)
• Stabilization Amplification Mechanism (SAM)
• Stabilization and Recovery in Somalia (SRS)
• USAID contribution to the multi-donor Somalia Stability Fund (SSF)
• Peace II Program 2007-2010
• Somalia Stabilization Initiative OTI Program 2016 – 2020

Purpose of Assessment:

USAID has commissioned the Evaluation, Learning and Monitoring Initiative (ELMI) activity to carry out a review of its overall stabilization portfolio since 2007. The purpose of this review is to articulate the following about USAID’s stabilization investments: what has been done, how has this changed over time, what the complexities are, and what outcomes this body of work has or has not achieved.

This review will also highlight one or two case studies of recently liberated areas where USAID stabilization programs played a role in Somalia’s stability journey. Specific case study questions will be developed once the cases have been identified.

Specific Tasks:

The Team Leader will undertake or oversee the following specific tasks:

• Participate in inception meetings with USAID DSG team and other actors to gain a better understanding of the expected deliverables and the proposed stabilization review approach.
• Prepare an inception report which incorporates detailed methodology and work plan for conducting the stabilization review.
• Undertake desk review of existing literature on past and ongoing stabilization efforts in Somalia and other related literature relevant to the study.
• Conduct interviews and consultations with different stakeholders and key informants, including US Government staff, Government of Somalia officials (FGS and FMS), development organizations involved in stabilization work, etc.
• Work with the stabilization review team to conduct a timeline and geospatial analysis of stabilization work in Somalia since 2011.
• Develop at least one case study demonstrating the impact of USG stabilization investments in Somalia.
• Advise on the content for short videos and other communication products that effectively communicate the stabilization journey in Somalia.
• Prepare a findings/conclusions/recommendations matrix.
• Make presentations to USAID and other stakeholders on the findings of the review.

Deliverables:

The consultant will produce the following deliverables and submit them to the ELMI COP or his/her designee:

• Inception report of the stabilization review.
• A findings/conclusions/recommendations matrix that documents the synthesis of information collected in the desk review, interviews, and consultations.
• Oversee and advise on the creation of the following deliverables:
• A visual timeline that demonstrates how stabilization efforts have unfolded over time, key milestones, etc.
• An infographic of USAID’s stabilization work in Somalia since 2011.
• Short videos of the case studies that convey the following kind of information: what was the need/why did USAID or OTI program in that area, what programming did they do, what challenges were faced, what outcomes or results were achieved, etc.
• Power Point presentation for USAID Somalia team on key findings and recommendations.
• A report on one or two case studies, to be determined in collaboration with USAID during the inception phase.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a master’s degree, or equivalent, in social sciences, development studies or a related field.
• Over 15 years of professional experience in research and development work around stabilization, governance, security, peace building and conflict management, preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE), preferred.
• Experience in leading stabilization reviews over a long timeframe and a deep understanding of USG interagency interaction, US foreign policy and US foreign assistance in Somalia.
• Good knowledge and understanding of the operating context in Somalia or other similar environments.
• Demonstrated experience managing and coordinating multidisciplinary teams for large and complex studies, evaluations, or assessments.
• Excellent oral and written English communication skills.

Period of Performance:

The anticipated period of performance is on or about September 1, 2024, to February 15, 2025. Travel to Mogadishu may be required.

Level of Effort:

The level of effort for this assignment is approximately 25-30 days.

Reporting:

The Consultant will report to ELMI Chief of Party or his/her designated official.

Come join our energetic and innovative team! We offer you the opportunity to play a leading role in the growth of our company, work as part of a creative and committed team, and make a difference in the well-being of our world.

To learn more about Social Impact, please visit our website: http://www.socialimpact.com

SI is an EEO/AA/ADA Veterans Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview.