CONSULTANCY TO DOCUMENT PROJECT IMPACT AND LESSONS LEARNED FROM A CDCS-FUNDED PROJECT IN KISMAYO SOMALIA (Kenyan and Somalia Nationals Only)

Project Title: Strengthening Livelihoods, Resilience and Disaster Preparedness of Crises-Affected Communities in Jubaland, Somalia.

Area of intervention: Kismayo District, Lower Juba Region, Jubaland State.

Project Duration (Months): 15 months

Start date of the Action: September 2023

End date of the Action: November 30, 2024.

Implementing Partners: Secours Islamique France (SIF) AND Somali Lifeline Organization (SOLO)

Introduction

Secours Islamique France (SIF) is an international Non-Governmental Organization of national and international solidarity dedicated to reducing poverty and vulnerability across the world through humanitarian, development, and social missions. The Kenya/Somalia Mission, launched in 2012, and based in Nairobi with field offices in Marsabit (Kenya) and in Mogadishu and Kismayo (Somalia), is implementing humanitarian and development interventions targeting vulnerable communities in the two countries. The Kenya and Somalia Mission provides integrated lifesaving and resilience building interventions for internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and poor host communities in Kismayo (Lower Juba Region of Jubaland State) and in Mogadishu in four key thematic areas: Food Security & Livelihoods (FSL); Water, Hygiene and Sanitation (WASH); Shelter and non-food items (NFIs)and Education / Child Wellbeing.

Somalia Lifeline Organization (SOLO) is a national NGO with operational presence in Jubaland and Banadir regions, South Central Somalia where it has implemented donor-funded activities since 2018. The organization seeks to inspire and promote community-driven sustainable development initiatives through participatory and rights-based approaches, ensuring quality humanitarian services and equitable access to resources to promote peace and justice in the Horn of Africa.

SIF and SOLO are implementing a one-year project on “Strengthening Livelihoods, Resilience and Disaster Preparedness of Crises-Affected Communities in Jubaland, Somalia**”** which is funded by the French Crisis and Support Center (CDCS) and implemented in Kismayo District of Jubaland state in Somalia. The project’s objective is to contribute to drought recovery, well-being, food security and nutrition outcomes, and cohesion of crises-affected communities through multi-sectoral and environmentally sustainable interventions. The project is targeting the vulnerable host community households, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and returnee groups with support to local institutions and mechanisms for delivery of animal health, fishing, agricultural interventions, nutrition and public health services, and disaster management, while mainstreaming conflict sensitivity, protection and Do No Harm principles. The project targets over 14,201 direct beneficiaries and 50,728 indirect beneficiaries through multi-sectoral interventions, focusing on food security, WASH, and sustainable livelihoods.

SIF intends to document lessons learned and best practices of the project and is seeking the services of qualified and experienced communication expert or team of experts to carry out the task as a firm and/or as individual consultant.

Objective

The main objective of the consultancy is to document the project’s impacts, successes, challenges, best practices and lessons learned emerging from the project through multi-media formats.

The specific objectives are to;

• Document the overall lessons learnt for the entire project- both positive and negative experiences.
• Document best practices through case stories in form of a video/documentary

The documentation should serve as a tool for advocacy, accountability, communications and learning, both internally and externally.

Scope of Work

The Communications Expert or Team of Experts will be responsible for:

Documentation of Impact and Success Stories:

• Conduct interviews with beneficiaries, staff, and stakeholders to gather qualitative data on the project’s impact.
• Document success stories, case studies, and personal testimonials that highlight the outcomes and transformative aspects of the interventions (e.g. nutrition and food security improvements, livelihood restoration, peacebuilding, disaster preparedness).
• Document the impact of the project activities, particularly the positive changes in beneficiaries’ lives. Key activities include livestock restocking, fishery support, agricultural initiatives, nutrition programs, and expanding Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs). It’s important to thoroughly capture how these interventions have affected the beneficiaries’ lives.

Lessons Learned:

• Identify key lessons learned from the project’s implementation, focusing on what worked, challenges encountered, and how these challenges were addressed.
• Highlight innovative practices, such as sustainable livestock keeping and eco-friendly fishing techniques.
• Facilitate focus groups with project staff and beneficiaries to discuss and document project learnings.

Multi-media Content Development:

• Produce high-quality photographs and videos that capture significant moments and results of the project.
• Develop a documentary video showcasing the project’s impact, featuring interviews with beneficiaries and stakeholders.
• Write concise and compelling reports, articles, and blogs to share key findings and lessons learned.

Deliverables

• Documentation Plan: Outline the proposed methodology for capturing impact and lessons learned, including an interview guide and timeline.
• Case Studies & Success Stories: A minimum of 10 case studies and 10 success stories in a summary booklet showcasing the project’s impact on food security (Agriculture, fishery, livestock supports) and livelihoods (VSLA), nutrition, peacebuilding, and disaster preparedness.
• Document best practices through case stories in form of a documentary video (10-15 minutes)
• At least 50 high-resolution photographs capturing key moments
• Final Report: Comprehensive report documenting project impacts, lessons learned, and recommendations.

Duration and Timelines

The whole assignment will take place over one month duration, starting from 1st October 2024, with final deliverables submitted by end of October 2024. The timelines for the exercise is as follows:

Exercise : Contracting

Timeline

Due Date : 04 Oct. 2024

Exercise : Preliminary preparations and Mobilisation

Timeline : One Week

Due Date : 11 Oct. 2024

Exercise : Fieldwork

Timeline : Two Weeks

Due Date : 25 Oct. 2024

Exercise : Draft Report

Timeline : One Week

Due Date : 01 Nov. 2024

Exercise: Final Report

Timeline : One Week

Due Date : 08 Nov. 2024

Consultants Profile

The Communications Expert or Team Leader should have:

• Advanced Degree in Communications, Journalism, or related field degree from recognized institutions.
• At least 5 years of experience in documenting development or humanitarian projects.
• Proven expertise in producing multimedia content, including photography, videography, and writing.
• Strong communication skills, especially in interviewing and storytelling.
• Excellent writing and storytelling skills in English (knowledge of Somali language is a plus)
• Knowledge of the local context in Somalia and experience working in crisis-affected environments is preferred.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit:

A technical proposal on how the Consultant(s) intend to approach the work. This should include the methodology based on the terms of reference and the workplan. The proposal must include a detailed CV of the lead consultant and Sample of previous similar work, including videos, photos, documentaries, and reports.

The candidate should also submit a financial proposal in USD outlining the logistics and consultancy fees. The financial proposal should also include the proposed milestone-based schedule of payments.

Administration

The Communications Expert (s) will work under the direction and guidance of the Program Manager and will coordinate closely with the Communications, MEAL and Program teams of SIF and SOLO to ensure all aspects of the project are well documented. Ultimately SIF programs Coordinator will approve the final products.

Application Deadline

All applications must be submitted by 30th September 2024. For further inquiries, please contact:

Ms. Mercy Kamau

Senior MEAL Officer

SIF Kenya and Somalia Mission

Email: [email protected]

Intellectual Property Clause

All information pertaining to SIF that the Consultant may come into come with in the performance of his/her duties under the assignment shall remain the property of SIF and shall not be shared with third parties without prior consent from SIF. SIF shall bear no liability for any damage to the Consultant’s equipment or personal injury experienced during the assignment.

SIF Code of Conduct

SIF applies a zero-tolerance principle to fraud, bribery, attempted fraud or acceptance of a bribe, corruption, money laundering, funding of terrorism, moral harassment, sexual harassment or abuse or violence of any kind whatsoever. This principle applies to all SIF stakeholders including consultants. This consultancy is subject to respect and commitment to SIF code conduct, Anti-Fraud/Anti-Corruption Policy, and Conflict of Interest Policy. The Consultant shall be required to declare any conflict of Interest prior to the start of the consultancy. Failure to disclose active or passive conflict of Interest may result to a review of the contract up to including penalties and fines.

Child Safeguarding Statement

SIF commits to respect the “Do no harm” humanitarian principle and ensure child safety is paramount in all its activities. SIF implements a Child Safeguarding Policy (CSP) at head office and for every mission. Therefore, we implement all necessary measures to ensure that only those who are suitable to work with vulnerable people, with children, engage with our organization. This consultancy is subject to respect and commitment to SIF Child Safeguarding Policy throughout the implementation period. We have zero tolerance for harmful practices and will take any allegation or report of child abuse very seriously.