Team Lead – Gender, Youth, and Social Inclusion Analysis – Somalia Resilience Food Security Activity

See link to Scope of Work here.

General Background

Save the Children (SC) and its partners, Fondazione AVSI, Gargaar Relief and Development Organization, and Shaqodoon Organization launched the USAID/Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) Adkeeysi Resilience Food Security Activity (RFSA) on October 1, 2024. The five-year program aims to provide a locally customized classic graduation approach (GA) that carefully and deliberately sequences and layers five graduation components to enable the ultra-poor to “graduate” into resilience. The primary purpose is to enable socially marginalized populations in both internally displaced person (IDP) camps and surrounding host communities to achieve resilience and sustainably graduate out of poverty. Adkeeysi will work through graduation groups to reach 378,000 participants (54,000 households (HHs)), with a focus on economically active women, and male and female youth aged 18-25, in Daynile in Mogadishu, Afgoye, and the Afgoye Corridor to achieve the goal of “extremely poor, socially marginalized populations in IDP settlements and surrounding host communities improve and maintain their food security despite shocks and stresses.”

In order to fill knowledge gaps and to better guide intervention efforts, Adkeeysi will conduct a gender, youth and social inclusion (GYSI) analysis. The information captured from this analysis will influence decision-making across all components of the program as the information will reveal how gender dynamics and other socially relevant characteristics affect the fostering of an entrepreneurial spirit and how they may limit or hinder development of good business practices, access to technology, access to literacy, digital literacy, and financing opportunities along the five components of the graduation approach (GA). Moreover, the GYSI analysis will examine discriminatory social norms and practices that affect women and young women and young men’s ability to lead their lives and develop independent livelihood sources. This GYSI analysis will be guided by USAID’s Youth and Gender Analysis Toolkit, Save the Children’s Gender and Power Analysis Guidance, and will be particularly mindful of how the intersection of age and gender can affect participants’ ability to thrive in achieving the graduation agenda. The qualitative research will use participatory approaches to examine how gender also intersects with other socially significant characteristics and power dynamics to create multilayered vulnerabilities and forms of exclusion as well as advantages and opportunities for key groups targeted by Adkeeysi. The GYSI analysis will complement other assessments (conflict analysis, labor market analysis, and financial service mapping) that will take place during the contextualization period, particularly to refine the content and implementation approach of each graduation component, ensuring it is designed to maximize opportunities, address barriers, and mitigate any risks that may hinder the participation of women and youth in the program.

SC is therefore looking for an international consultant to be Team Lead and a local consultant to play the role of the local gender and youth expert to conduct the analysis including all the deliverables laid out in this scope of work.

Problem Statement

Daynile and Afgoye-Somalia, approximately 90% of the country is experiencing severe to extreme drought conditions, acute food insecurity and malnutrition have reached critical levels, exacerbating systemic gender and social inequalities (FSNAU, 2022). Prolonged drought has decimated pastoralist livelihoods, the backbone of the region’s economy, with over 3 million livestock deaths reported since mid-2021 (FAO, 2022). This collapse has destabilized men’s traditional roles as providers, leading to increased distress among men and heightened household tensions and intimate partner violence incidents. Concurrently, women have expanded into non-traditional roles to secure income and humanitarian aid; however, structural disparities continue to constrain their decision-making power and economic participation (UNDP, 2023).

Women, who play a central role in food production and household nutrition, face systemic barriers including limited access to land, credit, and decision-making power. For example, only 15% of women in Somalia own land despite their significant contribution to agricultural labor (FAO, 2022). Youth, comprising over 75% of Somalia’s population (UNFPA, 2022), encounter high unemployment rates exceeding 67%, limiting their economic engagement in agriculture and resilience-building activities. Social norms perpetuating inequality such as restrictions on women’s mobility and youth participation further exacerbate vulnerabilities. Additionally, clan-based marginalization and gender-based violence (reported by 36% of Somali women aged 15-49, UN Women, 2021) hinder inclusive participation in interventions aimed at enhancing food security and resilience. Culturally accepted practices around early and forced child marriage (reported at 81% as of June 2024)[1], as a coping method, also creates added stressors for women and families.

The country also experiences ethnic inequality. Somalis are indigenous to Somalia and make up the majority ethnic group, while Bantus make up the largest ethnic minority and mostly live in the lower Juba Valley (largely within the Resilience Zone). Historically, Bantus have faced discrimination, land seizures and insecure land tenure, and increased rates of poverty and displacement. Today, Bantus still face identity-based discrimination, particularly in IDP camps, or are targets of Al-Shabaab for religious and cultural reasons. Discrimination against Bantus and minority Somali clans is also visible in climate-related displacement. (Climate Risks in BHA Geographies: Somalia, 2024)

The study will explore the gender dynamics, inequalities, vulnerabilities, power differentials, relationships, and capacities of women, men, girls, and boys within the program’s target area.

Key Objectives for the GYSI Analysis

1. To deepen Adkeeysi’s understanding of gender and power dynamics and relations within programming areas (Daynile and Afgoye) by examining the differential status of women, men, boys, and girls including minority groups (people with disabilities), minority clans, etc.).
   1. To understand these gender and power dynamics and gaps with respect to different ethnicities and other influential groups (religious communities). In addition, the study will identify overall power relations, socio-cultural barriers, and constraints among women, men, boys, girls, and excluded groups (such marginalized clans and people with disabilities) that limit access to and benefits from resources, services, and economic opportunities of this activity. The ability of such groups to participate in community-level activities, fora, and decision-making will also be reviewed.
2. Understand the drivers of intimate partner violence and other forms of gender-based violence linked to economic distress and shifting household dynamics. Identify what opportunities may exist to prevent and respond to backlash and gender-based violence.
3. Inform gender and youth-sensitive and transformative interventions and the development of a gender and youth action plan and strategy that will ensure that Activity interventions: (1) Do no harm: activities do not endanger or create negative impacts for participants, and (2) Empower all participants so that the highest-level program outcomes are achieved.

Research Questions for Primary Data Collection

Consultants will be expected to work with the Adkeeysi RFSA team to refine and finalize research questions based on a thorough desk review. Illustrative lines of enquiry include:

Roles, Responsibilities, and Time Use:

1. From the perspective of women, young women and young men, what barriers and opportunities are for participating in income generating activities? What roles do they play and want to play in the household and outside the household?
2. How do other socially relevant dimensions such as, female-headed households, disability, age, clan identity, and displacement status intersect with gender?
3. What strategies and approaches have been successful in promoting gender transformation across the different social identity groups, leading to improvements in household and community wellbeing? What lessons have been learned, and what risks have been identified?
4. What norms dictate acceptability of new income generating activities for women and young women and young men? From the perspective of clan, women, men, and young women and young men how to safely introduce new livelihoods opportunities or activities that may challenge existing norms?
5. How do men need to be engaged to ensure their buy-in for new livelihoods opportunities or other aspects that imply a shift in traditional roles and patterns decision making?
6. What are times of the day, days of the week throughout the season that offer greater opportunities for women and young women and men’s participation in program activities (including new livelihoods)? What technologies and strategies can be used to save time for greater participation in income generation activities?

Access to and Control Over Resources:

1. To what extent do these services exist (livelihoods, resilience, finances, nutrition, food security, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and gender-based violence (GBV)?
   1. What barriers and gaps do women, young women and young men face in accessing these services
      1. What strategies and opportunities (including linkages) do people use to safely access these services?
2. From the perspective of youth, women, and men what levels of access and control do women, young women and young men have over different types of resources (cash, income generated by young women and young men and women, productive assets, financial services, market access, and products, technical trainings extension services etc…)?
3. How do other socially relevant dimensions such as clan identity, displacement status, age, disability, etc., intersect with access to resources and control over resources?

Social Norms, Beliefs, and Practices:

1. What norms, beliefs, and practices influence women, and young women and young men’s access to and control over productive resources, ability to participate in group trainings (including literacy and numeracy), coaching and mentorship sessions, engagement with new on or off farm livelihoods opportunities, access and decision-making power over to financial services (and products)? How do these norms, beliefs and practices related to women and youth differ based on other socially relevant dimensions such as clan identity, displacement status, age, and disability?
2. Who influences these norms, beliefs and practices and are they trusted members of the community?

Patterns of Decision Making:

1. From the perspective of men, women, and young women and young men, who has decision making power over the utilization of household (HH) resources (including new resources), choices of livelihoods, and investments into new livelihoods/productive assets?
   1. How do HHs make decisions when planning for a shock and for recovery (response)?
      1. What are coping mechanisms for different types of shocks? Are there decisions that are made jointly?
         1. How does this differ based on different household types (female-headed, youth-headed, IDP, clan, etc.)?
2. Who influences the decisions women and young women, and young men make regarding their aspirations, desires, and goals? [probe for what level (community or HH) these decisions are being made at and if it differs for other socially relevant dimensions such as, female-headed households, disability, age, clan identity, and displacement status.]
   1. From the perspective of women and young women, and young men, why do these influencers/decision-makers prevent or support women and young women, and young men’s aspirations, desires, and goals?
      1. What strategies do women and young women, and young men use when they want to advocate for something (who do they reach out to for support)? [probe for livelihoods opportunities].
3. How are decisions made within your household in regard to access and use of cash or food resources, and what factors influence those decisions?

Safety, Dignity, and Wellbeing:

1. What are the anticipated risks associated with activities that are seen as empowering women and youth, female-headed households, minority groups (persons with disabilities, and clan identity) and increasing their access to resources (includes assets, cash, linkages to services etc…) in the community and in the HH? [probe to understand what is motivating any backlash, or implications on existing norms and values].
2. What strategies are used to prevent GBV and protect individuals from GBV? Does this differ based on gender, age, disability status, clan identity, and IDP status? [probe for activities that include influx of cash or productive resources in the HHs, participation in group activities, participation in selection committees]
3. Who is seen as a trusted source of support for issues related to GBV?
4. To what extent do community-based mechanisms exist to mitigate and respond to instances of GBV?

Research Design and Methods

Data Collection Methods

The research team will collect qualitative data and use participatory methods appropriate to the research questions and types of participants. Consultants will be expected to propose methods, but Save the Children anticipates using Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FDGs).

The consultant will be expected to engage with key stakeholders at Save the Children, namely: Adkeeysi’s Chief of Party, Gender and Social Inclusion Lead, Director of Program Development and Quality, SCUS Gender Advisor and others as needed. In addition, the consultant will be expected to engage with key stakeholders of consortia partners (GREDO, AVSI, and Shaqodoon), and relevant Food Security and Livelihoods Cluster, Protection Cluster and GBV Sub Cluster coordinators in the country (as necessary), and relevant government ministries e.g. Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, etc.

Sampling Frame

The GYSI analysis will be conducted primarily in Daynile, Afgoye, and Afgoye Corridor, the epi center of displaced population in Mogadishu, which will include a diverse mix of participants to ensure comprehensive insights into gender roles, norms, and dynamics. The sample will comprise mainly women and men (30+ years), and young men and young women (18–25 years) from host communities, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and minority groups (e.g. people with disabilities, clans etc.). Key stakeholders such as religious leaders, local camp leaders/gate keepers, community/clan elders, local government, UN agencies, and private sector actors will also be engaged to understand their perspectives while enriching the analysis. This will ensure proper representation of diverse gender perspectives and enable nuanced analysis of gender dynamics across both locations, while facilitating actionable context specific programing.

Adkeeysi will prioritize depth over breadth to enable detailed insights or analysis on gender norms, roles and responsibilities among others. Purposive sampling technique will be employed by the field teams or consultant to select eligible participants (respondents) to take part in the study for both FGDS and KIIs in collaboration with the community leaders and local partners to ensure the participants meet the criteria. Selecting individuals or participants that meet the criteria and represent the diverse cultures in each district or target location while ensuring the inclusion of the minority groups will be at core. Save the Children anticipates conducting three to six FDGs on average with each sub-group of interest to reach saturation and one to two interviews per type of information to obtain rich and nuanced insight.

The GYSI analysis proposes conducting a minimum of 14 KIIs and 31 FGDs across the two locations. Further disaggregates/sub-groups within the informant groups will be decided with the local gender and youth expert and international team lead. Consultants may propose an alternative sampling frame for consideration.

Data Management, Coding, and Analysis and Storage

Consultants will be expected to provide a proposed plan for data management, coding, analysis, and storage during the inception phase based on key considerations and standards discussed with SC.

Ethical Considerations

The analysis will take into consideration the ethical standards to ensure safety and dignity of the participants. A standard consent form developed by SC will be used to obtain consent from all the participants before each data collection activity takes place. Adkeeysi will seek ethics approval from Somali National Bureau of Statistics Research Ethics Committee as well as Save the Children United States’ internal Ethics Review Committee before commencing the research. This current Scope of Work and all the tools (data collection tools, survey manual, consent and assent forms) will be submitted to the Ethics Review Board and no data collection will begin before receiving the approval.

Team Composition and Competencies

Save the Children is seeking an international Gender and Youth Consultant to lead the GYSI analysis, development of the action plan and strategy and serve as Team Lead, with overall responsibility for the research deliverables. The Team Lead will work with a local gender and youth research team based in Somalia that will be responsible for all the fieldwork and operational work associated with the research. The research team will receive support from SC’s Gender and Youth and Social Inclusion Advisor, Monitoring and Evaluation Lead, Resilience and Livelihoods Technical Advisor, with the Chief of Party providing overall oversight of the analysis. Technical backstopping and support will be provided by the SC Somalia country office and headquarters’ technical advisors, as well as Adkeeysi’s consortium partner’s gender technical focal points. Adkeeysi field staff and enumerators will be trained in research methodologies and will act as field supervisors and research assistants respectively. Qualifications for the Team Lead and local gender and youth research team are:

International Consultant (US Based) – Team Lead

• Master’s degree in social sciences, gender or youth studies, international development, or relevant field.
• 7-10 years of experience conducting qualitative research on gender and youth in the Horn of Africa.
• Experience in gender programming and developing cross-sectoral gender and youth engagement strategies for USAID-funded programs.
• Familiarity and experience in Somalia.
• Experience leading research teams and conducting enumerators training for qualitative research.
• Excellent speaking and writing skills in English. Knowledge of Somali language/local dialect a bonus.

Somali Consultant – Local Gender and Youth Expert/Research Team

• Master’s degree in social sciences, gender or youth studies, rural development, or relevant field.
• 7-10 years of experience conducting qualitative research on gender and youth in Somalia.
• Excellent record in designing and undertaking gender and youth studies in the target (Daynile and Afgoye) or similar locations (IDP settlements).
• Experience in gender and youth programming in Somalia.
• Experience overseeing data collections and training enumerators in qualitative research methods.
• Experience in hiring qualified and experienced enumerators with relevant experience.
• Excellent record in designing and undertaking gender and youth studies in the target or similar locations.
• Excellent speaking and writing skills in English and Somalia language/local dialects.
• Have a valid consultant license from Government of Somalia (Federal or States).

Roles and Responsibilities

Theinternational consultant will play the role of Team lead and will be responsible for the following:

• Overall implementation of the study and production of deliverables.
• Prepare, review, and revise data collection tools after they are field tested/piloted, prepare a data collection and quality monitoring plan/protocol in collaboration with the local gender and youth expert and Adkeeysi team.
• Ensure quality standards throughout the study phases as well as adherence to USAID’s requirements and expectations.
• Prepare and roll out tools and processes that facilitate quality assurance, and continuous data analysis to comply with the RFSA’s timeline.
• Ensuring regular coordination with key stakeholders on the Adkeeysi team as well as Save the Children headquarters.
• Note: The Team Lead will not be required/requested to travel to Somalia and is expected to provide exceptional remote support to the local research team.

The local Somali gender and youth research team will be responsible for the following:

• Prepare the submission of the data collection tools to the local ethics review committee.
• Lead the training of enumerators and pilot the data collection tools.
• Review and revise data collection tools after they are field tested/piloted in collaboration with the Team Lead and Adkeeysi team.
• Develop a community entry and communications plan for the study.
• Oversee and supervise the day-to-day data collection.

The Adkeeysi team, with support from the SC country office, will be responsible for hiring enumerators as needed, including planning and covering the cost of all logistics associated with this study. The Adkeeysi team will also be in charge of mobilizing and sensitizing program partners and stakeholders to facilitate the safe roll out of the study. The Adkeeysi team and Country Office will be responsible for:

• Conduct thorough initial analysis of the tool providing the firsthand input to the consultant before sharing with the other relevant parties for further review and endorsement.
• Liaising with government authorities and community leadership for introductions, entry, and permissions to conduct field work on time.
• Facilitating access to all relevant program documentation, including the study protocol and tools for ethical clearance.
• Obtaining ethical clearance for the study.
• Availing program staff for field work or hiring additional enumerators as needed.
• Facilitating coordination and collaboration with relevant programmatic stakeholders and other formative research studies (conflict mapping and assessment, livelihoods feasibility study).
• Oversight and feedback to consultant to ensure quality and timely completion of the work.
• Coordination with BHA and other stakeholders as relevant for reviews and feedback.
• Planning and covering the cost of all logistics associated with this study.

Period of Performance

We anticipate the consultancy to start in January 2025 and cover approximately three months of preparation, data collection, and analysis of results. Preliminary results will be shared on a rolling basis with Adkeeysi starting early to mid-February 2025. The final report is expected to be delivered mid-late April 2025.

Deliverables

The Consultant will be expected to share findings, details, methods, and other information with the other formative research teams. The Consultant will be responsible for the following deliverables in sequential order:

1. Inception Report
   1. A template and instructions will be provided to the consultant (seen annex 1). A summary of what will be included in this deliverable: draft survey tools; timeline; desk review; data collection, monitoring, and quality plan with the following sections: methodology and limitations of the research, and preliminary results from the data collection.
2. Preliminary and Final Findings Presentation
3. Stakeholder Debrief and Validation Workshop
4. Final Report
   1. In English and submitted to SC and BHA. A template and guidance will be provided for the consultant (see annex 2).
5. Action Plan & Gender and Youth Strategy (submitted alongside the final report)
   1. The action plan template is a tool that supports the program to decide on relevant program actions needed based on study findings, conclusions, and recommendations, and to present those actions, indicators, responsible individuals, budget implications, and timing. If the actions necessitate revisions to the TOC, strategies, activities, approaches, indicators, target groups, measurement approach, intensity of interventions, or intended partnerships, then these should be noted in the action plan. It should only reference newly proposed or revised actions. A template for the action plan and guidance will be provided to the consultant.
   2. To accompany the action plan, the consultant will be required to produce a short narrative (5-10 pages) to illustrate the strategic gender and youth strategy approach.

The consultants will be expected to work with the Adkeeysi team to address SC and USAID/BHA feedback on all deliverables.