Terms of Reference _ GCVCA and CAAP Process

Background

Xudur and Baidoa, key towns in the South West State of Somalia, are situated in a region significantly impacted by ongoing conflict, recurrent droughts, and limited socio-economic opportunities. The complex interplay of gender inequalities and climate vulnerabilities has compounded challenges for local communities. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for designing inclusive and effective interventions. Political Economy and Shock Exposure: The political economy of Xudur and Baidoa is deeply influenced by local governance structures, informal economies, and the ongoing conflict. Both towns serve as trade and administrative hubs but face significant disruptions due to insecurity and limited infrastructure. Local markets are vital for livelihoods, yet they are often disrupted by shocks such as conflict and climate-induced disasters. Insecurity restricts the flow of goods, leading to price inflation and reduced market access, which disproportionately affects the most vulnerable households. Livelihood Activities and Impact of Shocks: Livelihoods in Xudur and Baidoa are primarily centered on subsistence farming, livestock rearing, and small-scale businesses. However, recurrent droughts and floods have severely reduced agricultural yields, leading to loss of income and food insecurity. Small businesses, including petty trade and market stalls, are a critical source of income for both host and displaced populations. These enterprises are particularly vulnerable to shocks, with many closing temporarily or permanently due to declining purchasing power, disrupted supply chains, and lack of access to credit. For women, who constitute a large proportion of small business operators, these challenges are exacerbated by gender-specific barriers such as limited mobility and access to financial resources. Both towns are under the administration of the South West State but face persistent security threats from non-state armed groups. These challenges restrict mobility, access to services, and development efforts (UN OCHA, 2023). Baidoa is a hub for internally displaced persons (IDPs), with numerous settlements accommodating those fleeing conflict and climate-induced shocks. Xudur experiences similar, though less concentrated, displacement patterns (IOM Displacement Tracking Matrix, 2023).

1. Climate and Environmental Vulnerabilities
   1. Recurrent Droughts: The region experiences prolonged dry spells, exacerbating water scarcity, reducing agricultural productivity, and intensifying food insecurity. According to the 2023 Somalia Humanitarian Response Plan, over 70% of households in the South West State reported severe drought impacts, including loss of livestock and reduced crop yields (UN OCHA, 2023).
   2. Deforestation and Land Degradation: Widespread charcoal production and unsustainable land use practices have led to significant environmental degradation (FAO Somalia, 2023).
   3. Flooding Risks: Periodic heavy rains result in localized flooding, particularly affecting low-lying IDP settlements (UNHCR, 2023).
2. Gender Dynamics
3. Social Roles and Norms: Traditional patriarchal structures dominate, often limiting women’s access to resources, education, and decision-making (UN Women, 2023).
4. Gender-Based Violence (GBV): Conflict and displacement have heightened risks of GBV, including domestic violence, early marriage, and exploitation. UN reports indicate that 35% of women in Baidoa IDP camps have experienced GBV-related incidents in the past year (UNFPA, 2023).
5. Economic Participation: Women are predominantly engaged in informal labor, such as small-scale trade and agriculture, often with limited support or protection (World Bank, 2023).
6. Humanitarian and Development Challenges
   1. Access to Basic Services: Health, education, and water services remain inadequate, particularly in IDP settlements. UN data reveals that 60% of households in Baidoa and Xudur lack access to safe drinking water (WHO Somalia, 2023).
   2. Livelihoods and Food Security: Limited livelihood opportunities and high dependency on humanitarian aid exacerbate vulnerabilities. Over 80% of households in the region are classified as food insecure, with women-headed households disproportionately affected (FEWS NET, 2023).
   3. Community Resilience: Social and economic systems lack the resilience to recover from recurrent shocks, affecting both host and displaced populations (UNDP Somalia, 2023).

Objectives

1. Identify and analyze gender-specific vulnerabilities to climate shocks.
2. Assess the unique needs and capacities of IDPs, host communities, and marginalized groups.
3. Consolidate settlement-specific reports into comprehensive district-level reports for Xudur and Baidoa.
4. Develop proposed mitigation actions and response to learning questions that will define the DRM assessment.

Study Questions

• What topics and key messaging should curricula on DRM at HH level include if it is to be delivered through ground agents such as graduation coaches?
• What platforms and or technologies are suitable for CACs?
• What community level high frequency and sensitive indicators and corresponding thresholds could be used to activate response at various levels?
• What capacities (liberties/rights) do IDPs and host communities have to influence and adopt implementation of proposed response actions on the land based on their land tenure agreements?
• What are the traditional factors and or drivers of exclusion from early warning information and access to early warning response?

Anticipated Outputs

• Realtime review of site level reports to identify information gaps for further research and subsequent inclusion in the report.
• Cofacilitate validation meetings to build convergence of common response actions and shock profile.
• A detailed report highlighting gender and climate vulnerabilities at the district level.
• Detailed site level reports across all 50 sites.
• Practical recommendations for inclusive programming to strengthen resilience.
• Visual aids (e.g., maps, charts) for key findings.
• Documentation of best practices and lessons learned from the settlements.
• Cofacilitate

Conclusion

The proposed assessment will provide critical insights into the intersection of gender and climate vulnerabilities in Baidoa. These insights will guide the development of tailored interventions to enhance resilience and promote gender equality as part of the resilience food security activity.

Evaluation Criteria

Mandatory Requirements:

1. Provide a certified copy of business registration(company/organization)
2. Provide a valid tax compliance certificate

Successful bidder will be required to sign World Vision Supplier Code of Conduct form

Technical Requirements

Provide updated company profile demonstrating technical capabilities and relevant experience of the applicant

1. Provide references including names and contact information from previous clients who can be contacted regarding relevant experience (At least five similar assignments in a similar context)
2. Detailed CV of the consultant (including any formal qualifications) should be provided (Annex)
3. Provide Technical proposal clearly demonstrating the applicant’s technical capacity and its understanding of the project requirements,
4. Work plan showing timeframe of the GCVCA and CAAP exercise
5. Evidence of presence in Somalia or Any Fragile countries

Financial Evaluation

Provide financial proposal that includes:

• A detailed breakdown of costs associated with the delivery of the GCVCA and CAAP exercise including
  • Logistics Cost:
  • Credit Terms
  • Payment Terms

Financial proposal should not be part of the technical proposal; it should be a separate document.

How to apply

All interested bidders are requested to submit their Technical Proposals and Financial Proposals in Separate documents as attachments (Bidders who will combine both technical and financial proposals shall be disqualified) via somo_supplychain@wvi.org on or before 06th February 2025.

Bids received after the deadline shall not be considered.

Email title should be; – Community Visioning Assessment – GCVCA and CAAP Process

Your financial proposal should have your professional fee and any other related cost well tabulated. Financial proposal should not be part of the technical proposal, it should be a separate document

Note: Only selected candidates will be contacted and further required to make a demo of a similar system they have developed.

For clarifications, write to somalia_procurement@wvi.org.