Job Description 1. Background Recurrent climate shocks, prolonged displacement, and deepening poverty continue to erode household resilience in Somalia. In Baidoa District—one of the epicenters of crisis in the Bay region—vulnerable populations including internally displaced persons (IDPs) and impoverished host communities remain trapped in cycles of food insecurity and asset depletion. These conditions are worsened by the impacts of seasonal droughts, inflation, limited livelihood opportunities, and weakened social safety nets. To mitigate these effects, Centre for Peace and Democracy - CPD is implementing a Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) intervention that aims to support 1,054 vulnerable households in Catchment 17, specifically in Isha Village (Zone 04, Site No. 48) and Ashagow Village, which collectively serve an estimated population of 48,825 individuals. The intervention is part of a wider humanitarian response under the Start Network's early action window following the Deyr season, designed to offer timely, flexible, and dignified support before the socio-economic impacts of shocks escalate further. The project aligns with operational preparedness priorities identified through FSNAU-led national assessments, which highlighted Baidoa as one of the most critically affected districts, with large populations classified in IPC Phases 3 and 4. These assessments informed the geographic and demographic targeting to ensure that the most at-risk households receive timely support. At the core of the intervention is the provision of two monthly MPCA transfers, valued at $100 per household per month. The transfers will enable families to meet their most pressing needs—such as food, water, shelter, health, and education—without resorting to harmful coping mechanisms like selling productive assets, withdrawing children from school, or engaging in risky labor. By reducing reliance on distress strategies and enhancing household purchasing power, the intervention aims to improve food security, reduce debt burdens, and protect the dignity of crisis-affected families. The target group for MPCA support includes: Female- or widow-headed households, particularly those without regular income or community support; Pregnant and lactating women (PLW), who face increased nutritional and health vulnerabilities; Persons with disabilities (PWD) or household members with chronic illnesses that impair economic participation; Child- or orphan-headed households, defined as minors under 18 years living independently with dependents and no stable income; Households with malnourished children under five, identified through health partners or community referrals; Elderly-headed households (60+ years) without income or access to food. To ensure that assistance reaches the intended population in a transparent, equitable, and evidence-based manner, CPD is undertaking a Needs and Vulnerability Assessment (NVA). This assessment will serve as a critical step in identifying eligible households, understanding the specific nature of their vulnerabilities, and informing tailored cash-based responses. To inform effective targeting and ensure accountability, CPD seeks the services of a qualified consultant to conduct a Needs and Vulnerability Assessment (NVA) that will generate accurate, disaggregated, and actionable data on household vulnerabilities in the two project locations. 2. Objective of the Assignment The overall objective of this consultancy is to conduct a participatory, gender-sensitive, and evidence-based Needs and Vulnerability Assessment (NVA) to inform effective, fair, and accountable targeting for the Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) intervention in Isha and Ashagow villages of Baidoa District. The specific objectives are to: Identify the most vulnerable households eligible for MPCA, with particular focus on female-headed households, pregnant and lactating women (PLW), persons with disabilities (PWD), child- and orphan-headed households, elderly-headed households, and those with malnourished children under five; Generate disaggregated quantitative and qualitative data on household livelihoods, food security status, coping strategies, income and expenditure patterns, social protection access, and protection-related vulnerabilities; Undertake a stratified sampling and field survey of 404 households, proportionally allocated across Isha and Ashagow villages, ensuring representation by gender, age, displacement status, and vulnerability group; Develop and apply scoring criteria to support evidence-based household targeting and prioritization, aligned with MPCA guidelines from OCHA, ECHO, and FSNAU; and Provide recommendations for MPCA eligibility thresholds, household selection, and targeting approaches to be used for final beneficiary identification. The assessment is expected to inform the targeting of 1,054 households to receive two monthly MPCA transfers and ensure that the intervention is rooted in the actual needs, capacities, and vulnerabilities of the target communities. 3. Scope of Work The consultant will be responsible for designing and leading the full implementation of a high-quality Needs and Vulnerability Assessment (NVA) to inform MPCA targeting in Isha and Ashagow villages. The scope includes preparatory planning, tool development, fieldwork coordination, analysis, and reporting. Specifically, the consultant will: 3.1. Desk Review and Inception Planning Review key project documents, MPCA guidelines (OCHA, ECHO, CaLP), FSNAU food security updates, and existing household vulnerability data. Prepare an Inception Report outlining the assessment methodology, workplan, sampling strategy, ethical protocols, and roles/responsibilities. Develop a sampling frame for 404 households, proportionally allocated across Isha and Ashagow, using household lists and population estimates. 3.2. Tool Design and Digitization Design or adapt KoboToolbox-compatible household survey tools that integrate: Livelihoods and income sources Food security and coping strategies Debt and access to markets Gender dynamics and protection concerns Vulnerability indicators (e.g., PLW, elderly, PWD, child-headed HHs) Develop scoring and prioritization logic to support MPCA eligibility determination. 3.3. Enumerator Training Facilitate a 1–2 day training for enumerators and field supervisors, covering: Purpose and scope of the assessment KoboCollect usage Informed consent and Do No Harm principles Gender and protection-sensitive interviewing Mock interviews and tool pre-testing 3.4. Field Data Collection Oversee data collection from 404 households (approx. 258 in Isha and 146 in Ashagow). Ensure daily field-level quality control, back-checks, and adherence to sampling plan. Ensure inclusion of marginalized groups including female-headed households, PLW, PWD, and elderly. 3.5. Data Management and Analysis Clean and validate all datasets for accuracy and completeness. Analyze quantitative data using Excel/SPSS, and qualitative data using thematic coding. Generate findings on household vulnerability patterns and socioeconomic indicators. 3.6. Reporting and Recommendations Submit a draft assessment report with analysis of findings, charts/tables, and recommendations for MPCA targeting. Facilitate a validation meeting with CPD/SSWC and community leaders to triangulate findings. Finalize and submit the Final Report, including: Executive summary Methodology and limitations Vulnerability profile of sampled households Recommended targeting criteria and thresholds Annexes (tools, dataset, photos, list of enumerators, etc.) 4. Methodology The consultant is expected to employ a mixed-methods approach combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques to ensure a comprehensive and contextually grounded assessment of household needs and vulnerabilities. 4.1. Overall Approach The assessment will be participatory, inclusive, and protection-sensitive , capturing the perspectives of both host and displaced populations in Isha and Ashagow villages. The methodology must align with MPCA assessment standards from OCHA, ECHO, FSNAU, and CaLP, and incorporate a scoring system to inform household eligibility and prioritization. 4.2. Quantitative Methods Household Surveys: Structured interviews with a sample of 404 households (258 from Isha and 146 from Ashagow) will be conducted using KoboToolbox or a similar mobile data collection platform. The household questionnaire will capture data on: Demographics and displacement status Livelihoods and income sources Food security and consumption patterns Coping mechanisms and debt levels Access to services (water, health, education) Gender, disability, and protection indicators Vulnerability profiles aligned with project targeting criteria (e.g., female-headed, elderly, PLW, PWD, etc.) 4.3. Qualitative Methods Key Informant Interviews (KIIs): With community leaders, service providers, women's groups, and youth representatives to triangulate findings and capture local perceptions of vulnerability. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs): Stratified by gender and displacement status to gain insights on community-defined vulnerability, local coping strategies, and barriers to accessing services. 4.4. Sampling Strategy Proportionate stratified random sampling will be used to ensure representativeness across both target villages. The sample size of 404 households has been calculated based on a 95% confidence level and 5% margin of error, with a 10% buffer for non-response. Sample distribution will reflect the population and household composition in Catchment 10 and will be disaggregated by gender and vulnerability characteristics. 4.5. Data Management and Analysis The consultant will oversee data cleaning, validation, and statistical analysis using Excel, SPSS, or other relevant tools. Findings should be disaggregated by gender, age, disability, household size, and village. A scoring framework will be applied to assess vulnerability levels and inform beneficiary selection thresholds. 4.6. Ethical Considerations The consultant must ensure informed consent , data confidentiality , and Do No Harm principles throughout the assessment. Gender-sensitive and culturally appropriate approaches must be applied, especially during interactions with vulnerable groups (e.g., women, children, persons with disabilities). 5. Duration and Location The consultancy is expected to be completed within 7 working days, starting from the date of contract signing. The timeline includes preparatory work, tool development, training, field supervision, data analysis, and reporting. 6. Location of Assignment: The assignment will be conducted in Baidoa District, with a focus on Isha Village (Zone 04, Site 48) and Ashagow Village, both within Catchment 10. Fieldwork activities such as enumerator training, household interviews, and community consultations will take place on-site, with close coordination from CPD and SSWC field teams. Remote collaboration may be permitted for preparatory and reporting phases, but the consultant is expected to be present in Baidoa during the training and data collection phases. Strong command of quantitative and qualitative research methods , including sampling, survey design, data analysis, and interpretation. Proficiency in using KoboToolbox and data analysis software such as Excel, SPSS, or Stata. 7. Budget and Payment Schedule The consultancy budget will cover the consultant’s fee, travel expenses, enumerators hire, and transportation costs related to data collection. All budget components will be determined in alignment with the proposed methodology, duration, and team composition Payments will be made in tranches upon delivery and approval of outputs: 100% upon facilitation of Validation Workshop and submission of Final Report and presentation of findings 8. Reporting Line The consultant will report to the MEAL Officer and Program Coordinator at Centre for Peace and Democracy (CPD) and will closely coordinate with the Community Mobilization and Protection Team. Qualifications & Requirements Required Qualifications The ideal consultant (individual or firm) will possess the following qualifications and competencies: Essential Qualifications: A Master’s degree or equivalent in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Economics, Public Health, Humanitarian Affairs, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of proven experience conducting household-level needs assessments, vulnerability analyses, or similar studies in humanitarian or development settings. Demonstrated expertise in cash and voucher assistance (CVA/MPCA) programming, including experience applying international standards (e.g., OCHA, ECHO, CaLP). Strong command of quantitative and qualitative research methods , including sampling, survey design, data analysis, and interpretation. Proficiency in using KoboToolbox and data analysis software such as Excel, SPSS, or Stata. Additional Competencies: Familiarity with the humanitarian and displacement context in Somalia , particularly in the Bay region. Experience conducting fieldwork in insecure or hard-to-reach areas, and the ability to lead diverse enumerator teams. Excellent reporting and communication skills in English ; knowledge of Somali is a strong asset. Strong understanding of gender, protection, and inclusion in vulnerability assessments. Commitment to ethical data collection practices, safeguarding, and “Do No Harm” principles. Experience Level 3-5 years How to Apply All interested parties should share applications through email on
[email protected] or deliver by hand to CPD office in Mogadishu before 15th May 2025 Application Process Interested candidates/firms should submit: Application letter CV(s) of key personnel and company profile Samples of previous contracts. Company registration certificate Attachment Document: ToR_Needs and Vulnerability Assessement_MPCA.pdf
Required Qualifications The ideal consultant (individual or firm) will possess the following qualifications and competencies: Essential Qualifications: A Master’s degree or equivalent in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Economics, Public Health, Humanitarian Affairs, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of proven experience conducting household-level needs assessments, vulnerability analyses, or similar studies in humanitarian or development settings. Demonstrated expertise in cash and voucher assistance (CVA/MPCA) programming, including experience applying international standards (e.g., OCHA, ECHO, CaLP). Strong command of quantitative and qualitative research methods , including sampling, survey design, data analysis, and interpretation. Proficiency in using KoboToolbox and data analysis software such as Excel, SPSS, or Stata. Additional Competencies: Familiarity with the humanitarian and displacement context in Somalia , particularly in the Bay region. Experience conducting fieldwork in insecure or hard-to-reach areas, and the ability to lead diverse enumerator teams. Excellent reporting and communication skills in English ; knowledge of Somali is a strong asset. Strong understanding of gender, protection, and inclusion in vulnerability assessments. Commitment to ethical data collection practices, safeguarding, and “Do No Harm” principles.