Job Description
TERMS OF REFERENCE(ToR) Beyond Displacement: HLP as a Catalyst for Durable Solutions - A Case Study of Baidoa, Kismayo, Garowe, and Mogadishu Cities, Somalia. Background information 1.1 Background on the context The displacement crisis in Somalia has persisted, worsening in recent years due to climate-related factors and ongoing conflict. As of early 2025, an estimated 3.9 million individuals are internally displaced, with 70% residing in major cities and towns. This projection, based on data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), anticipates that the IDP population will reach 3.9 million by the end of the first quarter of 2025. Over the past five years, severe flooding and droughts have been the primary drivers of displacement, often reinforcing each other and leading to a continuous rise in IDP numbers. Many displaced persons settle in urban and peri-urban areas, where access to basic services is either inadequate or entirely lacking. Additionally, a significant portion of IDPs live on privately owned land without formal tenure security, leaving them vulnerable to frequent rights violations, particularly forced evictions. Ensuring the protection of Housing, Land, and Property (HLP) rights is therefore essential in achieving durable solutions for displaced populations. Forced eviction remains one of the most pressing challenges facing IDPs in Somalia. Over the past decade, NRC has been documenting eviction cases, and despite efforts by local authorities and other stakeholders, the numbers continue to rise. In 2024 alone, 250,201 individuals were forcibly evicted from their homes, according to data collected by NRC. The Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), with support from its partners, has demonstrated a strong political commitment to addressing internal displacement. Key initiatives include the development of the National Durable Solutions Strategy (NDSS), the establishment of the Durable Solutions Secretariat within the Ministry of Planning, Investment, and Economic Development (MoPIED), and the creation of durable solutions coordination mechanisms at both the federal and state levels. Additionally, the adoption of the National Solutions Pathway Action Plan and the ratification of the "African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa (2009)"—commonly known as the Kampala Convention—are significant steps toward finding lasting solutions to displacement in Somalia. 1.2 NRC’s activities and presence NRC began its operations in Somalia in 2004 and has since expanded its presence across all eight Federal Member States (FMS). The organization provides humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations affected by displacement, including those in insecure and hard-to-reach areas. NRC Somalia’s interventions span multiple sectors, including WASH, Shelter and Settlement, Housing, Land, and Property (HLP), Food Security and Livelihoods, Education, and Protection from Violence (PfV). Additionally, NRC implements cross-cutting thematic programs focused on durable solutions, supporting displacement-affected communities in urban areas on their path toward long-term stability and helping rural communities build resilience against the impacts of climate change. In 2024, NRC reached 675,486 individuals through its various programs, with 126,287 beneficiaries specifically supported through durable solutions interventions. In Baidoa and Garowe, the NRC has been implementing integrated durable solutions projects, funded by the FCDO, the EU, SIDA, and the World Bank, where HLP has played a key role. Additionally, other ongoing projects funded by various donors continue to support IDPs in these two cities, addressing critical needs and advancing sustainable solutions. 1.3 NRC’s intervention specific to the study NRC has been implementing HLP interventions in Somalia as part of its efforts to provide durable solutions to IDPs, enhancing tenure security, mitigating forced evictions, improving access to land, and providing legal assistance to displacement-affected communities. Given the persistent challenges related to land tenure and rapid urbanization, NRC seeks to commission a study to evaluate the impact, challenges, and opportunities of its HLP programming in Somalia. Since 2017, NRC has been implementing durable solutions interventions across various cities and towns in Somalia, addressing the specific needs of displacement-affected communities to support their sustainable integration. HLP has remained a core component of these interventions, not only meeting the needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs) but also facilitating activities in other sectors such as WASH. Over the past three years, NRC has implemented durable solutions projects funded by major donors in key urban centers. From 2022 to date, NRC has carried out these projects with funding from the World Bank (through IOM), FCDO, the European Union, and SIDA. In 2024 alone, these initiatives supported 126,289 individuals with durable solutions interventions. As part of its HLP efforts, NRC has implemented the following key interventions: Providing tenure support to displacement-affected communities through various land acquisition models, including: Diverse access to land tenure arrangements Acquisition of private land and public land Community-driven land acquisition Market-based housing solutions Delivering information and awareness-raising on HLP rights and issues. Strengthening the HLP capacity of government institutions at both the Federal Member State (FMS) and local/municipal levels. Promoting community-based local HLP dispute resolution systems through Collaborative Dispute Resolution (CDR) mechanisms. Supporting local governments in preventing forced evictions. Conducting due diligence on land designated for public facilities. Provide legal services on HLP rights violations. This study will provide critical insights into the effectiveness of NRC’s HLP interventions and inform future programming to enhance tenure security and sustainable solutions for displacement-affected communities in Somalia. 2. Purpose of the study and intended use 2.1 Overarching purpose The overall objective of this research is to generate evidence and document good practices to inform learning, accountability, and improved integration of Housing, Land, and Property (HLP) rights within durable solutions programming for displacement-affected populations in Somalia. The study will examine and assess the approaches of NRC and consortium partners to embedding HLP principles in housing and settlement interventions, as well as broader humanitarian-development programming. Overall, the research will demonstrate the multiplier effect of tenure beyond HLP integration, showcasing its contributions to urbanization, livelihood growth, increased land value, and durable solutions. The use of a cost-benefit analysis matrix will help illustrate this. The study will further provide an in-depth analysis of the integration of Housing, Land, and Property (HLP) rights into durable solutions programming, offering practical, evidence-based recommendations to inform future interventions. It will document learning from a range of housing models—including Sites I and II, Midnimo Kismayo, Hoodale, ADCs, Barwaaqo, Hanano, and Integrated Rental Solutions (IRS) with a focus on HLP-centered service provision and the intersection with broader humanitarian and development initiatives. Key components will include a comparative cost-benefit analysis of the models to guide future scale-up, housing market assessments, and documentation of community-led housing and tenure solutions that demonstrate added value and sustainability. The study will also assess the return on investment and co-financing impacts of site-specific investments (e.g., Hanano vs. Barwaaqo), explore the benefits of incremental tenure approaches, and examine the role of private sector engagement in improving access to land. Overall, it aims to capture innovative practices, lessons learned, and persistent challenges, culminating in actionable recommendations to strengthen future HLP programming and durable solutions planning. Specific objectives: Specific Objectives Assess the extent, effectiveness, and impact of HLP integration in durable solutions programming by evaluating how key components —such as tenure security, access to land, land documentation, restitution, and protection from forced evictions—have been implemented across NRC-supported housing models, and how these interventions have contributed to sustainable solutions for displaced communities. Document and analyze good practices and community-led models —both formal and customary—that have effectively contributed to tenure security, sustainable settlement, social cohesion, and improved livelihoods, in support of durable solutions through return, local integration, or relocation. Conduct a comparative cost-benefit analysis of diverse housing models , including Sites I & II, Midnimo Kismayo, Hoodale, Hanano, ADCs, Barwaaqo, and Integrated Rental Solutions (IRS), to assess the value-for-money and sustainability of HLP-centered approaches, while examining key legal, social, and economic challenges that hinder effective implementation and scalability. Identify lessons learned: Capture insights from past and ongoing HLP interventions to inform future programming and policy development. Examine the role of community ownership, incremental approaches, and private sector engagement in enhancing tenure security, access to adequate housing, and housing finance—particularly for marginalized groups—and identify opportunities to strengthen partnerships within durable solutions programming. Policy and advocacy: Assess the effectiveness of current policies and propose actionable steps for improving HLP-related governance and legal frameworks. Enhance stakeholder collaboration – Examine the role of government authorities, humanitarian actors, and local communities in HLP interventions and recommend ways to improve coordination and effectiveness. Explore opportunities for scaling: Generate actionable recommendations to strengthen future HLP programming, planning, and policy advocacy, ensuring alignment with the IASC Framework on Durable Solutions, the Pinheiro Principles, and Somalia’s national strategies. 2.2 How will the study be used? The key findings, conclusions, lessons learned, and recommendations will be shared both internally and externally to enhance learning and improve the overall quality of HLP interventions. Additionally, they will inform the adaptation and refinement of implementation strategies to achieve better outcomes for crisis-affected target populations. 2.3 Who will it be used by? The primary users of this study will be NRC programme staff, who will utilize the report to showcase evidence of their work and guide future programming. Other key stakeholders include the government, donors, durable solutions providers, humanitarian actors, and the target communities. The study report will be published on the NRC website, and a dedicated event will be organized to share key lessons learned and best practices. 3.Scope and lines of inquiry 3.1 Scope: Geographic scope: The study will focus on the cities of Baidoa, Kismayo, Mogadishu, and Garowe in Somalia. Baidoa: ADC zone, Hanano II, Site I &II, Barwaaqo Mogadishu: Kaxda, Daynille and Garasbaley Garowe: Hoodale, Jilib sites and Midnimo Kismayo: Luglow Geographical scope: This study will focus on NRC’s HLP interventions implemented in key urban areas in Somalia. 3.2 Lines of inquiry (the consultant to review and design contextual) Study questions (Consultant to reframe) Impact of HLP interventions How have NRC’s HLP interventions contributed to tenure security and durable solutions for displaced communities in target locations? What are the key outcomes of different land acquisition models (e.g., individual tenure, community-driven, private land acquisition, and market-based housing solutions)? 2. Best practices and lessons learned What have been the most successful strategies in securing land tenure for displaced populations? How have collaborative dispute resolution mechanisms contributed to reducing land-related conflicts? 3. Stakeholder engagement and policy influence What role have government institutions, local authorities, and humanitarian actors played in supporting HLP interventions? How has NRC’s HLP programming influenced national and local policies on displacement and land tenure? 4. Challenges and barriers What are the main challenges faced in implementing HLP interventions in in target locations? How do land tenure issues, forced evictions, and urbanization trends impact the effectiveness of HLP programming? 5. Future opportunities and recommendations What opportunities exist to scale or adapt HLP interventions for greater impact? What policy, programmatic, or operational changes are needed to strengthen the sustainability of HLP solutions in Somalia? 4. Methodology To conduct the study, NRC will engage an external consultant who will be responsible for designing the study methodology. The consultant will be required to submit a study design incorporating participatory, qualitative, and mixed quantitative methods to complement the existing monitoring data. The methodology should follow a non-experimental design to generate credible results and evidence of project performance. The study will employ a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches, with the final methodology determined through consultation between the consultant and the Steering Committee. The consultant will develop a detailed methodology based on these Terms of Reference and present it in an inception report for review and validation by the Steering Committee. At a minimum, the methodology should include the following components, although consultants are encouraged to expand beyond these elements: Desk Review: Analysis of key documents, including qualitative and quantitative data from the project duration. Key Informant Interviews (KIIs): Structured or semi-structured interviews with local authorities, humanitarian actors, and NRC staff. Participatory Methods: Focus group discussions to gather insights from specific groups such as children, parents, caregivers, teachers, and non-teaching professionals. Beneficiary Surveys: Assessing expectations, experiences, levels of participation, and the use of goods and services provided. Site Visits: Field visits to NRC-supported HLP intervention areas. Data Analysis: Qualitative and quantitative analysis, ensuring trends and correlations are identified. Triangulation will be applied during the document review and analysis phases. A field mission will be conducted to validate preliminary findings with key program stakeholders. The consultant, in collaboration with the Steering Committee, will develop all necessary data collection tools based on the agreed methodology. Any proposed modifications must be discussed and approved by the committee. All data must be disaggregated by gender, displacement status, and other relevant demographic factors, ensuring that diverse perspectives are captured throughout the study process. Data analysis should incorporate appropriate statistical methods (e.g., median, mean) for quantitative data, while qualitative data should undergo content analysis. The consultant is expected to adhere to the highest evaluation standards and ethical guidelines, ensuring transparency, objectivity, and integrity throughout the study. The study will uphold the rights of all participants by guaranteeing confidentiality and security. Respondents must not be subjected to any risk or inconvenience. To ensure ethical data collection, all tools will be pre-tested, and study activities will create a safe and respectful environment for participants. All staff, consultants, and interviewers must adhere to NRC’s Safeguarding Policy, Anti-Corruption Policy, and Code of Conduct. The data collection plan must outline how NRC and the consultant(s) will classify and securely store collected data. Enumerators, including both male and female data collectors, will be trained in ethical data collection practices to ensure the study is conducted responsibly and respectfully. The expected sample frame shall encompass, but not be limited to: Heads of local government agencies whose responsibilities are linked to the promotion or protection of HLP rights Heads of agencies of local government that are responsible for or involved in prevention and response. Senior officials of the municipality of the target locations Landlords A cross-section of settlement leaders Representatives of humanitarian organisations Cluster and sub-cluster coordinators Selected members of the Eviction Taskforce The HLP sub-cluster Representatives of the consortiums Representatives of development actors and the private sector Urban planners, Etc. 5. Study follow-up and learning The outcome of the study will be used to inform programming at the country level and, hopefully, in the region. Based on the findings and recommendations from the study, the programme team will draw up and implement a response plan once the steering committee has validated the report. The Head of Programme and the ICLA specialist will monitor the response plan. A dissemination plan will be developed to ensure that important lessons are shared with internal and external stakeholders and that actions are taken to improve programming. 6. Management of the study A Steering Committee (SC) has been set up by NRC and is composed of the following members: Chair of the Steering Committee: Head of Programme Study Manager: Co-chaired with ICLA Specialist/Co-manager: Monitoring, Study and Learning (MEL) Manager Members of the steering committee: Durable Solutions PDM, HLP Advisor, Shelter and Settlement Specialist, and HLP Advisor/AoR Coordinator The Steering Committee will oversee overall administration and coordination, including progress monitoring. The main functions of the steering committee will be as follows: Establish the terms of reference for the study. Selecting the consultant. Review and comment on the inception report and approve the proposed study strategy. Review and approve assessment tools. Approve the final report. Establish a strategy for dissemination and use, including the drafting of a management response. Throughout the process, the consultant will work closely with the steering committee and with the study Manager. The committee will coordinate the study process, review and approve each study result, and establish a strategy for the dissemination and utilization of the findings. A scoping meeting between the consultant(s) and the committee will enable the alignment of the understanding of these terms of reference and the validation of the proposed methodology by the consultant(s). The consultant(s) will be responsible for logistics, communication, and secretarial services (printing of documentation, etc.). The consultant(s) will also be responsible for the administration of all methodological tools such as questionnaires, focus groups, etc. NRC will facilitate access to the intervention sites and will reduce the process by providing reference documents and contacts of partners and resource persons. 7. Deliverables and reporting deadlines The consultant will carry out their tasks based on an agreed work plan, starting with an inception meeting with the research steering committee. The deliverables include; Deliverable 1: Draft Study Inception Report - The draft Inception Report (using the standard NRC template) should outline the methodology, and highlight proposed changes if any, or any other issues of importance to the continuation of the study. The inception report should: Include a desk/literature review. Describe the conceptual framework that will be used to undertake the study. Present a study matrix to detail the approach for data collection, the study methodology (how the questions will be answered through data collection methods, data sources, sampling and selection criteria). Include all data collection tools (in English) Provide a detailed work plan for the study, indicating the phases of the study and the main results expected. Present an analysis plan. Draw up a list of the main stakeholders to be interviewed. Study inception report - The inception report will be finalised after consultation with the members of the steering committee (max. 1 week for review). Deliverable 2: Field-Based Case Studies / Practice Briefs – Thematic case studies from selected housing interventions (e.g., Barwaaqo, Sites I & II, Hanano, IRS) highlighting: Good practices and innovations Community-led tenure and owner-drive housing models ROI and multiplier impacts Value of incremental and integrated approaches Deliverable 3: Cost-Benefit and Housing Market Analysis – Comparative analysis of housing models based on cost-efficiency, sustainability, impact on tenure security, and relevance for scale-up. Include Return on Investment (ROI), co-financing/community contribution models, and private sector engagement insights. Deliverable 4(i): Draft study paper (30 pages maximum) and a debriefing session with the steering committee . The report should include a summary of the main findings, conclusions, and recommendations, as well as all raw data. The collected raw data is to be handed over to NRC, along with related intellectual property—the raw data sets submitted at the same time as the draft assessment report. The draft study report will be produced following the desk review, the field mission, including data collection, and meetings with the steering committee. Deliverable 4 (ii): A final study report (30 pages maximum, in English) and a PowerPoint presentation . A comprehensive report synthesizing findings across all models, summarizing lessons learned, critical challenges, and offering evidence-based, context-specific recommendations to enhance future programming. The report should be structured at a minimum as follows: Cover page A list of acronyms and abbreviations A table of contents A summary (in English) Introduction and background Scope and objectives of the study Methodology Study limitations Findings Conclusions Lessons learned and recommendations Report appendices include: Terms of reference Study matrix List of documents consulted Assessment/data collection tools Database (for NRC internal report only, the database must be removed from the external report) List of people and organisations/institutions consulted (For project participants, nicknames/generic wording will be used for protection purposes). Photos Deliverable 5: Policy and Advocacy Brief: Produce a concise, 4–6-page policy brief that distils key findings, good practices, and strategic recommendations emerging from the study. The brief should be tailored for decision-makers, donors, government actors, and HLP stakeholders, presenting actionable insights to influence future durable solutions planning, policy formulation, and program design across the humanitarian-development nexus. It should be user-friendly, evidence-based, and aligned with national and international HLP frameworks. Once the steering committee approves the final report, the consultant will facilitate a workshop (organised by NRC) to present the main findings of the study (PowerPoint presentation). NRC will draft a management response plan once the study has been finalised. It will specify the key actions to be undertaken, the key partners to be involved in carrying out these actions, and the timeline for implementation. 8. Timeframe The consultancy will run for three months, starting from August 2025. The consultant will prepare an overall work plan and research tools at the beginning of the assignment, which will be discussed and agreed upon with the supervisors at the NRC. The consultancy is expected to last 60 working days (Between August and October 2025). Travel: Travel to Baidoa, Kismayo, and Garowe is required for this consultancy (this will be discussed further during the inception meeting). However, should the consultant propose alternatives, the consultant must provide a clear plan, measures, and/or demonstrate partnerships with local researchers to support data collection and engagement, thereby achieving a better contextual understanding. The NRC could support the consultant in mobilizing communities, engaging with the government, and planning travel. 9. Study consultant team NRC is seeking expressions of interest from individuals and companies for this mission. Consultants must have: A master’s or PhD degree in law, development studies, quantitative economics, social or political science or other field relevant for the consultancy. At least 8 years’ experience in transdisciplinary work on land issues, HLP programming, land governance, and humanitarian response. Proven track record in conducting similar studies in displacement contexts. Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills. Familiarity with the Somali context/similar contexts and NRC’s work. Experience in planning, implementing, monitoring, and especially evaluating programmes in humanitarian contexts. Good knowledge of data collection methods using tablets and CAPI systems and the ability to analyse, summarise, present, and write clear reports. Good knowledge of outcome study approaches, in particular participatory mixed methods. Good knowledge of community development mechanisms, gender, and equity. Good communication, writing, and summarising skills in English, and Somali, or a member of the team who speaks Somali. Good experience in quantitative and qualitative research. Adequate knowledge of local cultures and languages as well as of the social, economic, and political context of Somalia. The composition of the team must be gender-balanced to ensure comprehensive coverage of the various aspects of the study, as defined in these terms of reference, including cross-cutting issues and representation of women and youth. 10. Application process and requirements The application must include the following information: A technical proposal, including the proposed study design, study methodology, comments on the terms of reference, timetable, and proposed work plan (max 5 pages) A financial proposal (max. 3 pages) separates from the technical proposal, including all taxes and covering the costs of travel to the site, food, accommodation, etc. (please indicate the currency). Resumes of consultants Two references for the firm and/or each of the proposed consultants At least two extracts from past work (minimum four pages per extract) A cover letter containing the following information: a description of how the candidate's skills, qualifications, and experience meet the requirements of the assignment, a list of previous assessments relevant to the context and purpose of this assignment, and a statement confirming the candidate's availability to carry out the assignment.
How to Apply
Consultants or firms that meet the above requirements are invited to download the complete tender documents free of charge from the Digital Procurement System (DPS). Eligible applicants must submit a comprehensive administrative, technical, and financial proposal via the NRC Digital Procurement System (DPS) not later than
23rd August 2025 at 11:59PM. [https://eaydps.nrc.no/tender/details/9f93a98c-71ca-43d2-8d3d-ef812d38c170](https://eaydps.nrc.no/tender/details/9f93a98c-71ca-43d2-8d3d-ef812d38c170) If you have any technical difficulties in accessing the tender documents, please contact the following email address:
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