TERMS OF REFERENCE (ToR) COMMUNITY & COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT FOR WOMEN-LED GROUPS

Lifeline Gedo (LLG), based in Dollow, is looking for an experienced TERMS OF REFERENCE (ToR) COMMUNITY & COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT FOR WOMEN-LED GROUPS to fill an open position. Professionals with a background in Consultancies and at least 4 - 5 years of experience are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is Feb, 18 — early applications are encouraged. TERMS OF REFERENCE (ToR) COMMUNITY & COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT FOR WOMEN-LED GROUPS Project: Establishment of Climate-Resilient Hydroponics Farming Units in DollowImplementing Agency: Lifeline Gedo (LLG)Donor: GIZ -- Climate-Resilient Water Resource Management (CWRM) ProgrammeGovernment Counterpart: Jubbaland Ministry of AgricultureDuty Station: Dollow District, Gedo Region, SomaliaType of Assignment: Short-term technical consultancy (field-based)Reporting Line: Project Coordinator – Lifeline GedoTechnical Coordination: Jubbaland Ministry of Agriculture (District Level) 1. Background and Context Lifeline Gedo (LLG), in partnership with the Jubbaland Ministry of Agriculture and with support from GIZ under the Climate-Resilient Water Resource Management (CWRM) Programme, is implementing a climate-resilient food security and livelihoods initiative in Dollow District, Gedo Region. The intervention aims to strengthen household food production, nutrition, and adaptive capacity among vulnerable women, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and returnee communities. Dollow District is a riverine and agro-pastoral area that has experienced repeated climate shocks, including prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall, and seasonal flooding from the Juba River. These shocks have undermined conventional farming systems, reduced agricultural productivity, depleted household assets, and increased reliance on humanitarian assistance. Women particularly female-headed households, widows, caregivers, IDPs, and returnees are among the most affected, despite their central role in household nutrition and small-scale food production. Under this intervention, women-led groups will be established to manage shared, climate-resilient food production systems as collective community assets. These groups are expected to impro === Skills & Qualifications === 8. Required Qualifications and Experience The consultant must meet the following minimum requirements: Education Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Community Development, Sociology, or a related field. Minimum 4 years of professional experience Experience and Skills Proven experience in community mobilization, cooperative development, or group formation. Experience working with women-led groups, internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, or other vulnerable communities. Strong facilitation, negotiation, and interpersonal communication skills. Familiarity with participatory, inclusive, and conflict-sensitive approaches. Experience working in fragile or low-resource contexts, preferably in Somalia or similar settings. Good understanding of Somali social structures, clan dynamics, and local governance systems. 9. Ethical Standards and Conduct The consultant is expected to: Respect local customs, traditions, and gender sensitivities. Promote inclusive, non-discriminatory, and transparent participation. Uphold safeguarding, accountability, and do-no-harm principles. Prevent elite capture, --- About Dollow --- Somalia is located in the Horn of Africa and has a growing job market, particularly in the humanitarian, development, and private sectors. Major employment hubs include Mogadishu, Hargeisa, Garowe, Baidoa, and Kismayo, with opportunities from international NGOs, UN agencies, government institutions, and an expanding private sector. Ereyada Soomaaliga (Somali Keywords): Shaqo Soomaaliya • La-talin • Shaqo Cusub • La-talinta

8. Required Qualifications and Experience The consultant must meet the following minimum requirements: Education Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Community Development, Sociology, or a related field. Minimum 4 years of professional experience Experience and Skills Proven experience in community mobilization, cooperative development, or group formation. Experience working with women-led groups, internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, or other vulnerable communities. Strong facilitation, negotiation, and interpersonal communication skills. Familiarity with participatory, inclusive, and conflict-sensitive approaches. Experience working in fragile or low-resource contexts, preferably in Somalia or similar settings. Good understanding of Somali social structures, clan dynamics, and local governance systems. 9. Ethical Standards and Conduct The consultant is expected to: Respect local customs, traditions, and gender sensitivities. Promote inclusive, non-discriminatory, and transparent participation. Uphold safeguarding, accountability, and do-no-harm principles. Prevent elite capture, politicization, or exclusion within groups. Maintain professionalism and confidentiality at all times.

10. Application Requirements Interested candidates shall submit the following: A. Curriculum Vitae (CV) The CV should demonstrate relevant experience in community mobilization, women-led group formation, cooperative development, and facilitation in fragile contexts. B. Experience and Approach Note (Maximum 2 Pages) A short narrative note outlining: Relevant experience in community mobilization and cooperative or group development. Approach to beneficiary selection, group formation, leadership development, and governance support. Experience working with women-led groups and vulnerable communities. Understanding of local social dynamics and conflict-sensitive facilitation. C. Financial Proposal The Financial Proposal shall: Be submitted in USD Clearly itemize costs for all project sites in Dollow District, supporting four (4) women-led hydroponics groups serving a total of two hundred (200) farmers, including: ü Daily consultancy fees ü Transport costs ü Accommodation and living costs ü Community facilitation and training materials All costs shall be clearly justified and presented in a detailed cost breakdown. 11. Selection Criteria Selection will be based on: Relevant field experience and facilitation capacity. Quality and clarity of the Experience and Approach Note. Demonstrated understanding of community dynamics and women-led group development. Cost-effectiveness of the Financial Proposal. Applications for this consultancy should be made through the following link: https://app.lifelineorganisation.org/careers no later than 18 February 2026 Apply on employer site Apply at: https://app.lifelineorganisation.org/careers