TERMS OF REFERENCE (ToR) Consultancy to Research, Develop and Facilitate Endorsement of Faith-Based Position Papers and Friday Khutbah Guides on FGM/C and CEFM

Save Somali Women And Children (SSWC)
Somalia, Somalia
Consultancies

Job Description

The position of TERMS OF REFERENCE (ToR) Consultancy to Research, Develop and Facilitate Endorsement of Faith-Based Position Papers and Friday Khutbah Guides on FGM/C and CEFM at Save Somali Women And Children (SSWC) in Somalia is now open for applications. Professionals with a background in Consultancies and at least 5 - 6 years of experience are encouraged to apply. Applications are open until Sep, 21. Don't miss this opportunity.

TERMS OF REFERENCE (ToR)

Consultancy to Research, Develop and Facilitate Endorsement of Faith-Based Position Papers and Friday Khutbah Guides on FGM/C and CEFM

1.

Organization Background

Save Somali Women and Children (SSWC) is a registered non-government and non-profit civil society organization based in Mogadishu with offices in South and Central Somalia. SSWC was founded in 1992 in Mogadishu by a group of Somali women intellectuals from cross-section of the community. SSWC core brand is the empowerment of vulnerable Somali women to regain dignity. It was established with the prime intention of addressing humanitarian gaps for women and children wellbeing in their community. Save Somali Women and Children (SSWC) contribute to the creation of a safe and sustainable situation by supporting women to overcome marginalization, violence and poverty in their communities. It operates as a non-profit making organization that has the right to network with a variety of organizations that share similar values and vision. In Somalia women face a range of complex challenges that require multiple solutions. We work in the belief that women through their own efforts and in collaboration with local, national and international allies are central to transforming their own lives and the lives of their communities and population of which they are part. SSWC is women-led and women-centered organization (so its programs reflect the needs of those served) that have well-functioning management, finance and programmatic structures and systems.

2.

About the project

Future4Binti is a regional initiative funded by the State of the Netherlands and led by Amref Health Africa (the Grantee) in partnership with Plan International, working with a strong network of local civil society organisations across Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia and aims to eliminate harmful practices including FGM/C, CEFM/U, and to advance gender equality for girls and young women. Future4Binti aligns with the Dutch MoFA Focus Framework (2026–2030), the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, national policies, and SDGs related to health, equality, reduced inequalities, and strong institutions. The programme integrates gender equality, inclusion, climate resilience, conflict sensitivity, digital innovation, and follows a strict Do No Harm approach.

The programme combines service delivery with dialogue, improving and strengthening services to protect and empower girls, engaging key stakeholders from the community to the regional level, and collaborating with national and regional bodies to reinforce the enabling environment and promote sustainable social change.

3.

Purpose of the Consultancy

The purpose of this consultancy is to develop high-quality faith-based position papers and practical Friday Khutbah guides that clearly articulate Islamic perspectives on the prevention and elimination of FGM/C and CEFM.

The Consultant will undertake a literature review, engage and consult with relevant Islamic scholars and religious leaders, draft the materials, facilitate a scholarly review and endorsement process, and finalize the documents based on feedback received.

4.

Objectives

The specific objectives of the consultancy are to:

5.

Scope of Work

The Consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

5.1 Literature and Document Review

The Consultant will conduct a comprehensive review of relevant documents and resources, including:

The review should identify key theological, social, cultural, and practical issues to be addressed in the proposed materials.

  1. Conduct a comprehensive review of relevant Islamic teachings, scholarly interpretations, existing faith-based resources, laws, policies, and research related to FGM/C and CEFM.
  2. Develop evidence-based and contextually appropriate faith-based position papers on FGM/C and CEFM.
  3. Develop practical Friday Khutbah guides that religious leaders can use to communicate clear messages on the prevention and elimination of FGM/C and CEFM.
  4. Facilitate consultations with Islamic scholars and relevant religious leaders to ensure theological accuracy, cultural relevance, and contextual appropriateness.
  5. Support a structured scholarly review and endorsement process for the developed materials.
  6. Finalize the position papers and Khutbah guides based on feedback and recommendations from the consultation and endorsement process.
  • Islamic teachings and scholarly literature relevant to the protection and rights of women and children.
  • Quranic principles and authentic Islamic sources relevant to dignity, protection from harm, justice, consent, marriage, and the well-being of women and children.
  • Existing Islamic and faith-based position papers and guidance addressing FGM/C and CEFM.
  • Relevant national laws, policies, strategies, and action plans related to harmful practices.
  • Available research and evidence on the prevalence, drivers, consequences, and social norms surrounding FGM/C and CEFM.
  • Existing Friday Khutbah materials and religious messaging related to the protection of women and children.

About Somalia

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 • Shaqo Cusub • La-talinta • La-talin

Qualifications & Requirements

1.

Required Qualifications and Experience

The Consultant or consulting firm should demonstrate the following qualifications and

experience:

Academic Qualifications

Professional Experience

Skills and Competencies

Language Requirements

2.

Application Requirements

Interested individual consultants or consulting firms should submit:

3.

Evaluation Criteria

  • Advanced university degree in Islamic Studies, Sharia, Theology, Social Sciences, Gender Studies, Law, Human Rights, Public Health, or another relevant field.
  • Additional qualifications or demonstrated expertise in Islamic jurisprudence and scholarly interpretation will be an added advantage.
  • At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in Islamic studies, religious engagement, gender, child protection, human rights, harmful practices, or related fields.
  • Demonstrated experience working on FGM/C, CEFM, gender equality, child protection, or related social norms issues.
  • Demonstrated experience developing faith-based guidance, position papers, religious messaging, training materials, or advocacy materials.
  • Proven experience engaging and facilitating consultations with Islamic scholars, religious leaders, and faith-based institutions.
  • Strong understanding of the Somali context, including cultural and religious dynamics.
  • Experience facilitating validation and endorsement processes involving religious scholars will be an added advantage.
  • Strong knowledge of Islamic teachings and relevant scholarly sources.
  • Excellent research, analysis, and report-writing skills.
  • Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Ability to communicate complex theological and technical issues clearly and appropriately.
  • Ability to work independently and meet agreed deadlines.
  • Strong interpersonal and coordination skills.
  • Fluency in Somali and English , both written and spoken, is required.
  • Knowledge of Arabic and the ability to review and reference relevant Arabic Islamic sources will be an added advantage.
  1. A cover letter expressing interest in the assignment.
  2. A technical proposal outlining the proposed methodology and approach.
  3. A detailed work plan and proposed timeline.
  4. Curriculum Vitae (CV) of the proposed Consultant and/or key personnel.
  5. At least two examples of previous relevant work, preferably involving Islamic scholarship, faith-based engagement, FGM/C, CEFM, gender, child protection, or social norms change.
  6. Contact details for at least three professional references.
  7. A financial proposal detailing the consultancy fee and any other proposed costs.

How to Apply

1.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified consultants or consulting firms are invited to submit their technical and financial proposals, together with the required supporting documents, by

21st

September 2026

.

Applications should be submitted to

hr@sswc-som.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">hr@sswc-som.org

, cc

ahmednasir@sswc-som.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ahmednasir@sswc-som.org

,

ayan@sswc-som.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ayan@sswc-som.org

with the subject line:

“Consultancy to Develop Faith-Based Position Papers and Friday Khutbah Guides on FGM/C and CEFM.”

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

SSWC

is committed to safeguarding and promoting the rights, dignity, and protection of women, girls, and children. Qualified Somali consultants, including women and individuals with demonstrated experience working with religious and community leaders, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Apply on

hr@sswc-som.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">hr@sswc-som.org

Apply at: hr@sswc-som.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">mailto:hr@sswc-som.org

Job Details

Posted: September 7, 2026
Organization: Save Somali Women And Children (SSWC)
Location: Somalia, Somalia
Sector: Consultancies