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Rationale
Following the establishment of the FGoS in 2012, the country is experiencing increased political stability and engagement with international partners. Despite these gains in the political arena, the security situation remains highly volatile and continues to challenge operations in Somalia. In particular, there has been an overall increase in AS movements in the regions neighbouring Mogadishu including Gedo, Lower Juba, Lower Shabelle, Hiiran, and Middle Shabelle. Al-Shabaab (AS) continues to target government officials, the Somali National Army (SNA), the African Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), and UN personnel, posing threats to stabilization and security in Somalia.
While the number of active AS is not fully known (estimated to be 5,000 – 7,000 combatants), a steady increase has been observed in the disengagement of AS combatants. According to a rough estimate by NISA and DDR Ministry of the Interim Southwest Administration, since January 2013 there have been 400 individuals who have surrendered and disengaged themselves from AS in Baidoa alone.
The reinsertion and reintegration process can be particularly jarring for ex-combatants, many of whom face community stigmatization, psychological trauma, and the same set of socioeconomic conditions that may have originally pushed them to engage with AS. Without governmental support structures and a strong system for community-led reintegration, an ex-combatant may fail to reintegrate in a socially constructive manner and become a danger to himself or others.
Although there is general guidance under the National Programme for The Treatment and Handling of Disengaging Combatants and Youth at Risk in Somalia (National Programme), the reinsertion and reintegration process has not followed a standard set of operating procedures (SOP), with practices often differing significantly from one regional government to the next. Furthermore, destabilizing factors such as economic instability or the socio-political exclusion of certain clans can compromise an ex-combatant’s ability to successfully reintegrate if not addressed in a consistent, efficient, or effective manner. Therefore, the absence of a universally accepted SOP increases the likelihood that they will reengage in violent activities and reduces the possibility for achieving a lasting peace at the national level.
Objective
The objective of the consultancy is to develop an SOP for the reintegration of ex-combatants at transition centres in Somalia. The SOP will clearly outline the process an ex-combatant should go through once they have disengaged from AS or other militia, assign roles and responsibilities to various stakeholders in support of this process, identify potential challenges to the process and provide solutions to these challenges, and include any recommended reporting documents to facilitate standardization and formalization. To accomplish this, it is expected the Consultant will spend some time in Somalia conducting research and meeting relevant stakeholders.
The consultancy will also include a capacity building component, with the consultant leading a thorough training for government officials and other stakeholders on the newly developed SOP once it has been completed and approved. Training will take place in Somalia at locations to be determined.
Deliverables
The Consultant will be responsible for producing the following deliverables:
1.) Literature review of subject matter
2.) Inception report outlining proposed methodology, research tools, stakeholder engagement, etc.
3.) Standard Operating Procedure for Reintegration of Ex-Combatants in Somalia
4.) Study on the socioeconomic backgrounds of ex-combatants
5.) Pre-training report outlining proposed curriculum, methodology, and schedule
6.) Training for government and other stakeholders on SOP
7.) Post-training report summarizing training activities, recommendations for future government activities, and outlining necessary follow-up items for IOM
Organizational Arrangements
The Consultant will report directly to the IOM Project Manager (PM) for the Socioeconomic Reintegration of Ex-Combatants and Youth at Risk project, under the general guidance of the IOM DDR Coordinator. The PM will provide some relevant background documents to supplement the Consultant’s research, and will facilitate the Consultant’s activities while in Somalia. Otherwise, the Consultant is expected to be able to work independently and support themselves.
Qualifications
The consultant should possess the following minimum qualifications:
• PhD in a related field or Master’s Degree with additional years of work experience and qualifications will be considered.
• At least 8 years work experience in DDR policy development at the international level; experience related to Somalia an advantage.
• Proven experience producing SOPs or operations manuals for federal government; experience related to Somalia an advantage.
• Superior research, analysis, and writing skills;
• Experience collaborating with high level government officials;
• Fluency in English required; working knowledge of Somali an advantage.
Other
Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment and verification of residency, visa and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable
How to apply:
Interested candidates should submit CV and a cover letter indicating the Vacancy Notice Number (SVN No) and Vacancy Name : Consultant – Development of a Standard Operating Procedure for Reintegration of Ex-Combatants in Somalia. with three professional referees and their contacts (both email and telephone) to:recruitmentsomalia@iom.int
Closing Date: 28 Sep 2016. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Posting period:
From 14.09.2016 TO 28.09.2016