Invitation For Consultancy Review and Improve Local Government Act/Laws and Regulations and recommend clauses to mainstream IDP issues

The Government of Puntland State through the Ministry of Interior, Local Governments, and Democratization, and in collaboration with the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), and with funding from the International Displaced Solutions Fund (IDSF), established a Financing Durable Solutions Initiative for Forcibly Displaced People (FDPs) facility.

The Financing Durable Solutions Initiative for Forcibly Displaced People (FDPs) is designed to promote equitable access to social services and economic opportunities for forcibly displaced persons in host cities in developing countries so that they have a better quality of life with dignity. The specific objective of the initiative is to enable forcibly displaced persons to be sustainably financed in the host cities in target countries. Four key results are expected from the project:

·       Result 1: Established local policy and regulatory framework that creates an enabling environment for FDPs to have access to legal rights, services, and social-economic opportunities.

·       Result 2: Improved local capacity in increasing own source revenues and strengthening fiscal health.

·       Result 3: Financing mechanisms designed to unlock private capital for municipal projects that are economically productive with the capacity to absorb commercial funding.

·       Result 4: Financing and technical assistance provided to create jobs and economic opportunities for FDPs.

This is a 4-year regional project funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and other partners. Pilot countries include Uganda, Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia. The pilot cities in phase I of the project include Gulu and Arua (Uganda), and Baidoa and Bosaso (Somalia). The project aims to provide support to 3-5 inclusive infrastructure projects per city and enable up to 15 catalytic MSMEs to promote job creation and economic opportunities for IDPs. Therefore, the Puntland Ministry of Interior Local Government and Democratization (MOIFAD) is seeking local consultants to support with project implementation

The primary objective of this consultancy is to conduct a comprehensive review of existing local government laws, and regulations and recommend amendments or new provisions to ensure they are inclusive of IDPs. The revised legal framework should, among other things.

1. Strengthen the legal recognition and protection of IDPs within local governance structures.
2. Ensure equitable access to essential services for IDPs, including healthcare, education, and employment.
3. Ensure the participation of IDPs in decision-making and governance at the local level and enable their full integration into society and access to resources.
4. Promote IDP access to socio-economic opportunities, and platforms that will enable them to participate in planning processes and decision making
5. Improve coordination between local authorities and humanitarian actors in responding to and integrating IDPs into host communities.

The consultant(s) will undertake the following key tasks:

1. Legal and Policy Review

• Conduct an in-depth analysis of existing local government acts, laws, and regulations at federal and subnational levels.
• Identify legal gaps and barriers related to IDP inclusion, access to services, and participation in governance.
• Benchmark best practices from other countries with similar displacement contexts to inform recommendations.
• Assess the alignment of existing legal frameworks with international human rights and IDP protection standards.

2. Stakeholder Consultations

• Engage with key government institutions, including the Ministry of Interior and Local Authorities, to gather insights on IDP inclusiveness in governance.
• Conduct focus group discussions with IDP communities to understand their challenges, needs, and perspectives.
• Consult civil society organizations (CSOs), humanitarian agencies, and development partners to integrate their experiences and recommendations.
• Assess the capacities of local governance actors in implementing IDP-inclusive policies and identify gaps requiring support.

3. Recommendations and Drafting of Amendments

• Table a report on the findings
• Develop clear set of recommendations for amending local government laws and regulations to enhance IDP inclusion.
• Draft necessary legal provisions that improve IDP protection, improve access to services and legal rights, improve access to opportunities, and governance participation.
• Propose clauses in laws and regulations that  local government of Bosaso should  implement to ensure IDP-inclusive laws and regulations, including resource allocation, institutional strengthening, and community engagement.

4. Validation and Finalization

• Organize stakeholder workshops to present findings, legal recommendations, and draft amendments.
• Gather stakeholder feedback, refine recommendations, and finalize proposed amendments.
• Submit a comprehensive report with final recommendations, legal provisions, and an implementation strategy for IDP-inclusive governance frameworks

The consultant(s) will be responsible for delivering the following key outputs:

Education:

• Advanced degree in Law, Public Policy, Human Rights, or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in legal and policy analysis, particularly in local governance and human rights law.
• Extensive experience in IDP rights, humanitarian law, and social inclusion.
• Strong knowledge of Somalia’s governance and legal frameworks, including federal and subnational structures.
• Proven experience conducting stakeholder consultations and drafting legal amendments.
• Sound understanding of the Somali context

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Excellent drafting and writing abilities.
• Strong communication and facilitation skills.
• Ability to present complex legal concepts in a clear and accessible manner.
• Experience working with government institutions and development partners.

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their applications, including:

• A detailed CV
• A cover letter explaining relevant experience
• Copies of academic and professional credentials
• Three professional references

Applications should be sent to hr@moifad.pl.so, with a copy to info.moifad@plstate.so Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Deadline for applications March 06, 2025-April 06, 2025

Note: When applying, please clearly indicate the position title in the subject line of the email. Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply