Consultancy- Study on the Targeting minority and marginalized groups in Cash and Voucher Assistance Programming in Somalia

Introduction
The Somali Cash Consortium (SCC) is a consortium of humanitarian organizations working together to provide cash-based transfers to vulnerable households in Somalia. The SCC is led by Concern Worldwide (Concern) as the lead agency and its Implementing Partners (IPs) Save the Children International (SCI), ACTED, COOPI, Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), Danish Refugee Council (DRC) and IMPACT Initiatives. The SCC aims to provide cash transfers to vulnerable households affected by conflict, displacement, and natural disasters in Somalia and implements both short-term humanitarian assistance and long-term social safety net programmes. Cash transfers allow beneficiaries to purchase the items they need most urgently, whether it be food, shelter, or other basic necessities. By providing cash transfers instead of in-kind aid, the SCC aims to empower beneficiaries to make their own choices and support local markets. The SCC also works closely with local partners and community-based organizations to ensure that the cash transfers reach those who need them most. In addition to providing cash transfers, the SCC also conducts assessments and monitoring to ensure that its programmes are effective and meet the needs of beneficiaries.
SCC ECHO HIP 2023
Under HIP 2023, DG ECHO awarded the SCC to implement a 12 months Integrated Implementation of Multipurpose Cash Assistance to Support the Famine Prevention Response and Crisis-Affected Somali Households project. The action has no predefined focus districts, but targets any locations in Somalia based on needs, following the HCT endorsed Integrated Response Framework (IRF).
Through the Integrated Response Framework, under Result 1 of the project, the SCC is proposing to meet the immediate needs of 25,551 vulnerable drought-affected households with 3-month-cycles of Unconditional Cash Transfers (UCT). The action will target newly displaced populations as well as critically underserved people living in Operational Priority Area (OPA) 1, rural and urban areas classified as hard-to-reach or extreme access constraints. The action will also incorporate, under Result 2, the design and completion of studies/research as well as a guidance document/SoP on a number of topics, including: 1) on minorities targeting in CVA, 2) on the role of gate keepers in CVA programming in Somalia, 3) an update of Hard to Reach learning brief prepared in 2022 and 4) a guidance on nexus programming with shock responsive cash based assistance (CVA and social transfers).
Further, the action will build synergies and coordinate with other resilience and durable solutions programmes, and aims to integrate with other sectoral responses, particularly health, nutrition, WASH and protection.

1. Description/Justification of the study
Somalia/Somaliland’s perceived homogeneity is a myth; there are diverse languages and ethnic communities. Clan heritage plays a pivotal role in Somalia’s social, economic, and political structure. Cultural norms that divide and keep minority groups out of dominant clan cultures are to blame for these issues. These minority groups have low social, economic, and political status because they are seen as inferior and do not have full rights due to racial discrimination, poverty, and political manipulation, minority. Clans are divided into major and minority clans, with the former having dominance and influence. Minority communities, both ethnic and occupational, face discrimination. These groups may not be immediately identifiable externally, making clear distinctions important. Somalia’s population composition is hard to determine due to displacement and lack of recent census data but minority communities could make up around 30% of the population.
In 2021, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland1 conducted a learning review on minority inclusion in Somalia/Somaliland in 2021, revealing pertinent insights that may hampered the objective of delivering humanitarian assistance for those most in need: • Minorities in dedicated settlements faced heightened food insecurity • However, they were less likely to receive food aid/cash or stamps • These communities were more engaged in casual labor • Differential recruitment methods were observed when identifying beneficiaries • Unique community challenges and security risks were identified • Minorities relied on distinct information sources and had limited participation in community affairs • Complaint mechanisms, post-secondary education, and awareness of aid diversion varied. Importantly, awareness of aid diversion was prevalent among all sources.
International actors have provided backing for endeavors in reconciliation and state-building2, with the goal of attaining a political agreement amidst rival political/clan leaders and erecting credible federal and state governance structures. Although notable advancements have been achieved in establishing these institutions, the contribution of international organizations, for example through the implementation of CVA projects remains significant in ensuring the provision of fundamental services.
There are arguments and questions about targeting minorities and marginalized in humanitarian programs, particularly cash and voucher assistance where major clans play a key role in terms of identification and selection. Minority and marginalized groups always have little chance to be included in the targeting lists due to their power vulnerability and influencing decisions within the community. Thus, this study aims to look at the issue and provide additional information on how to improve targeting of minority and marginalized groups in cash and voucher assistance in Somalia.
Main humanitarian response activities has been carried out by SCC implementing partners (SCC IP) in the regions with highest incidence of IPC3+ notably though not limited to: Sool, Sanaag, Togdheer, Nugaal, Mudug, Hiraan, Banadir, Bay, Bakool, Gedo and Lower juba.
1 Source of information: Minority Inclusion Learning Review of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland – Programmes in the Horn of Africa – Somalia | ReliefWeb
2 Source of information: Supporting longer term development in crises at the nexus: Lessons from Cameroon – Cameroon | ReliefWeb

2. Purpose of the assignment
The purpose of this consultancy is to look at current practices used to include minority and marginalized groups in cash and voucher assistance in Somalia; understanding the targeting process, approaches, the role of minority and marginalized groups in the selection of and identification of beneficiaries and provide recommendations to ensure transparency and accountability to minority and marginalized groups targeting in CVA.
The study will cover the following geographical areas: Somaliland for the north – Beletweyne for Shabelle river areas, Lower Shebelle, Bai, Gedo and Lower Juba regions.
3. Research questions
The main research questions the study aims to answer are the following:
• What are the challenges/barriers encountered by minority and marginalized groups in accessing CVA assistance, including an exploration of the underlying causes that give rise to these barrier?
Sub questions:
• What are the barriers faced by minority and marginalized groups in the targeting process of CVA projects?
• What are the roles of minority and marginalized groups in the beneficiary identification and selection process?
• What are the existing practices and processes used by different humanitarian agencies to ensure minority and marginalized groups targeting in cash and voucher assistance in Somalia?
• How these practices and processes can be revised to improve inclusion of minority and marginalized groups in CVA projects in Somalia?
4. Methodology
The chosen methodology should combine qualitative and quantitative approaches to provide a well-rounded understanding of Targeting minority and marginalized groups in Cash and Voucher Assistance Programming in Somalia. The consultant will engage in both in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with gatekeepers and relevant stakeholders. These qualitative methods will capture nuanced insights, experiences, and perspectives. Additionally, quantitative surveys will be administered to a representative sample to gather empirical data, allowing for statistical analysis and trend identification.
The recommendations issued will be based on the analysis of information collected through primary and secondary sources of information. The consultant will conduct an extensive literature review to understand the existing knowledge on minority inclusion in CVA programs, targeting processes, and best practices. The proposal will include stakeholder consultation, including key government agencies, SCC members, and community representatives, through interviews and focus group discussions to gain insights into current practices and challenges. In addition, the consultant will use SCC data base available to select representative CVA programs carried out by SCC members and conduct in-depth case studies to analyze the extent of minority involvement in beneficiary selection and targeting processes. To the extent that security conditions allow, the retained consultant will visit project implementation sites to talk with CVA project practitioners of CVA programs and interact with beneficiaries to gauge their perceptions and experiences.
As part of the methodology it is strongly recommended compare the findings with international standards and best practices in minority inclusion in humanitarian programs and Consult with experts in

the field of minority rights, protection and humanitarian assistance to gain additional perspectives and insights.
After gathering the information, conducting the analysis, and developing the report, the consultant will generate a Learning Briefing paper. This paper will succinctly outline the essential facts and pertinent statistics concerning the subject matter. It will also encompass a set of key messages that emphasize the primary takeaways and implications of the issue. Furthermore, the consultant will provide recommendations aimed at alleviating negative impacts and fostering improved integration of minority groups. These recommendations seek to enhance transparency, accountability, and the representation of minorities within the context of Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) targeting processes.
5. Expected deliverables
During the period of this assignment, the consultant should provide the below deliverables:
• Inception report – refined appropriate study methodology including the analysis framework, study objectives, data collection tools, sampling techniques, and realistic work plan as well as confirming the consultant’s understanding of the ToR.
• One Learning brief/paper (LB) clearly providing deepen understanding of the minority and marginalized groups targeting of CVA in Somalia as well as identifying challenges and gaps:
o Key Facts: Summarize the core facts and statistics related to the subject.
o Key Messages: Highlight the main takeaways and implications of the issue and suggest policy measures to mitigate the adverse effects.
• Write up and submit one Learning Brief to be presented to stakeholders for advocacy.
• Prepare a presentation with findings and recommendations from the research that will be presented through workshops/conferences and through other channels for information and knowledge sharing.
• Produce the final report accommodating the inputs and feedback provided.
• Produce infographics for the study that can be easily used for advocacy purposes.
6. Period of the consultancy
This consultancy assignment will take a maximum of 30 working days, including travel and weekends.
The consultant will provide a detail calendar explaining what the key steps for the consultancy by mentioning the number of days per deliverables and estimated date to complete the task: following are the key deliverables:-

Deliverable 1: Inception report

Deliverable 2: Field work: Information gathering/consultation and data analysis

Deliverable 3: Preliminary draft of the Consultancy report including main findings & key recommendations.

Deliverable 4: Preliminary draft of the Learning Brief (PB) Review & comments from SCC partners & Consultants

Deliverable 5: Final draft report

Deliverable 6: Final Learning Brief (PB) reviewed

Final approval of deliverables (Consultation Report and Learning Brief (LB).

7. Consultant/firm’s Profile
The consultant should be an expert with the following competencies:
• At least 5 years of demonstrated experience in policy & advocacy brief development
• Strong experience in conducting research and assessments
• Experienced in working in Somalia and knowledge of the somali context
• Can undertake part of the information gathering in-country
• Excellent communication and coordination skills
• Fluency in written and spoken English and Somali
• Demonstrated experience and skills in facilitating stakeholder/working group consultations
• Experience in working with Government and NGOs/INGOs/Donors