Short description of the contract or purchase(s)
The entity will be responsible for supporting consolidation of peace through support to elections, civic education and civil society, in line with the Danish rationale and objectives, as explained below.
The new Somalia Country Programme (2015-2018) is structured around two thematic programmes. This call is in support of the Thematic Programme 1 on Governance. The objective of the thematic programme is to consolidate basic governance institutions at the local and national levels, in line with a long-term ambition for Somalia to develop transparent, participatory and accountable government institutions and practice.
The objective of the proposed development cooperation is to consolidate peace in the Somali region by strengthening peaceful and locally owned democratisation processes that contribute to cross-regional Somali democratisation.
The context in which the engagement takes place and the achievements it seeks are as follows:
— This engagement aims to support inclusive and participatory governance processes at the regional and federal level in Somalia, and to build the capacity of administrations and civil society to develop democratic systems and practices.
— The activities undertaken through the engagement should include a) training for and /or advising of electoral commissions at the regional and national level, b) development of and support to civil society organisations conducting research in the promotion of participatory governance, including identifying the needs and priorities of citizens, and c) support to local civil society in promoting events of reconciliation.
— A wide variety of governance and election activities are taking place across Somalia with a range of actors; this engagement should aim to work in close cooperation with other actors to improve transparency and accountability.
— Denmark has supported democratisation and electoral support in previous years, with good results. Capacity-building is required to consolidate the gains made in the democratic process and embed these gains into the legal framework.
— The Danish contribution to electoral institutions helps to build capable rights holders and duty bearers that support active citizen participation.
Denmark is tendering for this engagement in order to achieve the following:
— Relevance: The entity should have a goal of working with both government bodies on electoral issues and with citizens on peacebuilding and trust, thus linking to TP1. The program should link closely with PSG1 (Inclusive Politics).
— Effectiveness: The entity should be able to demonstrate effectiveness through previous funding, either from Danish or other international sources.
— Efficiency: The entity should show efficiency by developing lasting relationships with local partners and by leveraging the cost advantages of long-term partnerships in Somalia.
— Impact: The entity should aim to provide direct impact through elections, passage of laws concerning the democratic process and passage of laws that are drafted by civil society.
— Sustainability: The entity should ensure sustainability through close cooperation with both government officials and civil society.
Specific requirements:
The outcomes of the proposed engagement by 2018 are expected to be:
— Civil society and community leaders successfully advocate for legislative change on behalf of citizens, including women and marginalised groups.
— Communities in conflict-prone areas have greater access to innovative platforms for reconciliation.
— Democratic processes are deepened through institutional strengthening and electoral processes take place in a peaceful and credible fashion.
— Public knowledge, understanding, and participation in democratic practices is enhanced through civic education and other forms of outreach.
Anticipated activities could include, at the discretion of the entity:
— Conducting studies on possible conflict resolution and stabilisation approaches.
— Strengthening partner institutions both within the government and civil society.
— Gender mainstreaming, youth outreach and disability mainstreaming.
— Support civil society and government partners in reaching out to citizens during the electoral processes in Somalia, Somaliland and Puntland.
— Work with partners to establish a more solid legal framework for elections and constitutional issues.
The call for tender concerns Somaliland, Puntland and South Central Somalia. It is anticipated that all areas will be covered by the selected entity.
Requirements for relevant references of candidates applying for Pre-qualification:
— Experience with similar governance and peace-building programmes from Somalia.
— A track record of working with the communities and regional/local institutions in which they intend to implement the programme.
— A solid understanding of the Somali Compact and the linkages between various UN programmes (or similar) developed under the compact and the activities to take place under this programme.
— Experience developing a Gender Action Plan, a Human Rights Action Plan and a Climate Change Action Plan.