Somalia Diaspora Desk Study, USAID/Somalia Evaluation, Learning, and Monitoring Initiative Project, Kenya at Social Impact

Purpose and Objectives of the Study

• The purpose of the desk study is to help the Mission to understand the role of Somali diaspora in community support, provision of aid and relief measures, and sharing information on migration for women and men in Somalia. USAID would like to understand primary (individual, household, state, sub-clan) levels and secondary levels (community) of the overall relief and aid from the diaspora to Somalia.

The desk study will respond to the following specific questions: -

• What is the economic, social, and political influence of the diaspora in Somalia?
• Where in the US is the diaspora concentrated?
• What are the clan dynamics of the diaspora in the United States? For example, Minnesota (large Majerteen and Habar-gidir clan, Ohio (Dhulbahante and Marexan), marginalized communities (possibly like Bantu) in Tennessee, Washington etc. This will give a broader understanding of the priorities of each state.
• Which other countries are the diaspora concentrated in?
• How can USAID initiate contacts?
• Are there any diaspora networks currently linked with institutions and organizations in Somalia?

Specific Tasks:

The consultant will undertake the following specific tasks:

• Prepare an inception report outlining the proposed research approach, the data collection tools and work plan.
• Participate in an inception meeting with the Mission to share the proposed approach and obtain feedback on any areas that may require adjustment.
• Undertake data collection through review of relevant documents as well as key informant interviews with relevant individuals/organizations (e.g., IOM) who are already engaged in the Somalia diaspora discussion.
• Undertake data analysis and report writing.
• Make a presentation to the Mission on the study findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Prepare and submit a final report complete with relevant annexes.

Deliverables:

• The consultant will produce the following deliverables and submit them to the ELMI COP:
• Inception report, including the proposed research approach, data collection tools and work plan.
• Power Point presentation containing the findings, conclusions, and recommendations from the study
• Final Research Report.

Period of Performance:

• The anticipated period of performance is on or about December 29, 2023 – March 29, 2024.

Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis until December 20, 2023.

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree in political science, economics, or any relevant degree in humanities and social sciences.
• At least 5 years’ experience in research within the Somalia context or any similar context.
• Knowledge and experience of Somalia context and diaspora locations.
• Prior experience working with diaspora.
• Strong networking skills, preferably with existing networks among diaspora and civil society actors.