Terms of Reference (TOR)
Somaliland Nursing& Midwifery Association (SLNMA)
Consultant – Strategic Plan Development
1. Background
The Somaliland Nursing and Midwifery Association (SLNMA) wishes to recruit a consultant or team to support in the development of a five-year strategic plan following on our 2020-2025 strategic plan. This activity is part of the SMILES project which is a 5-year initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada, led by Care International in partnership with the Canadian Association of Midwives (CAM) and SLNMA.
The aim of this project is to contribute to improved SRHR for women and adolescent girls in Somaliland by strengthening the supply of qualified midwives to provide rights-based, gender-responsive services, and enhancing the utilization of midwifery care by women and girls by increasing awareness their SRHR to access these services. The project is also willing to strengthening Midwifery Associations in key organizational areas, such as governance, leadership, resources and infrastructures, processes and policies, capacity and capabilities, and adaptability and resilience. Strengthening midwifery associations is essential to increasing the number of well-educated, qualified Nurses and midwives, thereby expanding access to reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Building strong professional associations with active public engagement is also highlighted as a key strategic direction by the Somaliland Ministry of Health development (MoHD).
Within this framework, SLNMA seeks to engage a consultant to develop a comprehensive Strategic Plan, with a view of defining a clear vision for the association that aligns with the long-term goals of advancing midwifery practices, promoting women's health, and contributing to the overall well-being of communities in Somaliland. This consultancy activities will be conducted between November 2025- March 2026.
2. General Information About This Consultancy
Position Title: Consultant – Strategic Plan Development
Reports To: Somaliland Nursing and Midwifery Association (SLNMA) Executive Director.
Location: Somaliland, Hargeisa, SLNMA office.
Timeline and Duration: 20 non-consecutive working days, to be completed between November 2025 and March 2026.
3. Specific objectives of the assignment:
· To develop a comprehensive Strategic Plan fully aligned with SLNMA future objectives.
· To lead the workshop presenting the draft strategic plan.
· To deliver the final strategic plan for validation and dissemination.
4. Scope of work
The scope of work for the consultant will be based on the development and validation of the strategic plan. The work will be carried out through a combination of remote and in-person activities. Input and ideas from the wider membership, including nurses and midwives based in rural areas, will first be gathered remotely using digital tools, followed by in-person meetings held at the main office of the association.
5. Methodology
The methodology of this strategic plan development process will heavily focus on placing the members of SLNMA central to the entire process to ensure ownership of the strategic plan and its feasibility. From this process SLNMA looks forward to exploring diversity and intersectionality within its members by gathering demographic data which of course will be optional. This will support the SLNMA team understand how social and cultural factors influence members' viewpoints, ensuring representation of all groups in planning and organizational enhancements.
A preparatory phase where the consultant will prepare and conduct focus group discussions with association members.
· Developing and distributing a survey to gather input on key objectives and priorities, with a particular focus on reaching Nurses and midwives in remote areas.
· The first will be a broader meeting involving SLNMA members, during which the consultants will survey nurses and midwives in cities and most importantly in the rural areas.
The strategic plan development
The consultant will
· Hold a second meeting with the SLNMA Board only to collect further data and advice and guidance.
· Is the expected to analyse the data collected, synthesise the results which then can be compiled into a draft strategic plan for SLNMA
· Finally, in a final meeting the consultant will presenting the final draft.
· This final strategic plan will then be validated and disseminated among relevant stakeholders, including MOHD and other authorities.
6. Deliverables
· Membership Survey on the association’s priorities and objectives for the next 5 years
· Meetings reports
· Strategic Plan for the next 5 years
· Structured framework/ How to Guide on to the best practices that SLNMA can use the next time a review/update of the plan is needed.
7. Duties and timeline
· Data and info gathering process by consultant to inform workshop (November 2025)
· Conduct strategic planning workshop (Nov- December 2025)
· Finalize and adopt strategic plan (January 2026)
· Dissemination of strategic plan (Feb- March 2026)
9. Qualifications and Requirements
The consultant is expected to have:
· Advanced degree (MSc or PhD) in Nursing, Midwifery, Public Health, Health Policy, or related field.
· Proven experience in strategic planning, policy development, or health systems strengthening.
· Minimum of 7–10 years professional experience in the health sector, preferably in nursing and midwifery workforce development.
· Strong facilitation skills, with experience conducting stakeholder consultations and workshops.
· Excellent research, analytical, and report writing skills.
· Previous experience in working with associations, professional bodies, or ministries of health is an advantage.
· Ability to deliver outputs within tight deadlines
