Terms of Reference (TOR) For Development of Single-Country Concept Note for Submission to the Adaptation Fund

Terms of Reference

Development of Single-Country Concept Note for Submission to the Adaptation Fund

1.      Introduction and Background

Climate Justice, Food, Water & Nutrition is one of CARE Internationals program pillars in Somalia that focuses on contributing to climate related programming, increased food security and improved access to water and nutrition for vulnerable populations. It aims to achieve this by promoting gender-responsive, climate-smart and sustainable crop and livestock production, livelihood diversification, financial services and markets for pastoralists and smallholder farmers, promoting WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), and strengthening early warning systems and contingency planning at the family and community levels.

The Adaptation Fund supports climate adaptation projects and programmes in developing countries climate vulnerable communities to the adverse effects of climate change. In line with this mandate, CARE Somalia, in collaboration with national stakeholders, intends to prepare and submit a Single-Country Concept Note (CN) to the Adaptation Fund. The CN will focus on priority climate adaptation needs in Somalia, addressing vulnerabilities across sectors such as water, environment, agriculture livelihoods and polices, with particular emphasis on climate resilient programming. The process will align with Somalia’s NTP, Nationally Determinants Contribution 3.0 (NDC), National adaptation plan (NAP), sector policies, and the Adaptation Fund’s strategic results framework.

Given the technical complexity, cross-sectoral nature, and strict timelines of the CN preparation process, CARE Somalia seeks to engage a highly qualified external consultant to provide technical leadership and coordinate the formulation, validation, and submission of the CN.

2.      Objectives

The overall objective is to lead the end-to-end development of a technical robust, nationally endorsed, and Adaptation Fund  compliant Single-Country Concept Note for Somalia, ready for submission to the Adaptation Fund Secretariat.

Specific Objectives:

• Lead the development of the climate rationale and theory of change for the CN.
• Develop data-driven, technology and scientific Concept Note that focus on Somalia climate adaptation interventions.
• Align proposed interventions with Somalia’s national policies, strategies, and the AF strategic framework.
• Conduct and synthesize stakeholder consultations, ensuring the integration of community-validated climate vulnerabilities and solutions.
• Ensure technical and policy coherence across priority sectors.
• Support cost-effectiveness analysis, environmental and social risk screening, and results framework development.
• Produce a complete, submission-ready CN in line with AF requirements.

3. Scope of Work

 The consultant will carry out:

i)                    Climate Rationale and Problem Analysis:

• Review existing climate data, projections, and vulnerability assessments relevant to Somalia.
• Facilitate the development of a problem tree and solution tree through participatory processes.
• Define the climate adaptation challenge and underpin it with robust evidence.

 ii)                  Stakeholder Engagement:

• Identify and consult key stakeholders (government, NGOs, CSOs, private sector, community representatives).
• Ensure gender and social inclusion in all consultations.
• Document and integrate stakeholder inputs into the CN.

 iii)                CN Development:

• Develop the theory of change, including clear pathways of change, assumptions, and sustainability measures.
• Design project components, outputs, and outcomes in alignment with AF’s results framework.
• Prepare the budget framework and indicative work plan.
• Conduct cost-effective analysis and environmental and social risk screening using UNEP SRIF.

 iv)                Validation and Finalization:

• Present the draft CN to stakeholders for validation.
• Incorporate feedback and finalize the CN for submission.

 4. Methodology

 The consultant is expected to employ a participatory and evidence-based approach, combining:

• Desk review of relevant literature, national policies, and climate assessments.
• Structured stakeholder consultations (virtual and/or in-person).
• Logical framework analysis and theory of change development.
• Alignment with the Adaptation Fund CN template and guidance.

 5. Deliverables

(i)      Inception Report – including methodology, detailed work plan, and stakeholder engagement plan.

(ii)    Draft CN – complete in all sections of the AF template, including annexes.

(iii)  Validation Workshop Report – documenting feedback from stakeholders.

(iv)  Final Submission-Ready CN – incorporating all revisions and meeting AF requirements.

6. Timelines

• Contract Signing: Early Sept 2025
• Inception Report: Mid Sept 2025
• Stakeholder Consultations and Draft CN Submission: 25 September 2025
• Validation Workshop and Final CN Submission: 12 October 2025

Skills and qualifications

7. Expertise, Requirements and Qualifications

• A technical proposal detailing the consultant’s understanding of the task, proposed methodologies, expected activities and deliverables, proposed work plan, and the composition of the consultancy team to be engaged, if any, in PDF format.
• PhD or Master’s degree in Climate Change, Environmental Policy, Development Studies, or related field.
• At least 10 years’ professional experience in climate adaptation planning and project design.
• Proven track record in developing successful climate finance proposals, preferably for the Adaptation Fund, GCF, or GEF.
• Strong familiarity with Somalia’s climate change context and policy environment.
• Experience with multi-stakeholder consultations and participatory design approaches.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and facilitation skills.
• Fluency in English; Somali language skills an asset
• at least three references associated with the submitted work experience.

8. Management and Coordination

The consultant will report to CARE Somalia’s Climate Justice Pillar Coordinator and work closely with the MoECC and UNEP.

9. Level of Effort and Payment Schedule

• Total LOE: Up to 35 days.
• Payment Terms:
  • 40% upon approval of inception report.
  • 60% upon submission and approval of final CN

How to apply

All applicants must submit their proposals to this email address: SOM.Consultant@care.org, clearly marking the subject line “Development of Single-Country Concept Note for Submission to the Adaptation Fund”. Applications must be submitted no later than 03 September 2025, at 11:59 PM EAT. Links will not be accepted.