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1.0 Introduction
American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) is a Quaker organization that includes people of various faiths who are committed to social justice, peace, and humanitarian service. Guided by the Quaker belief in the divine light of each person, AFSC works with communities and partners worldwide to challenge unjust systems and promote lasting peace. AFSC has more than 100 years of experience building peace in communities worldwide and works in the following ways: bridging and convening, community organizing and civil society strengthening, advocacy, research, and analysis. It seeks to change situations and systems that lead to violence. Much of AFSC’s work includes support to opportunities for dialogue and capacity building led by the affected communities.
2.0 About the Somalia Program
The Somalia program works in Kenya’s Mogadishu, Kismayu, Bosaso port, Dhobley, and Dadaab Refugee Complex, which hosts 95% of the Somali refugees. Over the years, AFSC has implemented a sustainable Peace and Migrations program targeting the youth to positively transform the prevailing context of violent conflicts in Somalia into a more secure, productive, and just place. The program has empowered young people with peacebuilding, leadership, Safe Migration, and advocacy skills to support them to take leading roles in peacebuilding, reconciliation, and rebuilding cohesive communities in Somalia
3.0 The Problem Statement
Trauma recovery and healing among the young and community members have remained one of the biggest challenges. Decades of conflict in Somalia have caused widespread trauma, broken social cohesion, and undermined justice systems. Most peacebuilding efforts in the country have not adequately addressed the psychological wounds and unresolved injustices that perpetuate cycles of violence and marginalization. Despite the impact of trauma on citizens, families, and society, little to no attention is paid to the long-term impact of trauma on the individual and collective psyche. In this context, a more holistic peacebuilding strategy is urgently needed to integrate trauma recovery and community-based justice. AFSC has recognized that there are attempts by several organizations in Somalia to address trauma recovery and healing, but with mixed results, practices, gaps, and innovation. To inform future programming on trauma recovery as a catalyst for social cohesion in Somalia, AFSC This research intends to explore the role of trauma recovery and healing as a catalyst for social cohesion in Somalia.
4.0 Research Purpose
To understand how trauma healing contributes to building and sustaining peace among communities, especially youth affected by conflict in Somalia.
5.0 Objectives of the Consultancy
5.1 Assess the common psychological, social, and intergenerational impacts of conflict-related trauma on the youth, individuals, and community members in Somalia.
5.2 Identify and assess the effectiveness of trauma healing initiatives or approaches currently implemented in Somalia to address emotional wounds and promote recovery.
5.3 Examine to what extent trauma healing influences trust building, reconciliation, cohesion, and reduction of violence
5.4 Examine the difference in the effectiveness of trauma healing programs across different demographic groups (e.g., women, youth etc.)
5.5 Explore culturally relevant and community-driven healing practices used in Somali society.
5.6 Provide recommendations for integrating trauma healing into broader peacebuilding and post-conflict recovery strategies.
6. The Scope of the Assignment
The consultancy will be conducted in Somalia, specifically in Mogadishu, Bosaso, Kismayo, Dhobley, and Dadaab refugee camps in Northeastern Kenya. The target groups are communities, including IDPs, refugees, and Host Communities.
The applicants are expected to propose research methodology and data collection techniques that would help achieve the research’s stated goals and objectives.
7. Deliverables
The consultant will:
- Develop a detailed inception report with detailed research methodology, timeline, and data collection tools and present to AFSC for comments.
- Draft Report: This is a Full analytical research report with case studies and policy recommendations,
- Validation Workshop: Presentation of findings and facilitation of a feedback session –
- Final Report: A revised report
8. Required Qualifications and Experience
- Advanced Degree in Peace and Conflict Studies, Psychology, Transitional Justice, or a related field.
- Proven experience conducting field-based qualitative research in fragile or conflict-affected settings.
- Demonstrated understanding of trauma healing and peacebuilding in the Horn of Africa, particularly Somalia.
- Experience working with or alongside Somali civil society, women’s groups, or traditional leaders is a strong advantage.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; having a team member knowledgeable in the Somali language is a plus.
- Strong facilitation skills and a commitment to ethical, participatory research methods.
9. Consultancy period
The consultancy will be for 25 days in total during the month of June and first week of July 2025.
How to apply
All interested applicants who meet the required qualifications and experience are invited to submit their applications including:
- An expression of interest outlining their suitability and approach (maximum two pages)
- CV and references
- Two samples of previous research or publications
- Technical and budget proposal (excluding travel and field expenses)
Applications should reach AFSC on or before 10th June 2025 and be sent to:
The Sub Regional Representative
P.O. Box 66448 – 00800 Nairobi, Kenya.
email: [email protected]
