Contextual Analysis Consultant

The International Development Law Organization (IDLO), in collaboration with consortium partners, is implementing the Damal Programme — “Strengthening the Social Contract through Access to Justice” — funded by the Government of the Netherlands. The programme is implemented in Somaliland and aims to promote a modernized, inclusive, and community-responsive justice system, including the establishment and operationalization of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centres.

The overall goal of the programme is to contribute to an enhanced social contract between the people and justice providers by increasing the legitimacy of justice institutions. This is pursued through three intermediate outcomes:

1. Improved access to ADR mechanisms and referral pathways, particularly for vulnerable groups.
2. Strengthened access to formal justice for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and other vulnerable groups through holistic support.
3. Enhanced citizen participation in accountability processes related to justice and security service delivery.

Each ADR Centre is mandated to facilitate community-based dispute resolution, promote customary justice practices aligned with human rights standards, and connect communities with broader justice services. These Centres aim to improve access to justice for women, youth, and marginalized communities.

IDLO seeks a qualified expert in contextual analysis to assess how the ADR Centres can strategically expand their roles in conflict prevention and resolution. The analysis will examine not only justice institutions but also the broader security ecosystem, including the police and community-based security structures, to promote more coordinated and responsive approaches to justice and security needs. Under the direct supervision of the IDLO Programme Manager, and in close coordination with consortium partners, ADR Centre teams, and Ministry of Justice counterparts, the consultant will undertake a rigorous and context-sensitive Political Economy Analysis (PEA) to inform the strategic direction, operational positioning, and long-term sustainability of the Damal Programme within the evolving governance, justice, and socio-political landscape of Somaliland and the wider programme areas.

The assignment will analyse the political, institutional, and power dynamics shaping access to justice and the performance of ADR Centres, including incentives, interests, and constraints affecting programme implementation and formal–informal governance relations. It will identify risks, opportunities, and strategic entry points to strengthen institutional ownership and sustainability, particularly in fragile and politically sensitive eastern regions, while examining the broader political economy of justice service delivery, including resource allocation, institutional capacity, patronage dynamics, gender and social inclusion, and barriers affecting vulnerable groups. The findings will generate actionable recommendations to support adaptive programming, strengthen stakeholder engagement and risk mitigation, and enhance the long-term sustainability of ADR and access-to-justice interventions.

Deliverables

• Inception Report: Detailed plan for conducting the PEA, confirming approach, methodology, and analytical focus.
• Stakeholder and Power Mapping: Comprehensive mapping of actors, institutions, and power relations shaping justice, governance, and the ADR environment.
• PEA Report – Draft: Full analytical report examining structural, political, institutional, and socio-economic factors affecting justice and programme implementation.
• Validation Workshop & Presentation: Facilitation of presentation and validation session with the Damal team and key stakeholders.
• Final PEA Report: Final revised PEA report incorporating feedback and ready for programme use.

Please refer to the table with details on key contents and timelines. SOM_VA_Contexual analysis expert_Feb2026.docx

Education and Professional Experience

• Advanced degrees in Law, International Development, Human Rights, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum 10+ years of professional experience in justice programming, including development and implementation.
• Experience working in complex, decentralised, or conflict-affected environments, preferably in the Horn of Africa.
• Familiarity with data management systems, monitoring and evaluation, and knowledge-sharing tools.

Languages

• Outstanding written and verbal skills in English.

Specific knowledge, skills, and competencies

• Proven expertise in designing and leading PEA or similar governance assessments in fragile and conflict-affected states.
• A strong track record of translating PEA findings into actionable programme recommendations is essential.
• In-depth knowledge of the political economy of Somaliland's justice system, including a sophisticated understanding of the informal power structures, clan dynamics, patronage networks, and the relationships between formal state institutions (MoJ, police, judiciary) and non-state actors
• Strong qualitative research skills, including the ability to design semi-structured interview guides, conduct key informant interviews with high-level officials and sensitive actors (e.g., traditional leaders, security officials), and analyse complex, often contradictory, qualitative data
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

The consultant will be engaged under a lump-sum contract that covers all applicable costs, including travel, accommodation, and a daily subsistence allowance (DSA). Payment will be made in tranches based on the completion of deliverables as per the agreed schedule. The consultancy assignment will last 45 working days over 2 months and will be based in Hargeisa, Somaliland.

Applications will be screened on a regular basis; a qualified applicant may be recruited before the deadline. In the interest of making the most effective use of resources, only short-listed candidates will be contacted during the selection process.

IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for IDLO vacancies.

IDLO does not tolerate sexual exploitation or abuse, any kind of harassment, including harassment of a sexual nature, or discrimination. As such, IDLO will conduct careful reference and background checks of all selected candidates as part of its selection process.

Application deadline: 9 March 2026 (23:59hrs Rome Time).