Terms of Reference: Consultant to Develop the Somaliland Civil Society for Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN CSN) Network Strategy

About ACRIF

The African Children’s Rights Foundation (ACRIF) is one of the leading child rights organisations in Africa, with more than two decades of experience in child rights programming in the region. ACRIF’s programmes focus on the needs of the most vulnerable populations, particularly children, adolescent girls, and women, who are at the heart of its humanitarian and development efforts — because experience shows that their gains translate into benefits for families and communities. ACRIF’s extensive reach and long-standing reputation as a leader in child rights distinguish it from other organisations. Founded in 2008, ACRIF is the Chair and host organisation of the Somaliland Civil Society Network for Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN CSN).

1. Background and Justification

Adequate nutrition is fundamental to human health, cognitive development, productivity, and sustainable development. Despite progress in public health, malnutrition in all its forms—including stunting, wasting, micronutrient deficiencies, and diet-related diseases—remains a significant challenge in Somaliland.

Addressing these challenges requires coordinated, multi-sectoral action across health, agriculture, livestock, education, WASH, social protection, and other sectors. The SUN Movement recognises civil society as a critical actor in this response.

The SUN CSN brings together NGOs, community-based organisations, professional associations, and other civil society actors working on nutrition and food systems across Somaliland. However, the Network currently lacks a comprehensive, costed strategy to guide collective advocacy, accountability, capacity strengthening, resource mobilisation, and joint action.

There is therefore a need for a clear, evidence-based, locally owned strategy that enables the Network to coordinate its members, speak with one voice, influence policy and financing, strengthen accountability, and contribute effectively to Somaliland’s nutrition priorities.

ACRIF, on behalf of the SUN CSN Network, is therefore seeking a qualified consultant or consulting firm to lead the development of this strategy through a participatory and member-driven process.