TERMS OF REFERENCE
Oxfam is a global movement of people who are fighting inequality to end poverty and injustice. Across regions, from the local to the global, we work with people to bring change that lasts.
OVERVIEW
Title and brief description of the assignment
Legal Advisor (Firm) should be available for Oxfam Somalia/Somaliland Country Office to assist and advocate, when there is a need for legal advises or legal representation while carrying its operations on day-to-day basis
Assignment location
Somalia/Somaliland
Contract start date
15th February 2026 (tentatively)
How to apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit with the following documents:
1) A technical proposal highlighting legal consultations and court representation thoughts
2) Updated resume for the lead legal advisor and updated company profile.
3) Evidence of conducting previous similar work by providing minimum two signed contracts with similar INGOs.
4) Two relevant references (minimum) for similar services
5) Proof of registration and tax clearance: The bidders also must include a copy of their registration with the different authorities in Somaliland and Somalia with their respective tax clearance
6) Consultancy fees on quarterly basis covering all the activities listed in paragraph “I” above.
7) Registration of the existing legal bodies or associations in Somalia/Somaliland
Application deadline
31 January 2026
Specific considerations
1. Background
Oxfam wants to see a Somalia where poor women and youth are able to thrive and survive in safety and dignity in spite of the stresses and shocks, they face. We do this by creating equitable access to and increased control over productive resources, wider access to sustainable and positive livelihoods, improving basic service delivery, access to impartial humanitarian aid, and poor women and youth having influence over decision making processes at all levels.
Oxfam aims to empower women and young people to advocate for and claim their rights. We work to improving gender equality, inclusivity for all and strengthen social organizations, as stable and accountable local institutions are necessary to tackle inequalities, poor justice system, exclusion of marginalized groups in decision making etc.
1. Duties and Tasks:
PART I
I. Legal Advice and Support:
1. To provide advice and guidance in legal matters related to Organization operations.
2. To assist the design of high value contracts and agreements with compliance of the Governments of Somalia, Somaliland and Puntland ensuring all the Organizations interaction with other parties are the best interest of the Organization.
3. To support programme teams in areas requiring legal support
4. To analyze legal complaints received by the Organization assessing the nature and the pattern of the complaints and prepare case briefs to check its legal significance.
5. To investigate legal complaints against Organization and help resolution of disputes in informal way, unless it deems necessary otherwise.
6. To update Organization about all legal circulations and legal references that is issued by the governments of Somalia, Somaliland and Puntland which has direct impact to its operations.
PART II
II. Legal Representation
To represent the organization in front of the court when there is a legal case that involves the organization.
To deliver and submit any documents concerning organization from the courts.
To present and raise complaint in favor of the organization to the courts after receiving necessary autonomy from the concerning authority.
To defend the organization from any legal action that may arise against it in front of any authority.
To represent the organization in front of arbitrators if there are any.
The Law Firm shall avoid taking any decision that may reflect legal responsibility to the organization without prior approval by competent officer of the organization.
To avoid renouncing any right due to the organization.
2. Duration of Service:
This will start with Two years framework agreement contract with the possibility of extension.
3. Payment Procedures
a) Payment will be on quarterly basis. Oxfam will pay the legal firm the contract price in full at the end of every quarter, subject to confirmation from the HR that the Advisor is meeting their responsibility under this contract.
b) This fee will cover all the activities listed in paragraph “I” above.
c) If there is a court case against the organization and the Firm is required to represent the organization, any extra fee for this will be negotiated depending on the case at hand.
d) The currency of payment is in US Dollars and should be inclusive of all applicable taxes. Any conversion from other currencies shall be calculated on the basis of documented rates of conversion at the time the payment is made.
