National Programme Officer (Durable Solutions) – Bosaso 49 views5 applications

Context:

Conflict, drought, floods, outbreak of locusts, closure of refugee camps in neighboring countries and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated the displacement situation in Somalia. Finding durable solutions to large-scale and protracted displacement in Somalia has become a priority for national and international stakeholders since 2016. Failure to support Internally Displaced People (IDP) communities will likely result in disenfranchisement, thereby increasing prospects for radicalization, violent behavior and/or criminality. These scenarios pose an overall obstacle to social cohesion and manifest as clan disagreements, ineffective governance and decelerated development in Somalia thereby reducing the prospects to achieve the goals established in the Somalia National Development Plan, the National IDPs and Refugee Returnees Policy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Addressing displacement in Somalia is, therefore, an imperative and urgent priority.

In recognition of the complex challenges posed by mass displacement, the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (DSRSG/RC/HC) launched the Durable Solutions Initiative (DSI). Under the leadership of the DSRSG/RC/HC, the UN system has stepped up its efforts to support durable solutions and progress has been achieved towards making the search for durable solutions a priority for Somalia as reflected in the 2020-2024 National Development Plan (NDP); development of National Durable Solutions (DS) Strategy and ratification of the Kampala Convention.

In view of this, IOM will be leading a consortium composed of UNDP, UN Habitat and Integrated Office of the UN Resident Coordinator for Somalia to implement the Saameynta (Impact) programme that seeks to contribute to: “Reducing the number of people living in forced displacement through leveraging value generated by urbanization and urban infrastructure investment to deliver durable solutions at scale in three Somali cities (Baidoa, Bossaso and Beletweyne)”. The Saameynta programme was developed to address displacement challenges in an innovative manner seeking durable solutions that are affordable and sustainable through addressing specific inter-related systemic blockages, challenges and opportunities.

Under the overall supervision of the Senior Programme Manager (EPC) and the direct supervision of the Programme Manager (DS), the successful candidate will coordinate, and monitor the implementation of the EPC interventions, providing technical guidance to Saameynta Programme in Bossaso district of Puntland State in Somalia.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Support EPC management to liaise, establish and/or maintain cordial working relationships with relevant Government focal points for the effective implementation of EPC activities at Puntland Federal Member State level and in particular, Bossaso district.
2. Work with the project management team, local authorities, communities and partners to ensure that Displacement Affected Communities (DACs) can effectively participate in public affairs as full citizens with equal rights to make independent planning decisions that advance their access to services and livelihoods.
3. Participate in the development of roadmaps, strategies and policies for scaling up durable solutions from Federal to Municipal levels.
4. Plan, develop, implement and report capacity building initiatives to strengthen DACs, Local Authorities and relevant stakeholders on social cohesion and social accountability.
5. Actively contribute to the feasibility assessments, development of context appropriate Community Managed Funds, designing of training materials as well as organizing and facilitating capacity building exercises working with relevant partners to strengthen Local Community Fund Mobilization and Management.
6. Provide technical guidance and support to Local Authorities, EPC and Consortium members to plan, organize and execute local and international fora with donors, diaspora and private sector to present development briefs that increase the investment potential of target sites.
7. Prepare project updates and briefs in coordination with the Programme Manager (DS) and communicate with relevant Government Ministries/Departments on a bimonthly/monthly basis at Federal Member State and Municipal levels to clarify plans and implementation status as well as technical issues that may need to be addressed.
8. Monitor, research and analyze information/data on socio-political events/developments in the country, state, district and durable solutions priorities, trends and strategies in view of supporting efforts for project implementation, risk management, project development and harnessing fundraising opportunities.
9. In liaison with the Monitoring and Reporting Officer, undertake regular field visits to monitor the quality of work and review the performance of community-based projects, implementing partners and recommend action to the Programme Manager (DS).
10. Support Programme Manager (DS) and Monitoring and Reporting Officer, when needed, on activity updates and donor reporting.
11. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, International Relations, and Business Administration or other related fields from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or
• Bachelor’s degree in the above-mentioned fields with four years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Experience in IDP/returnee reintegration and community driven development initiatives.
• Previous work experience in coordinating with local and state government authorities, UN agencies and civil society organizations.

Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge in urbanization, durable solutions, stabilization and peacebuilding concepts.
• Demonstrated proficiency and knowledge of information technology in Microsoft Office applications especially Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Good teamwork, ability to work independently, effective communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to conduct training and impart knowledge effectively.
• Skills in information monitoring, analysis and synthesis.

Languages

• Fluency in English and Somaliboth written and spoken is required. Working knowledge of Swahili and Arabic will be advantageous.

Required Competencies

Values

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
• Integrity and transparency: maintain high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators level 1

• Teamwork: develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner; is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own action and delegated work.
• Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Other

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this special vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment and verification of residency, visa and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.

Only candidates residing in either the country of the duty station or from a location in a neighbouring country that is within commuting distance of the duty station will be considered. In all cases, a prerequisite for taking up the position is legal residency in the country of the duty station, or in the neighbouring country located within commuting distance, and work permit, as applicable.