VNG International

VNG International is the International Cooperation Agency of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG) and has been established in 1993. Being part of VNG, one of the oldest and strongest local government associations in the world, our roots in local government are deep. Through projects and programmes in 45 countries annually on average, we provide institutional capacity development interventions for local government authorities, their national associations, government training institutes and national government agencies and decentralisation task forces.

Our portfolio is financed through a variety of donors, including the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, EU agencies, World Bank, and other national and multilateral institutions. Our head office is located in The Hague, employing around 50 people, while our daughter company International Development Center for Innovative Local Governance (CILG) is located in Tunis.

We are actively involved in global and European advocacy networks of local government authorities, local government associations, and in platforms of development agencies on governance programming. Our unique profile enables us to cross-fertilize and provide services for clients that better suit the needs of the beneficiaries. “Local government” is part of our identity: we are of, for, and together with local governments.

Sustainable Development through improved Local Governance (SDLG)

The SDLG programme is a strategic partnership between VNG International and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands that runs from January 2022 to December 2026. The overall objective of this programme is to enable local governments to shape a more sustainable future. It will be implemented in at least 9 different countries, divided over 4 specific themes. One of the countries where the programme will be implemented is Somalia. The overall objective of SDLG Somalia is to strengthen the social contract between local authorities and youth through Inclusive Local Economic Development (ILED). The idea behind this approach is that local governments who are able to better fulfil their mandate in promoting ILED will gain more trust from citizens, thus strengthening the social contract, which in the long run should lead to more legitimate stability.

In line with this objective, the project will focus on four specific outcomes:

1. Improving policies, decision-making and services for durable economic growth
2. Elevating (female) leadership within target locations and the Local Government Association for economic development
3. Empowering the youth in target locations affected by the lack of economic opportunities
4. Enhancing intergovernmental coordination for economic development

Responsibilities

The Resident Programme Manager is responsible for the local planning and implementation of SDLG Somalia in the target locations. S/he will be accountable to the Programme Director in The Hague and will liaise closely with the Finance Manager and Meal Expert of the project, the Governance Advisor and the Resident Programme Manager of VNG International’s other programme implemented in Puntland State, Somalia. The activities to be carried out and specific responsibilities are listed below:

Coordination, representation and facilitation:

• Represent VNG International through SDLG Somalia locally and participate in relevant networks;
• Coordinating and participating in the SDLG Somalia advisory committee meetings;
• Liaison with beneficiaries and stakeholders (governmental, non-governmental, private sector), incl. other development agencies active in the ILED/governance sector to ensure synergies and maximum impact for SDLG Somalia;
• Coordination with various projects stakeholders including facilitation of local and international experts’ missions with all related logistical and administrative requirements;
• Office management for the SDLG project on behalf of VNG International in Garowe;
• Harmonisation and liaison with the Resident Programme Manager of VNG International’s other programme and the Governance Advisor in Puntland State, Somalia, on a frequent basis to share updates, knowledge and experiences on the implementation of both programmes;
• Contribute to the recruitment and supervision of VNG International local staff.

Implementation:

• Monitor project progress, regular check-ins with all locally based key stakeholders to discuss progress on activity, output and outcome level;
• Coordination and preparation of project activity plans / reports / Terms of Reference according to agreed formats and timing (e.g., based on grant decision), in cooperation with the MEAL expert and including periodic revision of the ToC;
• Assist with the development and implementation of project activities together with international and national VNG experts;
• Monitor that planning and reporting deadlines are kept and that related contributions are in alignment with agreed formats and quality standards;
• Supervision of financial administration in cooperation with the Finance manager;
• Regular harmonisation and liaison with VNG International home office and team members of other VNG’s projects implemented in Puntland State, Somalia.

Technical assistance:

Designing and providing technical assistance (to public authorities in the field of local governance and ILED (supported by local technical advisors/consultants).

Requirements

We are looking for someone who meets the selection requirements set out below.

Education:

University degree (Master or equivalent) in a relevant field (e.g., Public or Business administration). Specialisation in relation to LED is considered a strong asset.

Professional experience:

• General: At least 7 years of professional experience in the international development sector in the field of governance and LED, of which at least 5 years in senior management. Experience with Dutch-funded programmes is an asset;
• Specific: At least 5 years of recent professional experience in the above sector in the Horn of Africa, preferably in Puntland State, Somalia;
• Experience in working with local governments/districts in the area.

Skills and competencies:

• Excellent verbal and written competency in English and Somali;
• Strong management skills and excellent interpersonal communication skills;
• Project Cycle Management, MEAL, Political Economy Analysis;
• Accuracy in (financial) administration;
• Team management, facilitation, mediation and moderation skills;
• Networking skills, with interpersonal, organizational and intercultural sensitivity. Already having a government network is considered an asset;
• Ability to plan and coordinate pro-actively and work in an organized manner;
• Interdisciplinary attitude: Ability to identify and promote complementary contributions of staff and partner organisations;
• Gender and conflict sensitivity;
• Computer literate (Microsoft Office, Teams, Zoom, common online project management tools);
• Strong vision and commitment towards localization.