Overview of position
The client is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.
It has been operating in Somalia since 1995, providing implementation and advisory support for various development initiatives in the areas of infrastructure, project management, procurement and financial services. Based in Mogadishu, the Somalia Country Office is currently implementing projects across Somalia. From delivering high quality infrastructure for public services to facilitating the reform of the security sector and supporting crisis recovery, UNOPS is an established partner of government and donors alike in Somalia's path towards reconstruction and state-building.
Somalia Country Office
Somalia is amid major new political and security developments that will offer a greater possibility for peace and security than the country has seen in over 20 years. The Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), established in 2012, and international community have driven a process of rebuilding of functioning government institutions and processes through Somalia’s peacebuilding and state-building priorities under the Somali Compact (2013-2016), based on the Busan “New Deal for Engagement in Fragile States” agreement. The Somalia National Transformation Plan (2025-2029), builds on this foundation laid by the Compact and sets the priorities for national recovery and development in full collaboration with national and regional governments. A landmark electoral process in late 2016 and early 2017 resulted in a peaceful transfer of power to a new President and government, in place since February and March 2017 respectively. The government has set out an ambitious agenda for its term (the period to 2021). At the London Somalia Conference in May 2017, a Security Pact was agreed by Somalia and the international community, which will allow for sustainable, long-term security based on mutual accountability
largely focused on assisting partners with the implementation of physical infrastructure projects including construction and rehabilitation of rule-of-law infrastructure, transport infrastructure (roads, airports) and public administration infrastructure. UNOPS also plays a leading role in supporting the Somali Government and the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia in Rule of Law Programming, including through the delivery of police stipends, procurement of non-lethal supplies and logistics through the Joint Police Programme (JPP).
Role objectives
Functions / Key Results Expected
Political and Security Situation Reporting
● Collect and compile information through consultations with relevant stakeholders, implementing partners, civil society organisations, electoral stakeholders, and other local interlocutors across the assigned area of responsibility.
● Monitor and track key developments related to governance processes, political dynamics, and electoral developments that may influence project implementation.
● Conduct consultations with project stakeholders, including implementing partners and beneficiaries, and undertake field visits where appropriate.
● Analyse emerging trends and contextual developments in the political, governance, and security environment that may affect project activities.
● Prepare concise situational analysis notes highlighting relevant political and governance developments and their potential implications for project implementation.
● Contribute to internal briefings and discussions within the project team to support ongoing analysis of contextual developments.
Support to Field Missions and Stakeholder Engagement
● Maintain regular engagement with relevant stakeholders, including government institutions, civil society organisations, implementing partners, and other actors involved in governance and electoral processes.
● Support the preparation of background notes and contextual briefings to inform field visits and stakeholder consultations undertaken as part of project implementation.
● Facilitate dialogue and information exchange with relevant stakeholders to support project activities and consultations.
● Identify relevant stakeholders and support the coordination of meetings or consultations related to project activities.
● Contribute to brief summaries of stakeholder engagements and consultations to support internal project follow-up.
Monitoring of EU-Funded Projects
● Undertake field visits to selected activities implemented under the project, including initiatives supporting governance processes, civic participation, and electoral processes where applicable.
● Engage with implementing partners, beneficiaries, and stakeholders to gather information on the implementation and progress of project-supported activities.
● Assess implementation progress in relation to project objectives and planned outputs.
● Identify operational challenges, contextual risks, and emerging opportunities that may affect project activities.
● Analyse local governance dynamics and contextual factors that may influence project implementation, including developments related to electoral processes.
● Prepare concise monitoring notes based on field observations and consultations with stakeholders.
● Provide observations and recommendations to support effective project implementation and internal project management discussions.
● Communication and Stakeholder Engagement Support
● Facilitate effective communication and information exchange with stakeholders engaged in project-supported governance and electoral activities.
● Engage with government institutions, implementing partners, civil society organisations, and community representatives in both Somali and English language environments.
● Support the preparation of concise written summaries, notes, and briefings arising from stakeholder consultations and field engagements.
● Ensure that information gathered through consultations is accurately captured and communicated to support internal project coordination and implementation.
Project reporting
Reporting Activity
Purpose
Frequency
Inception Report
Provide an initial overview of the political and operational context, outline the proposed methodological approach, and present a work plan for the assignment.
Once during the inception phase (within the first months of the assignment)
Situational / Trends Briefing Reports
Provide concise analysis of relevant political, governance, and security developments that may influence the context in which project activities are implemented.
Monthly
Monitoring Reports
Document observations from field visits and stakeholder consultations, highlighting relevant contextual developments, implementation progress of supported activities, and issues that may affect delivery.
Bimonthly
Communication and Stakeholder Engagement Support
Provide brief updates, where required, on key stakeholder consultations, engagement with relevant actors, and communication-related support undertaken in Somali- and English-speaking contexts.
As required
Draft Final Report
Summarise key observations, analytical findings, and relevant lessons identified during the assignment.
One month before the end of the assignment
Final Report
Present a consolidated summary of the analysis, field observations, and key findings generated during the assignment.
At the end of the assignment
Key competencies
Required Skills and Experience
Education
• At least a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Political Science, International Relations, History, Economics, or a related field, with 7 years of relevant experience OR
● Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any of the above disciplines with 5 years of relevant experience is required
Experience
• A minimum of 15 years of relevant professional experience in areas such as:
• Experience working in Somalia or neighbouring countries is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with stakeholders and review documentation in both Somali and English language contexts.
• Experience working with international organisations, development partners, or diplomatic missions is considered an asset.
• The consultant must be independent and free from conflicts of interest in relation to the responsibilities under this assignment.
• Civil servants or staff members of the public administration of the partner country, or of international or regional organisations based in the country, are not eligible to be recruited under this assignment.
Languages:
● Fluency in English and Somali, including the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders and review relevant documentation in both languages.
● Knowledge of additional regional languages is considered an asset.
Team management
The role does not have team management.
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