ABOUT NEAR

The network, NEAR (Network for Empowered Aid Response), is a movement of local organizations with a bold ambition – to reshape the top-down humanitarian and development system to one that is locally driven and owned, and is built around equitable, dignified and accountable partnerships.

ABOUT ADESO

NEAR is currently hosted by Adeso, an expanding and vibrant African based international development and humanitarian organization. Adeso and NEAR both aspire to prevent and overcome situations that adversely affect community well-being by: Influencing policy change and enacting systemic change through innovative solutions focused and led by local and national actors.

PROJECT SUMMARY

NEAR will set-up and launch a locally-rooted grant-making organization in Somalia – in the short term to combat the spread of COVID-19, and in the medium and longer term to address issues and priorities set by communities. The grant-making organization will incorporate community philanthropy, Islamic principles and participatory grant-making processes. Part of the mandate of this pilot grant-making entity is that it builds domestic resources to better address the challenges or improve the quality of life in their communities.

POSITION PURPOSE

The Financial Expert will be responsible for designing and operationalizing an ethical and compliant risk management framework for the disbursement of funds by the grant making organization. With the unique conditions of Somalia in mind, the expert will contribute to the development of a local fund that is AML/CFT compliant and adheres to national and international regulations. The consultant will among other things, work with the Fundraising Advisor and the Operations Consultant to develop a detailed Fund Operation Manual that encompasses operational risk management, fund continuity, internal controls and compliance.

SPECIFIC ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Develop a detailed work plan and deliverables for the fund design and operational frameworks.

· Develop a risk matrix and risk management plan that addresses potential risks including governance, fiduciary, political and legitimacy risks.

· Work with the Operations Consultant and other members to develop a funding process outline, detailing disbursements to final beneficiaries through a compliant, locally relevant mechanism.

· Develop approaches towards innovative, alternative financing modalities for the Fund.

· Establish partnerships, particularly with Somali financial institutions and existing local funding mechanisms and secure agreements on potential partnerships and contributions to the grant-making organization.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

· Advanced degree in Finance, Business, or its equivalent in relevant field

· Significant experience in design, operations and management of humanitarian, development or emerging economy funding mechanisms.

· Knowledge of and connections to relevant stakeholders, specifically in Somalia.

· Experience in engaging with political actors, financial actors, donors, and the private sector.

· Experience working in challenging environments and on complex issues under pressure.

· Excellent communication skills.

· Fluency in English and Somali (desirable).