Introduction

Somalia is severely fragile and impoverished, with half of the population living below the poverty line. Domestic revenue is still insufficient to allow the government to deliver services to citizens. Ongoing and sustained conflict for three decades has bequeathed a legacy of poor and damaged infrastructure in Somalia, caused by the direct impact of military operations, but also by a virtually non-existent system of infrastructure management, rehabilitation and maintenance. Public infrastructure including roads, waste management systems, electricity grids and public buildings such as schools and healthcare facilities are in need of fundamental rehabilitation, and in many cases need to be built from scratch. Roads are often impassable which has left many communities without access to local markets or basic services such as health centres. This has resulted in lack of physical access to livelihood and employment opportunities for all Somalis, but has had a particularly severe impact on returnees and IDPs. Moreover, the governance Institutions, both at local and national level, lack institutional, technical, financial and management capacity.

The poor state of infrastructure is ranked as the most significant obstacle to socio-economic recovery and human development in Somalia today. A 2018 study by European Union (EU) recommended “an increase investment in a range of basic services, livelihoods, housing, security and protection in cities so that displaced people (in particular IDPs and returnees) can not only feel they belong but enjoy better living standards, which are currently very poor for many displaced and returning people.” (Return and (Re) Integration after Displacement. Belonging, labelling and Livelihoods in three Somali Cities – EU study report June 2018).  Moreover, a recent mission by KfW officials echoes these views and identified urban infrastructure as critical to enhance the livelihoods of host communities, returnees and IDPs.   ILO in March 2019 conducted field assessments in Baidoa to identify initial local infrastructure and community asset development needs and priorities in the selected IDP settlement areas; assess potential scope and technical areas of possible EIIP interventions to provide employment opportunities to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), returnees and their host communities through public investment;, institutional capacity building and technical training of local implementing bodies (local governments, contractors and labourers) will be a key component of the proposed EIIP intervention.

Introduction cont’d

The proposed intervention under the Title “Creating decent work opportunities for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), Returnees and host communities through employment-intensive infrastructure improvement” has been approved with funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development through KfW Development Bank.The project has two components. The first component comprises employment-intensive construction works, mainly rehabilitation of productive infrastructure in and around selected IDP and returnee settlements in the outskirts of Baidoa. The focus is on the rehabilitation and extension of roads, drainage systems and lightning. The second component comprises capacity building and training measures for key Somalia Government Institutions, contractors and workers.  The Project Team, under leadership of a Chief Technical Adviser, will manage and coordinate all project activities.

A National Programme Officer (NPO) will be recruited to support the Project administrative, liaison and operational services in Baidoa.  Within the policy and procedural requirements established by the ILO and the project, the National Programme Officer (NPO) will support the Chief Technical Adviser/Project Manager (CTA/PM) in the day-to-day management of project implementation. S/he will provide support to ensure that the objectives stated in the RBSA project document are attained within the stated time frame and budget and ensure compliance with the ILO and the project’s financial and operating procedures. The incumbent will promote ILO policies in the project areas.  The objective of the interventions is to create jobs for refugees IDPs and their host communities through public infrastructure investment. The objective of the National Programme Officer position to improve liaison with key public sector institutions, international development partners, private sector actors and communities.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall responsibility of the Director of the ILO Country Office in Ethiopia,the National Programme Officer will report directly to the Chief Technical Adviser/Project Manager for operational and administrative issues. He/she will work in close collaboration with the Baidoa District Authority (BDA) and Ministry of Public Works in Baidoa. He/she will work closely with and receive operational and administrative support from the other members of the Project Team especially the Training Adviser, the Security Officer, the Finance Officer, the Procurement Officer, the Environment and Social Safeguards Officer as well as the ILO Somalia Country Representative and the Operations Executive, CO- Addis Ababa. He/she will also closely liaise with counterpart Engineers from the Ministry of Public Works and technical staff from the Baidoa District Authority, and international and local consultant hired during the course of the implementation of the project.

Description of Duties

Under the overall responsibility of the CTA/PM, the incumbent will be required to support effective implementation of the project through: the provision of inputs, the delivery of outputs, and the planning, monitoring and evaluation of activities. Deliveries and outcomes must be in conformity with ILO policies and project strategies and in accordance with ILO programming guidelines and country/action programmes, and the administrative and financial procedures in consultation with ILO CO Addis Ababa.

• Support the set up and operation of a Project Office in Baido provide programming advice and support to relevant government ministries, social partners and other key national and international partners.
• Establish, strengthen and maintain close working and networking relations with Somalia Government partners, other public sector institutions and officials, international development partners, private sector actors and community leaders.
• As required by and in close collaboration with the CTA/PM, support efforts to ensure the meaningful engagement of the ILO in areas of recovery and reconstruction projects in Baidoa through participation in and contribution to relevant forums and networks
• Support efforts to explore and develop new project opportunities arising from and through consultations with national stakeholders and donor organisations, and in close collaboration with ILO CO Addis Ababa and technical units..
• Ensure comprehensive identification and participation of all stakeholders in the Project;
• Support the setup and operationalization of a Community Engagement Framework (CEF) including a suitable Grievance procedure;

Duties cont’d

• Participate and follow up closely consultative project identification, selection, design and implementation
• Follow-up and advice on conflict analysis, sensitivity and risk mitigation.
• Advice and follow up on procurement of contractors to implement sub-projects through a transparent process, including recruitment and management of local labour, ensuring compliance to ILO Policies and procedures ;
• Follow-up project training and guidance, including community awareness and sensitization workshops,
• Set-up regular meetings with Government Partners and Community Leaders to discuss project progress;

• Any other activity as may be requested by the responsible chief in relation to the EIIP development and work under the project in Somalia.

Required qualifications

Education

First level university degree in economics, management, social science or a related field complemented with demonstrated expertise in international development in fragile and unstable environments.

Experience

At least two years’ professional experience in the management of technical cooperation activities in a senior level position, of which at least two years the internationally- funded projects. This includes field experience in leadership role in implementation of projects, preferably in the Somalia.

Familiarity with ILO policies, technical programmes and procedures, including experience working with officials of ministries of labour and/or education would be an advantage, as would experience of working in crisis settings.

Languages

Excellent command of English and good knowledge of Somali language.

Competencies

• Proven ability to take ownership of all responsibilities, to act with integrity and transparency by maintaining social, ethical and organisational norms, and to meet all commitments within the prescribed time, cost and quality standards;
• Ability to implement strategic goals;
• Ability to advocate and provide policy advice;
• Ability to work effectively in a team and excellent interpersonal skills;
• Ability to synthesise research and reach empirically based conclusions on related subjects by understanding both the qualitative and quantitative approaches in social science research;
• Ability to develop and present alternative courses of action, project proposals, policy and procedural matters;
• Ability to promote knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write accurate reports and to build networks to obtain cooperation with partners;
• Should be open to and able to make changes to accommodate culture and gender differences in order to interact effectively with individuals;

Competencies cont’d

• Proven capacity to support the implementation of technical co-operation programmes and activities with ILO constituents and NGOs, including negotiation skills with governments, social partners and other national and international partners and to mobilise the support of international donor agencies and provide quality services;
• Ability to maintain effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work tasks or environment, and to adjust effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures;
• Excellent computer/information application skills, including word processing, excel, power point etc.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.