Background

From the independence up until 1991, the classic name of the Ministry was the Ministry of National Planning. However, during the last twenty years, the Ministry has been given different mandates. From 2009 to 2016, the Ministry was responsible for planning and international cooperation. Following the rein of the new administration in 2017, the mandate of the Ministry was expanded to include investment and economic development in its portfolio; hence, the official name of the Ministry become the Ministry of Planning, Investment and Economic Development.

Being the key Ministry for the Federal Government of Somalia that coordinates government institutions at all levels as well as all international and national agencies working in Somalia, the Ministry is charged with the responsibility of translating the country’s socio-economic vision into a government programme allowing a macroeconomic stability and sustainable growth across sectors. It does so by also spearheading the overarching national planning and coordination of sector-wide development through improved resource planning and effective service delivery. The Ministry, in partnership with line-ministries, private sector and development partners promotes enabling environment for sustainable development, employment and economic growth.

The primary function of the Ministry is to produce comprehensive and integrated development plans with forward looking vision, as well as deliver accurate and timely information for decision making while assure sustained cooperation with development partners and implementing agencies working in the country.

The core functions of the Ministry are mainly carried out in four key departmental avenues which include:

1. Planning
2. Economic Development
3. Monitoring and Evaluation
4. Investment promotion

About the Position

Given the above and in the context of the Ministry’s extensive mandate, keeping eagle’s eye on departmental and cross institutional programs including Regional States, implementing agencies and donor partners are critically important for the successful implementation of the National Development Plan (NDP-9). Therefore, the Principal Advisor will keep the Minister, the deputy minister and the State Minister abreast of multi-program undertakings, including coordination and follow up of programs and projects implemented in different parts of the country, and present best policy advice with the Minister while making necessary communication with relevant government agencies.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Ministry of Planning, Investment and Economic Development (MOPIED), the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:

· Coordinate the development programs of the Ministry and ensure effective implementation of such programs across federal and state levels of the country, and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP-9)

· Engage donors and development agencies to promote government priorities and effective coordination among government institutions.

· Advise the Minister on policy implementation and legislation processing through the relevant sub committees.

· Coordinate different government executed projects including Biyoole and SCRP Projects which are implemented across Regional Administrations in Somalia.

· Track Progress by convening bi-weekly meetings with different project staff and report such progress and policy advice to the Minister and his colleagues.

· Liaise and strategize with the Private Sector and Civil Society Organizations engaged in the economic and social development sectors.

· Advise the Minister on how to develop and position gender and human rights in the ministry’s agenda and promote such agenda across sectoral programs within the government.

· Provide technical support to the ministry in regard to developing medium- and long-term projects geared towards poverty alleviation as prescribed by the National Development Plan.

· Writes reports, notes and papers as required.

· Undertake representational responsibilities on behalf of the Minister within and outside Somalia when called upon to do so.

· Perform other related duties as required.

· Spearhead cross institutional coordination among government different Ministries, and agencies, as well as communicate national policy development/implementation to regional states.

· Perform other important task which maybe assigned to him/her from time to time.

Target Outputs

· Support development of strong Monitoring and Evaluation Framework which stipulates well how projects can be better and accurately monitored and evaluated at different geographic and administrative levels.

^· To fast-track policies and legislations in different stages of scrutiny both at cabinet and parliament with a view of ensuring their successful adoption.

^· Supervise the NDP activities in cooperation with the relevant line ministries.

· Provide strategic guidance on NDP9 progress reporting as a benchmark for meeting the completion point requirements in respect to Somalia’s debt relief endeavour.

^· Support the institutional reform process of the Ministry of Planning, by assisting the Minister in having a clear view of what likely reform agenda may entail and provide mitigation measures changes in the reform process.

Qualifications, Experience and Competencies

Education:

· Advanced Degree in Development Studies/ Political Science, Public Policy, International studies/Relations or in relevant filed of education.

Work experience:

· Minimum 8 years of “relevant professional experience” in the field of planning, recovery design and economic development.

· Diverse field experience desirable; previous experience working in Somalia will be an added advantage.

· Good judgment in dealing with complex and sensitive policy and coordination issues.

· Ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to diverse audiences.

· Ability to build relationships and partnerships with different actors.

· Ability to conceptualize problems and to identify and implement solution promptly.

· Ability to multi – task and work under pressure with conflicting deadlines and implement solutions expeditiously.

· Previous experience advancing durable solutions for policies and legislations.

· Excellent computer literacy skills including knowledge of MS Word, Excel, Power Point etc.

Key Professional Competencies/Skills

· Strong Managerial and Policy analysis skills

· Strong Communication skills

· Well conversant with Somalia recovery and development frameworks.

· Ability to work in multi-structured and multi-layered governance coordination set up/establishment.

Communication:

• Fluency in English both written and oral (Advanced level) speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately.
• Fluency in Somali is an added advantage.