II. Background Information
About the MIDA FINNSOM III Health and Education Project: Over the past decades, continued migration from various African countries has led to a significant “brain drain,” which has weakened public sector systems across the continent. Through the IOM Migration for Development in Africa (MIDA) program, Somali diaspora professionals have supported institutional capacity building, service delivery, and policy development in health and education sectors across Somalia since 2015.
The MIDA FINNSOM PHASE III – Health & Education project – aims to strengthen the health and education sectors in Somalia by addressing specific priorities outlined in the Education Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP) and the Essential Package for Health Services (EPHS). The project achieves this by engaging qualified Somali diaspora experts who temporarily return to their country of origin. These experts work within key ministries and public institutions, including hospitals and universities, to address gaps and enhance service delivery. Their contributions align with the needs identified in a baseline assessment conducted during the project’s inception phase. Additionally, the project focuses on creating sustainable employment opportunities for local experts and interns, who work closely with Somali diaspora professionals to benefit from knowledge transfer, competency sharing, and skills development.
Role Summary: Public Health Capacity Building Specialist
The Federal Government of Somalia’s Ministry of Health and Human Services (FMOH), with technical assistance from the IOM MIDA FINNSOM III Health and Education project, is committed to enhancing the skills of its national health workforce, particularly in the area of sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
Under the guidance and supervision of the FMOH Program and M&E Coordinators, the Maternal and Child Health Immunization and FGM Expert will be responsible for coordinating to improving maternal and child health outcomes, particularly through enhanced immunization programs and raising awareness about female genital mutilation (FGM). The Maternal and Child Health Immunization and FGM Expert will play a critical role in advancing these objectives by providing strategic guidance, program management, and technical support.
III. Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Planning and Implementation:
- Develop and oversee the implementation of strategic plans for immunization programs and FGM awareness initiatives.
- Support to increase the immunization coverage specially tetanus for mothers and the under one-year children’s vaccines to prevent maternal and child mortality and morbidity.
- Ensure alignment with national health priorities and international standards.
- Identify and prioritize key regions and populations for targeted interventions in immunization and FGM awareness.
Program Management:
- Design, implement, and monitor maternal and child health immunization programs, ensuring effective coverage and quality.
- Develop and execute FGM awareness campaigns and educational programs.
- Coordinate the integration of immunization and FGM awareness activities into broader maternal and child health services.
- Manage budgets and resources for immunization and FGM programs, ensuring efficient use and accountability.
Technical Assistance and Capacity Building:
- Provide technical support to health facilities, local governments, and partners on best practices in immunization and FGM prevention.
- Organize and facilitate training sessions, workshops, and seminars.
- Provide trainings and mentorship for EPI and SRHR Ministry staff for capacity building and knowledge transfer
- Provide training protocols for FGM case counselling and update Policies, guideline or protocols if any
- Develop training materials and tools tailored to the needs of health workers, educators, and community leaders.
- Mentor and support healthcare providers in implementing evidence-based practices for immunization and FGM prevention.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Collaborate with national and international partners, NGOs, and community organizations to enhance program reach and effectiveness.
- Advocate for policy changes and resource allocation to support maternal and child health and FGM prevention.
- Engage with community leaders, religious figures, and influencers to promote the importance of immunization and the dangers of FGM.
- Build coalitions and networks to foster collaboration and share best practices among stakeholders.
Policy and Advocacy:
- Support the development and revision of policies related to immunization and FGM prevention.
- Advocate for the integration of maternal and child health issues into broader health and social policies.
- Work with legislative bodies and government agencies to secure funding and support for immunization and FGM prevention programs.
- Develop policy briefs, position papers, and advocacy materials to influence decision-makers at all levels.
Research and Innovation:
- Conduct and support research initiatives focused on improving immunization strategies and FGM prevention methods.
- Identify and promote innovative approaches to increase immunization uptake and reduce FGM practices.
- Collaborate with academic institutions and research organizations to generate evidence for policy and practice improvements.
Community Outreach and Education:
- Lead the development of culturally appropriate educational materials for communities about the benefits of immunization and the harms of FGM.
- Organize community events, forums, and outreach activities to raise awareness and encourage public participation.
- Engage with youth and women’s groups to empower them as advocates for immunization and against FGM.
- Encourage and advocate for the uptake of tetanus vaccine in childbearing women which is essential protection both the mother and new born from the tetanus.
IV: Requirements:
Besides the specific outputs mentioned in section III, MIDA FINNSOM Health project phase III requires the following deliverables to be submitted throughout the assignment period. These are the standard requirements for all assignments under this project:
- Transfer of skills: The main responsibility of the qualified Somali expatriate—which he/she will be measured against—will be to ensure continuous and systematic transfer of knowledge and skills as related to the assignment. It will have to be agreed with the beneficiary institution that staff will benefit from this knowledge.
- Work plan: A work plan must be developed with the Supervisor during the first week of the assignment to provide clear and time-bound activities to successfully implement the outputs of the assignment. This work plan will be shared with the supervisor, FMOH coordinator, FMOH M&E Specialist and IOM M&E Officer. This work plan can be revised during the assignment to reflect on new developments or changes.
- Quarterly and Final Reports: Quarterly progress reports will be submitted by the expert to the supervisor, FMOH Coordinator, FMOH M&E Specialist and IOM M&E Officer. At the end of the assignment, the participant must also provide a final report covering the duration of his/her assignment.
Exit interview: An exit interview will be conducted to ensure that a proper exit plan has been put in place to sustain the achievements, upon completion of the assignment.
V: Qualifications
Level of Education: Master’s in public health, healthcare management, SRHR and relevant field.
Years of work experience in what area(s): Minimum 5 years of relevant experience
Languages needed:
- Fluent in English.
- Fluent in Somali.
- Arabic language will be an advantage.
General Skills / Other Requirements:
- Experience of leadership roles in the management of health programs is required.
- The expert should have at least 5 years of progressive experience in designing, implementing, and managing public health programs and activities.
- Demonstrated technical leadership, program management, strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, policy development experience, and problem-solving skills, working on complex projects are required.
- Experience with a wide range of health and broader health development issues such as health financing, health information management system, health sector coordination, emergency response and preparedness.
- Experience of working in health sector at federal and state levels.
- Prior experience of working with Federal and State Ministries of Health
- Expert knowledge of program performance monitoring and reporting; procurement policies and procedures; strategic planning; and evaluation of programs/projects/activities.
- Experience working with development partners- donors and technical partners including UN or another international development organization or non-governmental organization.
- Knowledge of the objectives and operations of the FMOH program activities and of other international donor or non-governmental organizations, in Somalia.
VI: Subsistence Allowance
The monthly stipend amount will be determined by the MIDA FINNSOM III, Health and Education project, based on degree and years of relevant experience.
All applications must be sent via email to: midasomvacancy@iom.int with the following reference as a subject in your e-mail: APPLICATION – as mentioned in the vacancy announcement. For further inquiries about the MIDA positions, you can reach out to: hsiraji@iom.int and sparkkali@iom.int.
To be considered, applicants must provide a cover letter, CV, and the contact information (email and phone number) of two professional references by the closing date of this vacancy. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The closing date of this application is 09th April 2025, at 12.00 PM EAT.
While this project is geared toward the Somali-Finnish diaspora, members of other Somali diaspora communities are also welcomed to apply. Females are highly encouraged to apply and participate in the MIDA FINNSOM III Health and Education Project.
VII: Security and insurance modalities
Health insurance—including evacuation due to a medical emergency—will be covered by the project. However, experts will be requested to provide a recent medical certificate stating that they are physically fit and able to work in a ‘hardship’ country.
Please note that IOM, according to the contract, will not be responsible for the security of qualified Somali expatriates. The host beneficiary institution will be responsible for the security of the individual.
Before leaving the country of residence or upon arrival in Somalia, the qualified Somali expatriate will receive a pre-service briefing including security advice and cultural background.
