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
Strategic Political and Governance Analysis
Provide high-level analysis of political, governance, and electoral developments in Somalia, with a focus on trends and dynamics relevant to project implementation.
Synthesise information from a wide range of sources, including stakeholder consultations, field insights, and contextual developments, to identify emerging patterns, risks, and opportunities.
Analyse complex political and institutional dynamics, including centre–periphery relations, electoral processes, and governance reforms, and assess their potential implications for project-supported activities.
Produce concise analytical notes and briefings that highlight key developments, forward-looking considerations, and relevant contextual factors affecting implementation.
Contribute to internal discussions by providing informed perspectives on evolving political and governance dynamics.
Senior Stakeholder Engagement and Political Insight
Engage with senior stakeholders, including government counterparts, civil society representatives, and other actors involved in governance and electoral processes, to support contextual understanding of key developments.
Maintain a broad network of relevant interlocutors to ensure continuous awareness of political and governance developments across the assigned area of responsibility.
Provide insights on stakeholder positions, sensitivities, and dynamics that may influence project activities and engagement approaches.
Support informed dialogue and information exchange with stakeholders in the context of project implementation.
Strategic Monitoring and Contextual Oversight
Undertake selected field engagements to inform analysis of project-supported activities, including governance and electoral-related initiatives.
Provide high-level observations on the broader context in which project activities are implemented, including political developments, institutional dynamics, and conflict sensitivity considerations.
Identify emerging risks, constraints, and contextual factors that may affect the relevance, timing, or feasibility of project activities.
Contribute analytical inputs to support internal reflection on project implementation, including identification of trends and potential adjustments in approach.
Communication and Analytical Support
Support the preparation of high-quality analytical briefs, summaries, and notes for internal use, drawing on field insights and stakeholder engagement.
Ensure that complex political and governance developments are communicated clearly and concisely to support project-level understanding.
Engage effectively in Somali and English language environments to support accurate interpretation of stakeholder perspectives and contextual developments.
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 degree in a relevant field may be accepted in combination with additional years of relevant professional experience.
Master’s degree (or equivalent) ) in Political Science, International Relations, Economics, Public Policy, Law, or a related field is preferred.
Strong analytical and report-writing skills are required.
Experience
A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in areas such as:
Political and governance analysis
Security and conflict dynamics analysis
Monitoring and assessment of development or governance programmes
Policy research and analytical reporting
Stakeholder engagement and coordination with government institutions and civil society organisations
Knowledge of Somalia’s political, security, and socio-economic context
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.
Team management
The role does not have team management.
More Information
- Job City Somalia
