Senior Program Assistant 135 views0 applications

Overview of CTG:

• CTG support and manage humanitarian projects in fragile and conflict-affected countries around the world. With past performance in 15 countries – from the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia and Central and South America – we offer a holistic fabric of project management, implementation and support. Skilled in emergency response to crises such as the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, we have the ability to act quickly (crisis response teams can be on the ground in 24 hours) and to establish structured operations in high-risk environments. CTG recruit and manage qualified, skilled teams with extensive experience operating in challenging conditions.

Overview of the position:

• Somalia is characterised by a complex migration crisis caused by conflict, natural disasters & a general lack of opportunities. Both conflict & natural disasters have led to the displacement of millions of people, both internally & across international borders, resulting in approximately 1 million refugees in the region & 1.1 Internally Displaced Persons (IDP’s). Further, an unknown number of migrants & refugees have also left the country towards Europe & the Middle East, as well as to Southern Africa. The situation in Somalia remains volatile with recurring drought, floods & an ongoing conflict between the Federal Govt. of Somalia with Al-Shabaab as well as inter clan conflicts.
• The Federal Govt. of Somalia is currently engaging in military operations to recover communities in Lower Shabelle from Al Shabaab control. As part of these efforts the Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs & Reconciliation (MOIFAR) as well as the South West State Administration (SWS) have called upon the international community to support stabilisation activities to improve the lives & address the neglected needs of communities that have suffered under Al Shabaab rule in recent years. IOM, along with a host of other stabilisation partners, are working in coordination with the Lower Shabelle Regional Governor & the Federal Govt. of Somalia to support basic service delivery, improve critical public infrastructure & provide assistance in building social cohesion in fragile areas. Within this context, IOM is building on its existing programming in Lower Shabelle & will be working further to support stabilisation efforts in newly recovered areas.
• The selected Program Assistant – Lower Shabelle will support the Recovery & Durable Solutions Unit within IOM Somalia with both programmatic & administrative tasks to ensure the successful implementation of activities within the Somalia Transition Plan (STP) & in coordination with MOIFAR & Lower Shabelle Governor’s Office. The Program Assistant will be required to work directly with communities & local govt. officials to prioritise, oversee & monitor stabilisation activities in the region. Therefore, this position will require frequent travel within Lower Shabelle (security permitting). The activities to be implemented may include increasing access to basic services, improving livelihoods, rehabilitating & constructing critical community infrastructure, increasing civil participation & promotion of peaceful coexistence.
• Under the overall supervision of the Program Manager – Return, Recovery, Durable Solutions, the direct supervision of the National Program Officer – Return, Recovery, Durable Solutions, based in Mogadishu & in close cooperation & coordination with other program units, in particular under the Department of Operations & Emergencies.

Responsibilities:

• Establish relationships with target communities, local govt. (or caretaker administrations) & regional govt. officials in order to effectively implement stabilisation activities in unstable areas.
• Plan & coordinate the organisation & participate in facilitation of training for the Core Facilitation Teams (CFTs), Community Action Groups (CAGs) & Community Based Monitoring & Evaluation Groups (CBM&EGs), in areas where applicable.
• Provide logistical & administrative support to the National Stabilisation Officer in coordination with the CFTs to organise community consultations.
• Ensure timely procurement of necessary materials & supplies based on the priority interventions, stabilisation action plans & community consultations (or pre-recovery dialogue consultations when applicable).
• Participate in coordination mechanisms & forums for Stabilisation Activities in Lower Shabelle, when required & provide up to date field information to the National Stabilisation Officer on a weekly basis for the Lower Shabelle Stabilisation Working Group.
• Provide logistical & administrative coordination in organising prioritised public works & other events prioritised through the community consultations.
• Monitor progress against the action plans in close coordination with the CBM&EGs, including regular meetings with community leaders, govt. authorities for the implementation schedule & to facilitate the participatory planning & recovery processes.
• Coordinate with other IOM units, stabilisation partners, such as TIS+, ERI, the UN local & state level govt. authorities & other actors engaged in stabilisation activities.
• Regularly collect data & report on the project activities & on the indicators specified in the project framework.
• Provide regular inputs to donor reports & other project documents in close coordination with the National Stabilisation Officer.
• Regularly report any community concerns or complaints about the project activities & suggest corrective actions.
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the National Stabilisation Officer.

Project reporting:

• This role works under the overall supervision of the Program Manager – Return, Recovery, Durable Solutions, the direct supervision of the National Program Officer – Return, Recovery, Durable Solutions, based in Mogadishu & works in close cooperation & coordination with other program units, in particular under the Department of Operations & Emergencies.

Team management:

• This role does not have any team management responsibility.

Geographical experience:

• Minimum of 4 year of experience in Africa (essential).

Education:

• University Degree from an accredited academic institution, preferably in Political or Social Science, Business Administration, International Relations & / or Law, or an equivalent combination of training & experience.

Experience:

• 4 years of work experience (or 6 years for candidates holding an undergraduate degree) in the field of migration issues, specifically in project design, management & implementation in the areas of return, reintegration, recovery & durable solutions.
• Some experience in project development, monitoring & reporting.
• Excellent verbal & written communication in English & Somali.
• Technically competent on writing, documentation & data management.
• Good knowledge of Computer skills, MS Office (Outlook, Access & Excel).

Languages:

• Must be fluent in both English & Somalia.

Competencies:

The incumbent is expected to demonstrate the following values & competencies:

Values:

• Inclusion & respect for diversity: Respects & promotes individual & cultural differences, encourages diversity & inclusion wherever possible.
• Integrity & transparency: Maintains high ethical standards & acts in a manner consistent with organisational principles / rules & standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent & committed manner & exercises careful judgement in meeting day to day challenges.

Core competencies – Behavioural indicators level 3:

• Teamwork: Develops & promotes effective collaboration within & across units to achieve shared goals & optimise results.
• Delivering results: Produces & delivers quality results in a service oriented & timely manner, is action oriented & committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing & sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge & innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the organisation’s priorities & assumes responsibility for own action & delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages & contributes to clear & open communication, explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring & motivational way.

Technical:

• Thorough knowledge & understanding of govt. structures & current dynamics in Somalia.
• Demonstrated capacity to understand & analyse the national, regional & local political context in Somalia.
• Excellent communication & writing skills, ability to analyse complex problems, identify & convey clear, rapid, solutions.
• Effective resource management skills, ability to work with a large pool of staff in a dynamic, operational program environment, ability to develop & maintain budgetary discipline across a wide range of grant activities.
• Ability to engender group involvement, team spirit & participation, must be able to lead teams effectively in order to achieve the desired goals.
• Ability to work effectively & harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures & professional backgrounds, exhibiting a high degree of sensitivity toward other cultures & dedication to the promotion of inter ethnic cooperation, peace building & tolerance, demonstrated gender awareness & gender sensitivity.
• Willing to uphold & enforce professional standards of conduct, in accordance with relevant donor requirements.
• Ability to exhibit discretion in the conduct of professional duties.
• Personal commitment, drive for results & adaptability in the workplace as required by changing program conditions & requirements.
• Ability to work long hours under difficult conditions while maintaining security awareness.

Other relevant information:

• Internals of the organisation & NMS candidates, as well as external female candidates, will be considered as 1st tier candidates.
• This vacancy is also open to 2nd tier candidates.
• The appointment is subject to funding confirmation.
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements & security clearances.
• This role is being posted on 16.2.2020, candidates interested in applying for this role need to apply on or before 29.2.2020.
• Qualified female candidates are highly encouraged to apply for this role.