Somalia Expert 114 views0 applications

Position Title: Somalia Expert

Reference No.: 240402

Position Location: Nairobi or Mogadishu

Position LOE: Part time (consultancy) or Full time (depending on the project)

Timeframe: TBD (depending on the project)

Supervisor: Project Manager

Overview: This scope of work (SoW) outlines the Somalia Expert role with the Center for Operational Analysis and Research (COAR). The Somalia Expert will be expected to lead on the research and contextual analysis of Somalia projects throughout the set-up, design, implementation and closure phases. This includes, but is not limited to, producing atmospherics, scenario plans/forecasting, gathering and conveying hyperlocal insights, designing research products, leading on data analysis, and drafting research findings and recommendations (especially in relation to programs).

About COAR: COAR is an independent social enterprise that directly supports practitioners, policymakers, and donors by facilitating humanitarian and development interventions in complex, fragile, and high-risk environments.

Responsibilities

• Participate as a member of a team dealing with a variety of political issues and provide analysis and advice on political developments in Somalia;
• Actively track trends with regards to military/security, political, economic, social, service provision, regional intervention, and humanitarian developments on the ground;
• Provide technical guidance, support and oversight of the project activities;
• Analyze local, national, and regional developments within the Somalia context in collaboration with COAR’s researchers;
• In coordination with the Country Director and/or Project Manager, design research products including leading on desk/secondary literature review, primary data collection (and tools), and drafting of findings (data analysis) and recommendations
• Maintain and develop a sophisticated understanding of the evolving political situation in Somalia, to include key stakeholders, governance actors, clan structures, and conflict dynamics;
• Maintain and develop a sophisticated understanding of international responses in Somalia, to include political red-lines, sectoral risks, and client/donor objectives at the strategic and programmatic level;
• Maintain concrete visibility and knowledge of access mechanisms and local implementing partners
• Lead on stakeholder and community mapping and profiling, political economy analysis, atmospherics, and risk assessments with an emphasis on client/donor/project specifications and objectives
• Lead analysis and written finding reports through synthesis of collected field data;
• Participate in regular check-in calls and debriefs with the client and COAR field and office staff;
• Other duties as required by the Project Manager and/or Country Director;

Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate will have:

• A minimum of an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or its equivalent) in political science, diplomacy, international relations, public administration, management or a related field of study;
• Minimum of five years of practical work experience at national and international level focusing on hyperlocal contextual dynamics, national-level dynamics, and strategic analysis of geo-political developments that have implications for state-building, peacebuilding, conflict prevention and conflict resolution;
• Strong contextual and demonstrated knowledge of the Somalia and East Africa landscape;
• Fluency in oral and written English is required; Fluency is Somali is preferred
• A working knowledge of oral and written Somali language is desirable;
• Experience in supporting political institutions in government, international organization or related organizations in Somalia promoting state building, peacebuilding or peace and stability is desirable. Work experience with an implementing organization, such as a UN agency or local/international NGO is desirable;
• Wide-ranging political network across sectors and diverse actors in Somalia is highly desirable;
• Demonstrated understanding of donor-funded humanitarian, early recovery, peacebuilding, stabilization, and/or development architecture;
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills;
• Demonstrated ability and/or willingness to work under tight deadlines, and liaise with donor representatives and partner organization colleagues under pressure and during off-work hours;
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and independently within a remote-based team;
• Multi-tasking and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks;
• Highly organized and detail-oriented;
• Strong presentation, reporting, and communication skills;
• High level of professionalism;
• Commitment to discretion and confidentiality;
• Strict adherence to COAR’s code of conduct and safeguarding policies at all times.