Urban Solutions Advisor (Consultant) 286 views0 applications

CALL FOR APPLICATION
Open to Internal and External Candidates
Position Title: Urban Solutions Advisor

Vacancy Number: CFA/IOMSO/001/2020

Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya
Classification : Consultant
Type of Appointment : Consultancy, Six months with possibility of extension
Estimated Start Date : As soon as possible
Closing Date : 28 January 2020

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.
IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. Internal and external candidates are eligible to apply to this vacancy. For the purpose of the vacancy, internal candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Context:
In 2019, an estimated 4.2 million people, one third of the total population, require humanitarian assistance and protection. Overall, 2.6 million people have been internally displaced by armed conflict, insecurity and/or drought. At least 45 per cent of IDPs have been displaced for longer than five years and 90 per cent of IDPs interviewed have indicated that they intend to remain in their current location, and integrate locally, rather than return to their area of origin. With 80 per cent of IDPs living in urban areas, the population in urban centers has increased significantly, intensifying pressure on the already limited services, such as health, education and housing.
Building on the success of the Midnimo program (2016-2019), IOM Somalia has expanded efforts to contribute to durable solutions to displacement in Somalia, particularly in urban. Maintaining an overall approach of “Government led and community driven”, and supporting ongoing efforts of all levels of government to improve policy, strategy and coordination towards ending displacement whilst ensuring Displacement Affected Communities (DAC) participate in attaining solutions, IOM recognizes this as a unique moment where humanitarian and development efforts can make significant strides for the attainment of durable solutions to displacement.
There is also an increasingly elevated discussion regarding the ‘rapid urbanization’ in Somalia (in large part due to displacement), with projections showing Somalia’s population being majority urban in the next 20 years. In this context, donor and development partner interest
and funding is rising, and the durable solutions and urbanization discourse has become significantly intertwined.
IOM Somalia’s Recovery and Durable Solutions unit currently leads or participates in several durable solutions programs, (primarily directed at urban areas), and is anticipating additional programming:

• Danwadaag: IOM leads the DFID funded (20 million GBP) multi-year program focused on durable solutions in Baidoa, Kismayo and Mogadishu. Partners include: the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), Concern Worldwide (CWW), and a learning partner hosted by the Danish Refugee Council called the “Regional Durable Solutions Secretariat”.
• Midnimo 2: A joint program (UNDP, IOM, UN Habitat) follow on to the successful Midnimo program funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund, focused on urban and peri-urban areas of Hirshabelle and Galmudug states affected by displacement.
• Dhulka Nabada: A joint UNDP, IOM, UN Habitat, UNHCR programme focused on addressing land related conflict and policy in Jubaland and Southwest states of Somalia.
• Saamaynta: A joint UNDP, IOM, UN Habitat programme focused on capacitating state and local government to: expand land tenure options (e.g., land value capture), leveraging private sector and development investments towards durable solutions centric urban expansion.
• IOM also has significant complimentary humanitarian funding and reach through CCCM, WASH and Shelter/NFI and health programmes (IOM’s Preparedness and Response Division), and in concert with IOM Recovery and Durable Solutions Unit have increasingly worked together on urban IDP response.
  IOM seeking an Urban Solutions Advisor to support its growing portfolio on Durable Solutions that will work under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission and under the direct supervision of the Recovery and Durable Solutions Coordinator, in cooperation with the Preparedness Response Department Coordinator the Urban Solutions Advisor (consultant) will support its growing portfolio on Durable Solutions;.
  Core Functions / Responsibilities:
  1 Provide advice in a systematic manner to the IOM Somalia (primarily the Recovery and Durable Solutions and Preparedness Response Units) especially the Unit Coordinators and Durable Solutions Programme Manager, related to all IOM programmes focused on durable solutions in urban areas, with a view to:
  o enhanced implementation;
  o ensuring IOM maintains/attains best practices;
  o ensuring IOM’s uptake of learning, and;
  o integration of best practice;
  o and ensuring IOM is adaptive towards innovation.
  2 Provide advice on potential or existing linkages, synergies and developments with other development or humanitarian actors related to programming in urban areas, that can be capitalized on for maximized impact and efficiency of delivery towards durable solutions.
  3 Provide support to activities of IOM at the local level which seek to ensure the organization’s good contributions to urban planning and city expansions to accommodate IDPs.
  4 Provide leadership and inputs on internal and external policy documents related to solutions and urban IDP issues.
  5 Facilitate evidence-based documentation and dissemination of knowledge products on urban solutions to enhance institutional replication and scaling up of best practices.
  6 Provide representational and substantive engagement in key relevant fora including but not limited to: the Migration, Displacement and Durable Solutions sub-Working Group; the National Durable Solutions Secretariat; state and municipal durable solutions working group; and others where relevant.
  7 Identify and advise on areas across the unit’s programme portfolio and platforms for increased efficiency and enhanced implementation.
  8 Conduct internal trainings as required.
  9 Contribute to the monitoring and evaluation processes of the interventions.
  10 Contribute to IOM Somalia’s resource mobilization efforts to build on the existing funding for the durable solutions programme by drafting concept notes and proposals in coordination with the Project Support Unit and Project Manager.
  11 Contribute to drafting project reports and coordinate inputs to IOM Somalia’s internal and external reporting.
  12 Perform any other duties as may be assigned

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in relevant field from an accredited academic institution relevant to the required professional experience.

Experience

• At least 5-7 years of relevant work experience including with management and implementation of urban centric programs
• Experience in urban and spatial planning an asset
• Experience in project development, monitoring, as well as government and donor liaison
• Excellent verbal and written communication in English and analytical skills
• Technically competent on report writing, documentation and data management
• Good knowledge of Computer skills; MS Office (Outlook, Access and Excel)

Languages

• For this position, fluency in English is required (Oral and Written). Working Knowledge of Somali is advantage.

Notes: Position Requires approximately 50% travel to Mogadishu.

Required Competencies

• Values
  • Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
  • Integrity and transparency: maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
  • Professionalism: demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
  Core Competencies – behavioural indicators Teamwork: develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
  • Delivering results: produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner; is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
  • Managing and sharing knowledge: continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
  • Accountability: takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own action and delegated work.
  • Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way

Other

• Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
  Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment and verification of residency, visa and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.