VACANCY NOTICE

Open to Internal and External Candidates

Position Title: Area Coordinator

Vacancy Number: VN/IOMSO/011/2023

Duty Station: IOM Somalia in Kismayo, Somalia.

Classification: National Officer Category, Grade NO-C

Type of Appointment: One Year Fixed Term

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 07 August, 2023

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 candidates are eligible to apply to this vacancy. For the purpose of the vacancy, internal candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Context:

In 2023, the second iteration of the Somalia Security and Justice Program (SSJP-II – also referred to as Nabadgelinta Soomaaliya) is transitioning from UNOPS to IOM. It will fit under IOM’s Transition and Recovery pillar which also encompasses the organization’s community stabilization and Disengagement, Disassociation, Reintegration and Reconciliation (DDRR) portfolios.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission, the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Coordinator (TRP) & Head of Sub-Office, and the guidance of the Programme Coordinator, the Area Coordinator will oversee and coordinate the field-based work of Nabadgelinta in Jubaland, coordinating the work of separate implementing partners into a coherent stream of effort in target locations to advance the goals and objectives of the program. S/he will support IOM on the programmatic, operational, and administrative aspects of the program in Jubaland. S/he will be a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) and work in close collaboration with the other Area Coordinator in Baidoa, the SSJP-II Program Coordinator, Programme Officer (Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) and Resources Management Unit. S/he will ensure that appropriate management systems are in place for the overall coordinated success of the program in South West State and will support the Deputy Program Coordinator and Programme Coordinator to implement a robust Program Management Framework. Within Jubaland, this includes responsibility for ensuring the management of integrated work plans, delivered by multiple Implementation partners across target geographic areas. Critically, s/he will be accountable for ensuring that the program design and delivery reflects and adapts in response to emerging evidence and learning, working closely with the Deputy Program Coordinator, Program Coordinator, Technical Lead, and Programme Officer (MERL) to identify learning and facilitate regular reviews of the program approach. S/he will also provide mentorship and training, as needed, for implementing partners in Jubaland. S/he will also be the primary SSJP-II interface with Jubaland State government officials, at the district, regional, and federal member state level in Jubaland State, and will manage those relationships for the benefit of the program.

Background on Somalia Security and Justice Program – SSJP II

IOM seeks an Area Coordinator to oversee program operations in Jubaland State for a multi-year Security and Justice Reform Program (SSJP-II) in Somalia. The objective of the program is to enable Somalis to benefit from improved security and access to justice through inclusive approaches that enjoy broad based understanding, support and both elite and public confidence. The program will seek to enhance resolution of specific security and justice problems identified as priorities by Somalis in target locations, while also leveraging learning, social and political influence effectively to catalyse wider programmatic, policy and systemic change.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

Program Coordination

1. Provide coordination and specialized guidance to implementing partners working on three strands of effort in Jubaland to implement activities according to the agreed upon work plans.
2. Ensure integrated quarterly, monthly and specific deliverable workplans are implemented in Jubaland, and that the necessary technical assistance and other resource inputs are in place to support delivery.
3. Conduct regular review/planning meetings to review progress against integrated workplans; identify opportunities for deepening partnership and collaboration between implementing partners; flag emerging issues of concern to the deputy program coordinator; and to capture and reflect on learning.
4. Convene implementing partners on a regular basis ensure coordination of efforts and to ensure coordination especially with regard to government engagement.
5. Report in writing any concerns around delayed/impeded delivery or inadequate technical quality to the Deputy Programme Coordinator and SMT.
6. Support the Deputy Programmme Coordinator, Programmme Coordinator, and RMU to monitor the use of inputs against the delivery of outputs in SWS.

Effective Program Management

1. Within Jubaland, ensure appropriate program management systems are being used, documented, and reported on which address: a) Program Management. b) Compliance (e.g., Grant Management; etc.). c) Safeguarding (e.g., Safeguarding Framework). d) Risk Management (e.g., Risk Matrix and Risk Management Strategy). e) Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (e.g., Theory of Change, and MERL Framework); and
2. Work with the Deputy Programme Coordinator, Programmme Coordinator, RMU and Implementing Partners to ensure that workplans are being followed, monitored, and updated within Jubaland.
3. Work with the Technical Lead to ensure technical advice and assistance requirements are identified in good time and support the facilitation of this assistance in Jubaland.
4. Contribute to learning and capacity building opportunities in Jubaland and between Jubaland and Southwest, and support the program staff to craft responses to these; and

Government Engagement

1. Guide the implementing partners to identify and form constructive, collaborative relationships with key government stakeholders at the district, regional and federal member state level in Jubaland.
2. Represent the coordinated SSJP-II program at all levels of the Jubaland Government, i.e., update government counterparts regularly on the whole of the program.
3. Flag any government requests or concerns to the Deputy Programme Coordinator and/or Senior Management Team as appropriate.

Risk management

1. Manage the SSJP-II Risk Management Framework as it pertains to activities in Jubaland, working closely with RMU to identify and manage financial risks.
2. In line with the provisions of the framework, periodically (and regularly) assess the risk environment for Jubaland and update the risk matrix and tracker accordingly.
3. Define appropriate risk mitigation strategies and work with the Program Coordinator, Deputy Program Coordinator, and other SSJP-II team members to ensure risks are effectively mitigated and managed.
4. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in international relations, Management, Development Studies, Planning, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or
• University degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Experience in a management role in Somalia, ideally in stabilization, security/justice and/or conflict management programs.
• Experience in coordinating complex, multi-partner programs in fragile and conflict-affected environments (including program planning, compliance, finance, risk, and grants/contract management is an asset.
• Experience coordinating adaptive programming, and familiarity with adaptive management and results frameworks would be a significant asset.
• Experience in effective communications and interpersonal relationships and developing and maintaining professional networks with Somali Government, international and national stakeholders, including development partners and civil society organizations.
• Experience in managing and developing team performance.
• Effective resource management skills.
• Familiarity with political analysis in complex crisis settings.
• Excellent communication, information management and report writing skills with the ability to analyses complex problems and identify and convey clear, rapid solutions.
• Knowledge of the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) protocols and experience working in a phase III (or above) security environment.
• Strong knowledge and cultural understanding of the region and conversant on regional politics.
• Experience working with staff from diverse environments and backgrounds.

Skills

• Knowledge of Somalia, including socioeconomic and political context
• Negotiation and diplomatic skills
• Knowledge of IOM resource management rules and procedures.
• Knowledge of IOM and UN procurement and logistics management and procedures.

Languages

• Fluency in written, reading and spoken English and Somali Language is required.

Required Competencies

VALUES – All IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintain 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.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected, and fairly treated.

CORE COMPETENCIES – Behavioural indicators – Level 2

• 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 of achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions 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 special 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 candidates residing in either the country of the duty station or from a location in a neighbouring country that is within commuting distance of the duty station will be considered. In all cases, a prerequisite for taking up the position is legal residency in the country of the duty station, or in the neighbouring country located within commuting distance, and work permit, as applicable.