Overview of position

The Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) through MoLSA is implementing the ‘Somalia Shock Responsive Safety Net for Human Capital Project’ (SNHCP), also known as Baxnaano in Somali meaning’ uplifting,’ supported by the World Bank. The project has three components: (i) Nutrition-linked Unconditional Cash Transfers that will provide cash assistance to selected chronically poor and vulnerable households; (ii) Delivery Systems and Institutional Capacity Building for the provision of policy support; technical assistance for the development of safety net delivery systems: a unified social registry, management of information system (MIS), operational procedures for registration, enrolment, targeting, grievance redress, payment delivery, monitoring, community outreach, and information campaign; and capacity building activities; and (iii) Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Knowledge Management to establish a Project Implementation Unit (PIU), strengthen MoLSA’s coordination arrangements, promote learning and knowledge management through robust M&E and support the design of concept note of a pilot productive safety net targeted at youth.

Under Component 2, OUR CLIENT will support the FGS to establish the critical building blocks of a national shock-responsive safety net system. OUR CLIENT, as a primary partner with MoLSA, will continue to provide support on the policy framework further by supporting the implementation of various initiatives, including the provision of technical assistance and capacity building.

OUR CLIENT has a keen interest in supporting the development of government-led institutions and programs. In line with this, the Social Policy, Equity & Gender team in the country has been working on social protection in Somalia over the last decade. OUR CLIENT has been supporting the FGS with institutional capacity building and the development of the National Social Protection Policy that was approved by the cabinet on 18 July 2019 and launched on 17 September 2019. The SNHCP enables OUR CLIENT to maintain the efforts to support the FGS and take them to the next level, i.e., to establish a comprehensive social protection system, which can cater to the needs of all vulnerable persons, according to their particular needs.

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Project Coordinator of the SNHCP, the Programme Associate (PA) supports the Social Protection Unit within the Social Policy, Equity and Gender Section of OUR CLIENT Country Office (CO) in Somalia. The PA will carry out a range of program support functions to help develop, implement, and monitor Component 2 of the SNHCP, ensuring useful and timely delivery that is consistent with OUR CLIENT rules and regulations.

The Programme Associate works in close collaboration with a range of staff in the CO, MoLSA, Federal Member States, development and humanitarian partners, and agency counterparts in support of program design and delivery. S/He provides regular feedback on the status of projects through monitoring milestones and advises on improvements to keep activities on track.

Role objectives

The Programme Associate is accountable for the full spectrum of administrative and project/programme support activities. The key results have an impact on the overall performance of the country office and success in the implementation of SNHCP activities (Component 2). Accurate programme monitoring and recommendations, data entry, and presentation of information ensure proper programme decision-making. In full compliance of administrative activities with OUR CLIENT rules, regulations, and procedures, the incumbent will deliver the followings:-

a. Provide technical and administrative support to the implementation of the SNHCP component 2 project activities by carrying out the following tasks;

· Regularly monitor budgets and financial expenditures of the SNHCP, ensuring compliance with OUR CLIENT rules and regulations, keeping the supervisor informed and advised on actions for decision and follow up.

· Within the specific area of responsibility, provide timely logistical support to the organization of workshops, events, and other activities by OUR CLIENT using established procedures and guidelines

· With guidance from the Project Coordinator, prepare activity budgets, participant lists to workshops and submit good quality activity reports;

· Ensure timely and accurate recording and administrative processing related to the project.

· Help the Project Coordinator prepare periodic or ad-hoc financial reports of the SNHCP to support OUR CLIENT in optimizing the use of program funds.

· Process payment for consultants and consultancy firms;

b. Provide administrative support to the financial management of the SNHCP Project;

· Support and coordinate all logistical and administrative needs as related to the proper implementation of the project (Travel authorization, accommodation, transportation) and ensure Travel Claims are adequately filled and original documents kept on file;

· Within the specific area of responsibility, provide general advice and information on UN rules and regulations and ensure that project operations comply with these rules/regulations;

· Carry out transactions pertaining to grants and program-related items for the SNHCP

· At the direction of the supervisor, assemble briefing materials and prepare power-point and other presentations

· Act as a point of contact for resolution of a range of operational queries & problems within a specific technical area of responsibility.

c. Facilitate knowledge building and knowledge sharing

· Provide administrative support for the synthesis of lessons learned and best practices related to program management and finance;

· Provide administrative support to the organization of training for the project staff and partners on program and operations related issues.

d. Perform any other related tasks assigned by the Project Coordinator in support of the delivery of the project activities

The Programme Associate is responsible for:-

• Supporting the SPE&G section in researching, compiling, and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data and information from a variety of sources on subject matters relevant to the work of the section to facilitate programme delivery as well as preparation of reports, working papers and presentations.
• Preparing monitoring and reporting information for the supervisor and team on agreed performance indicators to drive more efficient management and accountability for results.
• Regularly monitoring budgets and financial expenditures of the section by employing appropriate tools, ensuring compliance with OUR CLIENT rules and regulations, keeping supervisor informed and advised on actions for decision and/or follow up.
• Helping conduct regular spot checks of partner’s projects to assess their financial record-keeping, expenditure controls, and reporting systems.
• Helping prepare periodic or ad-hoc financial reports relating to country office and donors to support the office in optimizing the use of programme funds.
• Supports capacity development activities related to programme development by preparing training materials and participating in exercises.

Project reporting

Will report to SNHCP Project Coordinator

Key competencies

Core Values:

• Commitment
• Diversity and inclusion
• Integrity

Functional Competencies:

• Formulating strategies and concepts (I)
• Analyzing (II)
• Applying Technical Expertise (II)
• Learning & Researching (II)
• Planning & Organizing (II)

Core competencies:

• Communication (II)
• Working with people (I)
• Drive for results (I)

Qualifications required

· Completion of secondary education is required, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to the work of the organization.

· Bachelor’s Degree in Administration desirable.

· Other qualifications or certifications (e.g. NEBOSH) may be required

· A minimum of 6 years of administrative or clerical work experience is required.

· Prior experience in programme support functions is an asset.

· Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset.

· In-depth knowledge of the administration, programme/project operations, including monitoring and evaluation processes.

· Strong organizational, planning and prioritizing skills and abilities.

· High sense of confidentiality, initiative and good judgment.

· Ability to work effectively with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.

· Strong office management skills.

· High attention to detail.

· Ability to effectively manage the section’s material resources and monitor its budget.

· Good analytical skills.

· Experience using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other software such as SharePoint

Team management

This role does not require team management responsibility.

Further information

· The assignment will initially cover the period from August 2020 to October 2020 (3 months), with possible extension based on the performance, needs, and resource availability. The supervisor will assess the performance of the Consultant periodically.

· Monthly payment will be made based on satisfactory performance and deliverables approved by the supervisor.

· The assignment requires a full-time commitment, and the Consultant will be based in Mogadishu. Frequent interactions are expected with the SNHCP PIU staff based in MoLSA, and the Consultant is expected to spend a significant amount of time in the MoLSA office. The Consultant will be provided with a working space and equipment within our client office.**

· Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply for the role