Job summary and purpose

The Nordic International Support Foundation (NIS) is a Norwegian-registered non-profit organization engaged in stabilisation and reconciliation initiatives in conflict and post-conflict areas. Our primary areas of intervention are institutional development, public service delivery, and conflict resolution. Headquartered in Oslo, Norway, NIS recently finalized a project in Sri Lanka and currently implements projects in Somalia, Somaliland, Myanmar, and the Sahel.

NIS in Somaliland is currently implementing a wide range of stabilization projects in eastern regions of Somaliland particularly Sool, Sanaag and Buuhodle district with plans to expand into Borama, Hargeisa, Berbera and Buroa. The organization has office in Hargeisa and operational presence in several other locations.

With Financial support by European Union, NIS has just secured 30 months funding program so called Infrastructures for Socio-Economic Program (ISED) which is part of the Inclusive Local and Economic Development (ILED) programme and, in turn supports the objectives of the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa. As part of Overall ILED Program, ISED is complementary to the NIS implemented Stabilisation projects in Eastern region of Somaliland such as Sool, Sanaag and Buuhodle district respectively and both contribute to the ILED specific objectives of 1) increasing the reach and legitimacy of local and municipal authorities, and their capacities to provide services; promote reconciliation and peace- building, including addressing drivers of conflict; and deliver peace dividend.

The Proposed Economic infrastructures will be implemented through a synergised geographic approach to programming, which integrates the different instruments and sectoral strategies and investments focusing on targeted territories. To this purpose the below corridor was selected: in Somaliland Corridor (Borama-Hargeisa-Berbera-Burao).

1. Specific duties & responsibilities

1.1 Programme Planning, Development, coordination and Management

• Liaise regularly and coordinate with project key stakeholders from the government and community for the implementation of projects, information sharing and the development of institutional capacity.
• Represent NIS Somaliland Program in various donor and coordination forums at targeted locations and providing programmatic information as required to promote NIS visibility and good will with donors including, UN Agencies, bilateral, multilaterals, Support Offices and NGO peers.
• Assist in coordinating activities with related actions implemented by the INGOS and LNGOs of in the areas and it is environs.
• Schedule and implement the approved work plans for field activities in consultation with the entire team
• Review the program work plan submitted by the partners and advisors for the execution of the works to establish whether the methods, arrangements, order and timing of the activities are realistic.
• Monitor the implementation of the project at the Federal, local level and in close collaboration with IPs, and Diaspora & local experts seconded to the government institution.
• Assist in conducting regular meetings of with partners, in targeted locations.
• Remain alert to identify and appropriately report any emerging project issues in targeted government institutions.
• Compile field visit and assessment reports as appropriate.
• Ensure that all documentation of the project is promptly and correctly filled and archived as necessary.
• Perform any other related duties assigned by the program manager through the project coordinator as required.

1.2 Project Monitoring and reporting

• Conduct regular monitoring visits to the project site to assess the efficiency of resources used.
• Prepare and draft a variety of written outputs that relate to the implementation of the project, such as weekly updates, progress reports, photos, briefings in the project area.
• Follow-up regularly on project deliverables, monitor progress and identify gaps that needs to be addressed.
• Support any relevant assessments or studies and provide feedback on findings to the relevant stakeholders for quality programming
• Prepare and submit weekly, monthly progress reports containing brief descriptions of actual versus planned progress, problems encountered and their solutions and comments on the quality of work and advisor’s performance.
• Assist in documenting case studies and success stories (written & audio) for the project and or support other project if need be.

2. Desirable Competence Qualifications: Education/Knowledge/Technical Skills and Experience:

• Degree in administration, project planning and management or another related subject. Alternatively, a combination of relevant education and professional experience can substitute the requirement of a degree.
• Three years or more working in humanitarian or development field, preferably with one or more previous assignments in the Somaliland Corridor contexts, most importantly.
• Strong leadership and demonstrated ability to work independently and within a team, prioritize tasks and manage multiple activities with attention to detail and ability to meet very tight deadlines.
• Demonstrates well-developed interpersonal skills, excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, as well as negotiation skills
• Experience of working with INGO in a similar capacity will be an added advantage.
• Excellent communication (spoken and written) skills, including the ability to explain and present complex technical information.
• Ability to work independently in a result oriented multi-tasking and multi-cultural environment and manage conflicting priorities.
• Political and cultural awareness and experience of working where insecurity is a major issue
• Language: Fluency in written and spoken English is essential, Fluency in Somali language is desirable
• Sensitivity to the needs and priorities of disadvantaged populations (minority groups etc)
• Advanced computer skills.
• Planning and organizing: Ability to develop clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies, and to identify priority activities and assignments.
• Communication: Solid communication skills, both oral and written; ability to provide both detailed and strategic analysis and negotiation skills; ability to prepare written reports that are clear, concise and meaningful. Good facilitation skills.
• Teamwork: Strong interpersonal skills; willingness and ability to work effectively and harmoniously within a diverse work environment in a multicultural, multi-ethnic organization. Ability to actively participate in team endeavours and to contribute positively to a team environment.
• Ability to work well under pressure and handle concurrent activities simultaneously.

3. Other Duties

• Any other duties assigned by the Program Manager/project manager, the Program & Technical Director or and the Country Representative.

4. PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

The employee will be accountable for and evaluated on the responsibilities and the competencies, based on NIS’s Performance Management System. The following documents will be used for performance reviews:

• The Job Description
• The individual work and professional development plan
• The competency framework