Background

VSF Germany is an international Non-Governmental Organization, providing humanitarian aid and development assistance to pastoralists and vulnerable communities in areas where livestock is of importance. In the region, VSF Germany implements activities in Sudan, South Sudan, Kenya, Somalia & Ethiopia. It focuses on Livestock, food security and Livelihoods, Natural Resources Management, Peace and Conflict, Good governance, Disasters & Emergency, and Agriculture, marketing, but also with developing the capacity of communities and governmental institutions or initiating peace and conflict resolution we work towards food security and strengthened livelihoods of pastoralist communities.

VSF Germany is implementing the project ‘Strengthening Livelihoods and Resilience of Crises-Affected Communities in Puntland and Jubaland States, Somalia**’** for the next 12 months with funding from BMZ. Funds direct recipient is VSFG for Somalia and then VSFG has sub-contract the implementation to Partners, as sub-grantee (SIF) Local partner: Somali Lifeline Organization (SOLO), VSF-G, will implement activities in Somalia (Puntland state)

Puntland State is geographically located in the Eastern portion of Somalia. The population mainly depends, either directly or indirectly, on livestock products for their livelihood and is best suited for pasture, and not for extensive crop production due to general scarcity of water, formation of salt deposits on plots in the water spring areas, poor farming systems and the poor quality of available seeds.

The project will be implemented in Puntland – Nugaal region (Garowe and Burtinle). The overall objective of the programme is to “To enhance livelihood and resilience of vulnerable crises-affected communities and institutions through multisectoral interventions*.”* The action will be implemented in a consortium led by VSFG in collaboration with SIF & Local partner: Somali Lifeline Organization (SOLO), key stakeholders including; Government and local authorities, Puntland National Veterinary Association, Private sector, Training institutions and Community groups in-order to ensure the success and achievement of the set objectives.

The position

We seek to recruit a qualified and well experienced Project Officer to support the implementation of the project. The Project Officer’s will be based in Garowe and with frequent visits to other locations within the project area. The incumbent will work in collaboration with other Field staff, consortium partner organizations & the Project Manager.

Key roles of the Project Officer will include.

I. Project Administration

· Provide coordinating and administrative support as directed by the Project Manager.

· Monitor the security situation in the project area and at the satellite office.

· Draft internal inter-staff communications.

II. Project Planning & Implementation

· Participate in activity planning and develop data collection systems enabling effective monitoring of defined indicators.

· Maintain project Calendar, budget and ensure deadlines are met.

· Help coordinate and follow up on project activities under components implemented by Project partners.

· Act as liaison point between project partners, the Project Manager and project Consultants to ensure timely implementation of projects.

· Track project activities to ensure they are progressing as per schedule.

· Coordinate and organize stakeholder meetings, and serve as Secretary of the said meetings.

· Support in developing training or other materials for community stakeholders and others.

· Responsible for implementing the natural resource Management (NRM) & drought preparedness component Organize livestock traders meetings, facilitate traders access to communities & establish market links in key towns and food markets in drought affected areas in collaboration with local DVO and line ministry.

· Coordinate the procurement of veterinary supplies and equipment for local veterinary stores.

• Responsible for liaison with District Steering Groups, Ministry of Livestock, NGOs and other partners in fulfilling the livestock and market access components of the project.

· Develop work plans, financial projections and verify all financial reports on the respective component.

· Manage the flow of technical reports and compilation of the same in the project narratives.

· Respond to cross cutting issues affecting the community in cooperation with specific expert agencies.

• Steer the development & presentation of community drought preparedness plans with relevant groups e.g. water user committees, resource planning committees etc.

III. Project Monitoring & Reporting

· Prepare and submit timely progress and obstacle activity implementation reports as required.

· Carry out any other duties as may be assigned by the Line Manager.

• Permanently monitor activities and report progress to the Project Manager

· Any other duties as may be assigned by the Line Manager.

IV. Qualifications, Experience, Attributes & Skills required

• University Degree in Agricultural science, and Social Sciences or Development related field.

• A minimum of 3 years experience in development work.

• Team leadership experience preferred for effective and efficient outputs.

• Knowledge and experience of working with pastoral communities

• Excellent computer knowledge, managerial and report writing skills

• Knowledge of Pastoral market, value chain capacity building, Holistic Natural Resource management ( HNRM) approach for sustainable management of rangeands access issues in the region

• Working knowledge of BMZ rules and regulations will confer advantage to tha pplicant.

• Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory.