Somalia: Programme Specialist (Environmental Peacebuilding)

Aug 19, 2024 | International Organization for Migration
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Since the formation of the Federal Government of Somalia, the country has made significant progress towards restoring peace and security. However, significant destabilizing factors remain. These include, most notably, the extant presence of violent extremist group al-Shabaab, particularly in rural areas; recurrent and unresolved clan, land, and resource-based conflicts; weak and nascent institutions; and the internal displacement of more than 2 million individuals. Whilst the transition, recovery, and development needs of Somalia, after almost 3 decades of civic conflict and violent extremism remain a long term, if not generational process, such progress will be unachievable in the absence of solid foundations for peace and security, particularly at community levels.

Within this context, IOM Somalia Country Office’s (CO) Community Stabilization Unit (CSU) responds through Rapid Stabilization Programming and Environmental Peacebuilding Programming. Environmental Peacebuilding (EP) programming harnesses the gains made by previous IOM stabilization programs Breaking the Climate Conflict in Galmudug and Hirshabelle (Deegaan Bile Galmudug and Hirshabelle respectively as shorthand) and Stabilization Support to Somalia II (Daryeel as shorthand) and aims to contribute to climate security efforts in Somalia. By creating conditions to simultaneously restore the environment and foster peace and stability, the social contract between Somali citizens and state institutions is rebuilt in an environmentally sustainable way, thereby providing a bridge to longer-term development interventions.

IOM Somalia CO’s Environmental Peacebuilding (EP) programme objective is to promote peace and stability in an environmentally sound and sustainable manner by addressing nature-based drivers of instability including the mismanagement, degradation, and competition over natural resources. Under the EP portfolio, IOM is currently implementing several programs/projects in South Central Somalia. These include the EU-funded Climate Adaptive Stabilization in Newly Liberated Areas of Somalia, Danish-funded Forging a Greener Peace in the Hirshabelle State of Somalia, FCDO-Restoring the Riverine Eco-Systems for Climate Adaptation, and several projects in the pipeline by other donors. The Environmental Peacebuilding Portfolio are sub-divided into three sub-pillars: Green Environment, Green Governance and Green Economy. This position will provide technical support for the Green Environment Pillar which focuses on regenerative resilient design, regenerative earthworks and water capture to restore soil health and the ecosystem at large with the overall aim of reducing tensions, conflict and instability caused by the mismanagement, degradation and competition over natural resources. Green Environment activities will take into account the conflict and peacebuilding dynamics of target locations with a view of implementing these activities/projects to achieving environmentally sound peace and stability. As this is a technical position, the EP programme is looking for the following technical profiles or related profiles: Environmental Engineer, Ecologists, Forestry and Agroforestry Specialists, Soil Scientists and Agronomist, Landscape Architects, Sustainable Agriculture Specialists, Restoration Ecologist, Environmental Scientist, Forestry and Land Management expert.

Under the overall supervision of the Senior Programme Coordinator (Community Stabilization), and the direct supervision of the Programme Manager (Environmental Peacebuilding), and in close coordination with the Regional Thematic Specialist (RTS) at the Regional Office (RO) for East and Horn of Africa in Nairobi and relevant Divisions/Departments/Units at Headquarters (HQ), the Programme Specialist (Environmental Peacebuilding) will support and coordinate the development, implementation, monitoring and reporting activities of the Green Environment Pillar within the Environmental Peacebuilding Programme.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Support the overall implementation of activities under the Green Environmental Pillar within the EP Programme in Somalia CO, including its financial, administrative and technical implementation, in compliance with IOM policies and standards, as well as donor requirements, agreed timeline and deliverables.
2. In coordination with the Programme Manager, coordinate the work of all staff assigned to the Green Pillar within EP programme, as well as consultants, implementing partners and service providers recruited to support and/or undertake specific activities.
3. Maintain close collaboration and contribute to the strengthening the partnerships with relevant stakeholders such as Government entities, national authorities, donors, development partners, United Nations agencies, and civil society.
4. Draft and produce progress and other reports and ensure proper information exchange on all operational aspects of the programmes between IOM, the programmes’ donors and other stakeholders.
5. Provide technical support in ecological restoration projects in coordination with the rest of EP team and contribute to an integrated EP response/design, including, but not limited to, reforestation, rangeland restoration, regenerative agriculture, restorative land management practices and conservation techniques, regenerative earthworks, rainfed water capture alternatives, and soil stabilization.
6. Contribute to the identification of donors’ priorities and strategies, explore the possibility to develop follow up initiatives and/or initiate new programme development process within the Green Pillar of Environmental Peacebuilding Programme in Somalia CO and draft projects proposals, in relation to expressed governmental needs, donors’ priorities and in line with IOM’s mandate and strategy.
7. In coordination with the Programme Manager, facilitate adequate information management on Somalia CO’s activities through regular updates, summaries, press releases and other relevant materials that promote Somalia CO’s EP programming visibility.
8. Assist in conducting technical and contextual analysis to identify potential activities with a focus on Green Pillar themes including soil health, water capture opportunities, land lay out for potential earthworks, and others to be implemented as part of the EP programme in line with IOM mandate and the priorities established by the Government and partners in Somalia.
9. Contribute to the development of relevant monitoring and evaluation plans and tools to assess the effectiveness of restoration activities, collect and analyze ecological data, measure progress and effectiveness of Green Pillar activities, make recommendation on suitable course corrections, and supporting further development and improvements.
10. Ensure adequate information management on EP programme related activities especially activities under the Green Pillar including awareness raising and visibility; provide regular updates, summaries, press releases and other relevant materials, in coordination with the donor and IOM’s Public Information Department.
11. Participate in relevant conferences, workshops, steering committees and technical working groups, as well as other forums, to facilitate proper coordination and presentation of IOM activities specifically within the EP fora.
12. Function as focal person for CO’s Environmental Peacebuilding Programming in Mogadishu, Somalia including attending various EP-related meetings, and workshops, interfacing with Government and partners, as well as assisting the CO’s EP team based in Nairobi for specific Mogadishu EP-related tasks.
13. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Experiences and Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Agronomy, Natural Resource Management, or a related field from accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience preferably in conflict or post-conflict settings; or,
• University degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience in Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related field preferably in conflict or post-conflict settings.

Experience:

• Experience in working with local communities to implement conservation and restoration projects, ensuring community participation and ownership;
• Experience in programme management, implementation and project development;
• Experience in coordination of various projects under the programme to ensure maximum outputs;
• Experience in liaising with government authorities and other national/international institutions;
• Experience in emergency settings with in-depth knowledge of IOM/UN programme/project life cycles;
• Experience with UN and International Agencies, international or local NGOs preferred;
• Knowledge and experience in working with PRIMA is an advantage; and,
• Work experience in Somalia and in the Region is an advantage.

Skills:

• Knowledge of the role of environmental initiatives in conflict resolution and peacebuilding, with experience in integrating these elements into ecological projects;
• Knowledge of the socio-political context of Somalia and experience working in similar environments is an advantage;
• Knowledge of UN/IOM’s regulations, policies and procedures;
• Knowledge of project budgeting and financial management;
• Proven ability to design, plan, implement, and manage ecological restoration projects, including developing budgets, timelines, and monitoring frameworks;
• Sound writing, communication and negotiation skills; and,
• Good organization skills, analytical and creative thinking.

Languages:

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages. For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of Somali is an advantage. Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

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: 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.
• 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 for 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.

Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators level 2

• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.
• Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
• Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
• Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
• Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.