Somalia: Project Manager, Infrastructures for Peace

Oct 1, 2024 | Berghof Foundation
View Original

Since 2015, the Berghof Foundation has supported community representatives in Galmudug and Hirshabelle in their efforts to build peace by creating a network of insider peacebuilders who have the skills and experience to encourage dialogue and reconciliation in their communities. The programming focuses on increasing the knowledge and developing the capacity of the Insider Peacebuilders Networks (IPNs) on climate security and environmental peacebuilding and working closely with local communities in conflict hotspots that are severely affected by climate change. Over the next two years (to the end of 2026), the current project on infrastructures for peace, seeks to expand our work into South-West State using a mixed methodology of participatory research, capacity building, Shiraka and joint learning. The programming sits both within the broader Somalia activities and is part of the broader i4P – Infrastructures for Peace program.

 

 

Consultancy Description

 

The consultant will work as a Somalia-based project manager for the Berghof Foundation within the framework of the project “i4p – Infrastructures for Peace” (i4p) funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Dutch MFA). The i4p project is part of a larger Somalia programming, currently made up of 4 ongoing projects in Hirshabelle and Galmudug states. Subject to capacity and active projects, the project manager may be required to undertake additional tasks and obligations in support of the implementation and coordination of the Berghof Foundation's overall programming in Somalia.

 

 

Location

 

The project is focused on South-West State. The specification of the target locations for activities, as well as the make-up of participants and the design of the project activities will be determined according to the project workplan, the needs of the community, and the political, social, security, ecological and economic situation in South-West state and greater Somalia. The successful candidate must be willing to travel to different locations within South-West State and to Mogadishu, as long as the security situation allows this.

 

 

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

 

In close coordination with the Mogadishu and Berlin-based Berghof Foundation teams, the project manager’s tasks may include but are not limited to:

 

  • Liaise with local researchers, climate experts, and peacebuilders, the South-West State government officials and partners, Somali stakeholders, international actors, and members of the Insider Peacebuilders Network (IPN) in Hirshabelle and Galmudug states;
  • Coordinate and organize project activities (meetings, consultations, community workshops, community gatherings, trainings, etc.)
  • Provide administrative support to the activities of the project (accounting, technical/financial reporting, etc.);
  • Assist in the development and implementation of a participatory research study;
  • Remain well informed about the political situation in South-West State and Somalia generally, and inform the Berghof team about the most significant issues and current developments that may have an impact on the programming.
  • Where needed, give timely recommendations for necessary changes in the implementation of the project;
  • Coordinate closely with Berghof Foundation team members in Berlin and Somalia and maintain good relationships with all other programming and consortium partners. In addition, the Berghof Foundation reserves the right to request deliverables not explicitly mentioned in the above list of tasks, but related to the scope of the present framework service contract.

 

 

Scope of the Service Contract

 

The consultant is expected to be based in South-West State and willing to travel to Mogadishu on a frequent basis. Regional travel and international travel (Berlin) may also be required; the consultant must possess a valid passport. The contract is intended as a fixed term position starting October 2024 until 31 December 2026, for a total of 22 working days per month (equivalent full-time position).

 

 

Supervision and Reporting

 

The successful candidate will report to the Head of the sub-Saharan Africa Unit based in Berlin. The consultant will work in coordination with the berlin-based project manager and senior advisor, and Mogadishu-based staff.

 

 

Qualifications

 

Applicants shall demonstrate that they fulfil the following criteria (to be assessed on the basis of all supporting documents listed in Section 9):

 

  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as peace and conflict studies, political science, social science or international relations; Master’s degree is a plus.
  • Relevant work experience in peacebuilding/development projects with and with a thematic focus on dialogue, mediation or reconciliation processes.
  • Experience implementing research projects or using visual methodologies (journalism, video research, etc) are an advantage.
  • An understanding of climate and environmental security risks in Somalia is required;
  • Extensive experience and knowledge working in South-West State, including the political, social, conflict and environmental situation in the state;-Excellent knowledge and regional experience in Somalia; contacts and experience with government actors in South-West State and/or the Federal ministries is considered a plus;
  • Strong organisational, management and communication skills; facilitation skill is a plus;
  • Excellent verbal and written language skills in English and Somali are essential;
  • Good networking skills with the ability to engage with a range of stakeholders.

 

Applicants should bring the following additional skills:

 

  • Strong ability to work as part of a team as well as independently;- Ability to work with a broad range of peacebuilding, political, environmental and security actors;
  • Ability to work under pressure;
  • Curiosity, passion, and perseverance;
  • Experience working with German organisations, Berghof Foundation in particular, is an advantage.

 

Excluding and Awarding Criteria

 

Excluding criteria:

 

  • Not being able and willing to work in Somalia;
  • Lack of a minimum Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, as mentioned above;
  • Insufficient multipartiality1;
  • No relevant contacts or existing network in South-West State;
  • Insufficient expertise and experience in climate and environmental issues and trends in Somalia;
  • Insufficient language skills.