Projects and Advocacy Officer – Somalia

Position: Projects & Advocacy Officer

Project location: Mogadishu

Project duration: 1 year with possibility of extension based on availability of funding and satisfactory performance

Reports to: Coordinator Somalia Region (Somalia and Somaliland)

Closing date: September 4, 2024

About us: Follow the link to read more about SIHA and the work we do www.sihanet.org

Background of the position:

SIHA seeks a candidate with multidisciplinary skills and competencies, in-depth knowledge of political, human rights and humanitarian instruments, and an understanding of Somalia and Somaliland. The Projects and Advocacy Officer will primarily support SIHA’s work in and around the Somalia region and provide support to SIHA’s other work around the Horn of Africa region. SIHA seeks a talented and dedicated candidate with intersectional knowledge of women’s human and economic rights, sexual and gender-based violence, access to justice, and women’s peace and security issues in the region. He or she should have strong networking skills and an understanding of the politics and challenges of the region.

Main Responsibilities:

The Projects and Advocacy Officer (PAO) is an instrumental position within the SIHA Somali Region Office. The Projects and Advocacy Officer will work under the supervision of the Somalia and Somaliland Region Coordinator based in Somaliland and the Regional Projects Coordinator based in Kampala as their line manager with close collaboration with the programme staff in the Somali Region. The Projects and Advocacy Officer will manage a portfolio of projects and related activities and contribute to further refining SIHA’s strategy and its effective implementation. The Projects and Advocacy Officer will be primarily responsible for the planning and implementation of project activities in country.

Main responsibilities;

• Support the planning and implementation of SIHA projects and be able to lead the implementation;
• Ensure joint planning of all project activities; develop clear implementation plans that align with project objectives; execute project activities in a timely and effective manner; and deliver timely financial and substantive reporting on activities, including by partners and subcontractors.
• Quality assurance of project implementation, monitoring of project activities and, where necessary, capacity support to improve the quality of outputs and results.
• Support the development and implementation of country-level advocacy plans within the framework of the project objectives.
• Provide regular reporting on project progress and general context updates.
• Submit project progress and financial reports according to SIHA and donor deadlines and reporting formats.
• Strengthen networking and coordination with local structures, partners and relevant government ministries.
• Communication and collaboration with researchers, technical experts, knowledge institutes and grassroots experts where necessary;
• Contribute to the development of policy documents, statements, journals and briefings required for SIHA advocacy, as well as occasional contributions to press releases and other outreach communications as required;

Required skills and abilities:

• Knowledge of national, regional and international human rights issues, including knowledge of gender equality, gender-based violence and women’s human rights.
• Knowledge of international and regional human rights instruments, including instruments relating to the human rights of women and gender-based violence.
• Demonstrated ability to carefully analyze proposed standards and policies to ensure compliance with national laws and international human rights standards.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to prepare accurate reports, briefings, policy documents and statements.
• Able to develop and maintain relationships with various partners and employees, thus building bonds and trust.
• Other required skills include strong organizational skills, the ability to function and collaborate and benefit from working in a team, and a commitment to women’s human rights and the human rights framework.

Qualifications and background:

• A solid academic background in Gender Studies, Law, particularly Human Rights Law or International Law, International Relations, Local Governance, Development Studies or related fields is required. A Master’s degree in these fields is preferred.
• Experience in project management or certification is highly appreciated.
• Minimum 3-4 years of work experience with recognized global, regional or national organizations is essential.