Post Title : Project Management Consultant
Duration : 3 months
Background
The challenges of implementing a high profile Programme in the volatile environment of Somalia should not be under estimated. The volatile security environment, fluid political landscape and the (often) conflicting expectations of communities, local and central authorities and international donors will present a challenge to any organisation. This consultancy will be responsible for the support and development of delivery of the Programme components in various regions of Somalia will require resilience and an ability to work in a complex, changeable, environment where the need to manage process in terms of support is also paramount if tangible benefits are to be delivered.
However, regardless of the operational, political and security challenges the Programme may face, the ultimate responsibility the ILO is to deliver tangible benefits to people through working with local teams and partners.
Due to the security situation in Somalia, the aspects of the ILO international team currently operates out of Nairobi thus the skills of distance management are to the fore and the need to have both systems and people in place able to manage in this manner is critical to the ability to deliver both quality and at a quantity to make a difference in terms of employment related benefits.
The ILO Somalia Programme is placing ever greater emphasis on job creation, using the employment intensive component and the local economic development process as a springboard for building enterprise development and ensuring there is a semblance of longevity in decent work opportunities created through any of the initiatives. This means, once immediate jobs have been created through intensive labour practices, such work creation plays an important role in kick-starting local economic activities. Close linkage with enterprise development initiatives to take forward the stimulus enacted will be a major element of this position working in close collaboration with Programme Officers and Technical Advisors and Programme Managers/Coordinators.
ILO has never worked in isolation and, with the United Nations transition plan, the need for collaboration is further emphasized. To this end, this position will play an integral role in ensuring ILO continues to fulfil its mandate within the overall UN system and continue to raise its profile through influencing, working with and guiding other entities in the areas of ILO’s mandate
Organizational Context
ILO Strategy for Somalia
The ILO Programme for Somalia currently consists of three broad practical components themselves part of the strategic and policy development umbrella granting sustainability to these elements.
• Employment Intensive Infrastructure Projects (EIIP)
• Micro small and medium enterprise (MSME)
• Local Economic Development/Community Driven Recovery (LED/CDD)
The components will inform the wider Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) for Somalia, currently under preparation as three Interim Decent Work Country Programmes (I-DWCP), for the three geographical entities of South Central Somalia, Puntland and Somaliland.
ILO Result Areas
(i) I-DWCP
(ii) Development of Systems, Process and Tools
(iii) Capacity building of key institutions
(iv) Programme delivery in Employment creation, enterprise development
Key Results to be Achieved
- Completion of (presently) five new proposals currently in concept and draft phases and produce further project proposals complementary to the present projects and fitting within the overall strategy
Using this as the key deliverable, other work will be undertaken to assist the evolution of the Programme through:
- Reviewing the structuring and organization of initiatives and projects facilitating the CTA in continuing the development of the management structure fitting to the overall strategy
- Review and recommend further improvements to project and financial management in line with work undertaken and meeting the variations in operational conditions. This to include:-
• Project report preparation skills improved amongst the team
• Logframe and proposals formats of different donors understood and an institutional body of knowledge established (fitting to ILO’s central repository of knowledge)
• Ensure processes of procurement are working efficiently meeting both ILO criteria and the wider Risk Management of the UN standards now being developed
The second element of work is:-
- Take forward how the team promote networking and knowledge sharing within ILO and the UN System. This to include:-
• Facilitate the timetabling of the team in taking an active participation in UN and SSS management and coordination meetings in Nairobi
• Reviewing how partners liaise on behalf of ILO in the various operational environments of southern Somalia (with input into how ILO is undertaking this work in Somaliland and Puntland)
• Work with the communications and reporting officers on generic skills of report writing and budgeting
Competencies
Corporate:
- Demonstrate integrity by modelling the ILO’s, and wider UN’s, values and ethical standards
- Promote the vision, mission and strategic goals of ILO
- Display cultural, gender, religious, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
Functional:
- Demonstrated capability and experience in multi-sectoral programme/project formulation and management
- Demonstrated capacity and substantial experience in dealing with policy and strategic issues related to public and private sector institution building and governance
- Substantive knowledge on organisational/institution building, socio-economic analysis, training, service delivery, public-private partnerships and economic reform issues with proven track record on policy advice
- Demonstrated hands-on experience in planning and managing development projects (preferably in conflict environments), in particular dealing with decentralisation, local governance, or broader governance/development issues
- Substantial experience in working with donor representatives and civil society on policy and strategic issues
- Demonstrated strong co-ordination and facilitation skills
- Strong communication skills (oral and written)
- Strong analytical skills
- Results oriented, flexible and problem-solving skills
Qualifications
Advanced university degree in public administration, economics, political science or related international development fields.
At least 12 years of work experience in project formulation and management.
At least 5 years experience in thematic areas related to livelihoods and/or service delivery.
At least 5 years of work experience in developing countries, preferably in Africa and/or post-conflict situations.
Proven ability to mobilise funds.
Strong experience in promoting capacity building and governance in multi-cultural environments.
Knowledge and experience of local government administration systems is an asset.
Working experience in Somalia is an asset.
Knowledge of ILO and its procurement and financial systems a distinct asset.
Communication
Excellent command of written and spoken English. Knowledge of Somali an asset.
Excellent command of computer programmes for the formulation of project proposals and related budgetary analysis.
