Project Manager - Somalia/Somaliland, Nairobi

Saferworld is an independent non-government organisation that works to prevent and reduce violent conflict and promote cooperative approaches to security

Location: Somalia - based in Nairobi with frequent travel to the region

BACKGROUND
Saferworld is an independent non-governmental organisation that works to prevent and reduce violent conflict and promote cooperative approaches to security. We work with civil society, governments and international organisations to encourage and support effective policies and practices through advocacy, research and policy development, and through supporting the development of local capacities and structures.
Saferworld has been working in Africa since 1997, with a primary focus upon East Africa and the Horn region. We have well-established programmes in Kenya, Uganda, Somalia and Sudan. In addition, Saferworld supports regional and international conflict prevention and security processes. Saferworld headquarters are in London, with a regional office in Nairobi, and country offices in Kampala and Juba. The Somalia programme is managed from Saferworld's Nairobi office with plans to establish an office in Somaliland in the near future.
Saferworld's programme of work in Somalia/Somaliland has two components. The first aims to strengthen the participation of Somali Non-State Actors in decision-making on peace, security and development. Key themes in this project are participatory decision-making, inclusiveness and capacity building of 'platform' structures so that they more effectively channel NSA voices in policy dialogues. The second component is focussed on conflict and security issues and includes carrying out conflict analyses to help international agencies become more responsive to conflict issues; supporting the development of an 'Observatory' on peace and security issues based initially in the University of Hargeisa; and providing technical advice to members of a consortium of organisations working to create a 'Somali Community Safety Framework' in which new 'bottom-up' approaches to addressing localised safety and security problems are being developed and shared. The main focus of this role is upon the implementation of Saferworld's Somali Non-State Actors projects.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic planning
• Working in collaboration with other Nairobi and London-based staff, contribute to the development and implementation of Saferworld internal strategies for Somalia/Somaliland and the Horn region
• Periodically contribute to other Saferworld research studies of Somalia/Somaliland, including conflict analyses

Project management
• In collaboration with Somalia programme team develop and keep updated workplans
• Ensure timely and high quality completion of activities planned as part of Saferworld's workplan and strategy
• Coordinate monitoring and evaluation of Saferworld's NSA work according to M&E plans
• Ensure timely completion and submission of reports within the organisation on activities undertaken
• To identify policy development opportunities at the international level
Organisational and people management
• To develop an effective working relationship with the Somalia Programme team based on a clear understanding of respective roles, as well as a collaborative approach
• Line management of Field Coordinator and Project Officers responsible for capacity building, advocacy, research and communications aspects of the NSA project:
 Ensuring delivery by them of timely and high quality outputs
 Developing performance plans and holding performance appraisals for each
Finance and fundraising
• Working together with other team members develop spending projections and budgets
• Monitor expenditure against budgets
• Contribute to funding proposals

External representation and advocacy
• In coordination with the other programme staff, to strengthen Saferworld's contacts and coordination with other international actors (governmental and NGO) engaged in Somalia/Somaliland
• In coordination with other programme staff, raise awareness of the Somali NSA platforms among the international community and help to implement Saferworld's advocacy strategies
• Represent Saferworld in external meetings, and promote lessons learnt from the Somali NSA programme
• To maintain good relations with other Saferworld partner organisations, and to develop relations with other relevant actors within the EC and donor governments

PERSON SPECIFICATION
• A masters degree in a relevant subject (e.g. peace/conflict studies, development, international relations (or equivalent professional experience))
• Knowledge of key policy issues relevant to Somalia/Somaliland would be an advantage (democratisation, development, state-building, security sector reform, peace and conflict theory, humanitarian aid, aid effectiveness)
• Experience of working with civil society is essential; experience of building the capacity of organisations and networks and supporting their engagement with decision-makers on policy matters is highly desirable
• Experience of report writing
• Extensive experience of project management including monitoring and evaluation
• Experience of managing staff, including distance management
• Experience of working in complex and politically-sensitive contexts, and excellent political judgement
• Understanding of Somali political and cultural dynamics would be a considerable advantage
• Ability to work in a non-partisan manner, sensitivity to ethnic and cultural differences
• A team player: able to demonstrate a constructive, cooperative and problem-solving approach
• Willingness to travel frequently to the Somali regions (security permitting)
• Good written and spoken English
• Ability to work without close daily supervision, using own initiative and showing flexibility
• A flexible and dynamic approach to work is essential.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Probation: There will be a probationary period of three months
Holidays: There are 25 holidays a year (January-December) in addition to agreed public holidays
Salary range: - Competitive salary commensurate with experience
Pension: 6% contribution to a personal pension fund (with 2% contribution from employee)
Medical insurance for spouse and up to 3 children under 18
Hours: Standard working week is 37.5 hours a week. However, the demands of the job are likely to be such that a willingness to work longer hours, as required will be necessary.

HOW TO APPLY
Please send full CV and covering letter, detailing how you meet the selection criteria to recruitment@saferworld.org.uk. Please use subject heading: PM_NSA.
Reference Code: RW_8ADFU6-97

Closing Date: Monday, 08 November 2010

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