Somalia: Project Assistant - MIDA Somalia

I. Position Information

SVN No: SVN/IOMSO/087/2014

Position title: Project Assistant - MIDA Somalia

Position grade: G5/01

Type of contract: IOM

Duty station: Hargeisa, Somaliland.

Duration: 6 months with possible extension

II. Organizational Context and Scope

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission of Somalia, and under the technical supervision of the MIDA Program Coordinator, and under the direct supervision of MIDA National Officer and the Head of Sub-Office (HSO) of IOM Hargeisa, the project assistant will provide technical and logistical support and assist in the implementation, monitoring and reporting of MIDA activities aimed at facilitating short term capacity-building assignments by Somali diaspora for the development of Somali Institutions.

III. Responsibilities and Accountabilities

1. Communications/Liaison functions(on the ground focal point for the MIDA program, this includes the following:

· Answer queries about MIDA from interested partners, in close collaboration with the National Officer in Hargeisa and the HSO in Hargeisa. Support programme implementation by maintaining good relations with the relevant governmental entities as well as other International organizations and local agencies in the duty station.

· Follow up with beneficiary institutions, i.e. Ministries. Makes sure that TORs of diaspora professionals are clear and understood by the relevant counterparts in beneficiary institutions. Makes sure that the responsibilities are clear and that contracts are signed(also see monitoring below)

· Supports the diaspora before during and at the end of assignment, in collaboration with the project management in Hargeisa.

· Communicates daily if necessary with the project management team in Hargeisa.

· Supports programme implementation by maintaining good relations with the relevant governmental organization and non-governmental entities in the duty station.

· Represent the MIDA program in meetings.

1. Operations/Logistics:

· Preparations the groundwork for a diaspora professional’s assignment. This includes:

· Verifying and updating security assessment in place of assignment,

· Meets the diaspora Professional on arrival, facilitates orientation,

· Making sure all arrangements are in place by the host beneficiary institution, including office equipment and accommodations as per agreement.

· Monitors the intended output of the assignment-both in terms of diaspora Professional and beneficiary host institutions.

· Establishes and facilitates midterm and end of assignment evaluation reports by the diaspora professionals and questionnaires by hosting institution focal points.

· Frequent monitoring reports to project management team in Hargeisa.

1. Security related function;

· Monitors the security of diaspora professionals in assignment and in conjunction with beneficiary host institutions.

· Frequent security reports and recommendations

· Facilitates medical and security emergency evacuation, if necessary Drafts and prepares correspondence and other reports electronic presentations and resource materials in both Somali and English
Performs other duties as may be assigned.

IV. Competencies
The incumbent is expected to demonstrate the following technical and behavioural competencies

Behavioural
a) Works effectively in high-pressure, rapidly changing environments, b)manages constructive criticism, c) works effectively with all clients and stakeholders d) Proactively develops new ways to resolve problems e) Establishes and maintains effective relationships with implementing partners, f) plans work, anticipates risks, and sets goals within area of responsibility, g) Seeks input and feedback from others, h) Persistent, calm, and polite in the face of challenges and stress, i) Clearly communicates, and listens to feedback on, changing priorities and procedures, k) works with internal and external stakeholders to meet resource needs of IOM.

V. TECHNICAL

a) Organizes and documents work to allow for planned and unplanned handovers; b) Identifies risks and makes contingency plans; c) woks effectively with local authorities, stakeholders, beneficiaries, and the broader community to advance MIDA objectives.
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VI. Education and Experience**

1. Bachelor’s degree in political science, international relations, public administration, international law, development studies, or other relevant fields of studies preferable.
2. At least five years working experience in programme development operation implementation, monitoring and reporting.
3. Previous work experience in an international organization (UN.IO, NGO) in cross cultural field environment.
4. Clear understanding of political economic bureaucratic social and cultural structures in Somaliland.
5. Strong computer skills preferably hands on experience with Microsoft Excel, Outlook and word.

VI. Languages Required English and Somali Fluent

Method of Application: Interested candidates should submit CV and a cover letter Quoting the Vacancy Notice Number, with three professional references and contacts (email or telephone) to the:

International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Somalia Coordinating office in Nairobi

Human Resources Department,

Gitanga Groove, off Gitanga Road

P.O. Box 1810 - 00606

Nairobi

OR

Send by email to: recruitmentsomalia@iom.int

CLOSING DATE: 06 OCTOBER 2014

NOTE: ONLY SHORTLISTED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED