Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Social Policy, Equity and Gender (SPEG) Section, the Project Coordinator position (P-4 level) will manage the implementation of Component 2 of the project and ensure quality of outputs. The staff member will be accountable for effective engagement with the relevant government counterparts, World Bank and WFP on SNHCP and represent UNICEF in project coordination meetings and discussions. This position will be part of the SPEG Section, report to the Chief SPEG and will work closely with the Social Policy Specialist (Social Protection) with overall responsibility on social protection policy and programming in UNICEF Somalia. The Project Coordinator will be based in Nairobi with frequent travel expected to the UNICEF Somalia Country Office (SCO) located in Mogadishu ( The incumbent will spend 50% of his/her time in Somalia).
Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Social Policy, Equity and Gender (SPEG) Section, the Project Coordinator position will manage the implementation of Component 2 of the project and ensure quality of outputs.
The staff member will be accountable for effective engagement with the relevant government counterparts, World Bank and WFP on SNHCP and represent UNICEF in project coordination meetings and discussions. This position will be part of the SPEG Section, report to the Chief SPEG and will work closely with the Social Policy Specialist (Social Protection) with overall responsibility on social protection policy and programming in UNICEF Somalia. The Project Coordinator will be based in Nairobi with frequent travel expected to the UNICEF Somalia Country Office (SCO) located in Mogadishu( The incumbent will spend 50% of his/her time in Somalia).
Tasks Will Include
Design and planning of the project
Finalizing the project action plan and ensuring all budgeted resources are requested, disbursed, utilized and reported against based on implementation timelines and commitments.
Providing technical and capacity building support to the FGS and MoLSA in planning and implementing the SNHCP. All elements of the system designed under Component 2 must be in line with the newly approved National Social Protection Policy.
Ensuring adherence to all UNICEF systems and procedures and compliance with requirements for implementing World Bank funded project, as outlined in project documents.
Operational management and implementation of the project
Providing technical leadership to the project to ensure quality standards are maintained and timely completion of all deliverables.
Managing a team of International and National staff and consultants to deliver the project, based in Mogadishu. This includes staff recruitment, performance reviews & trainings as well as keeping the staff motivated in a high stress environment.
Assessing technical quality of proposals, commissioning as well as managing contracts for specific technical products at different stages of the programme. Quality control should be ensured throughout including, initial assessment/feasibility exercises, development of methodologies and operational manuals and development of a unified social registry and MIS relevant to the context of Somalia.
Developing a communication strategy for the SNHCP and support in its implementation, in collaboration with MOLSA.
Engaging with all relevant stakeholders to ensure better coordination and complementarity of existing and planned cash transfer projects as well as processes, with the SNHCP.
Monitoring and reporting
Developing a mechanism for periodic consultation, advise and feedback from relevant programme sections and operational departments at the SCO, Regional Office and HQ level for the effective delivery of the project.
Regular monitoring of the project and flagging any critical issues/needs to the Chief SPEG in a timely manner.
Preparation and timely submission of progress and‚ financial reports to the FGS (including the Social Protection Steering Committee and Government-Led Safety Nets Working Group), as well as contributions to SCO reports including donor reports, Annual Reports and others.
Providing oversight of the budget, financial management and financial reporting for the SNHCP.
Strategic thinking on long-term shock-responsive social protection in Somalia
In coordination with the SPEG team, working on an influencing strategy to strengthen the child sensitive focus of shock responsive social safety nets in Somalia.
Working closely with the Social Protection Specialist to develop a strategy for UNICEF’s engagement on shock responsive social protection in Somalia and support the team to raise adequate resources for its implementation.
Working closely with relevant colleagues in the SCO to engage with the social protection and humanitarian cash transfers stakeholders operating in Somalia for better coordination of efforts on the ground.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have:
An Advanced University Degree in economics, public policy, public administration, social science, international relations, political sciences, disaster management or other relevant disciplines.
Minimum 8 years of progressive work experience in social protection, specifically provision of technical assistance to governments in social protection programme design and implementation, including social registry and MIS.
Project management of development and/or emergency programmes, preferably humanitarian cash transfers in emergency or fragile contexts.
Experience of leading social protection, including humanitarian cash transfers engagements with government in fragile or low-income countries is desirable.
Experience in managing a team of international and national level professionals.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in a multicultural environment.
Ability to multitask and work under tight deadlines in a highly complex environment.
Ability to take initiative, work independently and deliver high quality results on time.
Ability to work with multiple stakeholders, especially government sectors.
Fluency in English, with excellent project and report writing skills required.
For Every Child, You Demonstrate
UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) competencies in Communication, Working with People, and Drive for Results.
The Competencies Required For This Post Are
Builds and maintains partnerships
Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
Drive to achieve results for impact
Innovates and embraces change
Manages ambiguity and complexity
Thinks and acts strategically
Works collaboratively with others
Nurtures, leads and manages people
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.
UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.
