Project Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization that has been providing first-line humanitarian response since 202

• NRC operates through multisectoral activities in various fields such as shelter, education, livelihoods, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, and legal assistance. The organization focuses on supporting individuals in hard-to-reach areas and collaborates with local authorities and actors. NRC is currently piloting cash-based interventions aimed at displaced populations residing in host communities. The organization offers a comprehensive response to returnees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) with high needs, addressing their essential requirements in food security, livelihood, shelter, education, and water, hygiene, and sanitation. NRC Somalia is part of the East & South Africa regional operation, which encompasses large-scale multi-country humanitarian and early recovery interventions across ten countries, including Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Eritrea, South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, Sudan, and Mozambique. The overarching strategy of NRC in the region is to enhance protection and promote the rights of displaced individuals in humanitarian need by improving their living conditions and seeking durable solutions. The regional office is located in Nairobi and collaborates with country programs to ensure standardized programmatic and operational approaches, promote multi-country programming, and ensure quality and coordination in their efforts.

Job Overview:
The Project Coordinator will be responsible for leading the implementation of the KOBAC project at the field level in Jowhar. This role serves as the primary point of contact for engagement with municipal and state authorities, ensuring effective coordination and timely delivery of project activities. The Project Coordinator will align project implementation with government priorities and integrate community needs into the execution of the project. The position requires a strong focus on compliance with NRC policies and procedures, as well as the ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with NRC, government authorities, and other relevant stakeholders. The Project Coordinator will also be responsible for ensuring that all project components comply with grant management and project cycle management processes, while also contributing to the development of relevant tools and standards for the integrated durable solutions project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Coordinator will have a variety of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Project Implementation and Coordination: Lead the day-to-day implementation of KOBAC activities at the field level, ensuring that project delivery is coordinated across sectors such as government support, infrastructure, health, and livelihoods. Ensure that implementation aligns with approved work plans, timelines, and budgets, and facilitate coordination between NRC, partners, and government stakeholders.
• Government Engagement and Representation: Act as the primary focal point for engagement with Jowhar Municipality and relevant state authorities, supporting government leadership in coordinating project-related activities. Ensure consistent communication and alignment between NRC and authorities, and facilitate the participation of government stakeholders in planning, implementation, and monitoring processes.
• Planning and Adaptive Management: Support detailed planning and sequencing of project activities at the field level, monitor implementation progress, identify bottlenecks, and propose practical solutions to address operational challenges. Ensure that community feedback is integrated into planning and delivery.
• Monitoring, Reporting, and Documentation: Track implementation progress against plans and indicators, ensure timely and accurate reporting of activities and results, support the documentation of lessons learned and good practices, and facilitate joint monitoring activities with government stakeholders.
• Community Engagement Support: Promote municipal-led community engagement processes, ensuring inclusive participation of displacement-affected communities, including women and youth, and that community feedback informs implementation and decision-making.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Bachelor's degree in development studies, social studies, or a relevant field, or an equivalent qualification. Candidates must have a minimum of four years of experience in humanitarian or development programming, with a strong background in project coordination and stakeholder engagement. Experience working in complex and volatile contexts is essential, along with strong coordination and stakeholder management skills. Candidates should possess excellent planning and organizational skills, a strong understanding of the Somalia context, particularly regarding governance and displacement, and the ability to work effectively within government systems. Experience working with government institutions is highly desirable, and candidates should have documented results related to the position's responsibilities, as well as problem-solving and adaptive management skills. Excellent communication and reporting skills are also required, along with knowledge about one's own skills and profile.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in development studies, social studies, or a related field. An equivalent qualification may also be considered acceptable. The educational background should provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of humanitarian work and development programming.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of relevant experience in humanitarian or development programming. Candidates should have experience in project coordination and stakeholder engagement, particularly in complex and volatile contexts. A strong understanding of the Somalia context, especially in relation to governance and displacement, is crucial. Experience working with government institutions is highly desirable, and candidates should have a proven track record of documented results related to the responsibilities of the position.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as all applications and communications must be submitted in English. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Somalia would be considered an asset, as it may facilitate better communication and engagement with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The Project Coordinator will be based in Jowhar, Middle Shabelle, Somalia, and will operate under a dual working arrangement, maintaining accountability to NRC while working closely with municipal authorities on a day-to-day basis. The contract duration is for 12 months, with the possibility of extension. The salary and benefits will be according to NRC’s salary scale and terms and conditions. NRC is committed to diversity and equal opportunities in its hiring process, encouraging qualified female candidates to apply. The organization emphasizes safeguarding and expects all employees to treat everyone with respect and dignity, contribute to building a safe environment, and report any instances of exploitation or harassment. NRC has a zero-tolerance approach to inaction against such issues.