Country Programme Manager, Somalia

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Position Title: Country Programme Manager, Somalia
Location: Mogadishu
Country: Somalia
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda to enhance the impact of gender equality and women's empowerment initiatives. The organization merges the resources and mandates of four previously distinct parts of the UN system, namely DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW, and UNIFEM, which focused on gender equality and women's empowerment. UN Women operates globally, with a mission to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect, employing individuals regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.

Job Overview:
The Country Programme Manager for Somalia will report directly to the Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa. This position is pivotal in strategically positioning UN Women as a leader in Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment within Somalia. The incumbent will be responsible for leading and managing the country portfolio, translating UN Women's Strategic Plan into actionable development initiatives that align with regional and national priorities. This includes developing, implementing, and managing programs while fostering effective partnerships with government counterparts, UN agencies, civil society organizations, and various donors. The role requires a strong focus on promoting inter-agency partnerships, supporting UN reform, and mobilizing resources to advance gender equality and women's empowerment in Somalia.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Country Programme Manager will manage the country programme in Somalia by leading the development, implementation, and monitoring of the annual workplan, including budget and results framework. The incumbent will ensure the effective delivery of day-to-day programme activities, compliance with UN Women rules and donor requirements, and lead the preparation for programme audits. Additionally, the manager will provide technical support and capacity development to project partners, oversee the establishment of an effective monitoring system for programme results, and manage the preparation of progress reports. The role also involves leading inter-agency coordination, establishing partnerships with stakeholders, and developing resource mobilization strategies. The incumbent will be responsible for knowledge building and sharing, as well as managing a team of 12 personnel, ensuring effective leadership and guidance.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in social sciences, human rights, gender/women’s studies, international development, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A project/programme management certification such as PMP®, PRINCE2®, or MSP® is considered an added advantage. Candidates should demonstrate excellent programme formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation skills, along with the ability to develop operational plans and budgets. Knowledge of RBM principles, gender equality, and women's empowerment is essential, as is the ability to synthesize program performance data and produce analytical reports.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as social sciences, human rights, gender/women’s studies, or international development. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with additional qualifying experience may suffice. A project/programme management certification is also beneficial.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience at the national and/or international level in the design, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of development projects. Experience in establishing inter-relationships among international organizations and national governments is required, along with experience in leading and coaching staff in international settings. Proficiency in using computers and office software packages is necessary, and familiarity with web-based management systems is desirable. Experience in gender and human rights of women, as well as knowledge of administrative systems and UN norms, is also preferred.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered desirable.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and involves significant managerial responsibilities, including leading a diverse team. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications and organizational needs. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims, including sexual exploitation and abuse, and selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks. Candidates requiring reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process should indicate this in their application.