Programme Lead for the Somalia Empowering Women through Education and Skills Project

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization established to assist people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. With a workforce of approximately 15,000 staff members, NRC operates in 40 countries worldwide, providing life-saving assistance and long-term support to millions of individuals each year. The organization is committed to upholding the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring that they receive the necessary aid and support to rebuild their lives. NRC's mission is to promote human dignity and provide assistance in some of the world's most challenging contexts, focusing on education, shelter, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, and legal assistance.

Job Overview:
The Programme Lead will oversee the Somalia Empowering Women through Education and Skills 'Rajo Kaaba' Project, which is funded by the World Bank through the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Higher Education. This project aims to enhance literacy, numeracy, socio-emotional skills, and vocational training for young women and men aged 15-35 across various regions of Somalia. The Programme Lead will ensure that the project is executed in accordance with the cooperative agreement, World Bank regulations, and internationally recognized quality standards. This role requires strategic leadership, project management, compliance with educational standards, and stakeholder engagement, as well as the ability to adapt to the unique challenges faced in the Somali context.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Lead will be responsible for providing strategic and technical leadership to maximize the impact of the project, ensuring alignment with both long-term and short-term priorities. Key responsibilities include developing and monitoring annual work and performance plans, offering technical support to field-based education staff, ensuring adherence to Safe and Inclusive Programming guidelines, managing the overall project budget, and ensuring compliance with NRC's contractual commitments. The Programme Lead will also oversee project implementation activities, manage stakeholder relationships, submit reports to relevant ministries, and facilitate learning and evaluation processes. Additionally, the Programme Lead will provide line management for project staff, fostering a supportive work environment and overseeing performance management and capacity building.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in education, gender studies, economics, public health, engineering, or a relevant discipline. A minimum of 10 years of experience is required, including managing education programs for adults and young women, expertise in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and experience in designing educational programs specifically for women and young girls. Candidates should have in-depth knowledge of gender disparities in education, proficiency in evaluating educational programs, and the ability to develop youth participatory approaches in line with IASC Guidelines. Excellent communication skills, the ability to work closely with national staff, and knowledge of the Somali context are essential.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as education, gender studies, economics, public health, or engineering is required for this position. This educational background should provide the candidate with the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively manage and implement educational programs, particularly those focused on empowering women and young girls through vocational training and education.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience, particularly in managing education programs targeted at adults and young women. This experience should include expertise in TVET, designing and implementing educational initiatives for women and young girls, and familiarity with the challenges faced in the Somali context. Experience in project management, advocacy work, and safety and security awareness training is also important, as is the ability to work under pressure and in insecure environments.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, particularly in synthesizing and elaborating on qualitative and quantitative data. Knowledge of the Somali language is considered an added advantage, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and project participants. Excellent communication skills are essential for negotiation, networking, and public speaking.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Mogadishu, Somalia, with a contract duration of 20 months. The salary will be based on NRC’s grade 9 salary scale, which includes accompanying terms and conditions. This position may be offered as either a National or International contract. NRC is committed to diversity and equal opportunities, encouraging applications from individuals of all backgrounds. The organization emphasizes a supportive work culture that empowers employees to share ideas and take responsibility, providing opportunities for professional growth and development.