Projects and Advocacy Officer At Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa

Position: Projects &Advocacy Officer

Project Location: Mogadishu

Project Duration: 1 year with possibility of extension based on availability of funding and satisfactory performance

Reports to: Somalia Region Coordinator (Somalia and Somaliland)

Closing Date: September 04 2024

About us: Follow the link to read more about SIHA and the work we do www.sihanet.org

Background of Position:

SIHA seeks a candidate with multidisciplinary skills and competencies, in-depth knowledge of political, human rights, and humanitarian instruments, and an understanding of the Somalia and Somaliland. The Projects and Advocacy Officer will primarily support SIHA’s work on and around Somalia region and extend support to SIHA’s other work around the Horn of Africa region. SIHA seeks a talented and committed candidate with intersectional knowledge of women’s human and economic rights, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, Access to Justice, and women’s Peace and Security issues in the region. She or he must have strong networking skills and an understanding of the region’s politics and challenges.

Key Responsibilities:

The Projects and Advocacy Officer (PAO) is an instrumental position within SIHA Somali Region Office. The Projects and Advocacy Officer will work under the supervision of the Somalia and Somaliland Region Coordinator based in Somaliland and the Regional Projects Coordinator based in Kampala as their line manager with close collaboration with the program staff in the Somali region. The Projects and Advocacy Officer will manage a portfolio of projects and related activities and contribute to further refining SIHA’s strategy and its effective implementation. The Project and Advocacy Officer will be primarily responsible for the planning and implementation of project activities in the country.

Main Responsibilities;

• Support the planning and the implementation of SIHA projects and be able to lead implementation;
• Ensure joint planning of all the project activities; development of clear implementation plans aligned to the project goals; timely and effective implementation of project activities; timely submission of financial and narrative reporting of activities, including by partners and sub-grantees.
• Quality assurance of project implementation, monitoring project activities, and providing capacity support where needed to improve quality of outputs and outcomes.
• Support the development and implementation of country-level advocacy plans within the framework of the Project aims and objectives.
• Provide regular reports on project progress, and general updates on context.
• Submit project progress and financial reports according to deadlines and reporting formats of SIHA and those provided by donors.
• Strengthen networking and coordination with local structures, partners and relevant government ministries.
• Communication and collaboration with researchers, technical experts, knowledge institutes, and grassroots experts as required;
• Contribute to the development of policy papers, statements, journals and briefings required for SIHA advocacy, as well as occasional contributions to press releases, and other outreach communications as required;

Required Skills and Capacities:

• Knowledge of national, regional, and international human rights issues, including knowledge of gender equality, gender-based violence, and women’s human rights.
• Knowledge of international and regional human rights instruments, including those relating to women’s human rights and gender-based violence.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze proposed norms and policies accurately for compliance with domestic laws and international human rights standards.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to draft accurate reports, briefings, policy documents, and statements.
• Able to grow and nurture connections with different partners and collaborators and build links and trust.
• Other required skills are strong organizational skills, the ability to function and collaborate and benefit from being in a team, and commitment to women’s human rights and the human rights framework.

Qualifications and Background:

• A solid academic background in Gender Studies, Law, particularly Human Rights Law or International Law, International Relations, Local Governance, Development Studies, or related fields is required. A master’s degree in these areas is preferred.
• Experience in or certification in project management is highly valued.
• At least 3-4 years of work experience with recognized global, regional, or national organizations is essential.