OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION
In 2012, after a long and troubled transition, a new political dispensation was found in Somalia, with the adoption of the Provisional Constitution, the selection of a new parliament, the election of president and formation of a new government. The challenges faced by the Federal and State Governments are enormous. The challenges can be summarized as follows:
· The long civil war and looting have destroyed physical infrastructure, equipment and the institutional memory of most government agencies and ministries.
· There is a lack of clarity on the mandate and functions across Federal and State Government institutions and between the federal and subnational levels of government.
· Core work-processes in government have suffered in quality and consistency, and service delivery is in many areas virtually absent.
· Staff capacity is low across the whole spectrum of government institutions with limited mechanisms to identify and redress these capacity gaps.
The Federal and State Governments face significant capacity challenges - at the individual, organisational and institutional level - in implementing their mandate and require institutional support to roll out the New Deal process and implement the different reforms.
On State Level, the Puntland Government is fairly well established. However, the process to establish new State Level governments in ‘south-central Somalia’ has started during 2014. This highly sensitive process is about merging different regions into a state level government administration. It requires an inclusive (political) debate and technical guidance.
The Support to Emerging Federal States (StEFS) Project is one of the Projects developed in response to the New Deal. Aligned to the priorities and principles spelled out in the Somali Compact, the StEFS Project aims to support the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and Emerging Federal States in achieving the Peace-building and State-building Goal (PSG) 1, Inclusive Politics Strategic Objective, to “achieve a stable and peaceful federal Somalia through inclusive political processes.”
StEFS builds on the positive gains, experience, expertise and added value of UNSOM and UNDP in advancing these processes while further delivering key capacity support needed for these new governance structures to function effectively within a nascent federal system.
The Project prescribes a coherent approach to address the needs of Emerging Federal States in addition to those federal level institutions that enable and facilitate the formation and development of these new state structures and federalism process.
The present position, Technical Advisor-Liaison and Coordination for OPM Federalism unit, will work under the overall guidance and supervision of the Team Leader (Emerging States) in Mogadishu. The Technical Advisor will work closely with office of Prime Minister (OPM) and provide technical and coordination support to OPM to facilitate federalism dialogue in Somalia.
He/She will work in close collaboration with the Emergency States and Governance Programme and project staff in the Country office, UNDP counterparts and other UN agencies staff to exchange information and ensure consistent service delivery federalism dialogue at all state levels.
GENERAL FUNCTIONS
The role of the TA is to be the lead on matters of federalism and Coordination on related issues with OPM, MOIFA and other partners/federal states. The specific tasks that the adviser will undertake include:
- Provide advice to the OPM in political Federal institution building and federalism strategy implementation
- Ensure the OPM’s vision as it relates to the constitution and federalism is carried out by the relevant federal institutions
- Provide briefings and recommendations on progress in the areas of Federalism to the OPM
- Assist the OPM in ensuring that government policies are aligned with government priorities and constitutional mandated activities on Federalism
- Liaise with other stakeholders and federal states on federalism matters and burning issues.
- Highlight to the Office of the Prime Minister areas where significant policy gaps exist and make recommendations to ensure gaps and corrective policies measures are undertaken
- Ensure the development detailed annual action plans in support of the OPM priorities, defining setting existing and planned activities, roles and responsibilities of different actors, timelines, and required policies
In all activities, the TA shall pay specific attention to the cross-cutting elements as per New Deal Compact, particularly capacity development and gender.
Expected Outcomes
· An overarching framework and strategy for federalism with well-defined desired end-states for each priority area
· Implementation plan supporting the roll out of the Federal strategy
· Detailed one-year action plans setting out existing and planned activities, roles and responsibilities of different actors, timelines.
· Progress and updated with liaising with other federal states on federalism issues.
· Monthly reports and briefing for the OPM, progress made, challenges encountered and corrective action proposed
Education
· Around 5 to 7 years of professional experience with Bachelor Degree in Political Science /Public Administration or related field
Work Experience
· At least 7 years of professional experience in conducting, researches, on political systems and Federalism;
· At least 5 years of professional experience in a senior national level where in-depth knowledge of Federal political systems development, and implementation of federal governance was an essential requirement;
· At least 5 years of professional experience in fragile or conflict affected countries
· Specific experience in carrying out the tasks described in this TOR;
· In-depth knowledge and understanding of political governance systems;
· In-depth knowledge and understanding of public administration development issues
· Demonstrated knowledge in the cross-cutting themes of capacity development and gender;
Key Competencies
· Excellent analytical skills, ability to synthesize and clearly present complex processes and issues to service the information needs of diverse audiences;
· Ability to translate strategic thinking and innovative ideas into practical operational recommendations;
· Results orientation and commitment to producing high-quality products;
· Ability to work under tight deadlines;
Essay Requirements:
Kindly submit an essay of maximum 2 pages: ‘How will you coordinate and facilitate federalism dialogue in Somalia; Strategy and brief action plan?’
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested candidates should submit their CV along with the above essay and their application letter via e-mail To sduale@opm.gov.so and Cc samira.hassan.ahmed@undp.org with reference to “Technical Advisor/Liaison and Coordination” in the subject line by 7th August 2016. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Women are strongly encouraged to apply
