Position Title: Senior Project Officer.

Organization: Shaqodoon

Project: Youth in Action: Empowering Youth to Contribute to Peaceful Transition in Jowhar (YOU-ACT).

Location: Jowhar, Somalia Duration: [12 months, with possibility of extension depending fund availability].

Reports to: Project Manager.

Supervises: Community Mobilizers, Local Volunteers.

Background

Shaqodoon, a national civil society organization with over a decade of experience in youth empowerment, peace-building, and community development, is implementing various initiatives aimed at promoting peace, social cohesion, and inclusive governance in Somalia. These initiatives focus on empowering communities, fostering collaboration, and supporting sustainable development across diverse sectors.

The YOU-ACT project aims to address critical challenges of conflict, youth exclusion, and resource-based tensions in Jowhar district. It focuses on empowering young men and women to play a central role in peace-building by enhancing their participation in decision-making, fostering inter-clan collaboration, and supporting sustainable natural resource management. Through capacity-building initiatives, digital tools for cadastral mapping, and inclusive community planning, the project seeks to mitigate conflict drivers, promote equitable access to resources, and strengthen youth leadership.

The Senior Project Officer will be responsible for the day-to-day implementation of activities in the Jowhar district. This role requires a proactive individual with experience in community mobilization, conflict resolution, and youth engagement. The Senior Project Officer will work closely with local communities to ensure that activities are effectively implemented and objectives are met.

Key Responsibilities

1. Community Mobilization and Engagement

• Engage with local communities to raise awareness about project, organizational activities and objectives.

• Facilitate the active participation of youth, women, and marginalized groups in organizational initiatives.

• Organize and lead community meetings, focus group discussions, and workshops to gather input and feedback on activities.

2. Implementation of Activities

• Support the implementation of various community-focused initiatives, ensuring community members are engaged and trained where applicable.

• Coordinate the organization of community events, dialogues, and cultural activities aimed at fostering collaboration and understanding.

• Assist in the identification and development of community-driven projects, working closely with community members to ensure their success.

3. Conflict Resolution and Peace-building

• Work with local committees to monitor and address conflicts related to natural resources, such as land and water.

• Support initiatives aimed at promoting peace and reducing tensions within the community.

• Facilitate training sessions for youth and community members on conflict resolution, mediation, and peace-building techniques.

4. Monitoring and Reporting

• Conduct regular field visits to monitor the progress of activities and assess their impact on the community.

• Collect and report data on activities, including participant attendance and outcomes of community engagements.

• Prepare and submit regular progress reports to the Regional Coordinator, highlighting successes, challenges, and recommendations.

5. Stakeholder Coordination

• Liaise with local authorities, community leaders, and other stakeholders to ensure their support and involvement in organizational activities.

• Coordinate with other staff to ensure smooth implementation of activities.

• Represent the organization in local meetings and forums.

6. Capacity Building and Support

• Provide guidance and support to Community Mobilizers and local volunteers.

• Identify capacity-building needs among community members and organize relevant training sessions.

• Support the establishment and strengthening of local committees and groups involved in community planning and conflict resolution.

7. Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure that all activities are implemented in compliance with organizational policies, donor requirements, and local laws.

• Identify potential risks to implementation and work with the Regional Coordinator to develop mitigation strategies.

• Uphold the principles of “do no harm” in all interactions with community members and stakeholders.

Qualifications and Experience

Education: A bachelor’s degree in social sciences, Community Development, Peace and Conflict Studies, or a related field.

Experience:

• At least 3 years of experience in community mobilization, fieldwork, or activity implementation, preferably in a conflict or post-conflict setting.

• Experience working on youth empowerment, peace-building, or conflict resolution initiatives.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse communities and stakeholders.

Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and motivate community members.

• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software.

• Knowledge of local languages and cultures in the Jowhar district is an advantage.

Personal Attributes:

• A strong commitment to community development.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Flexibility and adaptability to changing needs and circumstances.

• High level of integrity and ethical standards.

How to apply

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and updated CV with three professional references and their contact details on via this email address: [email protected]. Indicate the title of the position in the subject of your email "Senior Project Officer". The deadline for submissions is 15st January 2025. Shaqodoon is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis.