Terms of Reference (ToR)

Position Title: Program Officer

Duty Station: Garowe, Puntland (with regular travel to Bosaso, Badhan, and Qardho)

Organization: Shaqodoon Organization

Reports to: Regional Program Coordinator, Shaqodoon

Duration: 12 Months (renewable based on performance and funding)

1. Background

Shaqodoon Organization is a youth-focused development organization operating across Somalia, dedicated to supporting skills development, entrepreneurship, business growth, employment, and economic empowerment. The organization implements programs that equip youth and vulnerable groups with marketable skills, strengthen TVET institutions, and foster collaboration between the private sector, local communities, and government actors. Through initiatives in Puntland, Shaqodoon directly engages beneficiaries such as TVET trainees, secondary school learners, and youth entrepreneurs, ensuring the inclusion of women, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups. The organization works closely with local authorities, line ministries, and private sector partners to align its programs with local development priorities. Shaqodoon is seeking a competent, hardworking, reliable, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic

Program Officer to lead the implementation of its business development, employment, and innovation related programs.

2. Purpose of the Role

The Program Officer will oversee the day-to-day implementation of Shaqodoon’s programs, coordinate

with partners and government authorities, and ensure the delivery of entrepreneurship, crowdfunding,

and employment initiatives in the target locations. The role includes project coordination, stakeholder

engagement, monitoring, reporting, and documentation of lessons learned.

3. Key Roles and Responsibilities

A. Entrepreneurship & Business Development

• Coordinate business coaching and training services for target SMEs in productive and service

sectors.

• Identify qualified business coaches and trainers, match them with relevant SMEs, and ensure

adequate support for SME growth.

• Assess business capacity needs (startup, early stage, and growth) and prepare SMEs for

capacity-building programs.

• Develop TORs for business coaches/trainers and supervise their tasks.

• Supervise training delivery and verify services before payment.

• Contribute innovative solutions to SME development challenges.

• Organize business development events and review training syllabuses for SME programs.

B. Crowdfunding & Fund Mobilization

• Develop local fundraising strategies, building on previous successful models.

• Identify innovative community projects for crowdfunding and support committees in planning

fundraising events.

• Coordinate with communities to set up accounts linked to crowdfunding platforms.

• Document successes and lessons learned from crowdfunding initiatives.

• Assist partners and committees in executing campaigns.

• Develop communications materials for social media, local radio, and TV.

• Promote crowdfunding campaigns locally and with diaspora networks.

• Regularly update project information on crowdfunding platforms and suggest improvements.

• Submit regular reports to Shaqodoon on crowdfunding activities.

C. Job Matching, Internships & Employment Support

• Support universities and TVET centers to secure internships, apprenticeships, and employment

opportunities for graduates.

• Identify potential employers in public and private sectors willing to host interns.

• Supervise the internship/apprenticeship programs and mentor participants.

• Verify placement confirmations and contracts with hosting employers.

• Oversee soft skills and entrepreneurship development initiatives during placement.

D. Coordination & Relationship Management

• Engage with program staff, government ministries, and local authorities to identify and support

beneficiaries.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with business associations, financial institutions, and

private sector actors.

• Represent Shaqodoon in relevant consortium or stakeholder meetings.

• Identify, assist, and draft MOUs and TORs for partner universities or local implementing partners.

• Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor or designee.

E. Reporting & Monitoring

• Submit monthly and quarterly activity, monitoring, and meeting reports.

• Develop and maintain program M&E tools, including attendance tracking, feedback forms, and

progress reporting templates.

• Collect, verify, and analyze program data from field activities, training sessions, and internships.

• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as participant attendance, completion rates, skill

acquisition, and employment outcomes.

• Conduct periodic field visits to monitor program quality, adherence to guidelines, and identify

challenges or gaps.

• Generate regular M&E reports to inform program improvements and donor reporting.

• Assist in conducting program assessments, surveys, and impact evaluations.

• Ensure proper documentation of success stories, lessons learned, and best practices.

F. System Promotion & Outreach

• Promote Shaqodoon’s digital platforms (including MDALAG, feedback tools, crowdfunding

portal, and other T4D solutions) to youth, partners, and communities.

• Conduct orientation and onboarding sessions for users to ensure they can navigate and utilize

the system effectively.

• Maintain engagement with users to encourage consistent platform usage and participation.

• Track system usage, user engagement, and campaign outcomes across all digital platforms.

4. Skills and Qualifications

• University degree (Master’s preferred) in Business Administration, Economics, Entrepreneurship,

Commerce, Agriculture, Fishery, or Education.

• At least 5 years of progressive experience in a managerial or program officer role in SME

development, entrepreneurship, crowdfunding, or employment programs, with the last 2 years

directly relevant to this position.

• Experience in program management, M&E, capacity building, and training design.

• Ability to multi-task, meet tight deadlines, and manage stressful situations.

• Strong analytical skills and data interpretation ability.

• Excellent leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

• Strong understanding of organizational structure, resource management, and commitment to

program objectives.

• Excellent verbal and written communication, including storytelling and report writing skills.

• Proficiency in computer applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and social media

management.

• Experience in fundraising, online campaigns, and community engagement.

• Knowledge of Puntland development contexts and government structures.

• Must be a resident of Garowe.

5. Travel Requirements

• Regular travel to Bosaso, Badhan, Qardho, and other implementation areas is required.

6. Safeguarding & Code of Conduct

• Shaqodoon has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse, child abuse, fraud, and

corruption.

• The successful candidate will be required to sign and adhere to Shaqodoon’s safeguarding,

PSEA, and code of conduct policies and undergo a background check.

How to apply

7. Application Procedure

Interested candidates should submit their CV, Cover letter and Academic Qualification outlining their

suitability to [email protected] by February 16th, 2026.

Please indicate "Program Officer based in Puntland" in the subject line.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted