Local Community Engagement Expert

Organizational Context

UN-Habitat, the UN agency for Human Settlements, aims to promote sustainable towns and cities globally. In Somalia, a country facing significant internal displacement, UN-Habitat is implementing the Saameynta Programme. This initiative focuses on providing durable solutions for displaced persons and affected communities, integrating urban planning, land governance, and economic empowerment to foster self-reliance and tenure security.

Job Purpose

This role is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness, coordination, and technical quality of UN-Habitat’s Durable Solutions Portfolio in Somalia. The expert will strengthen community-based engagement and planning processes, particularly concerning Housing, Land, and Property (HLP) rights and access to services. By fostering improved local coordination with municipalities, leaders, and partners, the position directly contributes to the successful implementation of the Saameynta Programme, which aims to integrate internally displaced persons (IDPs) into urban environments and provide sustainable solutions to displacement challenges in key cities like Bosaso.

Responsibilities

The Local Community Engagement Expert will facilitate meaningful community participation and engagement throughout programme implementation. This includes liaising with municipal departments and government counterparts on inclusive land governance activities, coordinating community consultations, and supporting awareness campaigns and participatory planning sessions. The role involves supporting the implementation and monitoring of community action aspects of Agreements of Cooperation (AoC) with municipal authorities. Additionally, the expert will maintain close working relationships with various stakeholders, organize coordination meetings, and represent UN-Habitat in local coordination forums on Durable Solutions. Contributions to project reports, success stories, and technical documentation are also key responsibilities, alongside supporting mission preparation and logistical arrangements for community engagement activities.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of relevant professional experience working with public-sector institutions, including demonstrated experience in community engagement, is required. Experience supporting project implementation in collaboration with government institutions and other stakeholders is also necessary. Experience with the UN or other international organizations is desirable.

Skills

Community engagement and participation, municipal liaison, stakeholder coordination, project implementation support, knowledge of humanitarian and development issues, gender mainstreaming, reporting, data tracking, awareness raising, facilitation of meetings, and collaboration with partners.

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