Local Community Engagement Expert

Organizational Context

UN-Habitat, the UN agency for Human Settlements, aims to promote sustainable urban development and adequate housing for all. This role supports the Durable Solutions Portfolio in Somalia, a country with a significant internally displaced population. The position is based in Baidoa and is for a 6-month duration, focusing on enhancing community engagement and coordination.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this role is to enhance the effectiveness, coordination, and technical quality of UN-Habitat’s Durable Solutions Portfolio by strengthening community-based engagement and planning processes. This includes improving coordination with municipalities, local leaders, and partners on Housing, Land, and Property (HLP) issues and access to services. The expert will contribute to localized solutions for migrants, refugees, and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Somalia, aligning with the National Solutions Pathways Action Plan. The role is crucial for integrating IDPs into urban environments through urban planning, inclusive land governance, and infrastructure development, ultimately reducing dependency and increasing self-reliance.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include facilitating meaningful community participation and engagement in program implementation, and liaising with municipal departments and government counterparts on inclusive land governance. The expert will coordinate community consultations, support awareness campaigns, and participatory planning sessions. They will also monitor community action aspects of Agreements of Cooperation (AoC) with municipal authorities and strengthen formats for participation in decision-making processes for displacement solutions. Stakeholder coordination involves maintaining close relationships with municipal departments, community leaders, and implementing partners, organizing coordination meetings, and representing UN-Habitat in local coordination forums. The role also includes contributing to project reports, success stories, and technical documentation, and supporting mission preparation and logistical arrangements.

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 stakeholders is also required. Experience with the UN or international organizations is desirable.

Skills

Community engagement and participation, municipal liaison, stakeholder coordination, project implementation support, knowledge of humanitarian and development issues, gender mainstreaming, experience with UN or international organizations, fluency in English and Somali.

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