Service Contract

Organizational Context

The Federal Government of Somalia, with support from UNESCO and UNICEF and funding from the UN Peacebuilding Fund, is implementing a project to build peace through religious education. The initiative aims to enhance social cohesion and resilience by integrating peace-centered pedagogy, safeguarding, and inclusive practices into early childhood Quranic education. The project focuses on government leadership, integrating peacebuilding into religious instruction, and sensitizing communities to their role in supporting peacebuilding.

Job Purpose

The National Project Officer will be responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the project in Somalia, operating under the authority of UNESCO's Director for Eastern Africa and the direct supervision of the Project Manager. This role involves ensuring the project's quality and adherence to objectives, activities, and outputs. The officer will support overall project management, monitor and update work plans, and manage the procurement of goods and services. Key duties include liaising with development partners, donors, and stakeholders to ensure coordination and alignment with other initiatives. The position also requires monitoring and evaluating project implementation, reporting on activities, and providing policy advice and technical assistance to stakeholders in line with national policies and Sustainable Development Goals.

Responsibilities

1. Manage and ensure the quality of the project from UNESCO's perspective, aligning with specific objectives, activities, and expected outputs, in collaboration with the Project Manager. Support overall project management, regularly monitor and update the project workplan, and plan/organize procurement of goods and services, closely overseeing their implementation. Identify suitable project implementation partners and service providers, monitor contracts, assess service quality, and process fund disbursements. Coordinate with the Project Manager and team to liaise with development partners, donors, and stakeholders in Somalia for harmonization and alignment. 2. Ensure effective monitoring and evaluation of project implementation and reporting. Regularly monitor the financial status of the project for UNESCO, developing budget revisions as needed. Oversee monitoring and evaluation efforts and report on progress. Support the Project Manager in preparing, conducting, and following up on meetings with government and stakeholders, including preparing minutes and action plans. Prepare activity reports for UNESCO, the donor, and partners. 3. Contribute to disseminating project results and knowledge products through various channels, ensuring accessibility and usability for stakeholders. 4. Provide policy advice and technical assistance to stakeholders on project implementation, evidence generation, framework development, piloting, operationalization, and monitoring/evaluation, in line with government policies and SDGs.

Work Experience

Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in technical assistance and project management within education, teacher training, or skills development. Experience supporting government educational and training reform agendas is required.

Skills

Excellent understanding of religious education issues in Somalia. Strong project management skills for coordinating complex projects. Ability to work effectively in multicultural environments and build harmonious relationships. Gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory approach. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Strong IT proficiency. Fluency in English and Somali is required.

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