Community Development/Gender specialist

The IRC began working in Somalia in the early 1980s; initially to assist people seeking refuge in the aftermath of the Somalia-Ethiopian conflict. The focus of IRC Somalia programming is on Economic Recovery and Development (ERD), Health and Nutrition, WASH, Governance and Women’s Protection and Empowerment (WPE) interventions to crisis affected communities in most of the targeted locations. With headquarters in Mogadishu, the IRC oversees field offices in Garowe, Gaalkayo, Dhusamareb and Baidoa in Puntland, Galmudug, Southwest and Benadir Region. IRC programming in Somalia adopts an integrated and holistic approach, in which each sector provides mutually reinforcing services to at-risk populations.

Job and project overview

The IRC is currently looking for a highly qualified and professional Community Development/Gender specialist for an upcoming opportunity entitled ‘Build Resilience for Food & Nutrition Security (BREFONS) which is funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) through the Ministry of Livestock, Forestry, and Range (MoLFR) of the Federal Republic of Somalia (being the Executing Agency). BREFONS will be implemented in selected areas in Somaliland, Puntland, Galmudug, Hirshabelle, Southwest, and Jubbaland.

The ambitious BREFONS project is expected to improve living conditions of rural communities in the above-mentioned project target areas by improving their access to water, pasture, and infrastructure for livestock health and markets. The main components of the project include:

i) Strengthening the resilience of Pastoral and Agropastoral Production systems,

ii) Supporting Agribusiness Development in Pastoral Communities,

iii) Strengthening the Adaptive Capacity to Climate Change; and

iv) Project management and coordination. Gender, climate change, fragility and environmental requirements will be mainstreamed and integrated across all components.

Under the main components mentioned above, the project will support the development of Climate Resilient Infrastructures for Agropastoral Production Systems, sustainable Management of Agropastoral lands, Climate Smart Technologies and Innovations, facilitation of Access to Market and Digital Advisory Services, as well as to support with Livelihood Diversification, the development and improvement of weather and climate services, the mainstreaming of Climate Risk Finance and Insurance; operational and institution capacity for climate resilience and adaptation and Project management and coordination at national and regional state levels.

Scope of work

The Community Development/Gender Specialist will be responsible for ensuring that project activities effectively integrate gender considerations and mainstream vulnerable groups, such as women and people living with disabilities. S/he will support the identification and prioritizing of the most vulnerable persons within the communities, in consultation and collaboration with local communities and other stakeholders such as local/provincial/national governmental authorities, peer organizations, national NGOs, and private sector. The Community Development/Gender Specialist will be based in Mogadishu, with frequent travel to project sites in Somaliland, Puntland, Galmudug, Hirshabelle, Southwest and Jubbaland. S/She will be reporting to Team leader/Project Coordinator.

Key responsibilities

Community development

• Ensure implementation of locally appropriate and feasible projects in close consultation with local authorities and communities.

• Provide guidance to the project team throughout the project cycle to ensure community engagement and development are integrated across all program areas;

• Assist in assessments and data collection to identify the priority needs in the project locations.

• Communicate feedback from beneficiaries/communities and other key stakeholders to the Team leader and wider project team, as needed.

• Facilitate community participation, accountability and monitoring in of projects to assist in the continuous review of implementation activities and recognize additional needs of the affected population.

• Support the development of project activities according to feedback from monitoring and review mechanism.

Gender mainstreaming:

• Lead the integration of gender responsive and as appropriate, transformative approaches across all program areas.

• Provide guidance throughout the project cycle on gender issues across all program areas;

• Conduct gender analysis at program outset and incorporate findings in work plan for ongoing monitoring and learning purposes;

• Work with the team in the development, application, and monitoring of gender-sensitive indicators and the consistent use of sex disaggregation in reporting to better measure gender-related impacts and outcomes.

• Lead the development and implementation of evidence-based equity and social inclusion analysis and the accompanying action plan.

• Provide timely support in tracking and analysing gender related indicators under BREFONs project log frame and share strategic findings with line staff and managers for action.

• Continuously assess the gender needs of the community and adapt program activities to respond to their needs.

• Identify gender gaps or deficiencies in program activities and develop interventions to address these gaps.

• Review the IRC global gender strategy and developed customized strategy and program package(s) that helps to guide program staff on aspects of gender inclusiveness under the BREFONS program.

• Analyse and provide regular feedback to program staff and the Project Coordinator on the progress of gender interventions.

• Contribute to preparation of project reports and ensure inclusion of gender lens and updates.

• Develop and deliver training to program staff and relevant stakeholders on gender-related issues, tools and approaches, and conduct awareness raising initiatives;

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Team Leader/project Coordinator and country program leadership to achieve the Project’s goals and objectives.

Required qualifications & competencies:

• Master in Sociology, Rural Development, Community Development or equivalent is required.

• 5 years in community mobilization, facilitating capacity building and participating in community driven and gender sensitive development activities.

• Previous experience in working for similar programming in conflict or crisis situations desired, experience in working in Somalia is an added value.

• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills.

• Demonstrated leadership, versatility, and integrity.

• Strong analytical skills with attention to details.

• Excellent IT skills (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Fluency in English and Somali (spoken and written).

• Ability to manage a large and varied workload, work under pressure and meet deadlines.

• IRC nationals or long-term residents are particularly encouraged to apply.

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

Gender Equality: the IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances.

Diversity and Inclusion: at the IRC, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. Organizations that are diverse in age, gender identity, race, physical or mental ability, nationality, and perspective are validated to be better organizations. More importantly, creating a safe workspace environment where everyone, from any background, can do their best is the right thing to do. So, bring your whole self to work.