Informal Institutions Engagement Lead – South West State

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:

Informal Institutions Engagement Lead – South West State

Location:

Nairobi with frequent travels to Somalia

Reporting to:

Country Director

Type of position:

National

Grade and Salary:

Somali Country Structure

Contract terms and hours:

Contract- 37.5 hours per week

Background:

Saferworld is an independent international organisation working to prevent violent conflict and build safer lives. We work with people affected by conflict to improve their safety and sense of security, and conduct wider research and analysis. We use this evidence and learning to improve local, national and international policies and practices that can help build lasting peace. Our priority is people – we believe in a world where everyone can lead peaceful, fulfilling lives, free from fear and insecurity. We are a notfor-profit organisation operational in 12 countries across Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Saferworld has been working to promote peace, democratisation and good governance in Somalia and Somaliland since 2004. We support civil society’s involvement, particularly women’s and youth groups, in crucial decision-making processes on peace, to identify drivers of conflict within the Somali region and to inform strategies to address them.

About the Programme

Saferworld and Asal Consulting have been selected as to implement the Participatory Public Policy (P3) and Institutional Strengthening component of the Nabadgelinta Soomaaliyaa programme.

The programme’s intended impact is to have Somalis benefit from improved security and access to justice through inclusive approaches that enjoy elite support and public confidence. Although the programme aims to achieve this impact for all Somali citizens, there is a particular emphasis on Somalis in vulnerable groups, including women, members of minority clans and internally displaced persons (IDPs). There is an assumption that if improved security and justice benefits those in vulnerable groups then there will be wider benefits to all Somalis.

Job purpose:

This role is responsible for coordinating and facilitating engagement with informal institutions on delivery of project goals and initiatives. The role acts as a bridge between formal institutions (such as government bodies, NGOs, or corporations) and informal institutions (such as community groups, local leaders, or traditional authorities) in order to promote effective development, governance, or specific project initiatives. The role supports in harnessing the strengths and resources of both formal and informal institutions, fostering collaboration and synergy to address complex challenges, drive positive change, and improve lives of the communities or sectors they serve.

Key areas of responsibility

• Support research and analysis to understand the informal institutions operating within South

West State, their dynamics, and their influence on decision-making processes.

• Identifying and mapping relevant formal and informal institutions, individuals, and networks that are key to achieving project goals
• Establishing and nurturing relationships with key stakeholders, including community leaders, elders, local organisations, and influential individuals within informal institutions.
• Facilitating dialogue, negotiations, and collaborations between formal and informal institutions to foster mutual understanding, trust, and cooperation.
• Providing support and capacity building to informal institutions, including training, mentorship, and knowledge sharing, to strengthen their ability to work together effectively.
• Advocate for the interests and needs of informal institutions within formal decision-making processes and representing their perspectives to ensure their inclusion and meaningful participation.
• Monitoring and evaluating the impact and effectiveness of engagement initiatives, collecting feedback, and planning as necessary to improve outcomes.
• Develop strategies and plans for engaging with informal institutions based on their specific characteristics and needs.
• Coordinate with internal teams to ensure alignment between project goals and engagement activities with informal institutions.
• Design and implement capacity-building initiatives to enhance the participation and effectiveness of informal institutions in the project.
• Organise and facilitate meetings, workshops, and other events to promote dialogue and collaboration between formal and informal institutions.
• Stay updated on relevant research, best practices, and emerging trends related to informal institutions and community engagement.
• Collaborate with external partners and organisations working in the field of informal institutions to leverage knowledge and resources.
• Ensure compliance with ethical guidelines and legal requirements related to working with informal institutions.

Key working relationships

• Internal working relationship with partner staff working with community action forums and government agencies and other stakeholders’
• Internal close working relationship within various Saferworld team for information and experience and work relationships.
• External working relationship with IP1 consortium partner Asal and other Nabadgelinta partners, state authorities including, INGOs and improve linkages, networking and collaborations on community security and safety work.

Scope and accountability

Decision making and limits of authority

Participate in decision based on informal sector engagement

Financial resources

Other resources

N/A

People management

N/A

Legal, regulatory and compliance responsibility

•

•

Ensure compliance with country labour laws Adhere to Saferworld financial policies

• Follow Saferworld security and safeguarding policies

Person specification

Knowledge, qualifications and experience

• Degree in a relevant field such as social sciences, international development, or community engagement.
• Have over 3 years of professional work experience in different capacities with local and international NGOs

Skills and abilities

• Good understanding of the local context
• Excellent relationship building and communication skills.
• Strong understanding of informal institutions and their role in community development.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in designing and implementing engagement strategies and activities.
• Project management skills to plan, coordinate, and monitor multiple initiatives. Knowledge of relevant cultural, social, and political contexts in the project area.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills to identify challenges and propose effective solutions.
• Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess the impact of engagement efforts.
• Proficiency in relevant software tools and platforms for communication, data management, and reporting.

Personal qualities

• Commitment to the vision, mission and values of Saferworld • Strong representation and relationship management abilities.
• Good presentation and facilitation skills.
• Team Work and team building

Other requirements

This role is required to travel frequently to the field