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Terms of Reference – Communications Officer
 
We invite experienced and talented individuals to fill the Communication officer position to be based in Mogadishu with substantive travel to project sites across Somalia. This assignment will be for one year.
 
Job Summary
 
Reporting to the Program Manager, the Communications Officer will work closely with projects to assist, build, and support program communication needs. The successful candidate should demonstrate prior experience in multimedia, i.e., video filming and editing, graphic design, and photography.
 
Key responsibilities
 
• Working in collaboration with relevant staff to create and implement promotional strategies to generate participation and engagement in promotional events.
• Contributes to the design and content of print publications, social media channels, original content, and other outlets.
• Lead on the translation of material from English to Somali and vice versa
• Support in developing and maintaining media relations of the organization.
• Creates field communications and outreach plans in coordination with key field staff.
• Draft the production of high-quality communications products such as reports, photos, fact sheets, social media content, video and audio, and blogs for internal and external use.
• Develop and deliver a clear and effective system for internal communications.
• Leads in the drafting of case studies successes, stories, and lessons learned.
• Supports in creating and implement an integrated and innovative communications strategy.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Updating and implementing organizational branding and visibility policy
• Develop organizational communication strategies.
 
Skills and qualifications

• Degree in Journalism, communications, or related degree.
• Prior experience working in communications on humanitarian or development issues, with experience in successfully supporting the development and implementation of communication and campaign strategies.
• Website updating and prior experience with Web editing tools.
• Fluent in written and spoken English and Somali.
• Experience with professional DSLR cameras, lenses, and lighting, including.
• Ability to use different video and photo editing software.
• Experience in collecting and producing communication products, such as case studies and photo stories.
• Cultural awareness and ability to build relationships quickly with a wide variety of people.
• Excellent planning, management, and coordination skills, with the ability to organize a substantial workload comprised of complex, diverse tasks, and responsibilities.
• Pay attention to detail.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide samples of previous work done.

How to apply

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and updated CV with three professional references and their contact details on January 13th, 2025, via this email address: [email protected]. Indicate the title of the position in the subject of your email “Communication Officer”.

ISIR Consulting contributed to the Mid Term Review (MTR) of the Joint Police Programme (JPP), assisted in collecting and analyzing data, provided Somali language and cultural guidance, supported the DCAF’s International Security Sector Advisory Team (ISSAT) by carrying out key informant interviews with Police officials of the federal government of Somalia (FGS) and federal member states (FMS), stakeholders, community members, and other organizations involved in the JPP Somalia in the area.
 
DCAF -; Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance contracted ISIR Consulting to assist in  conducting a Mid Term Review (MTR) to support the implementation of the EU, UKAID, UK FCO, German Federal Foreign Office funded Joint Police Programme (JPP).
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• Beneficiaries: Federal Government of Somalia, Somali Police Force, Federal Member States and Somali citizens
• Coordinated by: The JPP Secretariat through UNOPS Somalia
  
• Implementing partners: UNDP, UNOPS, with support from AMISOM, UNPOL.

• Since the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) was established in 2012, Somalia’s peace building and state-building were prioritized – as evident in the Somali Compact (2013-2016), the Justice and Security Roadmap, and the current Somalia National Development Plan (2017-2019).
• May 2017 London Conference, international partners joined in support of the Government of Somalia in their commitments to address the country’s most pressing security, economic and social needs.
• Several key documents were launched by the Government of Somalia and partners during and following the London Conference: Security Pact, New Partnership for Somalia (NPS), the Comprehensive Approach to Security (CAS), and the National Security Architecture (NSArch).
• These documents offered frameworks for the Federal Government of Somalia, the Federal Member States (FMS), and the international community to cooperate towards sustainable security reform and steady long-term recovery.

• Launched in November 2018 on a 5-year funding cycle, the Joint Police Programme is led by The Government of Somalia in partnership with the European Union, UKAid, German Federal Foreign Office, and the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (UKFCO).
• The JPP was established to support Federal and Federal Member States police in the implementation of the New Policing Model and overarching security, stability and recovery goals as set out in the Security Pact and the Somalia National Development Plan.
• The Joint Police Programme proactively coordinates complimentary initiatives and activities across the international community and government, to synergize and promote a broader approach to police development.
• The JPP achieves this level of coordination, in and through, the Comprehensive Approach to Security (CAS) structure and the Federal Government of Somalia and Federal Member States governance structures.

 
The Mid Term Review had the following objectives:
 
The MTR will look at the progress in implementation of the JPP as of the mid-term period, and generate actionable recommendations to improve the design and performance of the JPP for the remaining period. The core objectives of the MTR are as follows;
 
• Review the relevance and appropriateness of the current JPP programme design and recommend changes to ensure continued relevance and appropriateness
• Establish current progress towards achievement of JPP results and identify changes needed to ensure the JPP is on track to achieve intended results
• Assess the quality of JPP management and delivery and recommend changes to improve this
• Review the JPP’s approach to sustainability and recommend changes to strengthen JPPs approach. ​

Benchmarking Infrastructure Development is a World Bank Group report that annually assesses the quality of regulatory frameworks worldwide to develop large infrastructure projects, benchmarking them with internationally recognized good practices.
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ISIR Consulting provided technical inputs into the Benchmarking Infrastructure Development 2020 –Somalia. Abdirashid Salah, founder of ISIR Consulting has been noted as an expert contributor to the report further cementing the firm’s professional commitment in improving the Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) provisions in Somalia and beyond.
 
Building on previous reports in the series, Benchmarking Infrastructure Development 2020 assesses public-private partnership (PPP) regulatory frameworks in 140 economies, expanding coverage to include a pilot assessment of 40 economies’ use of traditional public investment for infrastructure development.
 
Appropriate, effective regulatory frameworks and institutional capacity are crucial for ensuring that investments in infrastructure are carried out strategically and efficiently. A supportive regulatory framework also reduces the costs and risks of carrying out individual projects, which provides the private sector with a more predictable and safe environment to invest.

With 189 member countries and offices in over 130 locations, the World Bank Group, one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries. Its five institutions (IBRD —The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development; IDA – The International Development Association; IFC — The International Finance Corporation; MIGA — The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency; ICSID — The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes) work for sustainable solutions that reduce poverty and build shared prosperity in developing countries.

Further details, methodological information, and the complete dataset is available online at the project’s website: http://bpp.worldbank.org.
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Read the Somali survey here: https://bpp.worldbank.org/economy/SOM?survey=PPP

Location: Mogadishu
Duration: 12 months with possibility of extension
Closing Date: December 11, 2020
 
​About ISIR Consulting
ISIR Consulting is an independent consultancy based in Somalia, offering a wide variety of technical and management consulting services to a broad range of clients both in the public and private sectors. Our specialties include, but are not limited to, stakeholder analysis, and mapping, capacity development, third party monitoring & evaluation, recruitment (RPO), infrastructure & development practice, security risk management, and business advisory solutions.
 
General Position Summary
The M&E, Reporting Officer will lead monitoring and evaluations program activities for ISIR Consulting programs. The M&E and Reporting Officer will work on the design of evaluation and monitoring tools to measure program progress, goals achievement, and will inform findings to the Program Manager regularly.
 
M&E and Reporting Officer will support programmatic activities through regular oversight and coordination of all reporting, and proposal development when needed. S/he will prepare high quality and timely emergency response client reports. S/he will assist the Director with other reporting activities including: responding to information requests, writing success stories, and monitoring and reporting on program impact. S/he will coordinate with partners , government and other NGOs as required by the Director and Program Manager and will attend key coordination meetings and prepare internal reports on those meetings.
 
Responsibilities

• Prepare reports for clients, on program progress, ensuring all reporting requirements of clients are met on time and in a quality manner.
•  Supports the Director by responding to information requests, drafting success stories, and monitoring and reporting on the impact of the response program.
• When appropriate, develop and release public communications in conjunction with ISIR Consulting communications team.

Monitoring and Evaluation

•  Coordinate with Program Manager to establish and maintain effective program reporting, monitoring and evaluation systems for both internal and external use for timely and smooth monitoring of program progress and impact and make program adjustments accordingly.
•  Support the maintenance of monitoring, tracking and reporting systems, tools and templates that enhance monitoring of program outputs and quality, generate quality evidence on program impact, and promote and ensure use of data for decision-making processes.
•  Provide technical support and capacity-building for assessments and evaluations.

Program Support

• Will support programs overall closing phase.
•  When needed, will work with the Director and field team to draft concepts and proposals to clients, working closely with the Project Manager.

Communications & Representation

•  Ensure compliance with all client/organizational communications initiatives.
•   Facilitate information sharing among internal and appropriate external audiences.

Coordination and Stakeholders
Use efficient and timely communication/information exchange to support effective operational decisions.
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Knowledge and Experience

• Minimum BA in related fields, including business administration, evaluation, and international affairs or commensurate field experience; (MA preferred).
• 3-6 years international or local development experience preferred.
• Â Knowledge of program monitoring and evaluation systems and methodologies.
•  Familiarity with US and EU grant management experience preferred, with special attention to reporting requirements.
• Demonstrated effectiveness, communicating program objectives to a wide audience required.
•  Excellent oral and written English and Somali skills are required.
•  Strong computer skills
•   Ability to work effectively with a diverse team in a sensitive environment.
• Extensive experience working in Somalia and/or thorough contextual knowledge of the region preferred

Equal Employment Opportunity
ISIR Consulting is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse perspectives and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained impact.
 
Success Factors
The successful Monitoring & Evaluation and Reporting Officer will demonstrate the ability to multitask, meet deadlines and process information in support of changing program activities with a high level of accuracy and integrity - in line with ISIR Consulting standards.

Interested and qualified candidates are requested to submit online applications only according to the following procedure:

• An updated CV; and an application letter which should include contact information for at least three work-related referees.
• Hand delivered applications will no longer be accepted.
• Applications that do not meet the above requirements will be disregarded
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• If you are interested in this role, please send your CV and Cover Letter to recruitment: [email protected] by December 11.

Post Title: Project Officer
Reports to: Project Manager                
Duty Station: Mogadishu
Contract Duration: 12 months
Closing Date: 11/25/2020
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About ISIR Consulting
ISIR Consulting is an independent consultancy based in Somalia, offering a wide variety of technical and management consulting services to a broad range of clients both in the public and private sectors. Our specialties include, but are not limited to, stakeholder analysis, and mapping, capacity development, third party monitoring & evaluation, recruitment (RPO), infrastructure & development practice, security risk management, and business advisory solutions.

Key Responsibilities
• Identify projects following the ISIR Consulting's and donors’ project management policies, standards and guidelines.
• Measure the effectiveness of all processes (budget, operations, and management, etc.)
• Vets and verifies the project ideas based on agreed upon criteria.
• Prepare concept notes.
• Prepare project management plan, Implement, monitor and evaluate the project.
• Assist the program manager to prepare project activity report when required.
• Undertake any project related responsibilities requested by the Project Manager.

Skills & Competencies
• Bachelor’s degree in administration, project planning and management. Alternatively a combination of relevant education and professional experience, preferably five years of professional experience in project management, preferably with international NGOs.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle concurrent activities simultaneously.
• Strong inter-personal skills and ability to work within and build a team environment, ability to provide both detailed and strategic analysis and negotiation skills, ability to work effectively and harmoniously within a diverse work environment.
• Strong computer skills.
• A thorough knowledge of written and spoken English and Somali is required.
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Equal Employment Opportunity
​ISIR Consulting is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse perspectives and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained impact.

Interested and qualified candidates are requested to submit online applications only according to the following procedure:
• An updated CV; and an application letter which should include contact information for at least three work-related referees.
• Hand delivered applications will no longer be accepted.
• Applications that do not meet the above requirements will be disregarded
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• If you are interested in this role, please send your CV and Cover Letter to recruitment [email protected] by November 25.

​As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rattle the world, I would like to take a moment to re-affirm our commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our staff, clients, families, and the communities in which we live and work.
 
Our team is closely monitoring advice issued from both the World Health Organization and local authorities daily. We will continue to take all necessary actions to protect our employees and their families, and we will continue working with our clients to minimize the impact on their operations.
 
Experience has shown that when affected people have been an integral part of planning and decision-making on humanitarian and development activities, and when they know what to expect in terms of assistance, they tend to provide feedback if they are aware of interference. Diversion by armed groups, local authorities or by those linked to them is far more difficult when communities know what assistance, they should be expecting and when there are channels that allow them to provide feedback safely and reliably.
 
In these strange times, when simply being outside is considered a risk, knowing that frontline  staff are there in the field, day and night, is an enormous source of pride for us all. It serves as a testament to the levels of courage, resolve and resilience within our  ISIR Consulting family.
 
We're in this together and we stand ready to help during COVID-19.
 
Thank you!
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Abdirashid Salah

​On 19th August 2019, we celebrate the World Humanitarian Day by saluting the Somali women working in the humanitarian sector, and we also honor the humanitarian workers who risk, and sometimes lose, their lives to help. 

​This World Humanitarian Day, the UN and partners are launching the #WomenHumanitarians global campaign to pay special tribute to and raise support for the work women do to save lives and alleviate human suffering.

About the World Humanitarian Day
 
In 2008, the United Nations General Assembly designated 19 August as World Humanitarian Day to raise awareness about humanitarian assistance worldwide and to pay tribute to the people who risk their lives to provide it. This was in honor of the 22 people, seven of whom were women, who lost their lives in the 2013 attack on the Canal hotel in Baghdad, Iraq, including the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello.

Key issues
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Below-average rains across most of Somalia during the 2018 Deyr (October-December), followed by harsh weather conditions during the dry Jilaal (January–March 2019) season and the poor performance of the Gu’ (January-June 2019) rains in April, has led to worsening drought conditions in many parts of the country, according to the latest update by FAO-led Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Unit (FSNAU) and FEWSNET.
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This has caused deterioration in pasture availability and widespread water shortages in most pastoral and agropastoral livelihood zones, leading to earlier-than-normal water trucking, atypical livestock movements to watering points, and declines in livestock body conditions and milk production.
 
The worst-affected areas include Northern Inland Pastoral (NIP), East Golis Pastoral, Addun Pastoral and Hawd Pastoral livelihood zones. In these areas, severe pasture and water deficits and early water trucking have been reported. The harsh Jilaal has also affected rural livelihoods in southern Somalia including Bay/Bakool Agropastoral and Southern Agropastoral of Hiraan, although the impact is less severe compared to central and northern regions.
 
Limited saleable livestock assets, poor livestock body conditions, reduced access to milk, increased household expenditures on the rising cost of food and water, and overstretched social support networks have led to reduced food access. ​

Become familiar with a range of processes and tools for mitigating the environmental impact of reconstruction project or program.

Good resource governance can protect people’s property rights, provide basic services, help establish reliable state security, and boost sustainable economic.
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Courtesy of the United Nations Environment programme.