National Technical Advisor

National Technical Advisor (Consultant)UN-Habitat is implementing in cooperation with Cooperazione E Sviluppo Onlus (CESVI) and Human Relief Foundation (HRF) the EU funded project “Sustainable Employment Creation and Improved Livelihoods for Vulnerable Urban Communities in Mogadishu” (SECIL).Under the overall objective of providing an enabling environment for investment and public-private partnership and for improving livelihoods, the project supports the design and implementation of activities that stimulate enterprise development and increase access to basic services, with a particular focus on creating opportunities for growth and greater employment absorption in private enterprises; establishing sustainable jobs, and increasing employment options for the urban labour pool through technical and vocational skills training.Towards these goals, the project targets specific needs and opportunities in five strategic areas of the urban economy, namely: i. economic infrastructure; ii. solid waste management (SWM); iii. construction; iv. water and sanitation; and v. renewable energy and environmental protection.The project employs a participatory planning approach to ensure direct involvement by local stakeholders at all stages of activities. For example, the interventions involve the Benadir Regional Administration, district authorities and local communities in identifying, prioritizing, planning, implementing and monitoring strategic investments in economic infrastructure, basic services and other project activities. Furthermore, the project provides training to local government staff, local leaders and community groups to capacitate them in the development, management and oversight of public-private partnerships (PPPs).The present consultancy assignment contributes to the projects support to the solid waste management and environment sectors, coordination and the overall management of the ProjectIn Somalia, the long-standing unstable country context has had widespread adverse social and economic effects. As a result of the conflict, as well as of recurring environmental shocks, large sections of the population have experienced long term displacement. In each region of Somalia, there are huge deficits in basic infrastructure and in the provision of essential services. Since the collapse of the state in 1991, the private sector and civil society, including local non-governmental organizations (LNGOs) and community based organizations (CBOs), have become important providers of social servicesUrban populations in Somalia largely rely on an informal economy based on trade, the hospitality sector, transport, utilities (energy and water), communications and construction. Subsistence, petty trading, and micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs) are the sources of employment and income for the majority of city dwellers. Nevertheless, the role of large businesses is significant. Since the onset of the conflict, there has been limited investment in the productive sectors; basic social services have deteriorated or disappeared altogether, and governance, rule of law, and public oversight have been largely absent. The business environment has been severely constrained by poor economic and public infrastructure, a low-skilled labour pool, limited access to credit, absence of regulatory frameworks, and limited access to education at all levels. Livelihoods are fragile and highly vulnerable to shocks. Economic conditions are further aggravated by political and economic setbacks, including foreign bans on imports of Somalia livestock, as well as currency fluctuations of the Somali shilling, and the disruption of local markets.Local communities – particularly youth, women, IDPs and other marginalized groups - have little opportunity to participate in processes that influence decision making and opportunities to enhance livelihood opportunities, through business, technical and vocational skills training, is limited.It is estimated that between 30% and 66% of Somalia’s estimated 9.5m population is unemployed, and the greatest portion of those are under the age of 25.One consequence of this high rate of unemployment is widespread poverty: it is thought that over 73% of the population has an income of less than $2 per day, while 43% live in extreme poverty, on less than $1 per day. It is believed that, to the higher levels and prolonged duration of conflict, poverty is more extreme in South Central Somalia than in its northern regions., Due to poverty and the lack of job opportunities, labour migration (both to urban areas as well as abroad) is one of the main livelihood strategies, as is enrolment in non-state militias.In times of stability, the population of Mogadishu grew at an average of 10% per year, from 125,000 in 1970 to over 1 million in 1990. The war-ravaged city is currently inhabited by an estimated 1.5 million people. There have been considerable variations in the city’s population, due to large-scale IDP movements in response to periods of intensified armed conflict, and alternating spells of (relative) tranquillity. If peace and stability gain momentum, the population could rapidly rise to over 2 million, due to the likely return of Somalis from all parts of country (and indeed, from far beyond its borders) to its political and economic capitaThe project includes solid waste management and environmental protection activities, coordination and management project in Mogadishu.Under the overall objective ofproviding an enabling environment for investment and public-private partnership and for improving livelihoods, the project supports the design and implementation of activities that will stimulate enterprise development, with a particular focus on creating opportunities for growth and greater employment absorption in private enterprises; establishing sustainable jobs, and increasing employment options for the urban labour pool through technical and vocation skills training.Towards these goals, the project targets specific needs and opportunities in six strategic areas of the urban economy, namely: i. economic infrastructure; ii. solid waste management (SWM); iii. construction; iv. water and sanitation; v. renewable energy and environmental protection. In addition to developing the skills of vulnerable groups and building the capacities of private sector entities in these six areas, the project contributes to an improved delivery of essential public services in Mogadishu.Under the overall supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) and the direct supervision of the SECILProgramme Manager, the incumbent will be in charge of daily operation and implementation of UN-HabitatSECIL work plan for South Central of Somalia. The more specifically the responsibilities of theEstablish and build capacity of management structures for three markets and a Handicraft Centre, focusing on achievement of the following results:Conduct participatory workshops with market vendors, local commuities, regional and local authorities to establish clear ideas of local needs and increase local level ownership and leadership of project activitiesFacilitate a fair and transparent registration process for market vendors at Ansalooti, Sinay and Hamer Wayne Markets through the regional authoritiesFacilitate a fair and transparent voting process for the selection of market management committees at Ansalooti, Sinay and Hamer Wayne MarketSupport UN-Habitat in capacity building trainings conducted for the Market DepartmentRegularly liaise with the BRA Market Department to facilitate clear communication of project tasks and needs in a timely manner and support the Market Department in carrying out the activities as needed includingCapacity development training for the established market management committees to be completed according to the market strategies developed by UN-Habitat NairobiSupport the roll-out of city-wide Solid Waste Management ServicesSupport the roll-out of a city-wide awareness raising and educational campaign including the planning and implementation of activities related to Environment Week as required; and through coordination with relevant participants support the timely completion of activities according to the workplan.Support monitoring and capacity building activities for PPP partners in the Solid Waste sector, including private companies and the BRA Sanitation DepartmentAssist the implementation of all project/operational strategies and activitiesAssist in collecting data or conducting research that contributes to project activities as prescribed by SECIL project managementProvide support to the SECIL Project Coordinator and management team in Nairobi, as well as the Team Leader in Mogadishu as requiredRegularly liaise with regional authorities including Mayors, Deputy Mayors, District Commissioners and Department heads to facilitate implementation of all projects.Demonstrate integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards. Promote the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UN-Habitat. Display cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.University degree in Development studies, Economics, Public Administration or related fields.A minimum of 3 years working experience in development projects with substantive experience in (local) governance, programme management and implementation, solid waste management, and working with local government or central government institutions. UN experience is desirable.Proficiency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of Somali language is an advantage.Proven knowledge in project management and coordinationProactive, results oriented, independent, able to identify and carry out duties and responsibilities with minimum supervision. Professional, supportive and cooperative in all matters within the work setting, problem-solving oriented. Maintain confidentiality with regards to all work-related issuesPayments will be based on deliverables over the consultancy period. There are set remuneration rates for consultancies. The rate is determined by functions performed and experience of the consultant. The fees will be paid as per agreement.Cover memo (maximum 1 page)Summary CV (maximum 2 pages), indicating the following information: Educational Background (incl. dates)Professional Experience (assignments, tasks, achievements, duration by years/ months)Other Experience and Expertise (e.g. Internships/ voluntary work, etc.)Expertise and preferences regarding location of potential assignmentsExpectations regarding remunerationAll applications should be submitted to:P.O. Box 30030, 00100 Nairobi, KenyaPlease be advised that since April 15th 2010, applicants for consultancies must be part of theUN-HABITAT e-Roster in order for their application to be considered. You can reach the e-RosterDeadline for applications: 27 September 2014UN-HABITAT does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. If you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of these offices and requesting the payment of a fee, please contact: recruitment@unon.org