JOB DESCRIPTION - Saferworld

JOB DESCRIPTION
TITLE:
LOCATION:
PURPOSE:
REPORTING TO:
KEY RELATIONSHIPS:
Project Officer: Advocacy, Communications and Research
– Somalia/Somaliland
Nairobi, Kenya with frequent trips to Somalia/Somaliland
The primary purpose of this role is to support Saferworld’s
Somalia/Somaliland programme by supporting Non-State
Actor partners in developing and delivering advocacy
strategies and carrying out research
Programme Manager - Somalia
Internal: Project Officer/Coordinator (NSA programme);
Programme Adviser, Project Officer/Coordinator (conflict &
security programme); Policy and Advocacy Programme
staff (Saferworld London and Brussels)
External: Non-State Actor Platforms, key donor and
international agencies (particularly EC, DFID, UN/World
Bank, CIDA, UNDP)
BACKGROUND
Saferworld is an independent non-governmental organisation that works to prevent and
reduce violent conflict and promote cooperative approaches to security. We work with
civil society, governments and international organisations to encourage and support
effective policies and practices through advocacy, research and policy development, and
through supporting the development of local capacities and structures.
Saferworld has been working in Africa since 1997, with a primary focus upon East Africa
and the Horn region. We have well-established programmes in Kenya, Uganda, Somalia
and Sudan. In addition, Saferworld supports regional and international conflict
prevention and security processes. Saferworld headquarters are in London, with a
regional office in Nairobi, and country offices in Kampala and Juba. The Somalia
programme is managed from Saferworld’s Nairobi office with plans to establish an office
in Somaliland in the near future.
Saferworld’s programme of work in Somalia/Somaliland has two components. The first
aims to strengthen the participation of Somali Non-State Actors in decision-making on
peace, security and development. Key themes in this project are participatory decisionmaking,
inclusiveness and capacity building of ‘platform’ structures so that they more
effectively channel NSA voices in policy dialogues. The second component is focussed

on conflict and security issues and includes carrying out conflict analyses to help
international agencies become more responsive to conflict issues; supporting the
development of an ‘Observatory’ on peace and security issues based initially in the
University of Hargeisa; and providing technical advice to members of a consortium of
organisations working to create a ‘Somali Community Safety Framework’ in which new
‘bottom-up’ approaches to addressing localised safety and security problems are being
developed and shared.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Context analysis and strategy development
In collaboration with the Somalia/Somaliland Programme Advisor, analyse the
political context in Somalia and in the international community to identify
advocacy issues that can be raised at an international level, most specifically in
Europe and at the EC.
To advise the Somalia team and partners on non-policy issues at the
international level so that they are informed
To support and advise the three NSA platforms regarding the development of
their own communication and advocacy strategies in line with the overall
programme strategy;
To contribute to the development and implementation of Saferworld internal
strategies for Somalia/Somaliland and the Horn region.
Programme implementation
To identify capacity-building needs of the NSA platforms in terms of advocacy
and communications, and provide close support and technical advice in order to
strengthen the platforms’ capacities;
To identify policy development opportunities at the international level
To maintain good relations with other Saferworld partner organisations, and to
develop relations with other relevant actors within the EC and donor
governments
Liaise on a regular basis with the Saferworld Brussels office to develop and
refine advocacy initiatives.
Working with the NSA and programme colleagues develop communication
materials for the programme
Support the NSA in developing their own communication materials and tools
Organisational and people management
To develop an effective working relationship with the Somalia Programme team
based on a clear understanding of respective roles, as well as a collaborative
approach;
To contribute to Somalia country strategy papers, activity-reports, etc.;
Representation and advocacy
In coordination with the other programme staff, to strengthen Saferworld’s
contacts and coordination with other international actors (governmental and
NGO) engaged in Somalia;

In coordination with other programme staff, to develop and implement a strategy
to raise awareness of the Somali NSA platforms among the international
community
In coordination with Saferworld’s Policy Advocacy team, to represent Saferworld
in external meetings, and promote lessons learnt from the Somali NSA
programme.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
A masters degree in a relevant subject (e.g. peace/conflict studies, development,
international relations (or equivalent professional experience));
A minimum of 2 years experience working on policy/advocacy/communications
issues;
Excellent writing skills and the ability to write various types of documents including
articles, press statements, position papers, information materials, proposals and
donor reports;
Strong general research skills;
Experience of working with civil society, and of developing and implementing
strategies for civil society capacity-building and dialogue/advocacy towards powerholders
would be an advantage;
Experience of working in complex and politically-sensitive contexts, and excellent
political judgement;
Understanding of Somali political and cultural dynamics would be a considerable
advantage;
Ability to work in a non-partisan manner, sensitivity to ethnic and cultural
differences;
Knowledge of key policy issues relevant to Somalia/Somaliland would be an
advantage (democratisation, development, state-building, security sector reform,
peace and conflict theory, humanitarian aid, aid effectiveness);
A team player: able to demonstrate a constructive, cooperative and problem-solving
approach;
Willingness to travel frequently to the Somali regions (security permitting);
Excellent written and spoken English;
Knowledge of the Somali language would be an advantage;
A flexible and dynamic approach to work is essential.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Probation: There will be a probationary period of three months.
Holidays: There are 25 holidays a year (January-December) in addition to
agreed public holidays.
Salary range: KSH 2,033,583 – 2,568,736 – KSH gross per annum
Pension: 6% contribution to a personal pension fund (with 2% contribution from
employee);
Medical insurance for spouse and up to 3 children under 18
Hours: Standard working week is 37.5 hours a week. However, the demands of
the job are likely to be such that a willingness to work longer hours, as required,
will be necessary.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Please send full CV and covering letter, detailing how you meet the selection criteria to
Marie Aziz at recruitment@saferworld.org.uk Please use subject heading: CAO
Deadline for applications: 25th August 2010.