BACKGROUND
UN-Habitat Somalia is implementing the Federal Government of Somalia – United Nations Joint Programme on Youth Employment together with UNDP, FAO and ILO under the Peace and State Building Goal 4 “Economic Foundations”. The joint programme targets three outcomes:
• Improved long-term potential for growth, productivity and inclusive employment through six value chains implementation plans.
• Enhanced longer-term employability of youth in sectors with high growth and employment potential.
• Productive infrastructure rehabilitated through labour-intensive methods.
UN-Habitat’s contribution lies in component 2: Enhancing longer-term employability through of youth through skills development. The goal of UN-Habitat’s contribution to the joint programme is to improve the livelihoods of conflict affected youth, both men and women, through the development of a One Stop Youth Resource Centre in Mogadishu and 2 satellite centres in other urban districts in Somalia that address the livelihood and psychosocial needs of Somali youth in a holistic manner.
The main objectives of the One Stop Youth Resource Centre are to:
• Increase employment opportunities for youth through vocational and business skills training and promotion of entrepreneurial practices,
• Provide safe spaces for youth to meet and access – in addition to livelihood and employment training – life skills training, psychosocial information and support as well as educational and social resources and activities.
Previous and on-going experience in Mogadishu has enabled the development of key focus areas based on primary needs and gaps in the local economy. A key component of the One Stop Youth Resource Centre in Mogadishu will therefore focus on construction skills training and construction material production. Mogadishu’s construction sector is booming and strongly contributes to the recovery and development of the city, not only in enabling the physical reconstruction of the city but also in stimulating further economic growth through linkages to other economic sectors such as ancillary industries, suppliers and contractors. Construction also plays a significant role in employment as it is a labour-intensive industry with manpower requirements ranging from highly skilled professionals to unskilled laborers.
The construction industry in the city also sees a high percentage of imported construction materials; this leads to high construction and transportation costs. Producing basic construction materials locally not only protects the environment and reduces dependency on the world market, but also constitutes a large economic opportunity for the city, and the wider country.
Providing vocational skills training in the production of construction materials to unemployed youth and supporting them to generate their own income, access wider employment in the sector, or potentially start-up a small construction business, offers an unequalled opportunity to create livelihoods for a whole sector of society; one whose potential to boost the economy and promote peace is often disregarded or underutilised. **
Project Context
As a consequence of 20 years of conflict, Somalia is faced with a very young population at a median age of 17.7 years old. 37% of the total population is urban, a number which is expected to increase at a rate of 3.79% annually. The conflict has led to large-scale internal displacement. Lacking the funds to move and resettle elsewhere, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and rural-urban migrants remain in the city, as their best chance of accessing livelihood opportunities.
Unemployment rates have soared, particularly among youth. 67% of Somali youth are unemployed. In a country where youth (aged between 14 – 29 years old) comprise 42% of the population, this constitutes a significant challenge. Faced with grim prospects for the future, over 60% of Somali youth have intentions to leave the country for better livelihood opportunities. Conflict, poverty, being jobless and voiceless leave youth frustrated, and can fuel conflict escalation and anti-social or violent behavior; this has significant social costs.
For example, with regards to inland militia activities and piracy, youth form the bulk of the force hired to carry out risky manual tasks such as manning the frontline and leading attacks. Payout for these tasks is estimated to be very meager. With a major section of society in destitution, youth are drawn to these illicit engagements partly out of the need to make ends meet.
In the Somali region, as in most other post-conflict contexts, institutions have to be built again, and with them, the human capacity to manage and guide development. In this context, capacity development is not easy, but it remains the foundational activity for creating sustainable urban centres.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the overall supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) and the direct supervision of the UN-Habitat YES Project Manager, the incumbent will be in charge of the following responsibilities:
• Provide substantive guidance and cutting-edge technical expertise on youth issues, needs and desires, on youth led development, mobilizing youth, youth training, etc. to the UN-Habitat Somalia country programme
• Support the UN-Habitat YES (Youth Employment Somalia) Programme Manager by conducting required research and analyses; delivering narrative and financial reporting,
• Take a lead role in project oversight,monitoring and evaluation (including data cleaning and analysing) and ensure the programmes successes are captured well.
• Identify, design and implement capacity building measures on youth employment programming and implementation for government institutions in all YES locations.
• Liaise with youth partners and establish local and international youth partnerships.
• Develop strategies for strengthening the youth centre management structures, selection of beneficiaries and integration into labour market.
• Additional resource mobilization.
Sustain and expand activities in Mogadishu:
• Provide technical advice to Banadir regional Administration (BRA) Training Department to ensure smooth hand-over and sustainable management of the Mogadishu Shaqeyso Training Programme.
• Build capacity of BRA Training Department on youth issues.
• Supervise and provide technical assistance to local trainers while ensuring they are using best practices on effective ways to build relationships with youth participants of the Shaqeyso and other programs at the Mogadishu One Stop Youth Centre (MOSYC)
• Strengthen capacity of Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) to run the MOSYC and to work effectively with the local government while helping build local government capacity to effectively work with youth.
• Lead development of an Urban Youth Policy for Mogadishu based on the principles of the National Somali Youth Policy.
Expand programme activities in Kismayo:
• Lead establishment of Kismayo One Stop Youth Centre (KOSYC), conduct regular missions to Kismayo, negotiate land with authorities and design, negotiate and establish management model for the Kismayo One Stop Youth Centre.
• Lead on participatory planning and mapping exercises conducted with and for youth.
• Lead establishment of Shaqeyso training programme in Kismayo based on the Mogadishu model, adopt to the Kismayo context, conduct Train the Trainers workshop and develop operational plan for the Kismayo Shaeqeyso programme.
• Advise national project staff and local authorities in the registration of vulnerable youth in both Mogadishu and Kismayo, ensure drought victims are given priority
Expand programme activities to Bosasso and Berbera:
• Lead the role out of Lifeskills training in Bosasso, Berbera and Bosasso linked to fishery activities of other UN partner agencies and ensure creation of synergies among YES components. Supervise and train national trainers.
• Provide technical advice and expertise to the Urban campaigns conducted in Bosasso and Berbera, to ensure a youth-led approach for youth by youth.
• Create synergies among YES programme components and to other UN-Habitat country programme activities.
Required Outputs from consultant:
Next to on-going technical advice, backstopping of national staff, the consultant will be responsible for the following outputs:
• Technical advice and guidance on youth issues provided
• Capacity building measures on youth employment programming and implementation for government institutions designed and implemented
• Strategies for strengthening the youth centre management structures, selection of beneficiaries and integration into labor market developed.
• Participatory planning and mapping exercises conducted for the KOSYC.
• Train the Trainers workshop conducted and operational plan for the Kismayo Shaeqeyso programme developed.
• Technical advice and expertise to the Urban campaigns provided.
• Lifeskills training in Bosasso and Berbera initiated and supervised.
COMPETENCIES
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.
EDUCATION
Advanced university degree in youth studies, peace studies, economics, public/business administration, development studies or related fields. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. **
WORK EXPERIENCE
A minimum of seven years of experience in training and working with vulnerable youth. Proven experience in executing and managing youth projects, comprehensive experience in overseeing monitoring and evaluation of youth projects and experience in working with government institutions on youth employment. Experience in fund raising for youth projects and working in post-conflict environments is desirable. **
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Proficiency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of Somali language is an advantage.
OTHER SKILLS
• Proven knowledge in project management and coordination.
Proactive, 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 issues.
HOW TO APPLY:
Applications should include:
• 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 assignments
• Expectations regarding remuneration
All applications should be submitted to:
UN-HABITAT Somalia
P.O. Box 30030, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
Email: un-habitat.som@unhabitat.org
Deadline for applications: 12 May 2017
UN-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