The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is Switzerland’s international cooperation agency within the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).
The Swiss Cooperation Strategy Horn of Africa 2013-2016 focuses on Somalia and the arid and semi-arid lands of South-Eastern Ethiopia and North-Eastern Kenya.
The strategy covers four sectors: food security, health, governance and migration/protection. It is designed as a whole of government approach in which SDC is closely collaborating with the Swiss Embassies in Nairobi and Addis Ababa, the Human Security Division and the State Secretariat for Migration in Switzerland.
The overall aim of the strategy is to contribute to the reduction of poverty, improve human security and stability and address migration challenges.
SDC programs are implemented through a variety of partners (UN agencies, international and national NGOs, regional institutions and governmental institutions), using different instruments (humanitarian aid, development cooperation, policy dialogue) and intervention modalities (bilateral, multilateral, mandates, contributions, pooled funds).
Policy dialogue at national and regional level, donor coordination, aid effectiveness principles in fragile and conflict affected contexts (New Deal), as well as humanitarian core principles and improved protection of civilians are systematically promoted. SDC is seeking a Policy Advisor.
Tasks / Responsibilities
The National Programme Officer (NPO) advises the Swiss Regional Cooperation Office on policy and governance issues related mainly to Somalia, but also to North-Eastern Kenya and South-Eastern Ethiopia. He/she acts as the focal point for governance questions in all programmes.
He/she provides sound analysis of political affairs, as well as development and humanitarian issues related to the Cooperation strategy and the overall aid architecture.
She/he works on governance and state building affairs and drives SDC’s portfolio in this sector.
The NPO actively participates and represents SDC in donor coordination mechanisms and policy fora relevant to the portfolio and works in close collaboration with SDC’s bilateral and multilateral partners to ensure sound planning, implementation and monitoring processes.
He/she communicates with various stakeholders involved in SDC supported projects and liaises with implementing partners, ministries, local governments and bilateral and multilateral agencies.
She/he provides inputs for presentations, advisory and briefing notes, drafts strategic documents for funding decisions as well as all administrative documents related to the projects under his/her responsibility; closely liaises with the Admin and Finance Department on all financial issues related to programme management; plans, organises and conducts monitoring field missions.
Experience and educational background
University degree in studies related to development cooperation and/or humanitarian affairs and 8 years working experience in the field of Policy and Governance, preferably in Somalia and/or Kenya
Experience in international cooperation and humanitarian aid, preferably working with an international agency or government institution focusing on good governance, policy making, processes and citizens’ participation
Experience in project cycle management, results based management and CSPM
Knowledge of the multilateral and bilateral aid system
Ability to link humanitarian aid with longer term developmental approaches
Proven track record in a policy advisory role
Experience in managing governance and state-building projects
Good understanding of the humanitarian, social, economic and political situation in the Horn of Africa, in particular Somalia and the Arid and Semi Arid Lands (ASALs) of Kenya
Good knowledge of international humanitarian law and principles, as well as issues related to (humanitarian) access and protection of civilians.
Good knowledge of international aid architecture debates, New Deal processes and working in fragile contexts.
Strong analytical skills (political, cultural and conflict)
Proven track record in synthesizing/communicating conclusions and recommendations and ability to represent government positions in stakeholders and policy dialogue
Ability to work independently and as part of a team and to deliver high quality work on time
Computer literacy in particular Word and Excel, Outlook, Explorer and PPP
Willingness to work in remote areas on mission
Fluent in English with strong writing skills. Somali speaking an asset
Female applicants are strongly encouraged
Employment modalities
The position is based in Nairobi. Frequent field missions to the whole region for the purpose of project planning/ monitoring, sector coordination, policy dialogue are required.
Applicants must have the right to live and work in Kenya.
Please send applications (letter of motivation (1 page), CV (2 pages max.)) to nai.sdc@eda.admin.ch before 15 February 2016. addressed to: Chief of Finance, Personnel & Administration, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC
Foreseen start of duty: as soon as possible or to be negotiated. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.