Job Description

Terms of Reference (ToR)
Position Title: Program Officer
Duty Station: Garowe, Puntland (with regular travel to Bosaso, Badhan, and Qardho)
Organization: Shaqodoon Organization
Reports to: Regional Program Coordinator, Shaqodoon
Duration: 12 Months (renewable based on performance and funding)
1. Background
Shaqodoon Organization is a youth-focused development organization operating across Somalia,
dedicated to supporting skills development, entrepreneurship, business growth, employment, and

economic empowerment. The organization implements programs that equip youth and vulnerable
groups with marketable skills, strengthen TVET institutions, and foster collaboration between the private
sector, local communities, and government actors.
Through initiatives in Puntland, Shaqodoon directly engages beneficiaries such as TVET trainees,
secondary school learners, and youth entrepreneurs, ensuring the inclusion of women, persons with
disabilities, and other marginalized groups. The organization works closely with local authorities, line
ministries, and private sector partners to align its programs with local development priorities.
Shaqodoon is seeking a competent, hardworking, reliable, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic
Program Officerto lead the implementation of its business development, employment, and innovationrelated programs.
2. Purpose of the Role
The Program Officer will oversee the day-to-day implementation of Shaqodoon’s programs, coordinate
with partners and government authorities, and ensure the delivery of entrepreneurship, crowdfunding,
and employment initiatives in the target locations. The role includes project coordination, stakeholder
engagement, monitoring, reporting, and documentation of lessons learned.
3. Key Roles and Responsibilities
A. Entrepreneurship & Business Development
• Coordinate business coaching and training services for target SMEs in productive and service
sectors.
• Identify qualified business coaches and trainers, match them with relevant SMEs, and ensure
adequate support for SME growth.
• Assess business capacity needs (startup, early stage, and growth) and prepare SMEs for
capacity-building programs.
• Develop TORs for business coaches/trainers and supervise their tasks.
• Supervise training delivery and verify services before payment.
• Contribute innovative solutions to SME development challenges.
• Organize business development events and review training syllabuses for SME programs.
B. Crowdfunding & Fund Mobilization
• Develop local fundraising strategies, building on previous successful models.
• Identify innovative community projects for crowdfunding and support committees in planning
fundraising events.
• Coordinate with communities to set up accounts linked to crowdfunding platforms.
• Document successes and lessons learned from crowdfunding initiatives.
• Assist partners and committees in executing campaigns.
• Develop communications materials for social media, local radio, and TV.
• Promote crowdfunding campaigns locally and with diaspora networks.
• Regularly update project information on crowdfunding platforms and suggest improvements.
• Submit regular reports to Shaqodoon on crowdfunding activities.
C. Job Matching, Internships & Employment Support
• Support universities and TVET centers to secure internships, apprenticeships, and employment
opportunities for graduates.
• Identify potential employers in public and private sectors willing to host interns.
• Supervise the internship/apprenticeship programs and mentor participants.
• Verify placement confirmations and contracts with hosting employers.
• Oversee soft skills and entrepreneurship development initiatives during placement.
D. Coordination & Relationship Management
• Engage with program staff, government ministries, and local authorities to identify and support
beneficiaries.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with business associations, financial institutions, and
private sector actors.
• Represent Shaqodoon in relevant consortium or stakeholder meetings.
• Identify, assist, and draft MOUs and TORs for partner universities or local implementing partners.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor or designee.
E. Reporting & Monitoring
• Submit monthly and quarterly activity, monitoring, and meeting reports.
• Develop and maintain program M&E tools, including attendance tracking, feedback forms, and
progress reporting templates.
• Collect, verify, and analyze program data from field activities, training sessions, and internships.
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as participant attendance, completion rates, skill
acquisition, and employment outcomes.
• Conduct periodic field visits to monitor program quality, adherence to guidelines, and identify
challenges or gaps.
• Generate regular M&E reports to inform program improvements and donor reporting.
• Assist in conducting program assessments, surveys, and impact evaluations.
• Ensure proper documentation of success stories, lessons learned, and best practices.
F. System Promotion & Outreach
• Promote Shaqodoon’s digital platforms (including MDALAG, feedback tools, crowdfunding
portal, and other T4D solutions) to youth, partners, and communities.
• Conduct orientation and onboarding sessions for users to ensure they can navigate and utilize
the system effectively.
• Maintain engagement with users to encourage consistent platform usage and participation.
• Track system usage, user engagement, and campaign outcomes across all digital platforms.

Experiences and Qualifications

4. Skills and Qualifications
• University degree (Master’s preferred) in Business Administration, Economics, Entrepreneurship,
Commerce, Agriculture, Fishery, or Education.
• At least 5 years of progressive experience in a managerial or program officer role in SME
development, entrepreneurship, crowdfunding, or employment programs, with the last 2 years
directly relevant to this position.
• Experience in program management, M&E, capacity building, and training design.
• Ability to multi-task, meet tight deadlines, and manage stressful situations.
• Strong analytical skills and data interpretation ability.
• Excellent leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong understanding of organizational structure, resource management, and commitment to
program objectives.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, including storytelling and report writing skills.
• Proficiency in computer applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and social media
management.
• Experience in fundraising, online campaigns, and community engagement.
• Knowledge of Puntland development contexts and government structures.
• Must be a resident of Garowe.
5. Travel Requirements
• Regular travel to Bosaso, Badhan, Qardho, and other implementation areas is required.
6. Safeguarding & Code of Conduct
• Shaqodoon has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse, child abuse, fraud, and
corruption.
• The successful candidate will be required to sign and adhere to Shaqodoon’s safeguarding,
PSEA, and code of conduct policies and undergo a background check.

Skills Required

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