Job Description

Location: Mogadishu, Somalia (with potential travel to other regions as required and as the security situation allows). This is a remote consultancy position with Ground Truth Solutions, which is based in Vienna, Austria.
Project: Understanding the path to inclusive aid and resilience: people-centred research to inform humanitarian action in Somalia.
Reporting to: GTS Project Manager, FCDO Somalia.
Contract Type: Consultancy contract - part-time (minimum 50%)

Duration: Initial 1 year contract with the possibility of extending until project completion (Mid-2027)

Starting date: As soon as possible

Position summary:

Ground Truth Solutions (GTS) is seeking an experienced project coordinator to lead national-level engagement and field-based dialogue processes in Somalia. In this dynamic role, the coordinator will act as a key link between GTS, research teams, Somali civil society, authorities, and affected communities. The position involves facilitating community dialogues, coordinating with stakeholders, and ensuring that the perspectives of people affected by crisis inform humanitarian decision-making. It combines elements of project management, facilitation, analysis, and advocacy.

About Ground Truth Solutions:

Ground Truth Solutions (GTS) is an international, non-governmental organization dedicated to ensuring the priorities of people affected by crisis are systematically considered in humanitarian and climate action, from individual responses to systemwide humanitarian reform. Evidence and ideas gathered through rigorous research and inclusive dialogue enable crisis-affected communities to actively shape the decisions that impact their lives. Headquartered in Austria, GTS works globally as an independent advocate, collaborating closely with local partners who share our vision.

FCDO Somalia project

This project, funded by FCDO and entitled Understanding the path to inclusive aid and resilience: people-centred research to inform humanitarian action in Somalia aims to improve the effectiveness and accountability of humanitarian aid in Somalia through participatory research and dialogue with crisis-affected communities and aid actors. The research seeks to elevate the voices of communities in Somalia, including marginalised groups, to close the gap between community realities and humanitarian response.

Main Responsibilities

1. Stakeholder Engagement & Representation
   • Take lead on building and sustaining relationships with key actors including humanitarian and development actors, government, media, civil society, as well as non-traditional actors, across various level of the response to ensure buy-in, engagement and uptake of findings.
   • Independently conducting background research on projects, contexts and relevant stakeholders.
   • Represent the project at national-level coordination forums (e.g., ICCG, CEA Task Force, Protection Cluster Working Group, Somalia NGO Consortium and other relevant NGO forums).
   • Maintain active relationships with Somali civil society organizations, government bodies, and community networks.
2. Dialogue Facilitation with communities and local structures
   • Support the planning and facilitation of dialogue sessions with communities and Area Based Coordination structures across project regions.
   • Ensure research findings are returned to communities in accessible formats (e.g., meetings, radio, community briefs).
   • Facilitate local reflections and discussions on findings to support community-led action and advocacy.
   • Assist in identifying and validating community priorities and emerging issues on an ongoing basis through locally appropriate engagement methods.
3. Monitoring Emerging Issues, Context analysis, operational and logistical support
   • Track socio-political, humanitarian, and environmental developments that may affect the project or shape community perspectives.
   • Report regularly on trends, risks, and opportunities relevant to the project’s objectives.
   • Monitor the humanitarian and security context during the course of the project, including staying on top of emerging topics on the global humanitarian agenda (e.g. humanitarian reset)
   • Taking lead on stakeholder management, including conducting background research on key stakeholders involved in aid programming related to the project including non-traditional actors.
   • Support coordination of field visits and research activities, including liaising with local partners and facilitating safe access.
   • Contribute to planning and documentation of community consultations and workshops.
4. Support to National and Local Organizations
   • Provide direct support to Somali NGOs and community-based organizations engaged in the project (and especially those identified to support with dialogue sessions).
   • Help strengthen their participation in co-design, dialogue, and research feedback processes.
5. Advocacy & Communication
   • Think through structured advocacy and influencing strategies.
   • Ensure project outputs are maximized for quality and impact.
   • Support the roll-out of advocacy strategies in creative and structured ways.
   • Coordinate multimedia content or events where applicable.
   • Contribute to the dissemination of research findings and other products through presentations, discussions, making the reports available widely.

Key Skills & Competencies

1. Project Management and Operational Coordination

   Ability to plan and manage complex activities across multiple workstreams, including coordination of field visits, research logistics, and partner collaboration.

2. Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Building

   Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with cultural sensitivity. Able to engage government, civil society, and communities—including marginalized groups—and represent the project effectively at various forums.

3. Facilitation and Community Engagement

   Experienced in leading inclusive dialogue sessions, supporting participatory planning processes, and accurately documenting discussions and outcomes.

4. Advocacy and Communication

   Skilled in developing and implementing advocacy strategies based on research findings, and in creating engaging content to amplify impact.

5. Strategic and Analytical Thinking

   Organized and proactive, with the ability to synthesize feedback, monitor trends, and support evidence-based decision-making.

6. Autonomous and Adaptive Working Style

   Capable of working independently in dynamic or remote settings; shows initiative, problem-solving skills, and accountability.

Experiences and Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in humanitarian, development, or civil society work in Somalia.
• Proven experience working with communities, local NGOs, government authorities and coordination bodies, including facilitating meetings and workshops.
• Fluency in Somali and English.
• Willingness and ability to travel across Somalia, according to project needs and if the security situation allows
• Experience with quantitative and qualitative research, including participatory methods and communicating findings, is desirable.

Skills Required

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