Job Description

Over the past decades, continued migration from various African countries has led to a significant "brain drain," which has weakened public sector systems across the continent. Through the IOM Migration for Development in Africa (MIDA) program, Somali diaspora professionals have supported institutional capacity building, service delivery, and policy development in health and education sectors across Somalia since 2015.

The MIDA FINNSOM PHASE III – Health & Education project – aims to strengthen the health and education sectors in Somalia by addressing specific priorities outlined in the Education Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP) and the Essential Package for Health Services (EPHS). The project achieves this by engaging qualified Somali diaspora experts who temporarily return to their country of origin. These experts work within key ministries and public institutions, including hospitals and universities, to address gaps and enhance service delivery. Their contributions align with the needs identified in a baseline assessment conducted during the project's inception phase. Additionally, the project focuses on creating sustainable employment opportunities for local experts and interns, who work closely with Somali diaspora professionals to benefit from knowledge transfer, competency sharing, and skills development.

III. Duties & Responsibilities

The Federal Government of Somalia’s Ministry of Health and Human services (MoHHS), through the technical assistance provided by the IOM MIDA FINNSOM III Health and education project, seeks to build the skills of its qualified midwife.

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the diaspora expert, the qualified midwife will carry out the following duties and responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Oversight:

1. Provide strategic direction and oversight for national midwifery schools, ensuring alignment with national health priorities and international standards.
2. Develop, implement, and monitor policies, guidelines, and quality assurance mechanisms to enhance midwifery education and practice.
3. Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of midwifery programs and continuous professional development initiatives.
4. Identify and secure funding from various sources, including government budgets, international donors, NGOs, and private sector partners.
5. Conduct needs assessments to prioritize funding efforts and develop comprehensive proposals to meet donor requirements.
6. Build and maintain strategic relationships with donors and stakeholders, advocating for investment in midwifery education and services.
7. Represent midwifery schools at national and international forums, developing partnerships with educational institutions, health organizations, and community groups.
8. Facilitate collaborative initiatives and information sharing among midwifery educators and practitioners.
9. Monitor and evaluate the performance of midwifery schools and programs, using data to inform decision-making.
10. Prepare and disseminate regular reports on the progress and impact of midwifery initiatives, ensuring transparency and accountability.
11. Serve as the primary point of contact for midwifery schools, coordinating activities and communication with stakeholders to ensure alignment and coherence across initiatives.

IV: Requirements:

Besides the specific outputs mentioned in section III, MIDA FINNSOM Health project phase V is requiring the following deliverables to be submitted throughout the assignment. These are the standard requirements for all assignments under this project:

1. Transfer of skills: The main responsibility of the qualified Somali expatriate—which he/she will be measured against—will be to ensure continuous and systematic transfer of knowledge and skills as related to the assignment. It will have to be agreed with the beneficiary institution that staff will benefit from this knowledge.
2. Work plan: A work plan must be developed with the Supervisor during the first week of the assignment to provide clear and time-bound activities to successfully implement the outputs of the assignment. This work plan will be shared with the supervisor, FMOH coordinator, FMOH M&E Specialist and IOM M&E Officer. This work plan can be revised during the assignment to reflect on new developments or changes.
3. Quarterly and Final Reports: Quarterly progress reports will be submitted by the expert to the supervisor, FMOH Coordinator, FMOH M&E Specialist and IOM M&E Officer. At the end of the assignment, the participant must also provide a final report covering the duration of his/her assignment.

Exit interview: An exit interview will be conducted to ensure that a proper exit plan has been put in place to sustain the achievements, upon completion of the assignment.

Experiences and Qualifications

Level of Education:

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Midwifery: A foundational requirement, ensuring expertise in the field.
• Master’s Degree in Public Health: Essential for integrating midwifery within broader public health initiatives.

Years of work experience in what area(s):

More than 3 years

Languages needed:

• Fluent in English.
• Fluent in Somali.
• Arabic language will be an advantage.

General Skills / Other Requirements:

• Experience of leadership roles in the management of health programs is required.
• The specialist should have at least 2 years of progressive experience in designing, implementing, and managing public health programs and activities in developing countries.
• Demonstrated technical leadership, program management, strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, policy development experience, and problem-solving skills, working on complex projects are required.
• Experience of working in Somalia health sector at federal and state levels.
• Prior experience of working with Federal and State Ministries of Health
• Expert knowledge of program performance monitoring and reporting; procurement policies and procedures; strategic planning; and evaluation of programs/projects/activities.

VI: Subsistence Allowance

The monthly stipend amount will be determined by the MIDA FINNSOM III, Health and Education project, based on degree and years of relevant experience.

Skills Required

Follow us on social media