Job Description

Finn Church Aid (FCA) Somalia is seeking a Senior Project Manager (SPM) for the “Strengthening Inclusive Local Governance for Democratic Somalia (Horumar) Project.” The project promotes inclusive community participation in local decision-making, with particular emphasis on engaging women, youth, and marginalized groups. The SPM will play a pivotal role in advancing Somalia’s democratization and inclusive governance agenda, ensuring alignment with national frameworks, including the National Development Plan 9 (2020–2024), the National Reconciliation Framework (NRF), and the Somalia Stabilization Fund (SSF) III strategy.

Based in FCA’s Mogadishu office, the Senior Project Manager will work closely with the donor representative, FCA’s Head of Programs, Country Director, M&E and Program teams, and the Grants Advisor, contributing to transformative governance efforts through strategic leadership, coordination, donor engagement, and deep contextual understanding of Somalia.

Background info on FCA

FCA is the largest Finnish development aid cooperation. FCA works with the most vulnerable people, regardless of their religious beliefs, ethnic backgrounds, or political convictions. FCA work is rights-based, which means that operations are guided by equality, non-discrimination, and responsibility. FCA operates in 12 countries around the world and specializes in three thematic priority areas: Right to Peace (R2P), Right to Livelihood (R2L), and Right to Quality Education (R2QE). For more information, please visit www.kua.fi.

In Somalia, FCA works across multiple sectors, including peacebuilding, education, and livelihood development. Since 2007, FCA Somalia (SOCO) has implemented reconciliation and state-building programs, supporting local governance and women's political participation.

Scope of Work & Deliverables

The SPM will lead the implementation of the Horumar Project, ensuring programmatic and financial compliance and alignment with national strategies. The role requires strong leadership, coordination, proposal writing, donor relationship management skills, and a sound understanding of Somalia’s governance and social dynamics.

Duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Lead and manage the implementation of the Horumar project, ensuring strategic planning, budgeting, monitoring, and full donor compliance.
• Supervise Project Coordinators and relevant programmatic staff, including M&E Officers, Project Officers, the Peacebuilding Manager, and the Senior Advisor on Reconciliation and Local Governance.
• Serve as the primary focal point for engagement with the donor, Somali government counterparts, and implementing partners. Prepare for and participate in the Project Steering Committee and relevant coordination platforms.
• Promote strategic alignment and coordination with other FCA local governance initiatives (e.g., MFA Finland, SIDA) and contribute to the organization’s Right to Peace (R2P) strategy.
• Collaborate with FCA’s finance, procurement, and human resources departments, both within SOCO and at the global level, to ensure effective project operations and compliance.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance in developing project activities, ensuring they are aligned with democratization, inclusive governance, and peacebuilding goals.
• Lead or contribute to developing and reviewing concept notes, funding proposals, budgets, and donor reports; facilitate monthly program management meetings and conduct field visits as needed.
• Prepare and update the project’s procurement plan and oversee procurement processes in coordination with SOCO procurement committees and relevant staff.
• Monitor implementation by partners and service providers, ensuring compliance with FCA policies and contractual obligations, and support quality delivery through ongoing programmatic and administrative guidance.
• Maintain and strengthen donor relationships, representing FCA in donor coordination forums and identifying opportunities for future funding or strategic collaboration.
• Ensure that FCA’s global policies on Safeguarding, Gender Equality, and Inclusion are fully integrated and adhered to throughout the project lifecycle.
• Carry out additional tasks as required to ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of the Horumar project.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

Country Director, Head of Programs, program staff and support staff (Finance and logistics); project partners; FCA Grants Unit, donors, Ministry of Federal Affairs and Reconciliation (MOIFAR), and National Organisations.

Duration of contract

The contract's duration is 12 months, a probation period of 6 months.

Experiences and Qualifications

The candidate must possess the below minimum qualifications and skills:

·University degree (post-graduate level) in a relevant field such as peace and conflict studies, public administration, international relations, development studies, human rights, or a related discipline.

·Minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience in democratization, local governance, and/or the development sector.

·Proven work experience in Somalia is required, with a strong understanding of the political, social, and cultural context.

·Thematic expertise in democratization, local governance, and conflict transformation.

·Experience in project and financial management, including project planning, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and reporting.

·Demonstrated experience in developing funding proposals, budgeting, and financial reporting.

·Strong analytical and professional writing skills.

·Fluency in oral and written English.

·Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; experience working in multi-cultural and multi-stakeholder environments.

·Strong organizational skills and the ability to proactively manage and coordinate complex tasks.

·Ability to meet deadlines and work effectively under pressure.

The compensation is based on FCA salary scale and the candidate’s level of experience.

For more information please contact Country Director Mrs. Piyarat Itkonen, piya.itkonen@kua.fi

Skills Required

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