Update your settings

The Programme Staff will work within the framework of Danish security, foreign and development policy priorities for Somalia, as well as program objectives for the engagements under the Bilateral Development Programme. Furthermore, the Programme Staff’s work will be compliant with Danida’s Aid Management Guidelines as well as Danida’s Financial Management Guidelines.

The Embassy is a highly political organization, and hence, we seek to employ a positive, adaptive and proactive team player, who is able to plug into a variety of work streams and policy areas, while remaining committed to closely follow implementation, financial management and results on selected projects, harvesting lessons learned to input ongoing policy development and Danish diplomatic engagement in Somalia.

Responsibilities

• The Programme Staff will report to the Team Leader of the Development and Resilience team.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Assist the team in project management and oversight of projects in the portfolio. This entails monitoring work plans and budgets, reviewing narrative and financial reports as well as reporting on results
• Conduct financial management of the Danish BDP, including, but not limited to administration, review audited accounts, reconciliation of accounts and disbursement management
• Overall portfolio management: keeping track of reporting and requirements on the entire BDP portfolio and engaging with Desk Officers on individual engagements on compliance related to these engagements
• Disbursement management and frame management in close collaboration with Desk Officers and Team Leader
• Manage and coordinate the annual grants management process in close collaboration with Desk Officers
• Liaise with other colleagues within the Embassy and the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs more broadly to ensure strong linkages and synergies between related programmes and policy efforts on resilience and humanitarian affairs.
• Contract management and procurement focal point for contracts
• Initiate or assist with planning, conduct and communication around field trips, major meetings and key thematic events and visits.
• Contribute to Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) activities.
• Other duties as assigned, including providing support and back up to other colleagues as needed.
• Focal point for training programmes provided to partners by Danida Fellowship Centre in Denmark
• Specific tasks not yet specified with regards to management of a contract for a Fund Manager in one of the engagements under the Bilateral Development Programme.

Education and Desired Experience

• Minimum MSc/MA in international relations; development, political science; finance or other relevant field;
• Minimum of 5 years documented experience in working in a political or development organization;
• Documented experience in programme management of international development cooperation programmes, including project cycle management and notable experience in financial management of development partners (‘donors’) portfolios and/or international or multilateral organizations.
• Documented experience working in a fragile context, preferable in Somalia or the greater Horn of Africa.

Skills, Knowledge and Attributes

• Knowledge of and interest in agile and efficient program management and monitoring of development programmes.
• Excellent English oral and written communication and presentation skills, and ability to communicate with a wide range of audiences. Ability to work effectively in Danish or Somali is an advantage.
• Team player with excellent interpersonal skills, motivated by cooperating with a diverse mix of professionals and different cultures. Ability to build and maintain networks.
• Flexibility and adaptability and ability to prioritize and plan daily work according to evolving needs, often with short deadlines and shifting tasks.
• Excellent time management skills and willingness to work in a fast paced and constantly changing work environment, with ability to respond quickly and accurately to sometimes very short deadlines.
• Ability to independently identify and act on opportunities in a structured and effective manner, with attention to detail and results, including solid ability to proofread and edit written products.
• Knowledge of thematic areas under the Bilateral Development Programme (climate change adaptation, state building, human rights, civil society and resilience programming is highly relevan