Vacancies

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Issued on: 14 March 2018

BACKGROUND

Several regions of Somalia, and the country, as a whole, other regions of Somalia, have been attempting to respond and adapt to the devastating effects of a twenty-year long conflict, and the compounding ramifications that insecurity, natural disasters, droughts and famines have had over public administrations, institutions, social fabric, urban economy and infrastructure. Restored security in cities and major administrative centres, has made it possible to undertake significant legislative support work, looking at multiple issues such as land tenure security, local governance and urban planning, protection of displaced communities, human rights for youth and regulatory frameworks for livelihoods.

Land and natural resources were central issues at stake during the conflict and they have again become key during the recovery phase. The main factors that are contributing to make land a contentious issue are: population movements and returns, unregulated processes of urbanization, poor or non-existent land information management systems and equally inadequate legislations and land administrative frameworks. Especially since 2016, this scenario has been further complicated by a spike in the internal displacement rates exacerbated by a severe drought and conflict. Internal displacement is predominantly urban, and it impacts both on space (land tenure security and land use planning) as well as on demographics.

The implications in terms of city population growth and potential for conflict are significant, considering clan dynamics and the marginalization of long-term internally displaced populations and refugee-returnees, who are expected to join IDP camps due to clan affiliations. Finally, looking at demographic trends in conjunction with employment, urban youth is the largest population group that could sustainably drive the economic recovery of the country if viable and sustainable employment opportunities cold be made available.

Against this backdrop UN Habitat has been providing Somali authorities and communities with legislative tools that can support them managing challenges associated with these transformations.

UN Habitat has responded to several appeals of the Federal Government of Somalia to attain durable solutions for the communities affected by displacement. In this regard, UN-Habitat is leading a EUR E12 million Programme funded by the European Union and implemented jointly with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the United Nations Development Programme, and three other non-governmental organizations. Similarly, UN-Habitat IOM and the Risk Management Unit will implement a peacebuilding Programme called Midnimo in Jubbaland and South West State that looks at mitigating conflict drivers associated with returns from Dadaab and Yemen, and with the new wave of internal displacement in urban areas triggered by the drought. UN Habitat is also part of two UN Joint Programmes one on Local Governance and Decentralised Service Delivery for Somalia (JPLG) launched in 2008 focuses on strengthening local government as a means of enhancing the delivery of services to citizens and restoring confidence and credibility in the state. Finally, a set of youth and livelihoods projects have also warranted for interventions in urban areas.

OBJECTIVES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The overall objective of this consultancy is to support the implementation of land and human rights related activities in the framework of the aforementioned projects.

Under the overall coordination of the UN Habitat Head of Programmes, direct supervision of Human Settlements Officer (EU Reinteg Coordinator) and in close collaboration with the other Project Managers, the consultant will perform the following key tasks

1. Provide substantive oversight and overall coordination of all land activities within the JPLG Programme ensuring the quality of the work and timely delivery of outputs as per the work plan
2. Assist is community consultations, develop toolkits and provide advisory services within the Midnimo Programme
3. Devise a roadmap for the creation of land dispute resolution tools for Hirshabelle and Balcad in particular and implement it
4. Deliver two draft legislations on Land for Jubbaland and South West State
5. Provide substantive input for developing a framework for EU Reinteg Programme interventions related to rights protection, improved access to legal services and housing for internally displaced persons.

REQUIRED TASKS

1. Review land management systems and institutions
2. Support future district councils in Somalia, municipalities and executive branches in the review or creation of land laws and town plans
3. Capacity building on land related issues for local and regional authorities
4. Provide advisory on land related issues to the municipality and regional assemblies
5. Review of drafted/amended urban land management legislations in Puntland and Somaliland
6. Create legislative tools for rental and social housing for internally displaced persons, with particular reference to bylaws and standard templates for lease agreements
7. Support the UN Habitat projects and teams in the drafting of legal documents such as land tenure allocation agreements, Memoranda of Understanding with authorities etc.

EXPECTED OUTPUTS

1. Land Acts for Jubbaland and South West State
2. Land dispute resolution tools such as mediation toolkits – etc.
3. Review or developing of land management laws/ legislation including conflict resolutions
4. Templates for standardized lease agreements for IDPs
5. Draft bylaws for rental schemes for vulnerable populations
6. Strategy for land dispute resolution work in Hirshabelle
7. Training modules for the Balcad activities and related tools, based on the agreed upon strategy (cf. 6)
8. Training courses for the activities in HI
9. Training courses on HLP
10. Land allocation request letters

COMPETENCIES

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and redundant approaches relevant to project management; Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors’ language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Advanced university degree in Political Science, Law, Legislation, Human Rights or any related field.

A first level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Professional Experience

A minimum of three years of experience in Law/Legal issues. Conversant in Urban Legislation, Land and Human Rights. Experience in working in post-conflict environments is desirable.

Language

Proficiency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of Somali language is an advantage.

Other

1. Proven knowledge in project management and coordination.
2. Proactive, results oriented, independent, able to identify and carry out duties and responsibilities with minimum supervision. Professional, supportive and cooperative in all matters within the work setting, problem-solving oriented. Maintain confidentiality with regards to all work-related issues.