In-Country Coordinator (Ethiopia and Somalia)

Key responsibilities of the In-Country Coordinator include:  Project Delivery and Performance 

• Under oversight from the Senior Migration Specialist and in collaboration with the SUIDAC Programme Coordinator, ensure the successful implementation of the Cities Alliance assigned portfolio currently including the Cities Alliance Global Programme on Cities and Migration in Ethiopia and Somalia. 

• Liaising with the Senior Migration Specialist and the SUIDAC Programme Coordinator, to identify partners, develop proposals and prepare project agreements in connection with identified opportunities.

• Ensure successful development, implementation and supervision of assigned grants and work packages. 

• When required and under the guidance from the Senior Migration Specialist and the Programme Coordinator, ensure the overall HSSE performance in the Project Office while overseeing the implementation of all HSSE requirements in the activities located in Ethiopia and Somalia. 

• Support regional, national, and local policy initiatives and dialogues building institutional capacities of policy makers and local authorities on enhanced urban planning and forecasting in the Horn of Africa, lead the creation of local and regional initiatives from Somalia and Ethiopia. 

• Support and/or conduct field missions of the Secretariat in partner countries.

• Keep abreast of and assess the needs of the relevant national and local governments and other partners operating in the countries and region to identify and plan with them areas for leveraging Cities Alliance activities. 

• Build and strengthen strategic partnerships through active networking, advocacy and effective communication of Cities Alliance competencies in project service delivery and management, to develop opportunities and engagements with new partners.

• Participate, as delegated by the Senior Migration Specialist, in inter-agency and external meetings/bodies to contribute to the harmonisation of policies, practices and approaches within UNOPS and within  the UN System more broadly.

• Represent the Cities Alliance in Ethiopia and Somalia to current and potential project donors, ensure attendance to meetings and compliance with donor requests. 

• When required by the Senior Migration Specialist or the SUIDAC Programme Coordinator, ensure the supervision or secondary supervision of Cities Alliance staff in Ethiopia and Somalia. 

• Create, foster and role model a culture of trust, empowerment and accountability within the Ethiopia Project Office.

• Build engagement and foster a diverse and inclusive work environment, respectful of all, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed.

• Contribute to the development and introduction of innovation to ensure Cities Alliance is continually incorporating best practice approaches.

• In collaboration with Cities Alliance comms, contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for corporate, regional and national development planning and knowledge building.

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) preferably in migration studies, urban development, urban planning, public policy and administration or related fields is required. 
• A first Level University Degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) with additional 2 years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a masters degree.

• A minimum of five (5) years of demonstrated expertise in migration and urban planning in Ethiopia and Somalia is required. 
• Demonstrated experience with UNOPS, and experience with grant management is an asset.
• Demonstrated partnership skills with local and central government stakeholders is an asset. 
• Applied expertise in working with African cities on urban expansion planning is an asset. 
• Strong knowledge of sustainable urban growth in secondary cities in the Horn of Africa is an asset 
• In-depth understanding of gender equality and women’s empowerment in the field of migration and urban planning in the Horn of Africa is a distinctive advantage. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, and ability to translate technical findings to advance policy positions, including engaging with and influencing international policy makers, international media and international stakeholders is required. 
• Willingness to conduct regular field missions for project supervision particularly in Somalia and Ethiopia is required.

• Fluency in English is required. An Intermediate level of Amharic is required.