Somalia Stabilization Specialist

Social Impact is a global development management consulting firm. We provide monitoring, evaluation, strategic planning, and capacity building services to advance development effectiveness. We work across all development sectors including democracy and governance, health and education, the environment, and economic growth. Since 1997 we have worked in over 100 countries for clients such as US government agencies, bilateral donors, multilateral development banks, foundations, and nonprofits.

Background

Somalia has faced significant instability since the early 1990s, including political conflict, civil unrest, and humanitarian crises. Since 2007, USAID through the Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI), the Democracy, Stabilization and. Governance Office and other offices and programs have implemented a multitude of stabilization efforts that aim to address root causes of violent extremism and instability, while fostering sustainable peace and democracy. USAID/Somalia has invested over $300 million in stabilization during this timeframe.

USAID’s key stabilization programs include:

• Transition Initiatives for Stabilization (TIS)
• Transition Initiatives for Stabilization + (TIS+)
• Transition Initiatives for Stabilization Saddex (TIS3)
• Stabilization Amplification Mechanism (SAM)
• Stabilization and Recovery in Somalia (SRS)
• USAID contribution to the multi-donor Somalia Stability Fund (SSF)
• Peace II Program 2007-2010
• Somalia Stabilization Initiative OTI Program 2016 – 2020

Purpose of Assessment:

USAID has commissioned Evaluation, Learning and Monitoring Initiative (ELMI) to carry out a review of its overall stabilization portfolio since 2007. The purpose of this review is to articulate the following about USAID’s stabilization investments: what has been done, how has this changed over time, what the complexities are, and what outcomes this body of work has or has not achieved.

This review will also highlight one or two case studies of recently liberated areas where USAID stabilization programs played a role in Somalia’s stability journey. Specific case study questions will be developed once the cases have been identified.

Specific Tasks:

Working closely with the Stabilization Assessment Team Leader, the Stabilization Specialist will undertake the following specific tasks:

• Participate in inception meetings with USAID DSG team and other actors to gain a better understanding of the expected deliverables and the proposed assessment approach.
• Work with the Team Leader to prepare an inception report which incorporates detailed methodology and work plan for conducting the assessment.
• Undertake desk review of existing literature on past and ongoing stabilization efforts in Somalia and other related literature relevant to the study.
• Prepare data collections tools and interview guides for the assessment.
• As needed, conduct interviews and consultations with different stakeholders and key informants, including US Government staff, Government of Somalia officials (FGS and FMS), development organizations involved in stabilization work, etc.
• Provide data that will inform the development a visual timeline, infographic and other communication products on USAID stabilization work in Somalia since 2011.
• Support the development of a synthesized case study report of the assessment with key findings and recommendations.
• Participate in presentations with USAID and other stakeholders to disseminate the findings of the assessment as needed.

Deliverables:

The Stabilization Specialist will produce the following deliverables and submit them to the Stabilization Assessment Team Leader:

• Inception report of the stabilization assessment.
• A visual timeline that demonstrates how stabilization efforts have unfolded over time, key milestones, etc.
• Data to develop an infographic of USAID’s stabilization work in Somalia since 2011.
• Case studies that convey the following kind of information: what was the need/why did USAID or OTI program in that area, what programming did they do, what challenges were faced, what outcomes or results were achieved, etc.
• Power Point presentation for USAID Somalia team on key findings and recommendations.
• Synthesized report with assessment findings and recommendations.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, in social sciences, development studies or a related field.
• Over 8 years of professional experience in research and development work around stabilization, governance, security, peace building and conflict management, preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE).
• Experience in conducting stabilization reviews over a long timeframe and a good understanding of USG interagency, US foreign policy and US foreign assistance in Somalia.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of the Somalia stabilization context, including political, social, and economic dynamics.
• Demonstrated experience working with multidisciplinary teams for large and complex studies, evaluations, or assessments.
• Good oral and written English communication skills.

Period of Performance:

The anticipated period of performance is on or about September 1, 2024, to February 15, 2025. Travel to Mogadishu will be required.

Level of Effort:

The level of effort for this assignment is approximately 25-30 days as follows:

Reporting:

The Consultant will report to Deputy Chief of Party or his designated official.

Come join our energetic and innovative team! We offer you the opportunity to play a leading role in the growth of our company, work as part of a creative and committed team, and make a difference in the well-being of our world.

To learn more about Social Impact, please visit our website: http://www.socialimpact.com

SI is an EEO/AA/ADA Veterans Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview.