Country Director Somalia/Somaliland*

The position is to be filled as of June 1, 2023, with an initial contract duration of one year. There are good prospects for an extension. Employment location will be Mogadishu, Somalia, with frequent travel to Nairobi and Hargeisa. Nairobi can also be considered as working location under the precondition that required working/residence permits can be obtained.

Welthungerhilfe (WHH) has been active in Somaliland for more than ten years and is now increasing its involvement also in south/central Somalia, responding to the current drought. So far, this part of the program was managed by the Kenyan Country Team. It has now been decided to manage both regions under the umbrella of a joint country program, establishing a structure that builds and promotes synergies and efficiencies between the two regions. As Country Director Somalia/Somaliland, you are responsible for managing the impact oriented Welthungerhilfe (WHH) country program. In doing so, you take into consideration the overall WHH strategy and mandate and ensure adherence to WHH quality standards. You will be responsible for a sound financial management of the allocated funds as well as for the acquisition of additional funding. This will require a professional and experienced approach towards structures and processes, strategic programming and human resources management. As teamleader of the national and expatriate staff members, you are expected to take over responsibility for security management to assure the safety and security of your employees.

Your responsibilities

• Establish and further develop an adequate programme structure for a joint Somalia/Somaliland country programme, building as much as possible on existing structures and staff.

• Develop a multi-annual country strategy that identifies (a) WHH's strategic objectives in Somalia (South/Central Somaliland), (b) sectoral/regional priorities, and (c) relevant stakeholders based on a sound analysis of the complex context, organizational capacities and security risks

• Positioning WHH in the country as a strong humanitarian and development actor by establishing and maintaining close relationships with other international and national organizations and further disseminating knowledge about WHH activities through active participation in relevant meetings, workshops, and conferences

• Further develop a joint Somalia team, placing special focus on (national) staff development and capacity building

• Ensure an adequate set-up for remote management/monitoring of project activities when the security situation does not allow for sufficient on-site presence

• Pay special attention to establishing and maintaining an adequate and effective security management system, staying informed on all relevant developments in country

• Identify reliable and strong civil society organizations (CSOs) that are willing and able to work with WHH to contribute to increased community resilience and build a good working relationship with them

• Identify new funding opportunities for the Somalia Programme and support successful proposal development

• Supporting communication to inform about the Somalia context towards media, policy decision makers, general public in Germany and elsewhere whenever possible and feasable

Your profile

• A university or polytechnic degree in a relevant field like international development, international management, rural development or a comparable level of qualification

• At least 7 years of project management experience and relevant leadership experience in conflict/complex working environments

• Regional working experience / knowledge of the Somalian context would be a great asset

• AA, BMZ, EU/ECHO, WFP, USAID donor experience would be an asset 

• Coordination and organisational skills - even under a high workload

• Excellent communication skills and intercultural sensibility

• Readiness to receive necessary vaccinations for traveling to Welthungerhilfe's project countries

• Excellent spoken and written English; German language skills would be an advantage

Our offer

We offer you the opportunity to work in a responsible and interesting field as part of an extremely dedicated team. Welthungerhilfe attaches great importance to the personal and professional development of its employees and the balance of their work and private life. Remuneration is based on our gender-independent salary scale. In addition, Welthungerhilfe offers numerous other benefits, which are listed under "Our benefits".