Human Rights and Civil Society Expert

Human Rights and Civil Society Expert

Civic Engagement Support Facility, Somalia (based in Nairobi)

Diakonia is currently seeking a dynamic and dedicated team for the Civic Engagement Support Facility for Somalia, including Somaliland.

The aim of the Facility is to expand the civic space for women, youth and marginalised groups in Somalia including Somaliland and strengthen citizen engagement on rights and accountability with the state at federal, member-state and local level. This initiative is funded under the Denmark Somalia Bilateral Development Program.

The Human Rights and Civil Society Expert will lead on thematic prioritisation, grantee selection, implementation approaches and tools, and other issues related to human-rights, such as voice and accountability, inclusion, gender, youth, minorities, civic space, rights-based approaches, CSO governance, capacity development, relations with duty-bearers, and civil society in conflict.

The successful candidate will possess a deep understanding of the socio-political landscape of Somalia/Somaliland, proven experience in civil society development, and a commitment to fostering inclusive development.

The successful candidate will align with Diakonia’s values, and our Human Rights based programmatic approach to utilize their extensive experience of working in complex challenging environments to provide operational and strategic leadership of the Facility.

The position is subject to successful tendering. If successful, the expected starting date is March 2025. This is a full-time position for the duration of project (46 months) and is based in Nairobi, Kenya with expected frequent travel to Somalia, including Somaliland.

Human Rights and Civil Society Expert Role and Responsibilities:

As the Human-Rights and Civil-Society Expert at the Civic Engagement Support Facility, your role is crucial in shaping the strategic direction and execution of initiatives focused on strengthening civil society and promoting human rights. You will provide critical analysis, support program design, and plan and carry out capacity development and advocacy to ensure that human rights principles are fully integrated into all activities of the Facility.

Reporting directly to the Project Manager, your responsibilities include:

• Strategic Advisory and Program Design
  • Advise the Project Manager and other Facility staff on setting priorities that align with human rights advancements and civil society strengthening.
  • Offer expert guidance on the selection of grantees, ensuring that chosen projects and organizations align with the Facility’s objectives of promoting inclusivity, accountability, and civic engagement.
  • In close collaboration with Facility staff, develop and implement strategies and approaches that engage vulnerable groups and enhance civil society’s role in governance and advocacy.
• Capacity Building and Stakeholder Engagement
  • Develop and lead capacity-building initiatives for Facility staff and for civil society organizations.
  • Facilitate workshops, training sessions, and dialogues between civil society and government actors to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation.
  • Organize and lead regular stakeholder meetings to foster dialogue and share learnings.
• Research, Advocacy and Communication
  • Coordinate and conduct thematic research and analyze the civil society landscape to identify key actors and strategic opportunities.
  • Monitor developments in civic space and report on issues that might impact Facility operations.
  • In collaboration with Facility staff and civil society organizations, develop advocacy strategies to promote the role of human rights and civil society at local and national levels.
  • Represent the Facility at public forums, craft and disseminate communication materials that highlight the Facility’s work and its impact on human rights and civic engagement
• Collaboration and Reporting
  • Collaborate closely with the MEAL Specialist to integrate human rights indicators into monitoring frameworks.
  • Provide regular updates and detailed reports to the Project Manager and the Executive Committee on the progress and impacts of human rights-focused initiatives.
  • Contribute to the preparation of comprehensive annual learning reports and policy briefs that influence broader sectoral understanding and practices.

Experience and qualifications:

• A university degree at least equivalent to a master’s degree in a relevant field such as e.g. sociology or other social science, development studies, or law.
• At least 10 years of post-degree working experience in Africa and 7 years working with civil-society entities
• At least 5 years of experience working on human-rights issues in fragile or conflict-affected contexts, and similar years in the horn of Africa.
• Worked in Somalia including Somaliland or with Somalia/Somaliland as primary job content for at least 3 years.
• Experience working both with duty-bearers and rights-holders on human-rights issues.
• Experience supporting CBOs on advocacy, in particular regarding rights, gender, and youth.
• English language proficiency at level C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages scale.
• As a person, you are analytical, solution-oriented, creative, and a good team player.

About Diakonia:

Diakonia is a Swedish non-profit organization for international development cooperation and humanitarian assistance. We support and work with around 350 local civil society organisations and movements in 25 countries across the globe. Our vision is a just, equal and sustainable world where all people live in dignity, free from poverty. Our goal is to change unfair political, economic, social, and cultural structures that generate poverty, oppression, and violence. We apply a human rights-based approach and feminist principles throughout our work and adapt our programmes as the context changes.

How to apply

Should you be interested, your application needs to include a cover letter indicating why you want to join Diakonia, a detailed CV highlighting relevant experience, details of current and expected salary, daytime phone contact, email address, and the names of three professional referees by close of business 12th January 2025. Applications should be sent to https://www.impactpool.org/jobs/1127710

• Diakonia encourages women and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply
• The position is subject to successful tendering
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.