Job Vacancy at the Embassy of Sweden in Nairobi Programme Officer; Focus on health systems in Somalia

The Embassy of Sweden in Nairobi represents Sweden in Kenya, Somalia, Seychelles and Comoros. The Embassy also represents Sweden in UNEP and UN-HABITAT.
The Embassy represents and advances Swedish policies, interests and values in political and economic relations, development cooperation, in trade and investment promotion and in cultural and information matters. It provides consular services to Swedish nationals and migration services to non-nationals. There is 66 staff working in the Embassy of Sweden in Nairobi, which makes it the second largest Swedish Embassy in the world.

Sweden has been actively engaged in Somalia for over 18 years. The Swedish cooperation programme in Somalia is a combination of humanitarian assistance and support for reconstruction and development. Swedish assistance is mainly implemented through various United Nations Agencies as well as through International and Swedish NGOs.

The Somalia Section of the Embassy is now looking for a National Programme Officer responsible for the handling of the health system development programmes.

Main Duties

In close cooperation with other donors (particularly DFID) assess the health sector and developments and identification of strategic interventions for Swedish support.Actively contribute to the development of the new Joint Health and Nutrition Programme and related coordination processes.   Promote Swedish health policy priorities in dialogue with partners, such as Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). Plan, administer and follow up on Swedish funded projects by, inter alia: assessing and approving funding applications including budgets; preparing decisions/contracts and agreements; reviewing and approving narrative, financial and audit reports. Responsibility for general quality assurance of the portfolio, with emphasis on agreement conditions and anti-corruption. Financial management, including follow up of disbursements and payments, using the in-house financial system: PLUS. Contribute to the development of Swedish strategies and policies for Somalia. Operational/strategic planning and reporting. Represent the Embassy and Sweden and actively participate, in coordination fora, steering committees, program reviews and field visits.Build relationships and develop networks through interaction and continuous dialogue with a multitude of actors, bi laterally and multilaterally.Report and update relevant stakeholders on relevant emerging issues in Somalia.Travel to Somalia as necessary.Academic Degree in social sciences preferably with a focus on development issues or other relevant academic background.Minimum 5 years relevant working experience with development assistance, at least two of which have involved social sectors preferably health.Grants management experience from working with donors, international agencies or international NGOs. Experience of working in a fragile state context.  Knowledge about the political and development context in Somalia highly desirable.Ability to seek information independently and be able to analyse complex data in order to make assessments.Excellent command of written and spoken English. Swedish would be an added advantage.Administrative competence and computer skills (incl. Word, Excel, Power Point)Good drafting and reporting skills are essentialExperience from working as consultant in the above mentioned programme areas and/or working with NGOs or regional organisations in Africa.Experience working with development co-operation based at an Embassy or a Development Agency.Ability to adjust to changing priorities and undertake multiple tasks simultaneouslyRespect for cultural diversity, with the ability to fit into a diverse team and to establish networks.Excellent organization skills, strong oral and written communication skills with good command of English.Self driven with ability to work unsupervised.Indicative start date for the position is September 1, 2012.

The salary is in accordance with the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs´ salary system for locally engaged employees.

Applications should include a detailed CV with educational qualifications, a summary of professional experience and a minimum of 3 professional references.

Applications should reach the Embassy not later than July 13, 2012.

Send the application to: ruth.muriuki@foreign.ministry.se

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted