Kenya: Bridging Plan Team Lead

Organization: AECOM International Development Inc.

Country: Kenya

Closing date: 13 May 2016

AECOM is implementing the Somalia TIS+ Project to promote good governance and community cohesion. USAID/EA’s Somalia Office anticipates that the need for quick impact stabilization activities will continue given the fragile nature of the nascent government and the existence of an insurgency in parts of South Central Somalia. At the same time, Somalia, particularly under the New Deal and the new internationally recognized government, is looking to move from crisis and stabilization to medium and longer-term development. The objectives of this program are to: 1) Increase confidence in governance based on equitable participation in decision making and management of community assets. 2) Empower community and government representatives to engage with private sector and development actors in a collaborative process for community growth. 3) Increase Somali engagement in creating a more stable future. 4) Support inclusive, sustainable development by reducing gender gaps in stabilization and development.

Bridging Plans

TIS+ Objective 2 emphasizes working with local government and stakeholder groups through consensus- based participatory processes to develop and implement “Bridging Plans”. Bridging Plans are 1-2 year local development plans formed by local government (particularly district/municipal governments) and stakeholder representatives. They include medium-to-longer term priority project activities to support districts and municipalities in transitioning from a stabilization context into a context that may support longer- term development activities.

Through Objective 2 processes and activities, districts/municipalities will work with TIS+ teams in conducting early development assessments. With this information, districts/municipalities will agree on medium-to-longer term development priorities. Project ideas will then be articulated to address development priorities, with further project-specific assessments, feasibility studies and research done to determine the sustainability and likelihood of success of the proposed projects. Once project ideas and plans are determined to be feasible and appropriate to achieve Bridging Plan goals and objectives, Bridging Plans will be finalized, and investors and financing opportunities for these activities will be identified (by TIS+, government, and other stakeholders).

OBJECTIVE

The Bridging Plan Team Lead will oversee strategic planning and implementation of TIS+ activities under the direction of the TIS+ Deputy Chief of Party. This will entail close work with USAID and TIS+ leadership in tailoring and operationalizing approaches to all phases of Objective 2 work across Somali districts/municipalities; engaging with Somali government officials, international donors/programs, private sector leaders, civil society, youth leaders, women’s leaders and other stakeholders in Bridging Plan strategic development; closely advising TIS+ Program Development Officers and other staff in all phases of Bridging Plan activities; developing scopes of work for organizations and consultants to support Bridging Plan activities; and other work as required.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Bridging Plan Team Leader is a national position, will be based in Nairobi with frequent travel (75%) to Somaliland – Hargeisa, Sool, Sanaag and Somalia – Mogadishu. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

· Oversee development of detailed action plans per district/municipality for conducting Bridging Plan activities, and work closely with TIS+ field teams in implementing plans;

· Lead coordination with Somali government, donors, international programs (notably the UN JPLG program), private sector actors, and other stakeholder groups on Bridging Plan activities;

· Work with TIS+ staff in managing design of assessment tools;

· Hone approaches to engaging district government and consensus groups in consultative processes leading to production of Bridging Plans;

· Oversee approaches to marketing and outreach to bring funding/investment for Bridging Plan activities (with funding sources including Somali government, private sector, the international community, diaspora, etc.). Work closely with TIS+ field teams in implementing these approaches.

· Work with TIS+ staff in managing monitoring and evaluation of Bridging Plan activities

REPORTING

The Bridging Plan Team Leader reports to the Deputy Chief of Party.

QUALIFICATIONS

· Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree preferred) in Public Administration & Policy, Political Science, Economics, International Relations or related degree.

· 5+ years’ experience in governance planning at the local level.

· Significant management experience of governance activities.

· Experience with consensus-based project activities.

· Two plus years’ experience in engagement with private sector representatives, civil society and other stakeholder groups.

· Experience coordinating with international community programs and actors.

· Proven ability to produce well written materials and reports.

· Fluency in spoken and written English and Somali language.

· Computer literacy required with proficiency in Microsoft applications, including Word and Excel.

· Working knowledge of Somalia and Somali governance processes a significant plus.

LOCATION:

Nairobi with frequent travel (75%) to Somaliland and Somalia; with a possibility of relocation to either Somaliland or Somalia.

LEVEL OF EFFORT:

1 year with possible extension

How to apply:

Applications with a detailed CV will need to be sent by the 13^th May, 2016.

Send your Cover Letter and CV to recruitment@somtisplus.com (Clearly state Bridging Plan Team Lead Application on the Subject Line). Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.