The Oslo Center is a Norwegian organization working with a main focus on democracy assistance, human rights and inter-religious dialogue. With the funding of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Oslo Center is expanding its work with Somali partners in government, parliament and civil society. In course of expansion the Oslo Center is seeking a professional to fill the position as the Program Coordinator for the Democracy Assistance Program based in Mogadishu.

FUNCTIONS The Coordinator will be the Oslo Centers liaison person on the ground and will be responsible for the establishment of the new field office and the day to day activities implemented in Mogadishu in a coordinated manner with HQ in Oslo. The selected candidate will have sound knowledge in the field of democracy assistance with a focus on political party systems, a wide network in the state institution, local organizations and the international community present in Mogadishu, deep knowledge of Somali society, and will be able to work independently in stressful situation. The candidate will have a sound knowledge of program management and experiences in financial reporting.

PROFILE

Qualification: At least a Master degree in Political Science, Law, Economics or other related field.
Experience:

  • Substantial experience as a program coordinator working in Somalia within the field of democracy assistance with a particular focus on multi-party system and political party development (at least 3 years of work experience).
  • Knowledge and experience from working in international organizations and in a multi-cultural setting. 
  • Proven ability to work in sensitive areas and under stress. 
  • Willingness to live and work in an environment with high risk and hardship.
  • Excellent understanding of the Somalia society, culture, history and politics.

Technical skills and competences:

  • Strong interest in the field of politics and democracy assistance with ability to learn on the job.
  • A good understanding of security management.
  • Confident and proficient in the use of MS Office and computer maintenance.
  • Ability to write and edit reports in Somali and English.
  • Ability to manage and prioritize a high workload and tasks with tight deadlines. 
  • Ability to provide financial reports.

Personal quality:

  • Ability to analyze information quickly and accurately.
  • Ability to take decisions and work in autonomy.
  • Diplomacy and strong communication skills.

Language:

  • Fluent in the Somali and English both in writing and orally (ability to translate and simultaneously interpreter).

Desirable:

  • Previous experience in Somalia and East Africa.
  • Previous experience in the field of democracy assistance.

STATUS

Salary post: In accordance with the Oslo Centers salary scale due to experience and skills presented by the candidate. The Oslo Center will cover accommodation, full board at duty station and travel costs when on business.

DURATION The position is for an initial three month period (January – March 2013) with possibilities for prolonged assignment if funding is secured.
The position is pending approved funding and will only be filled if the project funding is made available to the Oslo Center.

How to apply:

Please send us your CV and cover letter addressed to The Oslo Center, Program Coordinator Somalia to: post@oslocenter.no before December 15, 2012. For more information about the position please contact Program Manager Cecilia Bylesjö at cecilia.bylesjo@oslocenter.no.