SomalilandDevelopment Fund (SDF) Closing date: Monday, 19 May 2014
Somalilandsun – Secretariat Short Term Consultancy Opportunity National Expert in Crop Production Upper Marodijeh Soil & Water Conservation Project Baseline Survey Ministry of Agriculture
Background The Somaliland Development Fund (SDF) is a 4 – year fund designed to support the Government of Somaliland (GoSL) filling a critical gap supporting projects that are fully aligned to the National Development Plan (NDP). SDF is currently funded by the Department for International Development (DFID), the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) and the Norwegian Government (Norway). The fund finances implementation of projects proposed and designed by Government of Somaliland line ministries and agencies which are aligned to the National Development Plan (NDP) and the specific ministries strategies. The management of the SDF Secretariat has been contracted to BMB Mott MacDonald, an international consulting company, which is responsible for both the strategic and day – to – day management of the fund on behalf of the Government of Somaliland and the donors. The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) has received funding from the SDF for the Upper Marodijeh Soil & Water Conservation Project. The Marodijeh Upper Catchment (MUC) agro-pastoral communities in Somaliland have been severely affected by high rates of soil erosion and water scarcity for the last two decades. This has resulted in declining crop productivity and increased risks to the sustainability of livelihoods in the area. The project intends to improve household incomes of communities residing in the MUC areas through interventions in soil and water conservation measures and introduction of improved agronomic practices. The project will furthermore enhance Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) technical capacity and is expected to become a model for other Somaliland agro-pastoral communities who face similar constraints. The purpose of the proposed MUC conservation project is therefore to improve the livelihoods of MUC community by restoring and raising land productivity. This will be achieved through implementation of Soil & Water Conservation activities in the Upper Maroodijeh area. Activities include gully rehabilitation, construction of soil bunds, rehabilitation of damaged berkads and earth dams, and demonstration of rainwater harvesting techniques. The project will also showcase best farming practices as well as enhancing the MoA capacity to oversee the soil and water conservation in the MUC and Somaliland in general. Role of the National Crop Production Expert The SDF therefore seek the services of a National Short Term Expert in Crop Production to work with a Senior Soil and Water Conservation Expert (Team Leader) and a National Community Organisation Expert in conducting a comprehensive baseline assessment and design of technical interventions proposed in the proposed in the MUC project proposal. The National Expert will work under the supervision of the Senior Expert and in consultation with the SDF Secretariat and the Project Management Teams (PMT). Required Qualifications/Skills Qualifications and skills
• Master’s Degree or equivalent in Agriculture, Agronomy or Dryland farming;
• Demonstrated excellent command of spoken and written English. Fluency in Somali language is mandatory;
• Understanding of Somaliland social dynamics; and
• Excellent interpersonal and diplomatic skills. General professional experience
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience working at a middle to senior level implementing productive sector projects in Somaliland.
• Demonstrated experience with public or non – profit sector clients; and
• Specific work experience in Somaliland is essential. Specific professional experience
• Demonstrated experience (minimum of 7 years) in conducting assessments in the livelihood and food security sector in Somaliland. Evidence of studies/assessments conducted in the last three years may be requested; and
• In-depth knowledge of small holder agricultural production sector in Somaliland obtained from working directly in the sector. Interested candidates should send their applications (cover letter and CV) to the Somaliland Development Fund Secretariat through e-mail. It should be addressed to jobs@sdf- secretariat.org. Candidates should indicate in their cover letter how they fit the criteria outlined in the advert. All applications must be received by 19 May 2014 by 17:00 East African standard Time. Full terms of reference (ToRs) can be requested via email from SDF recruitment consultant at l.vocks@europeansolutions.nl or downloaded from the SDF Website www.somalilanddevelopmentfund.org open opportunities section. Since the SDF recruiting for multiple positions, please include the position you are applying for in the email subject line. This position can only be fulfilled upon the approval of the underlying project by the Joint Steering Committee. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. This role is open to Somaliland nationals only Women candidates are encouraged to apply
