Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA)
Terms of Reference: Senior Horn of Africa Regional Programme Specialist
Start Date: As soon as possible
Duration: 1 Year, with possibility of renewal of contract
Location: Kampala, Uganda, with frequent mission travel throughout the Horn of Africa
Reports To: SIHA Regional Director
About SIHA
The Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) is a coalition of civil society organizations from Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia and Somaliland. SIHA was founded in 1995 by a collection of women’s groups with the view of strengthening the capacities of women organizations in the Horn of Africa countries. SIHA advocates for social change and gender equality for men and women in the Horn region and works specifically on: gender equality, women rights activism, women economic empowerment, eliminating violence against women and girls, promoting human rights, peace building and conflict transformation, enhancing women’s leadership and political participation and the production and dissemination of knowledge. More information about SIHA is available at sihanet.org.
Job Summary
The Senior Regional Programme Specialist is a senior position within SIHA and the individual in this role will work directly with SIHA Regional Director, as well as the SIHA Regional Program officer and SIHA Advocacy and communication team and in country program staff. She/he will oversee a portfolio of projects and activities and contribute to further refining SIHA’s strategy and to ensure it is effectiveness and relevance to the challenges of women and girls in the HoA. The programme specialist will collaborate with SIHA team and SIHA member organization’s in enhancing the overall SIHA programmes monitoring and evaluation framework. She/he is expected to contribute to SIHA advocacy and research effort and knowledge sharing and to enhance SIHA’s fundraising work. The Senior Regional Programme Specialist has the responsibility to support the Regional Director in overseeing SIHA’s mandate, while maintaining contact with stakeholders, including donors, members, partners and other actors.
Main Tasks and Responsibilities
- Gauging the impact of programming and remaining attune to possible shifts in delivery / methodology that could increase quality of programming;
- Contribute, as requested, to SIHA policy work, research projects, Journals and publications;
- Undertaking desk reviews of both best practices and political / social development affecting women in the Horn or led by women in the Horn region;
- Investing time in exploring regional trends that relate to SIHA’s core mandate, and, to the greatest extent possible, identify any potential areas / topics where SIHA could make a strong impact without drifting from our core objectives / mandate in the region;
- Monitoring SIHA program impact in close collaboration with the Regional Director, conduct periodic reviews of programming in the field, ensuring that project objectives are met, while incorporating lessons learned during SIHA’s long experience in the Horn, and incorporating innovation and emerging Best Practices in the human and women’s rights field;
- Identifying opportunities for new programs and initiatives, often working closely with SIHA’s Programme Development and Fundraising Officer to develop new concepts / proposals;
- Establishing communication and collaboration with researchers, technical experts, knowledge institutes and grass roots experts;
- Contributing to the development of policy papers, statements and briefings required for SIHA advocacy, as well as occasional contribution to public statements, press releases, and other outreach communications;
- Overseeing the use of the budget allocated to SIHA programmes alongside the SIHA head of finance and ensuring use of SIHA funds expended in support of SIHA programming throughout the Horn of Africa;
Profile
The candidate for this position should have strong knowledge and understanding of the Horn of Africa, a commitment to women’s rights and the principles of gender equality. She /he should be interested in movement-building and grassroots communities’ engagement in social and civil movement. The ideal candidate should demonstrate a strong research and analytical skills which are crucial for this post.
SIHA will be interested in individual applicants with commitment to indigenous civil society works on women rights and their essential role in improving conditions for women and girls across the Horn of Africa.
Other Requirements
- Strong combination of study and work experience in the fields of women’s human rights and development in the African context, East and Horn of Africa and/ or /Middle East & North Africa;
- Strong writing and reviewing skills: fluency in written and spoken English is a prerequisite, with a working knowledge of other regional languages as an added advantage;
- At least four (4) years’ work experience in program management and coordination, preferably within civil society, human rights organization’s humanitarian NGO’s or donor organizations;
- A strong academic background, with Masters-level education or equivalent work experience;
Flexibility and ability to shift priorities based on change of context; - Good understanding of the Horn of Africa political and social context, and knowledge of the regional and international mechanisms/dynamics influencing the region;
- Experience and understanding of project cycle management, including monitoring and evaluation, results-based management, technical and financial reporting;
- Strong communication, networking and advocacy skills;
- Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage priorities, work under pressure and meet tight deadlines;
- Willingness to travel regularly often around the region, often in areas affected by conflict or instability;
- Previous exposure to international and/or multicultural /multilingual environment –Able to function effectively within a multi-cultural team;
- Strong sense of initiative and creativity is desirable;
- Ability and experience in staff management and capacity building preferably;
- Curiosity, willingness to ‘learn while doing’ with a strong and genuine interest in the Horn of Africa, particularly in women and girls from the Horn, their strengths and challenges, is highly essential;
SIHA is committed to offer a fair remuneration based on qualifications and experience.
To Apply
Interested candidates are asked to provide their current CV and Cover Letter, expressing her/his motivation in applying with relevant experience/expertise, to SIHA’s Human Resources Department humanresourcesiha@gmail.com by April 16th 2018 at 4:00 pm East African time.
Please enter “Application Materials: SIHA Senior Horn of Africa Regional Programme Specialist” in the subject line.
SIHA may, because of the immediate need of the recruitment, contact shortlisted candidates prior to April 16th 2018. Due to the anticipated volume of applications, please note that SIHA will contact only shortlisted candidates. We thank you for your interest in joining SIHA!
Women residents and/or Nationals of the East African countries and Uganda are encouraged to apply.
