Assistant Project Officer, JOSP Somalia

To support the implementation, coordination, and development of UNEP’s Somalia Country Programme, with a particular focus on cross‑programme coordination, resource mobilization, project development, communications, and operational support across ongoing and pipeline initiatives, including JOSP and its associated projects (RESTORE and Maareynta). The consultant will develop and manage communication materials, coordinate partner engagement, and support administrative processes that ensure timely and effective implementation of UNEP activities under JOSP.

Nairobi Based (with travel to Somalia)

6 months

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP works with national and local authorities, civil society, other UN organizations, research institutions and the private sector to catalyze the efficient use of the region’s natural assets and reduce the degradation of the environment. The Disasters and Conflicts Branch (DCB) of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) work to minimize environmental risks before, during, and after conflicts and disasters. The branch provides scientific assessments, policy guidance, and capacity-building support to help countries strengthen environmental resilience and integrate sustainable natural resource management into peacebuilding and recovery efforts. Through partnerships with governments, UN agencies, and civil society, UNEP’s Disasters and Conflicts Branch support initiatives in post-crisis recovery, disaster risk reduction, and climate security and peacebuilding to promote long-term environmental sustainability and stability in fragile and conflict-affected regions. UNEP has a growing portfolio of projects in Somalia. While several other projects are in different stages of finalization, the main program currently under implementation is the Jowhar Off-stream Storage Program (JOSP), a multi-agency initiative aimed at enhancing water storage, environmental resilience, and climate adaptation in Hirshabelle State, Somalia. The program focuses on rehabilitating critical irrigation infrastructure, integrating ecosystem-based approaches, and strengthening governance frameworks to improve long-term water security and conflict prevention. The program is implemented by a consortium comprising FAO, IOM, UNEP, UNHABITAT, UNIDO, World Vision and local partners targeting approximately 1.5 million beneficiaries in Somalia’s Middle and Lower Shabelle regions. UNEP’s key workstreams under JOSP comprises of: • Supporting environmental peacebuilding and conflict resolution mechanisms • Providing capacity building on environmental governance to the Somali Government • Establishing an ecosystem risk mitigation monitoring system within JOSP • Advising on and harmonizing the implementation of NbS across JOSP Under the direct supervision of the Programme Manager, JOSP Somali project, Disasters and Conflicts Branch the Assistant Project Officer will support the implementation, coordination, and development of UNEP’s Somalia Country Programme, with a particular focus on cross‑programme coordination, resource mobilization, project development, communications, and operational support across ongoing and pipeline initiatives, including JOSP and its associated projects (RESTORE and Maareynta). The consultant will develop and manage communication materials, coordinate partner engagement, and support administrative processes that ensure timely and effective implementation of UNEP activities under JOSP. Work Assignments and Outputs:- The Assistant Project Officer will be responsible for the following key work assignments and outputs: 1. Programme and Project Coordination Support • Support coordination and implementation of UNEP activities across the Somalia Country Programme, including RESTORE, Maareynta, and other ongoing and emerging initiatives, in line with approved workplans. • Maintain programme‑level schedules, action trackers, and contact databases covering multiple projects and partners, ensuring that deliverables are tracked and updated. • Liaise with consortium partners, implementing partners, and Somali government counterparts to facilitate information exchange, alignment of activities, and follow‑up on agreed actions. • Provide logistical and documentation support for field missions, technical meetings, and cross‑project coordination activities. 2. Support to Project Development and Resource Mobilisation • Support the preparation of concept notes, project ideas, and briefing materials for new and pipeline initiatives under the Somalia Country Programme. • Contribute to background research, drafting, and compilation of inputs for funding proposals, expressions of interest, and donor engagement materials. • Assist in tracking project development processes, including approvals, timelines, and coordination with internal UNEP units and partners. 3. Communications, Knowledge Management, and Visibility • Draft and edit communications content (event summaries, human-interest stories, newsletters, web content, and social media materials) showcasing UNEP’s Somalia Country Programme, including JOSP-related activities. • Prepare presentations, visual materials, and briefing slides for donor meetings, programme reviews, and coordination forums. • Support adherence to UNEP and donor visibility and branding requirements and maintain a programme-level archive of communications and media materials. • Draft talking points and key messages for project events and briefings. 4. Meetings, Workshops, and Event Support • Support the organisation of meetings, workshops, and trainings at programme and project levels, including logistical arrangements, agendas, participant lists, and documentation. • Draft meeting minutes, summaries, and action points, and track follow‑up actions across programme workstreams. • Support UNEP participation in consortium, government, and donor coordination meetings related to JOSP and the broader Somalia portfolio. 5. Reporting, Documentation, and Administrative Support • Contribute inputs to internal progress updates, donor reports, and programme reporting across the Somalia Country Programme. • Maintain organised electronic and physical files, ensuring proper archiving of contracts, reports, correspondence, and knowledge products. • Support basic data compilation, qualitative analysis, and documentation needed for reporting and programme learning. • Maintain shared folders and digital repositories for reports, communications outputs, and knowledge products.

A bachelor's degree in international development, environmental studies, social sciences or equivalent academic qualifications. A minimum of 2 years of experience supporting environmental, development, or humanitarian projects is required Experience in project coordination, communications, events, or administrative support within international organizations or NGOs; is required. Proven writing and editing skills for reports and communication outputs and excellent facilitation skills ;is desired Experience in working with multi-disciplinary teams, including local and expatriate technical experts is required; Experience working in or with Somalia or similar fragile contexts is desired.

Fluency in written and spoken English is required .

Not available.

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.