Background

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 of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) works 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 supports initiatives in post-crisis recovery, disaster risk reduction, and climate security to promote long-term environmental sustainability and stability in fragile and conflict-affected regions. The Jowhar Off-stream Storage Program (JOSP) is a multi-agency initiative aimed at enhancing water storage, environmental resilience, and climate adaptation in Hirshabelle State, Somalia. The project focuses on rehabilitating critical irrigation infrastructure, integrating ecosystem-based approaches, and strengthening governance frameworks to improve long-term water security and conflict prevention.

Duties and Responsibilities

The consultant is required to support the Project Manager in implementing the projects in Somalia, coordination with consortium partners and other stakeholders, and support with project logistics. The consultant will also be in charge of report writing, producing quality communication outputs for UNEP and delivering on the M&E plan within the consortium for the duration of this consultancy. The consultant will support in the effective planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of the projects under the supervision of the Project Manager. They will provide administrative and operational support to ensure smooth delivery of the projects in Somalia, including communications, knowledge management, logistics and coordination. The role involves close collaboration with consortium partners, technical partners and the government to ensure effective and timely delivery of programme results. The consultant will report to the Climate and Environmental Advisor to Somalia based in Nairobi.

Work Assignments and Outputs

The Programme Associate will be responsible for the following key work assignments and outputs:

Qualifications/special skills

A master's degree in international development

• Project Implementation Support: Assist in the coordination and execution of project activities in accordance with approved project documents, work plans, and budgets, including ensuring implementation partners are implementing project activities aligned with technical standards and project objectives. Contribute to technical discussions on activities related to water resource management, nature-based solutions, environmental monitoring and climate finance. Track project timelines and deliverables, flag delays or risks, and follow up on pending actions. Support field missions, workshops, trainings, and other project-related events (e.g., participant lists, invitations, agendas, minutes)
• Administrative and Operational Support: Draft correspondence, reports, meeting notes, and other project documents. Maintain and organize project files, including contracts, reports, and communications. Support the preparation of procurement requests, vendor selections, and contracts in line with UN procurement rules.
• Coordination and Liaising: Liaise with government counterparts, local authorities, community leaders, and development partners to strengthen partnerships and ensure effective coordination between UNEP, federal and state ministries, and consortium partners. Participate in project coordination meetings, donor briefings, and sectoral working groups representing UNEP's role on technical themes such as nature-based solutions, climate finance, and environmental resilience. Support stakeholder mapping and engagement strategies to enhance collaboration and community ownership.
• Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E): Implement the JOSP M&E framework to track the progress of UNEP activities. Develop indicators, baselines, and targets aligned with project objectives and donor requirements both for internal UNEP M&E requirements and external donor and consortium requirements. Prepare quarterly and annual M&E reports, including impact assessments and lessons learned for inclusion in consortium-level donor reporting. Support capacity building for project staff and partners on M&E practices and tools. Design and run all pre and post surveys related to project activities, including the creation of KoboToolbox questionnaires.
• Communications and Visibility: Develop and implement a communication strategy to promote JOSP's achievements and impact. Write content for and design press releases, newsletters, social media, and multimedia platforms to enhance project visibility. Draft human-interest stories, case studies, and impact narratives to showcase community resilience and adaptation efforts. Coordinate with consortium partners and stakeholders for effective project dissemination. Ensure compliance with donor visibility guidelines and communication standards.
• Reporting: Prepare high-quality narrative and financial reports for donors, partners, and stakeholders. Ensure timely submission of monthly, quarterly, and annual reports, highlighting key milestones, challenges, and recommendations. Support the preparation of presentations, briefing notes, and technical reports for internal and external meetings. Maintain accurate records of project documentation, including field reports, meeting minutes, and progress updates.
• Knowledge Management and Learning: Document lessons learned, best practices, and innovative approaches from project implementation. Organize learning events, workshops, and reflection sessions to enhance project delivery and knowledge sharing. Contribute to the development of knowledge products, including policy briefs, technical papers, and learning reports.

• Project coordination and implementation
• Administrative and operational support
• Stakeholder coordination and liaison
• Monitoring and evaluation
• Communication strategy development
• Report writing and documentation
• Knowledge management
• Procurement and contract management
• Survey design and implementation (KoboToolbox)

• A master's degree in international development