Progressio has made a significant contribution to international development and human rights for more than seventy years. We support poor and marginalised people, especially women, to empower themselves – People Powered Development – by placing development workers to share skills in 11 countries, and through our international policy, advocacy and campaigning. Progressio has Catholic roots and works with people of all faiths and none.
Institutional Development Adviser
Somaliland National Human Rights Commission (SLNHRC)
Based in Hargeisa, Somaliland
Six-month placement (with the possibility of an extension)
Please note that for this placement we are only able to consider applicants who are able to start in October 2013.
The Institutional Development Adviser will work closely with the key staff of the Somaliland National Human Rights Commission (SLNHRC). S/he will assist SLNHRC in building and strengthening the institutional capacity of the organisation, so that it can undertake its core mandate of furthering the protection and promotion of fundamental human rights and freedoms in Somaliland.Due to the context of this placement, previous experience of working with NGOs in the East Africa and/or Horn of Africa region is highly desirable for this placement.
BACKGROUND - SOMALILAND
In the 21 years since its succession from Somalia, and the end of the protracted and destructive civil war, Somaliland has made enormous strides to rebuild its structures and society. Today, Somaliland has many of the attributes of a state, with a constitution, a functional parliament and government ministries, an army, a civil police force, a judiciary and multiple political parties. Both local and presidential elections have taken place with a strong representation of female voters. Parliamentary elections were held in September 2005 and were declared to be free and fair by an extensive team of independent international election observers (IEOs). The 2005 elections selected 82 members of Parliament with the majority of seats held by the two opposition political parties – UCID and Kulmiye. Voter registration was introduced in 2008 ahead of the presidential elections, which took place on 26 June 2010. The candidate of the opposition party Kulmiye, Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud Silanyo, won these presidential elections in a landslide. The 59 IEOs coordinated by Progressio and Somaliland Focus (UK) announced the presidential elections outcome as free and fair.
Although Somaliland is still seeking formal international recognition, there is a creeping informal, pragmatic acceptance of Somaliland as a political reality. International organisations as well as the UN and EU now work with the administration as a responsible authority. The administration has developed low-key bilateral relations with neighbouring Djibouti and Ethiopia, and with regional bodies such as the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union. The lack of international recognition has hampered its ability to ratify and become member of International Human Rights Instruments and the possibility of forging bilateral relations with international community, donors and financial institutions.
However, the lack of formal international recognition since Somaliland was founded on 18 May 1991 has its costs. Without recognition, Somaliland does not qualify for bilateral donor assistance or the support of international financial institutions for reconstruction and development and the country remains desperately poor. Foreign investment and trading practices are constrained. Paradoxically and more positively, the meagre international assistance has caused Somalilanders to mobilise their own resources and resourcefulness creating an environment of self-help and self-reliance. Remittances from the Somali Diaspora have assisted countless individual families and have become the mainstay of the economy.
Post-war reconstruction has brought many challenges, not least limited resources. The pace of urbanisation has accelerated, with many returning refugees opting to resettle in Hargeisa, Burao or Borama rather than returning to a nomadic way of life. Peace and the availability of casual employment is also attracting migrants from South Somalia and neighbouring countries, placing a strain on the infrastructure and environment, and creating tension over the ownership and management of resources.
The relative stability sustained over the past decade has allowed the restoration of Somaliland’s urban infrastructure, municipal services and systems of education and health that were destroyed during the war. International aid organisations (active in Somaliland since 1991) have done much to help restore essential services and infrastructure, clear land mines, reintegrate displaced populations, promote indigenous welfare organisations, and more recently to strengthen government bodies. Somaliland no longer generates refugees. Instead most of those who took refuge in neighbouring countries during the war have returned to Somaliland. Commercial activity has been revived and there has been a progressive development of civil society organisations, including the media, community development and social welfare organisations, and human rights groups.
While Somaliland’s development is tangible on many fronts, statistical evidence places Somalia/Somaliland among the world’s least developed nations. Life expectancy is low and maternal mortality and other health indicators remain among the worst in the world.
THE PARTNER ORGANISATION - SLNHRC
The Somaliland National Human Rights Commission (SLNHRC) is a statutory body, which was established by the The Somaliland National Human Rights Commission Act of Parliament No. 39/2009. The Act, which entered into force on December 2010, saw the full establishment of the Commission, along with the clarification of the mandate, functions and institutional structure of the Commission. The Commission had been put in place in 2005 by the former administration in Somaliland, but had never been fully established. Nor was its mandate, functions and institutional structure put in place by law, as required by the Paris Principles. The election of the new Government in June 2010, and subsequent appointment of a new cabinet, saw the appointment of a new Interim Chair of the Commission and the passing of the Human Rights Commission Act. The Act provides for the functional operational independence of SLNHRC (Article 2 and Article 33(2)).
SLNHRC draws its legal mandate, framework and functions from the Somaliland National Human Rights Commission Act, under Article 26, including investigating human rights violations, visiting places of detention with a view of assessing and inspecting conditions of the inmates, creating awareness and research and educating communities on human rights, giving advice and making recommendations to Cabinet Ministers and Members of Parliament (MPs) on the protection of human rights and basic freedoms, and monitoring human rights. The Act further gives powers to the Commission to perform its functions to mediate, investigate and make decisions on human rights and related matters. The Commission may also summon or require the attendance of any person, as well as the production of any document or record relevant to its investigations.
To undertake its core mandate of furthering the protection and promotion of fundamental human rights and freedoms in Somaliland and perform its functions, SLNHRC works closely with Government Ministries, such as the Ministries of Justice, Interior, Labour and Social Affairs, Health, and many others. In order to promote and consolidate a culture of respect for human rights and the rule of law in Somaliland, SLNHRC additionally works with the immigration services, regional governments, local authorities, traditional and religious leaders, women groups, minority groups and organisations supporting the disabled and children, and other Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Somaliland.
The rights and freedoms stipulated under the international human rights instruments is indeed the basis for reflecting human rights in Somaliland’s Constitution. The Somaliland National Human Rights Commission Act Article 10(2) of the Republic of Somaliland’s Constitution states that ‘the Republic of Somaliland shall act in conformity with the United Nations Charter, International Law, and shall respect the Universal Declaration of Human Rights’. Accordingly, Somaliland’s Constitution guarantees all the main fundamental human rights and freedoms, including civil and political rights, socio-economic and cultural rights, and other collective/group rights, such as the right to peace, development and a clean/healthy environment. Somaliland has established a democratic governance system that has all the necessary state institutions for the enforcement and protection of the fundamental human rights and freedoms enshrined in the Constitution.
Article 4 of the Human Rights Commission Act specifies that the Act shall be interpreted in accordance to Islamic Sharia, laws of the land and international human rights laws. In addition to this provision, Article 21 of Somaliland’s Constitution explicitly stipulates that articles relating to the fundamental rights and freedoms contained in the Constitution ‘shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with the international conventions on human rights and that the legislative, executive and judicial branches of the state and the local government of the regions and the districts, at all levels, shall be bound by these provisions’.
Furthermore, Article 10(1) states that ‘The Republic of Somaliland shall observe all treaties and agreements entered into by the former state of Somalia with foreign countries or corporations provided that these do not conflict with the interests and concerns of the Republic of Somaliland’.
NEED FOR THE PLACEMENT
In July 2013, discussions took place between SLNHRC’s Commissioners and Progressio Somaliland. These discussions identified a need for a Progressio development worker (DW) to assist and provide technical support in developing and strengthening SLNHRC’s institutional capacities to undertake its core mandate and functions.
Specifically, the main objective of this placement is to build and strengthen the individual and institutional capacities of the key leaders and management staff.
The activities under this objective are:
1. Take the lead and facilitate the assessment of the individual and institutional capacity building needs of management staff, the Board of Directors and the organisation.
2. Take the lead and facilitate the process of designing a comprehensive training plan and modules, based on the results of the assessment, in coordination with the management staff and the Board members.
3. Take the lead in organising and implementing capacity building activities, based on prioritised needs, in coordination with management staff, Board members and other stakeholders.
4. Take the lead in the preparation and submission of training documentation reports, in coordination with relevant management staff.
5. Provide continuous mentoring and on-the-job coaching.
6. Facilitate and assist the management staff and Board members in the preparation of a fundraising strategy document and action plan.
7. Assist the management staff and Board members in reviewing and updating the organisation’s database.
8. Assist the management staff and Board members in reviewing the organisation’s annual plan and in the preparation of the annual report.
MANAGEMENT SUPPORT AND COUNTERPART
The DW will work alongside the key leaders and management staff of SLNHRC. On a day-to-day basis, s/he will be responsible to the Chairperson of the organisation and work closely with the other Commissioners and management staff, as appropriate. The DW will ensure that important decisions and actions regarding activities should be discussed clearly and jointly with the Chairperson and other management staff. Overall responsibility for the DW lies with the Progressio Somaliland Country Representative. Support will be provided also by other relevant Progressio Somaliland office staff and DWs.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
This section outlines the skills and requirements we seek for this placement, please read it carefully and ensure your application addresses each of these requirements (giving clear examples).
Specification / Essential / Desirable /Education / 1. Master’s degree in social or community development, or other relevant discipline / 16. Training in organisational capacity building
Experience / 2. A minimum of three years’ hands-on experience in organisational development, including in:
§ Assessing individual and institutional capacity building needs
§ Designing training plans and modules based on individual and institutional needs
§ Organising and facilitating capacity building activities based on individual and institutional needs
§ Developing fundraising strategies and action plans
§ Reviewing and updating organisational databases
§ Reviewing and preparing annual organisational reports
§ Mentoring and coaching colleagues at work
3. Experience of working in a resource poor environment / 17. Experience of working with human rights organisations or institutions in East Africa and/or the Horn of Africa region
18. Experience of working with Muslim populations
Skills and knowledge / .
4. Demonstrable knowledge and skills in organisational development tools and methodologies
5. Ability to transfer skills and knowledge through formal or informal training and skill-sharing
6. Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, and the ability to assimilate and analyse information quickly
7. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to communicate with a wide range of stakeholders in a participatory and respectful manner, and to enhance effective work relationships
9. Commitment to team-building and a consensus-led approach to work
8. Excellent prioritising skills, including the ability to plan and implement own work with limited support and/or supervision
9. Good problem solving skills, an openness to learning (including the ability to reflect on areas for improvement) and a drive for innovation and excellence
10. Ability to adapt skills and knowledge to the local context and work with existing resources
11. Computer literate
12. Good command of English (spoken and written) / 19. Understanding of the issues facing a post conflict society
20. Good knowledge of current funding trends and sources
Other / 13. Willingness to travel in the region and within Somaliland
14. Cultural sensitivity in an Islamic setting
15. An understanding of the challenges, frustrations and opportunities of working with nascent local organisations
LOCATION - HARGEISA
This placement is based in Hargeisa, the capital city of Somaliland (NW Somalia). Hargeisa has an estimated population of 680,000 inhabitants. After a long civil war with The Siad Barre Military Regime, Somaliland separated from the rest of Somalia and declared its independence in 1991. Although Somaliland is not recognised by the international community, reconstruction is on-going and today it is booming with small and large scale businesses and the peace order situation is controlled and maintained by the government.
Hargeisa is situated at a reasonably high altitude and enjoys a pleasant temperate climate with two annual rainy seasons. The water supply is good and most homes are connected to mains running water. Private generators normally supply electricity and an increasing number of homes are connected to 24-hour electricity supplies. International and local communications by telephone and fax are good and Internet and email services are available. Postal services operate from Djibouti but it is not reliable. However, private courier companies such as FedEx, through Daalo Express, and DHL are operating with offices in Hargeisa to facilitate exchange of postal services. Money transfer and savings are handled by local remittance companies, such as Dahabshiil and Salaam Financial Services with main offices in Hargeisa, and can facilitate banking related transactions inside and outside of Somaliland. All basic food commodities are available in Hargeisa, along with a wide variety of imported goods and items from the Gulf and neighbouring countries. In accordance with Islamic custom, alcohol is not sold in Somaliland.