Programme Specialist , Somalia - Environmental Governance and Peacebuilding

The consultant will help UNEP strengthen Somalia’s practice and institutional capacity on governance and environmental peacebuilding by supporting climate security policy processes, providing technical advisory inputs to government counterparts, and contributing to training and guidance materials. It will result in improved understanding of strong environmental governance, clearer governance arrangements for climate security at state and local levels, and enhanced capacity of officials and partners in Mogadishu and Jowhar to apply environmental peacebuilding approaches in their work. The outcomes will also support JOSP by ensuring that governance structures are conflict and climate sensitive, and by contributing to coherent, partner‑aligned approaches.

Mogadishu, 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 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 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 security, environmental resilience, and climate adaptation in Hirshabelle State, Somalia. The program focuses on rehabilitating critical water and 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, UN-Habitat, UNIDO, World Vision and local partners, targeting approximately 1.5 million beneficiaries in Somalia’s Middle and Lower Shabelle regions. Under JOSP, UNEP and partners are supporting Somali institutions to strengthen governance and resilience related to climate, peace and security (CPS). The consultant will provide technical governance and environmental peacebuilding expertise, supporting policy development and capacity strengthening with government counterparts in Mogadishu, and contributing to partner‑led activities for Jowhar. The consultant will also support UNEP and partners by offering context‑informed guidance rooted in a strong understanding of Somali institutions, political economy, and local social dynamics, helping ensure that programme activities are grounded in the realities of the operating environment. Outputs will include: co‑designing trainings and workshops; providing technical inputs to governance and policy processes; and supporting coordination with partners and the government ministries and agencies. The consultant will ensure deliverables meet UNEP quality standards and align with programme objectives and government priorities The consultant will report to the Head of the Response and Recovery Unit with direct supervision by the Somalia Programme Manager. - Work Assignments and Outputs UNEP and partners are working to strengthen governance and environmental peacebuilding capacities in Somalia, with a focus on climate‑related risks and federal-state-community coordination. Under the Somalia Programme Manager’s supervision, and in collaboration with other team members, the consultant will: 1. Support policy processes and provide technical governance and environmental peacebuilding inputs to ongoing policy processes; 2. Contribute to development of an implementation framework to support state and local structures; 3. Co-design trainings and workshops with partners for delivery at the Federal and State level; 4. Participate in consultations and technical discussions with UNEP, government counterparts, and NGOs; 5. Contribute to technical inputs on governance and climate security and assist in developing training materials with partners. The consultant will also participate in consultations and contribute to targeted capacity-strengthening activities. 6. Support the team in strengthening collaboration and alignment with the relevant ministries and other government entities 7. Support the Programme Manager in securing necessary government approvals, permits, and endorsements for program activities and UNEP operations in Somalia.

Master’s or equivalent in political science, international development, conflict studies, peacebuilding, public policy, environment or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. • Minimum 5 years of experience in governance, peacebuilding, climate security or environmental peacebuilding is required. • Experience working within the Somali institutional landscape, with a strong understanding of local political dynamics, social structures, and decision‑making environments is required • Demonstrated ability to advise teams on context-sensitive approaches and provide insight into local administrative and community engagement processes is desired. • Experience of working on policy formulation and leading consultative processes with institutional stakeholders and communities, facilitating workshops and trainings is desired.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Fluency in local language, Somali is required. Operational competencies - • Strong analytical and writing skills. • Good communication and facilitation skills. • Ability to plan, organize, and deliver outputs on schedule. • Cultural sensitivity and professionalism. • Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback. • Ability to plan, organize and implement activities under pressure and tight deadlines. • Demonstrates integrity and high ethical standards. • Positive, constructive attitude to work. • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Not available.