Policy Advisor
Host Institution
Ministry of Parliamentary Relations & Constitutional Affairs, the Republic of Somaliland, Hargeisa, Republic of Somaliland, 26th June District, behind House of Parliament
Focal Point in Host Institution
Mr Jamal Abdi Muse; the Director-General of the Ministry, Mobile: +252 63 44 43 170 /424 67 66, Email: dankaabenimo@gmail.com
Background Information about Host Institution
The Ministry of Parliamentary Relations & Constitutional Affairs (MoPCA) was established in 1995, by Presidential decree No.59/95, Ref: JSL/M/XERM/249/59/1995, dated the 8th November 1995. Throughout this period, there were ten Ministers appointed to lead the Ministry. During this historical period of different presidencies, the MoPCA name changed numerous times. The original name given to the MoPCA in 1995 was “The Relations of the Executive Branch and the Parliament of Somaliland” with the Presidential Decree No.59/95. In 2010, during the time of the 4th President of Somaliland, the Ministry lost its autonomous status, and it was placed under the Ministry of Presidency. Then the role of the Ministry changed again, and it was named, “The Ministry of Parliamentary Relations, Research and Technology” regaining its ministerial status. The 5th President of Somaliland, H.E. Muse Bihi Abdi rearranged the role of the Ministry on 14th December 2017. Following Article 26 of presidential act No.012018-1, the new title of the Ministry became “The Ministry of Parliamentary Relations & Constitutional Affairs”. The President of the Republic of Somaliland, fulfilling his political commitment to the reform on the rule of law has mandated the role of the constitutional affairs for the first time, with which the constitution is the basis for national legislation. The power of the Ministry includes but not limited to reform the Somaliland Constitution, by preparing a national plan to review and amend the constitution where necessary. The Ministry of Parliamentary Relations & Constitutional Affairs envisions a law-oriented society in which both citizens and state institutions abide by the Constitution and whereby the working relationship among the Executive, Houses of Parliament and Judiciary is co-ordinated systematically and effectively to ensure that the interest of the nation is protected and well-served. The mission of the Ministry of Parliamentary Relations & Constitutional Affairs is to create a society where all Somaliland citizens enjoy their constitutional privileges, through strengthening the competence of the Ministry, to promote civic education of the Constitution, and to develop a strong working relationship between government institutions, Houses of Parliament and non-state actors.
POSITION INFORMATION
Organizational unit/ Department: Office of the Minister Duration of assignment: from 1st May till 30th July 2020
Objectives of Assignment
The participant will come on board as a Policy Advisor, assisting with the completion and enactment of the Ministry’s strategic plan which is currently underway. Equally, under the overall guidance of the Minister the consultant will assist the Ministry in developing its working efficiency through the implementation of systems and procedures. In that light, the consultant will be tasked with reviewing the current programmes of the Ministry and look to provide reform/guidance on areas to improve and possible policy areas to explore.
Output / deliverables
- Coordinating the finalisation of the Ministry’s Strategic Plan 2020-2022.
- Assisting the Ministry in developing/fostering relations with relevant NGO’s and international partners.
- Providing overall policy advice to the Minister, Director-General and Ministry leadership and overseeing policy liaison with other government agencies and partners.
Responsibilities and accountabilities
- Analyse existing policy strategy and produce a report with recommendations on strategic policy.
- Lead on relationship building with stakeholder, relevant international institutions and bodies.
- Advice the Ministry, Director-General and other relevant officials on matters related to policy.
- Develop an effective communications guideline and strategy for the Ministry’s output.
Competencies
Behavioural
- Develops new policy and procedures
- Shapes new policies and sets long-term objectives
- Understands the wider strategic environment to make appropriate decisions
- Develops relationships with partners/stakeholders
- Effectively communicates the Ministry’s priorities
- Produces formal communications for external partners
- Politically aware and actively engages with strategic policy
- Initiates attitudinal change across the Ministry
Technical
- Understands advanced aspects of the area of specialisation as well as the fundamental concepts of related disciplines
- Serves as primary external consultant in the area of expertise and shares knowledge with staff
- Keeps abreast of developments related to the programme and the Ministry’s line of work
- Demonstrates comprehensive understanding and knowledge of the current guidelines and project management tools and utilizes these during the assignment
- Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of communication practices and utilizes this to raise the profile of the Ministry
- Effectively networks with relevant partners ensuring that strategic partnerships and alliances are built in relation to the Ministry’s key undertakings
- Contributes to the implementation of and understands key advocacy strategies by identifying and prioritizing audiences and communications means
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Law, Public Policy, Political Science, International Relations or other related social science disciplines.
- At least 3 years of relevant experience at the national or international level with project management, policy analysis/formulation and strategic communications.
- Experience of working as an Advisor in the public sector with a proven track record in building relations with international organisations, government institutions etc.
- Extensive experience in advocacy, communications and network building.
Language Requirements
- English: Excellent Working Proficiency
- Somali: Excellent Working Proficiency