HDP Nexus Advisor Full Time

Project name: Qualification and Employment Prospects for Refugees, IDPs and Hos Communities (QEP

Contract duration-31/10/2027

Brief and attractive description of the project/ unit

The Somali Region is hosting the largest population of IDPs (over 1 M.) in Ethiopia and the second largest population of refugees (over 360,000). Forced displacements are due to conflicts related to access to land, inter-ethnic tensions and to climate shocks (drought, floodings). At the same time, the Region and its capital city, Jigjiga, are located along one of the main migratory and trade routes in the Horn of Africa and as such, a focus area for IGAD and the Horn of Africa Initaitive (HoAI). The Somali Regional Government and its partners on the ground (donors, NGOs, UN agencies, CSOs) are committed to better coordinate their efforts in order to optimize this high potential for socio-economic, promote peace and facilitate the transition from humanitarian assistance to development-based interventions for the benefits of the most vulnerable ones.

The Qualification and Employment Prospects for Refugees, IDPs and Host Communities (QEP) Programme supports the Ethiopian government in expanding skills training and creating pathways towards employment for IDPs, refugee and host communities in four selected regions of Ethiopia: Addis Ababa, Somali region, BSGR and Tigray. The project expands labour-market relevant short-term training and establishes linkages between the TVET sector and the private sector to support the integration into the labour market. QEP II also supports TVET colleges to become inclusive learning environments, including for displaced persons. The programme offers tailor-made short-term technical training courses in labour market-relevant sectors to enhance employment prospects for the target group. A number of instruments have been developed and implemented jointly with partners to promote both self- and wage employment.

The Capacity Development for Strengthened Drought Resilience (CDSDR III)

project, co-financed by Swiss Development Cooperation, strengthens drought resilience and sustainable livelihoods in Ethiopia. SDC supports interventions in the Somali Region, while BMZ covers other regions. The project promotes climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable natural resource management, institutional capacity development, and conflict-sensitive, inclusive approaches that strengthen self-reliance and social cohesion among internally displaced persons and host communities.

The Ethio-German Sustainable Training and Education Programme (STEP) IV aims to improve the employment prospects of young Ethiopians by promoting quality, relevance, and gender equality in the TVET system, with a focus on green and digital transformation. In collaboration with the Ministry of Labor and Skills (MoLS), relevant agencies, and stakeholders, the programme strengthens the link between education and the private sector. It advises on the development of a national TVET strategy and supports its regional roll-out, ensuring alignment with local contexts and labour market needs. By fostering effective governance and policy frameworks, the programme encourages private sector involvement in TVET reforms and planning. It brings together employers, education providers, and public authorities to identify and address regional skills gaps, contributing to a modern, gender-inclusive TVET system that drives employment and economic growth.

In order to support the implementation of the HDP-Nexus Initiative as well as Makatet Road Map in Somali Region, GIZ is recruiting a HDP-Nexus advisor, who will be working closely with the Bureau of Planning and Economic Development (BoPED) in strengthening government-led coordination for development in the region, considering the specific needs of forcibly displaced persons as well as supporting the transition from humanitarian assistance to sustainable solutions. More specifically, the position will support BoPED in the implementation of an HDP-Nexus Regional Plan across the forced displacement setting and support the collaboration with various actors to that effect, including relevant

government actors, development partners (international financial institutions, bilateral development actors, UN agencies, NGOs, local communities). The position is based at GIZ office in Jigjiga, Somali Region

Responsibilities and Duties

• Ensure the secretariat of the HDP Nexus Fafan Zone Coordination Platform and support BoPED in coordinating the implementation of the Zonal/Woreda Nexus Plan.
• Schedule, convene and document the regular Fafan Zone HDP Coordination Platform Meetings and Manage information flow to/from the regional platform.
• Support proper use and periodical updates of zonal HDP Coordination tools such as the Woreda Profiles and HDP Planning Tables.
• Regularly quality check and update all relevant documents related to the implementation of the Zonal and Woreda levels HDP Coordination Plan.
• Support BoPED in managing the close cooperation with all relevant stakeholders at zonal and Woreda level in order to ensure their full engagement and commitment. Maintain zonal HDP Coordination Platform calendar and comprehensive directory of members (Government and NGOs).
• Coordinate inputs from the regional to woreda to zonal level tools as well as ensuring community participation, including women, youth and private sector in the HDP Coordination Platform.
• Advise BoPED on how to mainstream forced displacement into plans, programmes and strategies such as Multi-Year Resilience Strategy (MYRS) in order to advance the transition from parallel systems of assistance to sustainable inclusion in close consultation with GIZ, RRS and UNHCR.
• Advice BoPED on how coordination and planning processes can be implemented in an inclusive manner, ensuring the representation of those affected and their representatives, with a particular emphasis on the inclusion of forcibly displaced youths and women and youths- and women-led organisations.
• Monitor and analyse challenges and opportunities to the inclusion of forcibly displaced populations and advocate for their consideration and integration into the MYRS.
• Facilitate coordination between HDP-Nexus actors and livelihoods and resilience programmes, including through participation in relevant coordination platforms (e.g. DRM-ATF, Durable Solutions platforms etc)
• Serve as main interface between BoPED and support GIZ internal coordination through advising on the development of integrated approaches towards alignment with regional and national relevant development cooperation frameworks (Regional Nexus Plan, MYRS, Horn of Africa Initiative, Makatet Roadmap).
• Together with BoPED and other relevant partners, develop policy recommendations in a participatory way that contribute to more efficiency, better impact and increased sustainability of humanitarian, stabilization, peacebuilding and development interventions.

Identify good practices and disseminate knowledge from the field, background documents, analyses, and presentations that can feed into the global discourse on sustainable solutions and the implementation of the HDP Nexus in Somali Region

Qualification Requirements

Postgraduate degree (master’s or equivalent) in political or social sciences or another field related to the assignment.

Proven knowledge of relevant government policy such as Makatet Roadmap, 10 Year National Development Plan, Somali Region Multi-Year Resilience Strategy

• In-depth knowledge of key concepts, challenges and opportunities related to coordination and operation within the context of the HDP-Nexus Initiative in Somali Region.
• Ability to process complex data, communicate comprehensible and coherent information as well as to write clear and comprehensive reports.
• Creativity and problem-solving skills, solution-orientation also under challenging circumstances.
• Ability to work under pressure and in accordance with tight deadlines.
• Experience working in a multicultural team and international context.

Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to mobilize and engage a wide range of stakeholders

Professional Experience

• At least 15 years of experience working with governmental or non-governmental organisations in an area related to the assignment.
• At least 7 years of experience in the context of fragile settings and forced displacement, working towards sustainable solutions.
• Previous strong experience in an advisory role in a field related to the assignment, including advice to senior management.
• Fluent in English, Amharic and Somali languages
• Other Knowledge, additional competencies
• In-depth knowledge of humanitarian and development approaches to assist the inclusion of forcibly displaced persons and their joint implementation within the context of the HDP-Nexus.
• Strong experience in working with Government institutions, UN agencies, NGOs and/ or BMZ-funded projects is considered an advantage