Humanitarian Assistance Specialist

STATEMENT OF WORK

Job Title: Humanitarian Assistance Specialist

Position Type: Consultancy (a maximum of 10 days per month)

Duration: August 2024 to January 2025

Assignment Duration: 6 months with a possibility of renewal

Position Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Application Deadline: 3rd July 2024

Anticipated Start Date: 1st August 2024

SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT

The Field Support Services Project (FSSP) is a two-year initiative (November 2023 to October 2025) funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and implemented by Cowater International. It offers administrative, financial, procurement, and logistical support, along with technical expertise, to GAC’s development programs in Kenya, Somalia, and South Africa. The project assists GAC in procuring and managing local development initiatives in Kenya (and its accredited countries which include Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi), South Africa (and its accredited countries), and Somalia.

BACKGROUND

Canada’s vision for international assistance is rooted in its Feminist International Assistance Policy which seeks to eradicate poverty and build a more peaceful, more inclusive, and more prosperous world by promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls. Canada focuses on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in a manner that is both targeted and cross-cutting. A targeted approach to gender equality includes a focus on initiatives that fight poverty and inequality by supporting gender equality and defending the rights of women and girls, particularly their sexual health and reproductive rights. A simultaneous crosscutting approach to gender equality means that all of Canada’s international assistance initiatives, across all action areas, are developed and implemented in ways that improve gender equality and empower women and girls. This dual approach requires that all of Canada’s implementing partners must consult with women and involve them in needs assessments, decision-making, and planning of initiatives, as well as in the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of projects.

SUMMARY OF THE POSITION

Cowater International, through its FSSP, is supporting the Canadian High Commission to recruit a Humanitarian Assistance Specialist. The Specialist will play a critical role in building and maintaining Canada’s awareness of the humanitarian situation in Somalia and Kenya (as well as Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi, as required) and supporting the efficient and effective management of Canadian-funded humanitarian assistance in Kenya and Somalia in line with relevant Canadian policies and objectives. This position will require an in-depth knowledge and understanding of humanitarian assistance issues in Somalia and Kenya, including the role of the humanitarian-development-peace nexus in protracted crises; the increasing recurrence of climate change-related crises; Internally Displaced People and refugee migration patterns in Somalia, Kenya, and the broader Horn of Africa region; gender-responsive humanitarian actions; and the UN humanitarian architecture and processes. The Humanitarian Specialist will work closely with GAC staff, partner organizations, government agencies, and local communities to promote gender-responsive actions and solutions in line with humanitarian principles and international humanitarian law.

Responsibilities:

1. Monitoring Canadian-funded humanitarian programs and projects in Somalia and Kenya:

• Build, contribute to, and participate in the delivery of strategic monitoring plans based on Canada’s portfolio of humanitarian assistance in Somalia and Kenya, bearing in mind costs, security risks, value for money, and the need for a feminist approach.
• Monitor and ensure partner alignment with Canadian policies and objectives, as well as humanitarian principles and international humanitarian law.
• Regularly assess the risks faced by Canadian-funded humanitarian programs and projects and propose mitigation measures.
• Advise GAC on best practices for maximizing humanitarian impact, including building resilience through humanitarian-development-peace and security nexus approaches.

2. Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate with GAC staff, partner organizations, like-minded donors, local communities, and government agencies to address humanitarian concerns and foster inclusive and gender-sensitive responses.
• Participate in and provide guidance on consultations and engagement sessions on key humanitarian assistance issues for Somalia and Kenya, including effective actions at the humanitarian-development-peace nexus; the growing role of climate change in driving humanitarian crises; and IDP and refugee migration patterns/incentives in Somalia, Kenya, and the broader Horn of Africa region.
• Identify capacity gaps and opportunities for GAC, partner organizations, local communities, and government agencies’ engagement in humanitarian-related fora.

3. Reporting and Documentation:

• Draft, review, and/or provide input on project documents, reports, and proposals, as requested.
• Prepare and submit regular reports, including on the humanitarian situation in Somalia and Kenya, relevant funding appeals, and relevant global/UN decisions.
• Maintain accurate records of key contacts, reports, and other aspects as required.
• Draft reports on findings from project site visits.

4. Capacity Building:

• Provide training, build awareness, and share best practices with GAC staff, partner organizations, local communities, and government agencies.
• Stay informed about emerging humanitarian-related issues at the global, regional, and national levels, as relevant to Canadian-funded humanitarian assistance in Somalia and Kenya and disseminate relevant information to GAC.

5. Humanitarian Innovation:

• Identify opportunities to increase Canada’s leadership in Somalia and Kenya vis a vis the Global Call to Action on Protection from Gender-based Violence in Emergencies.
• Research and propose innovative solutions for Canada to work with local and national women’s groups to involve women and girls in program design, delivery, and monitoring of humanitarian initiatives.
• Research and propose ways in which Canada can become more effectively engaged at the humanitarian-development-peace and security nexus to advance durable solutions to protracted humanitarian crises.
• Identify opportunities to showcase and leverage Canada-funded activities, results, and innovations.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in development, social science, or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred.

Minimum Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in managing or advising on humanitarian assistance, previous experience working with the UN, or a country donor is preferred.

Qualifications:

• A thorough understanding of the Somali and Kenyan humanitarian context and understanding of the broader humanitarian context in the Horn of Africa is an advantage.
• Knowledge of Canadian humanitarian assistance legislation and policies.
• Experience and knowledge of global humanitarian commitments, humanitarian principles, and international humanitarian law.
• Knowledge and experience on gender-responsive approaches to humanitarian assistance and effective approaches at the humanitarian-development-peace and security nexus.
• Proficiency in analyzing humanitarian assistance data.
• Excellent drafting and analytical skills with a demonstrative ability to draft quality reports and correspondence.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the local culture in Somalia and Kenya.
• Ability to build positive relationships with stakeholders and local communities.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in challenging environments.
• Ability to travel throughout Kenya and Somalia.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities, as well as the ability to meet tight deadlines as required.

The following skills and experience will be an asset:

• Building partnerships with governments, donors, and civil society organizations internationally and in the field.

Language Requirements: Fluency in English as all reporting will be written in English.

Working arrangements:

• The Humanitarian Assistance Specialist will attend meetings virtually and in person. All travel expenses will be subject to prior approval by the FSSP Manager.
• The Specialist will report to the Project Manager and field Support Services Project (FSSP), and work closely with the Canadian High Commission, specifically the development team.
• The number of working days requested is based on the needs of the Canadian High Commission, as such there is no guaranteed minimum working days.

Ownership of Intellectual Property:

Documentation produced by the Specialist in the performance of the work under the contract shall remain the property of the Canadian High Commission

How to apply

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested applicants must include the following documents:

1. CV indicating experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three (3) professional references.
2. Cover Letter indicating why the Candidate considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment.
3. Financial Proposal The financial proposal should specify an all-inclusive daily rate (including taxes, time-off benefits, all statutory contributions, social contributions, and insurance). The daily rate should consider a maximum working day of 7.5 hours.
4. Applications must be submitted by 3rd July 2024 by the end of the day to recruitment@fssp-cowater.com with the subject: Humanitarian Assistance Specialist. Any applications received after this time will not be considered.

Evaluation of Applications

The proposals that achieve a minimum of 70% in the technical desk review shall be further considered for interviews and written tests. The award of the contract shall be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

a) responsive/compliant/acceptable; and

b) having received the highest score out of a set of weighted technical criteria (70% – Comprising of 15% scores of desk review, 25% written test, and 30% scores of interviews) and financial criteria (30%).

The Financial score shall be computed as a ratio of the proposal being evaluated and the lowest-priced proposal received by FSSP for the assignment.

Technical Score (70%)

Financial Score (30%)

1. Based on Qualification (desk review) (15%)

2. Written test (25%)

3. Interview (30%)

NB: Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 70 points (70% of the desk technical review) will be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law.

We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.

ABOUT US

Founded in 1985, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore, and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors, and communities to implement projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies since 2017.

We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow with Cowater International.