Career Opportunity Details
Closed
Staff Position
Operation
Application Deadline
September 24, 2025
Senior Program and Planning Specialist
Posted On:
September 2, 2025
Location:
Kismayo,Somalia
Duration:
14 Months
Job Description
As a senior member of the NLA team, the Senior Program and Planning Specialist will lead
strategic program planning and operationalization of NLA’s capacity development initiatives. The Specialist will ensure that programs and institutional activities are fully aligned with NLA’s mission, the Transformational Governance Project (TGP) Results Framework—particularly Output 2 (Institutional Capacity and Leadership Development) and Output 4 (Program Management, MEAL & Visibility)—and national governance priorities.
The role involves strategic planning, coordination of program implementation, results-based monitoring and evaluation, gender and inclusion mainstreaming, digital systems integration, and high-level reporting to inform decision-making at the Executive Director, Project Steering Committee (PSC), and donor levels.
strategic program planning and operationalization of NLA’s capacity development initiatives. The Specialist will ensure that programs and institutional activities are fully aligned with NLA’s mission, the Transformational Governance Project (TGP) Results Framework—particularly Output 2 (Institutional Capacity and Leadership Development) and Output 4 (Program Management, MEAL & Visibility)—and national governance priorities.
The role involves strategic planning, coordination of program implementation, results-based monitoring and evaluation, gender and inclusion mainstreaming, digital systems integration, and high-level reporting to inform decision-making at the Executive Director, Project Steering Committee (PSC), and donor levels.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the development of annual and multi-year strategic program plans aligned with NLA’s vision and the TGP results framework.
Translate national leadership priorities into implementable institutional plans and activities.
Oversee design, implementation, and coordination of leadership development programs, training curricula, and capacity-building initiatives.
Integrate digital transformation components and ensure gender and inclusion mainstreaming across all interventions.
Prepare and manage program budgets; ensure cost-efficiency, compliance, and alignment with AWP and donor agreements.
Coordinate with Finance & Operations to track expenditures and resource allocation.
Collaborate with the M&E team to develop program performance indicators and integrate program plans into the MEAL system.
Ensure regular monitoring of program results and timely submission of high- quality quarterly and annual progress reports aligned with TGP Output 2 and 4 indicators.
Work closely with ministries, OPM units, development partners, civil society, and donors to align NLA’s work with national governance priorities.
Lead stakeholder engagement meetings and maintain strategic partnerships.
Ensure adherence to NLA’s policies on procurement, HR, ethics, risk management, gender equity, and environmental and social safeguards.
Maintain confidentiality of sensitive program information.
Supervise and mentor program staff; foster a collaborative, accountable, and inclusive work environment.
Ensure consistent internal capacity building to maintain high delivery standards.
Prepare briefs, presentations, and knowledge products for PSC, donors, and other stakeholders.
Contribute to NLA’s visibility and advocacy through documentation of lessons learned and success stories.
Requirements
Strategic and Analytical Thinking: Ability to translate the organization’s vision into effective programmatic strategies.
Leadership and People Management: Capable of leading cross-functional teams and fostering collaboration to achieve outcomes.
Security: A valid security clearance is mandatory.
Communication: Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to produce concise reports, proposals, and presentations.
Ethics and Integrity: Strong commitment to NLA’s values and HR policies – including fairness, transparency, non-discrimination, equal opportunity, and impartiality.
Adaptability: Ability to navigate complex and changing environments, including operating effectively in post-conflict or fragile settings.
Gender and Inclusion Sensitivity: Upholds NLA’s commitment to gender equity and inclusion in all program activities, ensuring diverse participation and benefit.
Technical Skills: Proven experience with results-based management and the full program cycle (planning, budgeting, implementation, and M&E). Demonstrated ability to develop and manage budgets and resource plans. Strong analytical skills for interpreting data and translating it into programmatic improvements. Proficiency in MS Office and project management software.
Sector Knowledge: Familiarity with educational and capacity-building programs, and a clear understanding of Somalia’s institutional and cultural context.
Education: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Development Studies, Public Administration, Education, Project Management, or another relevant field.
Experience: Minimum of 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in program design, planning, or project management. At least three years in a senior leadership or managerial role, preferably within a learning institution, NGO, or government agency.
Languages: Fluency in English and Somali is required.
Qualifications
Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Development Studies, Public Administration, Education, Project Management, or another relevant field.
Benefits
Competitive salary with duty-station and hardship allowances.
Opportunity to lead strategic program planning and operationalization for a national leadership institution
Professional development in program management, results-based planning, and governance-focused capacity-building
Exposure to high-level government, donor, and international stakeholder coordination.
Purpose-driven role contributing to leadership development, institutional strengthening, and national governance reform in Somalia.
How to Apply
Submit applications via email with all required documents Include cover letter, CV, and relevant certificates
Applicants facing digital divide challenges may submit hard copies of their applications to NLA Campus, Kismayo, Somalia during business hours before the application deadline
Applications must be submitted before the deadline
Application deadline has passed
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