Economic Development Officer

Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Economic Development Officer

Position Title: Economic Development Officer
Location: Baidoa, Southwest State, Somalia
Project: Empowering Marginalized Groups through Economic Graduation in Somalia (EMERGE)
Contract Type: Full-Time

Date: 28th November 2024

Introduction

Center for Research and Integrated Development (CeRID) is implementing the Empowering Marginalized Groups through Economic Graduation in Somalia (EMERGE) project in Baidoa, Southwest State. The project aims to empower marginalized communities through economic interventions such as savings group formation, financial inclusion, and community-based economic development. The Economic Development Officer will lead efforts to establish savings groups, strengthen financial inclusion, and promote economic opportunities for the project’s beneficiaries. This role is critical for fostering sustainable economic growth and resilience among marginalized groups.

Key Responsibilities

• Facilitate the establishment and strengthening of Savings for Transformation (S4T) groups in the project area.
• Recruit, train, and support S4T trainers and mentors.
• Coordinate community selection processes for enrolling participants into S4T groups.
• Organize and oversee prize recognition for high-performing savings groups to motivate participation and success.
• Support S4T groups in linking with external markets, financial institutions, and other actors to expand their economic opportunities.
• Conduct savings group economic fairs to foster collaboration and promote income-generating activities.
• Ensure the procurement and distribution of S4T kits for project participants.
• Collaborate with religious leaders, community gatekeepers, and local government to strengthen community buy-in for economic activities.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve financial literacy and entrepreneurship among beneficiaries.
• Monitor and evaluate the economic impact of savings groups and other financial inclusion activities, ensuring alignment with project goals.
• Prepare progress reports and provide recommendations for improvement based on field observations.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Business Administration, Development Studies, or a related field.

• Experience:
• At least 3 years of experience in economic development, microfinance, or savings group management.
• Experience working with community-based economic models, such as savings groups or cooperatives.
• Strong understanding of financial inclusion and market linkages.
• Skills:
• Strong facilitation, coaching, and community engagement skills.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office and other project management tools.
• Language: Fluency in Somali and English is required.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and cover letter to [ [email protected]] by [5th December 2024]. Please include “Economic Development Officer” in the subject line of your email.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.