National Coordinator – Self-Help Group Approach (SHGA)

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

National Coordinator – Self-Help Group Approach (SHGA)

Duty Station: Hargeisa, with travel to regions  

Organization: NAFIS Network, in partnership with Kindernothilfe (KNH)

Contract Type: Full-time (one year contract for possible extension)

Reports to: KNH (Technical) & NAFIS Network (Administrative)

 Eligibility: Both external and internal candidates are eligible to apply.

 1. About NAFIS Network NAFIS Network is a national civil society umbrella organization established in 2006, bringing together 25 member organizations across Somaliland. The Network works to advance the rights, protection, and wellbeing of women, girls, and marginalized communities through institutional strengthening of NAFIS and its members; gender empowerment through health and protection programming; resource mobilization, partnership, and networking; women’s economic empowerment, climate resilience, and adaptation; and policy, advocacy, research, and knowledge management. Through these pillars, NAFIS drives coordinated, national, regional, community-centered, and evidence-based action for sustainable social change. 2. About the SHG Programme The Self-Help Group (SHG) Programme is a rights-based, community-driven approach that empowers women living in poverty to build economic, social, and political strength through collective action. The model begins with small, homogenous groups of women who meet weekly to save, lend internally, and support each other, gradually forming Cluster Level Associations (CLAs) and federations that evolve into strong “People’s Institutions.” Through this process, women gain confidence, financial discipline, leadership skills, and the ability to influence community decisions and advocate for their rights. The SHG Programme has proven effective in transforming attitudes, reducing vulnerability, and enabling women to drive sustainable change for themselves, their families, and their communities 3. Position Summary The National SHG Coordinator provides strategic leadership, technical guidance, and partner coordination to strengthen and scale the Self-Help Group (SHG) Approach across Somaliland. The role ensures high-quality implementation, capacity development, and consistent adherence to SHG principles, while driving learning, documentation, and evidence-based improvement. The coordinator represents the SHG model at national level, supports the growth of strong People’s Institutions (SHGs, CLAs, and federations), and positions the approach as a proven pathway for women’s empowerment, resilience, and poverty reduction. 4. Key

Responsibilities 

• Provide strategic leadership for the SHG Approach and guide its expansion and quality across Somaliland.

• Ensure all SHG, CLA, and federation activities follow core SHG principles of social, economic, and political empowerment. • Coordinate and support partner organizations to deliver consistent, high-quality implementation.

• Strengthen People’s Institutions by guiding group formation, governance, growth, and long-term sustainability. 

• Deliver technical support, mentoring, and capacity building to project staff, community facilitators, and partner teams. • Facilitate learning exchanges, peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement across SHG actors. • Lead monitoring, field follow-up, and documentation of progress, lessons learned, and success stories.

• Promote institutional recognition of the SHG Approach and represent it at national platforms and coordination forums. • Engage government, civil society, and development partners to strengthen collaboration and visibility. • Support programme planning, budgeting, reporting, and compliance with KNH and organizational standards. 

Required Qualifications & Experience  

• Master’s degree in social sciences, Development Studies, Community Development, Gender Studies, or a related).

• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in community development, women’s empowerment, or livelihood programming, including at least 4 years working with the SHG Approach or similar community-based models.

• Proven experience in partner coordination, capacity building, and technical support for field teams.

• Strong understanding of SHG principles, People’s Institutions (SHGs, CLAs, Federations), and community-driven development.

• Demonstrated ability in advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and representation with government, civil society, and development partners. • Demonstrated skills in programme planning, monitoring, reporting, and documentation.

• Experience engaging with government, civil society, and development partners at national or regional levels. • Strong facilitation, communication, and leadership skills, with the ability to guide diverse partners.

• Ability to travel regularly to field locations and work with community structures. • Fluency in Somali and English (written and spoken). 6. Competency • Strong leadership and coordination abilities, with proven experience guiding large groups of women and diverse community structures.

• Deep understanding of gender, community power dynamics, and women’s collective empowerment, especially in grassroots settings. • High tolerance, patience, and emotional intelligence, with the ability to work respectfully and effectively with target groups from different backgrounds and vulnerability levels. 

• Excellent facilitation, communication, and documentation skills, including leading group discussions, resolving conflicts, and capturing lessons. • Financial and programme management competence, ensuring accountability, transparency, and quality implementation.

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to motivate, mentor, and support community facilitators and partner teams. • Fluency in Somali and English, with the ability to communicate clearly across community and national platforms. 

Application Process

• Submit your CV, cover letter, and any relevant supporting documents to the designated organizational email address. • Clearly state the position title in the subject line of your email (National SHG Coordinator).

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for written assessments and interviews.

• Final selection will include reference checks and verification of academic and professional documents; institutional email references are preferred. • Female candidates, both internal and external, are strongly encouraged to apply. Required Application Documents • 1-page cover letter explaining practical SHG implementation experience.

CV (maximum 4 pages) highlighting relevant qualifications and achievements. Submission Details Email:  [email protected] Application –Deadline: 13th May 2026 Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.