Terms of Reference

Position: Field Officer

Location: Togdheer, base in Buroa

Type of Contract: fixed-term contract       

Contract Duration: Initial Contract One year with the possibility of extension

1.   Introduction

Network against FGM/C in Somaliland (NAFIS) is a non-political, non-governmental, and humanitarian network. NAFIS was established in late 2006 in Hargeisa by several local NGOs working towards the eradication of FGM/C. Currently, NAFIS has a membership of 20 organizations operating in all the regions of Somaliland. As the only nationwide network of its kind, the main purpose of NAFIS is to combat all forms of FGM/C in Somaliland through coordination and networking, policy framework, research, and documentation, capacity building for the key stakeholders, and media awareness.

NAFIS Network is implementing a project focusing on strengthening the sustainability of health systems in Somaliland with partner Plan International through the provision of inclusive and age-gender responsive mobile outreach maternal and health care services to 231,000 marginalized women, adolescent girls, and children, strengthening health worker capacities and contribute to improving health systems management. 15,000 adolescents will benefit from increased access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education and adolescent-friendly SRH services. In addition, the project will develop technical resources on mobile clinics, incorporating the management of complications from female genital mutilation and providing adolescent-friendly sexual and reproductive information and services

2.    Overall Objective

 Field Officer will support the implementation, management, and monitoring of NAFIS programs specially in Health projects in the Togdheer region, ensuring adherence to project objectives and the delivery of quality health services to marginalized women, adolescent girls, and children.

3.     Key responsibilities.

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager & regional Coordinator of NAFIS NETWORK the   

• Program Implementation:
• Coordinate the delivery of mobile outreach maternal and healthcare services to targeted beneficiaries in the Togdheer region.
• Collaborate with project teams to ensure program objectives are met and activities are executed on schedule.
• Participation in Regional Coordination Meetings:
• Actively participate in regional coordination meetings led by government ministries, including the Ministry of Health and Development and the Ministry of Employment, Social Affairs, and Family (MESAF).
• Engage with regional health governance bodies, international organizations, and local stakeholders to promote project goals and contribute to national development efforts.
• Share updates on NAFIS Network initiatives and advocate for the integration of women's health and empowerment issues into broader regional strategies.
• Monitoring and Evaluation:
• Regularly monitor project activities, collecting and analyzing data to assess impact and inform program adjustments.
• Develop comprehensive field reports detailing the progress of NAFIS Network projects, including health, protection, livelihoods, and women's empowerment.
• Ensure reports capture the current situation in the region, highlighting challenges and opportunities.
• Reporting and Documentation:
• Produce case studies and human stories that illustrate the impact of NAFIS Network projects on individuals and communities.
• Document lessons learned and best practices to inform future programming and advocacy efforts.
• Prepare and submit reports on progress, challenges, and recommendations to project management and relevant stakeholders.
• Capacity Building:
• Facilitate training sessions for local health workers and community members on SRH services and FGM/C prevention.
• Support the development of local leadership capacities to ensure sustainability of health interventions.
• Community Engagement:
• Act as the primary liaison between NAFIS Network and local communities, fostering relationships and trust.
• Organize community awareness campaigns addressing FGM/C and promoting access to SRH services.

3.1.     Specific Tasks

• Conduct community assessments to identify needs and opportunities for health and other program interventions.
• Develop work plans and schedules for field activities, ensuring alignment with project goals.
• Oversee resource distribution and ensure equitable access for all targeted beneficiaries.
• Facilitate conflict resolution and community dialogues when necessary.
• Maintain accurate records of field activities and community feedback

• Educational Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, Public Health, or a related field. A Master’s degree is an added advantage.
• Experience:

                                    i.        At least 2-3 years of relevant experience in program implementation across sectors such as Health, Protection, Gender, and Community Engagement.

                                   ii.        Proven experience in community mobilization and capacity building with diverse populations.

                                  iii.        Experience in managing mobile initiatives or outreach programs is highly desirable.

                                  iv.        Familiarity with project management principles, including planning, monitoring, and evaluation.

                                   v.        Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and engage effectively with community stakeholders.

                                  vi.        Experience in conducting training sessions or awareness campaigns is an advantage

• Technical Skills:
• Strong understanding of health systems, maternal and child health issues, and gender-based violence prevention, particularly FGM/C.
• Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and report writing.
• Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
• Excellent communication skills in both Somali and English, with the ability to translate health-related information for diverse audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with local authorities, stakeholders, and community members.

·         Organizational Skills: Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities effectively.

·         Cultural Competence:  Understanding of and sensitivity to the cultural context of Somaliland, particularly regarding gender roles and community dynamics.

·         Problem-Solving Ability: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to adapt to changing situations and address challenges effectively.

·         Technical Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with health management information systems.

• Personal Attributes:
• A commitment to the mission and values of NAFIS Network, including a strong ethical framework and a dedication to improving health outcomes for women and children.
• Flexibility to travel within the Togdheer region and work in challenging environments.

Interested candidates are requested to send their CVs and cover letter to [email protected] with subject line “Field Officer’ not later than 31 OCT 2024.  NAFIS Network is an equal opportunity employer. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.