Resilient Infrastructure Lead

Position: Resilient Infrastructure Lead (Component 2)

Programme: Green Urban Growth (GUG) in Somalia

Location: Somalia and Nairobi, exact split to be determined

Start Date: April/May 2024 (tentative start date)

Contract: to be determined (likely fixed term, 50-100% FTE)

About GUG:

Somalia is one of the world’s poorest and most fragile states and one of the most challenging environments in which FCDO works. The GUG programme proposes to support Somali cities harness green urban growth opportunities that contribute to economic growth, poverty reduction, and stability, benefitting Somalia’s internally displaced persons (IDPs) and the urban poor. GUG will be delivered through three components: (1) Improved urban planning, land use control and decision making; (2) Pipeline of ‘bankable’ projects and facilitating investments in green urban infrastructure; and (3) Mobilising finance for investments. The anticipated overall value of the programme is £25 million for a period of seven years (2024-2031).

About the Role:

ASI are seeking a Resilient Infrastructure (RI) Lead for the delivery of the GUG programme. The role of the RI Lead will be to effectively deliver Component 2 (Pipeline of ‘bankable’ projects and facilitating investments in green urban infrastructure) providing an accountable point of contact for the TL and FCDO. The RI Lead will be responsible for: a) leading the undertaking project feasibility studies to create a pipeline of bankable green urban and infrastructure projects; b) leading the capacity strengthening of the public and private sectors to improve project governance and inclusion, and to attract climate funds; and c) identifying project partners and sources of funding to be mobilised.

The RI Lead will be sharing their time between Nairobi, Mogadishu and Hargeisa from which GUG will operate. Travel to other cities in Somalia is also expected based on programme needs. This is an exciting role, with a technically strong, enthusiastic and well-recognised team that will be working on many of the most interesting cities and infrastructure challenges in Somalia.

Job requirements

Key responsibilities of the Resilient Infrastructure Lead:

The RI Lead will be responsible for:

• Providing overall management and technical delivery of component 2 (Pipeline of ‘bankable’ projects and facilitating investments in green urban infrastructure). This includes providing technical control with oversight of the delivery of programme outputs;
• Working closely with the Team Leader & Programme Manager to ensure that effective and efficient systems are in place to plan, implement and monitor the programme;
• Support the TL on the day-to-day relationship management with the FCDO Senior Responsible Owner/Programme Responsible Owner. 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with Government stakeholders in Somalia (FGS, FMS, and city-level), development and humanitarian partners, the private sector, and other relevant stakeholders;
• Ensure the effective dissemination of knowledge, and lessons learned, in relation to GUG’s Component 2 (Resilient Infrastructure) outcomes

Key competencies / job requirements for the Resilient Infrastructure Lead:

The following section outlines the minimum criteria for the candidate:

• Masters equivalent with a minimum of 10-15+ years’ work experience in project development for urban planning; finance; economics
• Experience in roles related to project finance, infrastructure finance, or sustainable finance, demonstrating a track record in mobilizing capital for green infrastructure projects, including conducting feasibility studies and securing project financing;
• Experience and recognised expertise relevant to climate finance mechanisms, including familiarity with climate funds, grants, and international climate agreements;
• Experience working in Somalia and/or similar FCAS contexts;
• Ability to cultivate strong relationships with senior government and non-government stakeholders;
• Politically aware and familiar with FCDO’s development, diplomatic and international trade priorities desirable;
• Outstanding analytical and problem-solving abilities;
• Excellent report writing, presentation, and communication skills (verbal and written);
• Excellent “people” and team-building skills.

https://adamsmithinternational1.recruitee.com/o/resilient-infrastructure-lead