Higher Education Expert

About the role

The Higher Education Expert will join the core team of the EU‑funded Higher Education System Strengthening Project II in Somalia. The role focuses on building the capacity of the Somali higher education system to improve coordination, regulation and long‑term sustainability of interventions.

Key responsibilities

• Provide technical advice to the Ministry of Education and higher education commissions on policy development and implementation.
• Lead the design and rollout of quality‑assurance and accreditation frameworks in line with international standards.
• Coordinate multi‑stakeholder initiatives, including public‑private partnerships and donor‑aligned programmes.
• Collaborate with international partners such as UNICEF, World Bank, EU and bilateral donors.
• Prepare project reports, analytical briefs and communication material for stakeholders.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in Higher Education Policy, Education Management, Public Administration or related field (or Bachelor’s degree with at least 12 years relevant experience).
• Minimum 7 years of experience in higher‑education policy implementation, including advisory roles to ministries or commissions.
• At least 10 years of experience implementing quality‑assurance and accreditation frameworks.
• Experience working in the Horn of Africa, Eastern Africa or other post‑conflict environments is an asset.

Required skills

• Strong project‑management and reporting abilities.
• Excellent drafting, analytical and communication skills in English.
• Advanced computer literacy: MS Office, MS Project and data‑visualisation tools.