Higher Education Expert – Project Implementation in Somalia

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 enhancing coordination, regulation, and sustainability of higher‑education interventions across the country.

Key responsibilities

• Support the implementation of the project’s overall objective to strengthen the higher‑education system.
• Provide advisory input to ministries or higher‑education commissions on policy development and quality‑assurance frameworks.
• 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.
• Monitor and report on project progress, ensuring compliance with EU funding requirements.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in Higher Education Policy, Education Management, Public Administration or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 7 years of experience in higher‑education policy implementation and advisory roles.
• At least 10 years of experience implementing quality‑assurance and accreditation frameworks.
• Experience working in the Horn of Africa, Eastern Africa or post‑conflict environments is an asset.
• Fluent written and spoken English; Somali proficiency is a plus.

Required skills

• Advanced project management skills, including reporting.
• Proficiency in MS Office.
• Experience with MS Project or similar project‑management software.
• Ability to use data visualisation tools.

What we offer

• Fixed‑term contract for 36 months starting 1 October 2026.
• Opportunity to influence higher‑education reform in a post‑conflict setting.
• Collaboration with a multinational consortium and leading international donors.