Local Economic Development Expert at UN-Habitat

SCOPE OF WORK  
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Dowladkaab Programme Manager, the Consultant will perform the following main tasks:

• Conduct a comprehensive review of the current laws, policies, and regulations relevant to LED at Federal level and in Hirshabelle, Galmudug, Jubaland and Southwest States of Somalia and identify gaps, constraints, and enabling factors within these frameworks that influence the establishment and operation of an LED Forum.  
• Identify and engage a diverse range of stakeholders, including representatives of public institutions, private sector entities, community organizations, diaspora members, development partners and civil society.  
• Facilitate consultative meetings and interviews to gather insights on expectations, preferred compositions, roles, and responsibilities for the LED Forum.   
• Develop a term of reference for the LED Forum of Jawhar, Kismayo, Adado and Barawe and clearly articulate the functions of the LED forum, define governance structure that sets out composition, representation, organizational structure, membership criteria, decision-making processes, develop reporting lines and accountability mechanisms to foster transparency and effective oversight.
• Map relevant local, district, and regional government institutions and development committees with which the LED Forum should coordinate and design mechanisms for regular information sharing, joint planning, and collaborative implementation between the LED Forum and these bodies. 
• Identify existing and potential economic drivers, value chains, and bottlenecks for local economic development at districts 
• Develop a three-year strategic plan for the LED Forum for Jawhar, Kismayo, Adado and Barawe and present lead consultation workshops with the relevant stakeholders to ensure the strategic plan is informed by their input and reflects a broader consensus amongst the stakeholders. 
• The strategy must also identify incentives to encourage active participation and sustained engagement by forum members and stakeholders. 
• Provide an orientation and induction training for the LED forum secretariat established in the districts to ensure that they understand their terms of references and able to operationalize the strategic plan

Qualifications/special skills

• Advanced University degree in business administration, commerce, public administration, development studies, governance, leadership, political science, international relations,, business management, economics, communication or any other related field is required. first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree 
• At least 5 years experience in local economic development and private sector engagement is required
• Proven experience in local governance is desirable Demonstrated knowledge of good governance concepts, particularly accountability, transparency, and advocacy is desirable

Deadline : Sep 6, 2025