Female Lead Researcher & Technical Capacity Building Specialist (National Consultant) Consultancy

Background

Farsight Africa Group through its research department Farsight Research seeks a qualified Female Lead Researcher, Somali national, to support a district-level governance and institutional strengthening initiative in Somalia. The assignment focuses technical capacity building and applied research, stakeholder engagement, and sustained client coordination.

Given the operational and cultural context, the role requires a consultant with strong local knowledge, fluency in Somali, and proven experience working with public institutions, communities, and international partners in fragile settings.

Key Responsibilities

1. Technical Capacity Building
   • Design and deliver tailored technical capacity-building sessions
   • Strengthen understanding of governance roles, coordination mechanisms, participatory planning, and inclusive decision-making.
   • Provide hands-on mentoring and ongoing technical support throughout the assignment.
2. Research and Analytical Support
   • Lead and support applied qualitative research related to district governance, service delivery, and stakeholder coordination.
   • Conduct interviews, focus group discussions, and consultations with relevant stakeholders.
   • Contribute analytical inputs to technical notes, assessments, and project reports.
3. Stakeholder Engagement
   • Facilitate structured engagement with district authorities, community leaders, civil society actors, and women’s groups.
   • Ensure engagement processes are culturally appropriate, inclusive, and gender-responsive.
   • Document stakeholder inputs and integrate findings into project deliverables.
4. Client Engagement and Coordination
   • Serve as a focal point supporting coordination between the Client, district authorities, and local stakeholders.
   • Participate in coordination meetings, briefings, and technical discussions as required.
   • Support follow-up actions, clarifications, and field-level coordination.
5. Reporting and Documentation
   • Prepare brief progress updates final reporting.
   • Ensure timely submission of agreed deliverables in line with project timelines.

Qualifications and Experience

• Somali national, female candidate (mandatory).
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Governance, Gender Studies, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 5–7 years of professional experience in:
  • Applied research and qualitative data collection
  • Capacity building and facilitation for public sector or community-level actors
  • Stakeholder engagement in Somalia or similar fragile contexts
• Proven experience working with local authorities, or public institutions in Somalia.
• Fluency in Somali and strong working knowledge of English.
• Excellent facilitation, documentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong understanding of Somalia’s social, political, and cultural dynamics.

Tagged as: Farsight Africa Group, Somalia