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Background:
Every year an increasing number of refugees and migrants perish in the Central Mediterranean in an attempt to reach Europe by dangerous means. Traditionally, many of them are Eritreans and Somalis. In an effort to respond to this situation, TOFI proposed an information campaign aimed directly at Somalis and Eritreans, to inform them of the full scope of the perils and difficulties of such voyages and about the legal, social and economic realities of life in Europe. Ultimately, this campaign sought to enable them to make informed decisions about their movements and plans for the future.
Preparatory research of communication patterns among Eritreans and Somalis had shown that the target audience had at their disposal two heavily biased sources of information on which they based their decision to leave for Europe. Firstly, the propaganda of smugglers. Secondly, the untruthful feedback of relatives in Europe that paints an unrealistically positive picture of life in Europe. To work in the context of the Somali segments of a project called Telling the real story – Information campaign.
This is an information campaign that reaches out to Somali refugees, members of the host communities, including IDPs. and migrants with a view to inform them about the full scope of the perils and difficulties related to irregular onward movements to Europe. The information campaign enables concerned people to take an informed decision about their plans and about possible onward movements.
Overall objectives of Telling the Real Story are:
Countering the narrative of smugglers and inform segments of the Somali community of the full scope of dangers associated with irregular movement to and life in Europe;
Maintain and reinforce the intra-community discourse on the dangers of irregular movement by countering the narrative of smugglers and undermining their credibility;
The Associate Project officer, under the direct supervision of the Associate Project Coordinator in Somalia/Somaliland, will be responsible for assisting Associate Project Co-ordinator in coordination and dissemination of the project in regions of Banadir (Mogadishu), Bossaso, Hargeisa, South West State (Baidoa) and Jubaland (Kismayo, Dhobley and Dollo)
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Associate Project Officer will be responsible for the following:
The Associate Project Officer (Telling the Real story) will support the implementation and coordination of project activities and will be responsible for the following:
Assist the Project Coordinator in the dissemination of project information to various segments of the Somali community, including refugees, IDPs, returnees, and asylum seekers.
Support the establishment of strong working relationships with federal and state-level institutions for the development and dissemination of awareness activities on the risks and dangers of irregular and clandestine migration.
Participate in Mixed Migration Task Force meetings and support representation of the organization in these forums.
Assist in building and maintaining partnerships with key stakeholders, including anti-trafficking networks, civil society organizations, and government authorities.
Support efforts to develop and maintain strategic relationships with influencers, public figures, and advocacy partners to expand outreach activities.
Provide relevant information on available complementary migration pathways where applicable.
Assist in identifying, establishing, and maintaining relationships with media outlets to enhance outreach and visibility.
Work closely with project teams to support the sustainability of project activities through collaborative planning and engagement with partners.
Support data analysis efforts to generate operational insights on migration trends and identify information gaps related to onward movement.
Assist in community engagement activities to analyze trends, drivers of migration, and misinformation circulating within communities and among smuggling networks.
Contribute to the development and implementation of real-time monitoring and evaluation strategies to improve ongoing campaign effectiveness.
Support the implementation of awareness-raising initiatives using diverse communication approaches aimed at countering misinformation and informing communities especially children about the risks of irregular migration.
Assist in the development of targeted messaging for different audiences, including government entities, partners, and community members.
Support the organization and facilitation of awareness-raising activities, including school outreach, community sessions, focus group discussions, and creative engagement methods such as theater, poetry, and art.
Contribute to regular reporting on project activities and progress to internal teams at regional and headquarters levels.
Liaise with project teams in Somaliland and Puntland to ensure coordination and consistency of activities across locations.
Assist in developing communication materials and campaign content
Essential minimum qualifications and professional experience required
Bachelor university degree in communication, political science, international relations, migration studies or related field;
Capacity to develop strategic communication visions;
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in public information, migration management or related areas;
Work experience in the field of refugee protection and assistance would be an asset. Knowledge of UN policies and procedures;
Basic understanding of international refugee protection.
Conceptual and practical understanding of protection issues and approaches in humanitarian contexts, including the constraints, sensitivities and risks associated with such work;
General familiarity with the regional mixed migration dynamics;
Excellent analytical skills and strategic thinking;
Experience of working with persons of concern;
Proven ability to establish and maintain strong working relations with relevant Government counterparts;
Excellent command of English and Somali, (written, oral, comprehension) including highly developed drafting skills and;
Field experience is an asset;
Contract: 1 Year with the possibility of extension, subject to funding and performance. Salary and other conditions are offered by TOFI ’s Terms of Employment; Employment band non-management.
Availability: 1st June 2026
Duty station: The Associate Project officer will be stationed in TOFI Country office Somalia /Somaliland and may be required to undertake field missions as and when needed.
Reporting Line: Associate Project Co-ordinator ( Telling the Real Story)
Providing equal opportunities, we are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, age, ability, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other factor. At TOFI we celebrate diversity and appreciate our employees for the people they are and their unique skills, backgrounds, and perspectives. We encourage all interested candidates to apply.
Promoting high standards: TOFI ’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP, and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct about TOFI’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. TOFI conducts thorough background checks as part of the recruitment process.
How to apply
All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English using the application link provided (https://forms.gle/1nZXKF1LngS6Axjd6). Applications sent by email will not be considered.
The TOFI workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. TOFI seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Please note that TOFI does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, travelling, processing, training or any other fees).
Qualified Female candidates highly encouraged to apply
Early applications are highly encouraged as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Together for Inclusion International ’s Terms of Employment for National staff;
Due to the urgency of filing the position, applications will be reviewed on an on-going basis.