Details of Long Term Technical Advisor

 Job description

Invitation for Applications

Country: Somaliland

Project Holder: Ministry of Water Resources Development (MoWRD)

Project: Burao Water Supply Expansion Project

Fund: Somaliland Development Fund Phase 3

IFA Title: Long Term Technical Advisor

Duration: 12 months renewable contract based on performance

The Somaliland Development Fund – Phase 3 (SDF3) covers the period 2025-2028, with the possibility of a two-year extension. SDF3 aims to strengthen the climate resilience of vulnerable communities in Somaliland while creating increased income and job opportunities, thereby helping to reduce poverty. SDF3’s ambitions are aligned with NDP3 and reflect the priorities set out in Somaliland Vision 2030. Funding is currently provided by Denmark, Norway and the United Kingdom (UK), while the Netherlands remains an engaged partner, pending further clarification on their potential to re-join the Fund at a later stage.

The SDF3 Joint Steering Committee has provisionally approved the “Burao Water Supply Expansion Project,” aimed at addressing the severe water scarcity in Burao City, Somaliland.

This initiative will expand access to safe and reliable water for an estimated 85,000 additional residents, including 7,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs). The project encompasses the development of groundwater resources, construction of transmission pipelines, and the expansion of the city’s water distribution network. Beyond improving water access, the project is designed to deliver a triple dividend: climate resilience, inclusive economic growth and social inclusion. 

Following the provisional approval of the project, the Ministry of Water Resources Development (MoWRD) and the SDF Secretariat intend to engage the services of a Long-Term Technical Advisor (TA) to join the Project Management Team (PMT), in accordance with the project proposal and the approved SDF3 Operational Guidelines (September 2025).The primary purpose of this role is to support the Project Manager in ensuring the effective and efficient implementation of the project. The SDF Secretariat therefore invites qualified experts to apply for this position.

Skills and qualifications

Required Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Qualifications and Skills

 Advanced degree in Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, or a closely related field (minimum of a Bachelor’s degree required).

 Additional qualifications in project management, business administration, or public infrastructure management are desirable.

 Registered and in good standing with a relevant recognised professional body in country of domicile.

 Evidence of training and proficiency in use of engineering design software such as AutoCAD and water distribution analysis tools (e.g., WaterCAD, WaterGEMS).

 Proven proficiency in spoken and written English, with strong technical writing and reporting capabilities.

General Professional Experience

 Minimum of 12 years of senior-level experience at policy, management or advisory levels in water supply, water resource management, or related infrastructure sectors in host or donor funded projects.

 At least 8 years’ experience in urban Water sector policies development and institutional reform and regulatory framework designs.

 Minimum of 5 years of experience working in developing countries or fragile contexts, preferably in the Horn of Africa.

Specific Professional Experience

 At least 8 years of supervisory experience in managing or implementing projects focusing on water supply to urban and peri-urban populations in medium sized towns (population of at least 500,000 people).

 At least 3 years of experience in training, mentoring, and coaching multidisciplinary teams in water utility operations, infrastructure management, and institutional capacity development.

 Demonstrated experience in at conducting leading at least two of the following tasks in the water sector: functional review, water tariff and cost recovery reforms, water supply system whole life costing and operations and maintenance.

 Should have experience in managing one project involved in integrating climate change adaptation and resilience, conflict sensitivity, environmental and social safeguards, gender equity and social inclusion (GESI), and inclusive development principles into project design and implementation.

How to apply

Interested candidates should send their application (cover letter and CV) to the Somaliland Development Fund Secretariat through e-mail jobs@sdf-secretariat.org. Candidates should indicate in their cover letter how they fit the criteria outlined in the advert. All applications must be received by 17 November 2025 at 1600hrs East African Standard Time. Applicants should clearly indicate the position they are applying for in the email subject line. Full Job Description can be accessed on the SDF website through the link: https://somalilanddevelopmentfund.org/opportunities

Any attempt by a candidate to influence the outcome of the recruitment process in any way which can be interpreted as canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification from being considered for this position.

This role is open to both International and Somaliland nationals

Apply to: jobs@sdf-secretariat.org