Higher Education Expert – Project Implementation

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 the capacity of Somalia’s higher education system through improved coordination, regulation and sustainable interventions.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic advice to the Ministry of Education and higher education commissions on policy development and implementation.
• Lead the design and rollout of quality‑assurance and accreditation frameworks in line with international standards.
• Coordinate multi‑stakeholder initiatives, including public‑private partnerships and donor‑aligned programmes.
• Manage project reporting, monitoring and data visualisation for the 36‑month contract period.
• Liaise with international partners such as UNICEF, World Bank, EU and bilateral donors.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in Higher Education Policy, Education Management, Public Administration or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 7 years of experience in higher‑education policy implementation, with at least 10 years in quality‑assurance and accreditation.
• Proven advisory experience to ministries or higher‑education commissions.
• Experience working in the Horn of Africa, Eastern Africa or post‑conflict environments is an asset.

Required skills

• Advanced proficiency in MS Office.
• Experience with project‑management software such as MS Project.
• Ability to create data visualisations using appropriate tools.