International SWALIM expert

Terms of Reference (TOR)

II. Organizational Context The Somalia Water and Land Information Management (SWALIM) project, implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in partnership with the Federal Government of Somalia, serves as a vital source of data and information on land and water resources. To enhance climate resilience and food security, SWALIM is focused on strengthening early warning systems (EWS) and deploying decision-support tools for agricultural and pastoral communities. An international expert is required to provide high-level technical guidance and strategic oversight for the development and deployment of a new generation of digital EWS and decision-making tools, ensuring they align with global best practices and meet international standards.

II. Objectives / Scope of Work The objective of this consultancy is to provide strategic and technical expertise to the SWALIM project team for the development and deployment of digital Early Warning Systems (EWS) and decision-making tools, guiding the national expert and ensuring the final products are robust, scalable, and sustainable.

The Technical Expert will deliver the following activities under Output 3.2.1.2:

1.2.1.2 Strategic and Technical Oversight:

• Provide expert guidance and technical oversight for the review of existing early warning and decision support tools in Somalia, to identify best practices and critical gaps.
• Ensure the design of new decision-support tools for crop and livestock producers is based on international standards and methodologies.
• Advise on the appropriate technological platforms and communication channels for the dissemination of early warning messages to maximize reach and impact.

3.2.1.2 Capacity Building and Quality Assurance:

• Develop a training plan and provide technical support to the national SWALIM expert and project team on the development of decision-support tools and tailored early warning messages.
• Conduct a quality assurance review of the drafted messages and tools to ensure clarity, accuracy, and effectiveness.
• Advise on a sustainable operational and maintenance plan for the “Warning” platform to ensure its long-term viability.

3.2.1.2 Knowledge Transfer:

• Introduce international best practices and lessons learned from other countries regarding digital EWS and decision-support systems for agriculture.
• Contribute to the project’s final reports and documentation, providing an international perspective on the project’s successes and recommendations for future upscaling.
• An inception report with a detailed work plan.
• A strategic review and recommendations report on the EWS and decision-support tools.
• Training materials and a report on capacity-building activities for the national team.
• A quality assurance report on the developed tools and messages.
• A section in the final project report detailing international best practices and lessons learned.

University Degree or higher in Climate Science, Hydrology, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Information Technology, or a related field.

Experience and Skills:

• Minimum 3 years of professional experience in developing, deploying, and managing digital EWS and decision-support tools in a developing country context. Proven experience providing strategic oversight and capacity building to national teams.

Languages:

· Fluency in English and working knowledge of Somali are required.

Deadline: 14/09/2025

To apply for this position, please submit your application and updated CV to: Hr@moecc.gov.so CC: dg@moecc.gov.so

Kindly ensure the subject line of your email clearly states the position you are applying for.