Project Manager for Bulsho Project-Somaliland Project Implementation Unit (PIU)

GOVERNMENT OF SOMALILAND MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (MoLGUD) REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (REOI) INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT SELECTION

Country: Somaliland

Project ID: P508408

Project Name: Bulsho Project – Strengthening Community Institutions for Social Cohesion, Inclusion and Resilience

Consulting Service: PIU Bulsho Project Manager

Selection Type: Individual Consultant

Reference No: SO-MOLGUD-567780-CS-INDV

Duty Station: Hargeisa, Somaliland, with potential travel to the target districts and cities of the Bulsho Project

Duration: 12 months, renewable subject to satisfactory performance

Application Deadline: September 3, 2026, at 4:00 PM Hargeisa Time

1. BACKGROUND

The Ministry of Local Government and Urban Development (MoLGUD) of the Government of Somaliland is implementing the World Bank-financed Bulsho Project – Strengthening Community Institutions for Social Cohesion, Inclusion and Resilience (P508408). The Bulsho Project provides initial anchor financing to the Government’s multi-year Bulsho Program, whose main objective is to strengthen community and local institutions for improved social cohesion, inclusion, and resilience. The Program places citizens and communities at the center of government action and supports decentralization, inclusive local governance, improved service delivery, community participation, and stronger citizen-government relations. To support effective implementation of the Project, MoLGUD has established a Project Implementation Unit (PIU) and intends to recruit a qualified and experienced PIU Bulsho Project Manager to head the PIU and oversee the overall implementation of the Bulsho Project.

2. SCOPE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The PIU Bulsho Project Manager will be responsible for the overall day-to-day management and implementation of the Bulsho Project, providing strategic leadership and supervision to the PIU and coordinating with MoLGUD departments, local governments, district authorities, communities, service providers, development partners, and other relevant stakeholders. The Project Manager will oversee project planning and implementation; financial management and procurement; local governance and community-driven development; environmental and social safeguards; monitoring, evaluation and learning; stakeholder coordination; compliance and risk management; and sustainability and institutional capacity transfer. The Project Manager will also oversee local governance and community-driven development processes, including participatory planning, Local Social Contract Platforms (LSCPs), Citizens’ Charters, community engagement, matching grants, community contributions, and community-level investments, ensuring that these processes are transparent, inclusive, accountable, and participatory. The detailed scope of services, responsibilities, deliverables, reporting arrangements, and other requirements are provided in the attached Terms of Reference (TOR).

3. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

The successful candidate shall meet the following minimum qualifications and experience: A university degree in Governance, Political Science, International Relations, Public Administration, Development Studies, Project Management, or a related field. A Master’s degree in a related field is an advantage. A minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible professional experience in project management, coordination, or implementation. At least four (4) years of experience managing or coordinating large-scale government or donor-funded programs in local governance, institutional building, or service delivery, preferably in fragile or conflict-affected settings. Demonstrated experience in community-driven development (CDD), participatory planning, and community-level implementation of development projects. Demonstrated professional knowledge of the Government of Somaliland and Local Governments, including their structures, functions, and operational frameworks. Experience working in fragility, conflict and violence (FCV) settings, with an understanding of local security dynamics and the ability to support implementation of security management plans. Proven experience in decentralization, capacity building, institutional strengthening, and coordination across different levels of government. Strong leadership and team management capabilities, with sound knowledge and experience in financial management, procurement, monitoring and evaluation, and stakeholder engagement. Strong negotiation, organizational, communication, representation, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to deliver effectively under pressure. Demonstrated commitment to gender and social inclusion and engagement of marginalized groups, including women, youth, minority groups, and IDPs. High standards of integrity, ethical conduct, professional accountability, and leadership. In-depth knowledge of Somaliland’s governance structures, political dynamics, and local context, and familiarity with international development partners working in community development, social cohesion, and local governance. Proficiency in relevant project management tools and software. Excellent command of English and Somali, including reading, writing, communication, and presentation skills.

4. REPORTING AND DURATION

The PIU Bulsho Project Manager will report administratively to the Director General of the Ministry of Local Government and Urban Development (MoLGUD). The assignment will initially be for 12 months and may be renewed subject to satisfactory performance and project requirements. The duty station is Hargeisa, Somaliland, with potential travel to the target districts and cities of the Bulsho Project.

5. SELECTION METHOD

The Ministry of Local Government and Urban Development (MoLGUD), Government of Somaliland, now invites eligible and qualified Individual Consultants to indicate their interest in providing the above-mentioned services. The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III,