Job Description

A career opportunity awaits at Heritage Institute for Policy Studies (HIPS) — they are hiring a Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Position of Research, Knowledge Translation and MEL Manager, at the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies (HIPS) in Mogadishu. With 5 - 6 years of experience required, this position is suited for mid-to-senior level professionals in Research/translation/report And Writings. Submit your application by Jul, 28 to be considered for this role.

Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Position of Research, Knowledge Translation and MEL Manager,

at the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies (HIPS)

Background and Purpose

The Heritage Institute for Policy Studies (HIPS) is Somalia's leading independent policy think

tank, founded in 2013 and headquartered in Mogadishu. Over thirteen years, HIPS has established

itself as the country's foremost evidence-based research institution, with a track record spanning

governance, security, climate, and state-building across Somalia's federal and state institutions.

This position serves as a strategic bridge between research, learning, and public

communication. The successful candidate will establish the institutional MEL framework,

translate and localize policy products between English and Somali, and actively support the

research department:

Key Responsibilities

A) Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL)

Framework Management: Design, establish, and manage HIPS’ institutional MEL

framework, results frameworks, and performance measurement tools.

Tracking & Reporting: Monitor progress against strategic objectives, program outcomes,

and donor commitments; produce quarterly and annual performance reports.

Institutional Learning: Lead internal learning exercises and ensure MEL data informs

program design and strategic decision-making.

Proposal Support: Help develop proposals by designing theories of change, logical

frameworks, and results matrices.

B) Research & Communications Linguist

Bilingual Translation: Translate HIPS research papers, policy briefs, reports, and strategic

communications between English and Somali. (Knowledge of Arabic is essential).

Terminology Standardization: Maintain a standardized HIPS Policy and Research

Terminology Guide.

Knowledge Accessibility: Adapt technical research into public-facing products (summaries,

infographics, and briefing notes).

Interpretation Support: Provide simultaneous or consecutive interpretation during

conferences and policy dialogues.

C) Research and Policy Analysis

Research Support: Conduct policy research and contribute to institutional flagship

publications.

Content Generation: Author or co-author a minimum of two substantial research papers,

policy briefs, or commentaries annually.

D) Institutional Support

Support donor reporting, maintain archives of MEL/translation outputs, and participate in

strategic planning retreats.

About Mogadishu

Mogadishu, known locally as Muqdisho, is the capital of Somalia and the country's largest city. It serves as the political, economic, and cultural heart of the nation. The city hosts the headquarters of numerous UN agencies, international NGOs, and government institutions, offering diverse career opportunities for development and humanitarian professionals.

Ereyada Soomaaliga (Somali Keywords): Shaqo Cusub • Shaqo Muqdisho • Shaqo Buuxda

Qualifications & Requirements

Requirements & Competencies

Education & Experience

Education: Master’s degree in public policy, Development Studies, Political Science,

International Relations, M&E, Linguistics, or a related field (or a bachelor’s degree with

substantial relevant experience).

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience, with a proven

track record in English-Somali translation and designing/managing MEL systems within

a research or think-tank environment.

Key Competencies

Languages: Native-level fluency in written and spoken Somali and English. Working

knowledge of Arabic is a strong advantage.

Technical Skills: Mastery of MEL methodologies, policy analysis, report writing, and

public facilitation.

Attributes: Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to work both

independently and collaboratively.

Performance Indicators

The candidate's success will be measured by:

The HIPS Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) system is fully established and

operational by the end of October 2026, supported by an institutional dashboard that

consolidates monthly, quarterly, and annual performance data from all departments and

units to inform evidence-based planning, reporting, and decision-making.

Quality, accuracy, and timeliness of institutional reports and donor updates.
High-quality, timely translation of research and policy outputs, in accordance with the

annual workplan.

Co-production of at least two research papers/briefs annually.

What HIPS Offers

Join Somalia’s leading independent think tank and play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s

policy future. HIPS offers a unique opportunity to lead institutional learning, produce influential

policy research, translate complex evidence into accessible public knowledge, and engage

decision-makers and citizens through high-quality public dialogue and media platforms. Your

work will contribute directly to evidence-based policymaking and state-building in Somalia and

across the region.

Location and Travel:

Positioned in Mogadishu, the role requires travel throughout Somalia for

collaborations, research, MEL and engagements.

How to Apply

Application Process:

Eligible candidates are urged to forward their CV, a detailed cover letter, and two references

info@heritageinstitute.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">info@heritageinstitute.org

. Only those shortlisted will be notified for interviews.

Closing Date for the Application: 28th July 2026 at 23:59 East Africa Time.

HIPS is an equal opportunity institution, committed to inclusivity and diversity. We encourage

applications from all qualified individuals without bias towards race, religion, gender, or

disability.

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