Nope.... but I do have some hope for the USAID contract coming to fruition. Keep an eye on that one, hopefully it will provide some decent programs and work for Somalia.

UN is a great gig if you dont mind working for a semi-corrupt, semi-worthless organization that steals 85% of donated funds meant for good and decent things that wind up going to Bureaucrats & the autocracy.

sorry about that. Go to this one, then click the English link: http://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=S/2010/91 I'm on page 21, Eritrean policy towards Somalia. I have to wonder though how this happy band of Gringos confirm some of the damning information contained herein? Journalist style where three he said, she said`s is considered a confirmation to print, or actual investigative evidence?

condemns Puntland Govt on piracy issues... no worries, they slam everybody equally in this report. "The most obvious symptom of the war economy is piracy: attacks on shipping off Somalia increased in 2009, despite the presence of international naval forces offshore. The increase has been driven in part by the remarkable success rate of Somali piracy in 2008 (38 per cent of all ships attacked were hijacked), its high profitability and relatively low risks. But it is also a reflection of the complicity of senior figures in the Puntland administration. Several candidates in the leadership contest of January 2009, which saw Abdirahman Faroole accede to the Puntland presidency, accepted significant campaign contributions from pirate leaders. Several notorious pirate leaders remain at liberty in Puntland, and senior officials have at times intervened to secure the liberty of kinsmen detained during the course of counter-piracy operations". http://daccess-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N10/246/89/PDF/N1024689.pdf?OpenElement

Yeah, education overkill.... responsible party and all that.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL:TRANSITION INITIATIVE FOR SOMALIA Solicitation Number: 623-10-000004 Agency: Agency for International Development Office: Overseas Missions Location: East Africa USAID-Kenya Print Link Copy or Bookmark this Page Copy the url below for a direct link to this page. Bookmark this page by right-clicking here and choosing "Bookmark This Link..." Notice Details Packages Opportunity History Original Synopsis Jun 04, 2010 5:20 am Solicitation Number: 623-10-000004 Notice Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Synopsis: Added: Jun 04, 2010 5:20 am The objective of this Contract is to provide USAID with a quick response mechanism in support of the Transition Initiative for Somalia (TIS). This new effort responds to the Administration's effort to seek creative and flexible programs to address the needs in Somalia, which is considered one of the highest foreign policy priorities on the continent. TIS will complement and enhance the rest of the USAID Somalia portfolio by supporting the government and people of Somalia by promoting stabilizing influences, i.e. tangible evidence of peace dividends in vulnerable (conflict-prone) communities through the implementation of small activities and grants. Please consult the list of document viewers if you cannot open a file. SOL-623-10-000004 Type: Other (Draft RFPs/RFIs, Responses to Questions, etc..) Label: SOL-623-10-000004 Posted Date: June 4, 2010 SOL-623-10-000004.pdf (2,888.65 Kb) Description: The objective of this Contract is to provide USAID with a quick response mechanism in support of the Transition Initiative for Somalia (TIS). This new effort responds to the Administration’s effort to seek creative and flexible programs to address the needs in Somalia, which is considered one of the highest foreign policy priorities on the continent. TIS will complement and enhance the rest of the USAID Somalia portfolio by supporting the government and people of Somalia by promoting stabilizing influences, i.e. tangible evidence of peace dividends in vulnerable (conflict-prone) communities through the implementation of small activities and grants. Contracting Office Address: USAID/Nairobi, Kenya Unit 64102 APO AE Nairobi, 09831 Kenya Place of Performance: Somalia and Kenya Kenya Primary Point of Contact.: Marcelline A. Ochola, Regional Acquisition & Assistance Specialist mochola@usaid.gov Phone: 254208622462 Secondary Point of Contact: Amina Fazaldeen, Acquisition & Assistance Specialist afazaldeen@usaid.gov Phone: 254208622491 Fax: 254208622680/2682

Engineering Specialist, Somalia Closing Date: Tuesday, 15 June 2010 More jobs by tag: Capacity Building; Civil Engineering; Communication Technology; Conflict Resolution; Contract Management; Effectiveness; Financial Resources; Human Resources Management; Human Resources; Knowledge Management; Monitoring and Reporting; Performance Appraisal; Procurement; Project Activities; Project Implementation; Project Management; Public Works; Puntland; Quality Control; Rehabilitation Projects ENGINEERING SPECIALIST Location : Hargeisa, SOMALIA Application Deadline : 15-Jun-10 Type of Contract : FTA International Post Level : P-4 Languages Required : English Duration of Initial Contract : One Year Expected Duration of Assignment : One Year (with possibility of extension) Refer a Friend Apply Now Background Over the past years the overall number of civil works and rehabilitation assignments completed by UNDP Somalia has increased dramatically, not only in volume and scope, but also into more complex site areas in Somalia. On this background the UNDP Somalia Country Office is enhancing in-house capacity to deal with the projected civil works and rehabilitation requirements in 2010 in support of projected Works activities planned by the UNDP Somalia, especially relating to the ROLS and Governance Programmes. The Engineering Specialist will be responsible for managing and training a team of National Engineers and ensuring the implementation of timely and high quality civil works and rehabilitation projects in all regions of Somalia. The Engineering Specialist will be supervised by the Procurement Specialist, who maintains overall responsibility for the Procurement & Contracting Unit. The Engineering Specialist leads and guides the team of regional engineers in Somalia and fosters collaboration within the team and with other partner Agencies consistent with rules and a client-oriented approach. The Engineering Specialist works in close collaboration with programme and project teams in the CO, other client UN Agencies and Government officials to successfully deliver Engineering services. The Engineering Specialist will work in close relations with the technical officers in charge monitor and supervise the contract management processes in the Sub offices and advise management on best practices to take corrective measures when needed. Duties and Responsibilities Summary of functions: Management of the UNDP Somalia engineer team and the building of capacity of the local engineer/technical staff Implementation of all activities related to procurement of civil works and rehabilitation, while ensuring the highest levels of value-for-money Quality assurance as it pertains to evaluation, design, implementation, monitoring and reporting on all engineering project activities Capacity building of Government counterparts Monitoring and analysis of the operating environment for civil works 1. Ensures effective management of the UNDP Somalia engineer team and the building of capacity of the local engineers/technical staff: Maintains oversight of Engineer team performance through effective application of the UNDP performance appraisals systems and staff learning plans. Establishes oversight mechanism to ensure quality performance of all engineer staff. Assess engineering skill gaps and training needs of UNDP National Engineers, design overall training programs, and carry out training on the site. Coach and mentor the team of engineers/technical staff through all UNDP Somalia and train them on the designing, BoQ preparation and supervise/monitor the implementation ensuring quality control and application of international standards. Train the local engineers to standardize the designs, the technical specifications and the forms used for the BoQ and the reporting formats. 2. Provides oversight and technical support to the sub-office on all Procurement activities: Responsible for oversight and provision of technical support to the sub-office procurement function in terms of procurement of all Civil works, Services and Goods. Responsible for oversight of effective contract management of all sub-office operations contracts handled by the sub-office operations unit. Provide technical support to Programmes on contract management for Institutional and Professional Service Contracts. Chair the Procurement Review Committee at the sub-office. Provide technical support to the Head of Sub-office on all procurement and contract related matters. 3. Supports capacity building of Government counterparts: Assist the government counterparts in establishing institutional engineering capacity in support of public works, in conjunction with efforts of other UN agencies. Assess engineering skill gaps and training needs of counterparts, design overall training programs, and carry out training as required. 4. Ensures effective implementation of all activities related to procurement of civil works, while ensuring the highest levels of value-for-money: Overall responsible for effective contract management of all UNDP Somalia Civil Works contracts both in Somaliland, Puntland, South & Central Somalia and Nairobi/Kenya. Develop or review the designs and the BoQs of all projects and ensure that they comply with the technical standards and the local market prices. Arrange and conduct pre-tender site visits when required Assist the procurement and contracting department in the preparation of the tender documents. Oversee the bid evaluation and assure ensure transparency and application of UNDP rules & procedures. Provide technical advice before the awarding of Works contracts. Responsible for all additional works (volume, design and cost) before signing off on them. Initiate the necessary amendments of the contracts and provide revised design and BoQs. Responsible for planning supervision and monitoring of all projects under implementation by UNDP. 5. Responsible for quality assurance as it pertains to evaluation, design, implementation, monitoring and reporting on all engineering project activities: Ensure effective site supervision and quality control of all UNDP Somalia works projects. Monitor the progress of projects at all phases of their implementation and handover and report on anomalies to the concerned departments. Facilitate site handover before and after works and report to the concerned departments on any anomalies. Issue certification of payment according to the various contractual milestones. Monitor the progress of all works projects and make random visits to the sites to check the progress against delay and quality of the work in support of daily site supervision conducted by site engineers. 6. Constant monitoring and analysis of the operating environment for civil works: Responsible for developing and maintaining comprehensive risk management logs for all civil work projects above 100,000 USD or projects in high risk areas. Maintains a comprehensive price index for key construction materials for all regions of Somalia for precise cost estimation. Responsible for conducting routine market surveys and pre-qualification of Contractors to ensure updated supplier databases for all regions. Ensures design and scoring of contractor performance records for all conducted civil works and maintains scores in centralized database. Impact of results: The key results have an impact on the overall performance of the Procurement & Contracting Unit in ensuring: Compliance with UNDP procurement rules and regulations for Civil Works Quality assurance of Civil Works projects Timeliness of project implementation Risk management Public Procurement and technical capacity building of national staff and Government counterparts. Competencies Corporate Competencies: Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability Treats all people fairly without favoritism Functional Competencies: Knowledge Management and Learning Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example Development and Operational Effectiveness Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting Ability to lead formulation and monitoring of management projects Solid knowledge in financial resources and human resources management, contract, asset and procurement, information and communication technology, general administration Ability to lead business processes re-engineering, implementation of new systems (business side), and affect staff behavioral/ attitudinal change Management and Leadership Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities Leads teams effectively and shows mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure Required Skills and Experience Education: Master’s degree in Civil Engineering or Architecture coupled with a project management background. Experience: 7 years of relevant work experience in the area of infrastructure project development/design and management in a multi-cultural setting, preferably 2 years in complex UN emergency settings; Experience in quality control and certification of civil works is an asset Experience in procurement and infrastructure contract management IT competencies in Word, Excel, Power Point and internet. Experience with Atlas ad CAD software will be an asset Language requirements: Strong written and spoken English skills required. UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Two Arrested at Kennedy Airport on Terror Charges By WILLIAM K. RASHBAUM Published: June 6, 2010 Two New Jersey men in their 20s who were bound for Somalia to join an Islamic extremist group and to kill American troops were arrested at Kennedy International Airport late Saturday, federal and local authorities announced on Sunday. Enlarge This Image Robert Stolarik for The New York Times Outside the home of Mohamed Hamoud Alessa, in North Bergen, N.J. Joe Epstein/Associated Press The home of Carlos Eduardo Almonte, one of the men arrested at as he tried to board a plane, in North Bergen, N.J. The men, Mohamed Haoud Alessa, 20, and Carlos Eduardo Almonte, 24, were to join Al Shabaab, which claims ideological kinship with Al Qaeda, and was thought to have provided a haven to Qaeda operatives wanted for bombings of United States embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. The men were taken into custody as they prepared to take separate flights to Egypt, the first leg of their journey to Somalia to join Al Shabaab, the officials said in a news release. They were charged in a criminal complaint with conspiring to kill, maim and kidnap people outside the United States and were expected to be arraigned in federal court in Newark on Monday, according to the officials. The men have been under scrutiny since 2006 by the F.B.I., after agents there received a tip. Eventually an undercover officer from the New York Police Department recorded numerous meetings and conversations with them, during which they discussed their plans, according to the complaint sworn out by Samuel P. Robinson, an F.B.I. agent assigned to the Newark office. The arrests, which were announced by the office of New Jersey United States Attorney Paul J. Fishman, along with the F.B.I., the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness and the New York Police Department, were first reported early on Sunday in The Star-Ledger. The two men, both United States citizens — Mr. Almonte lives in Elmwood Park, N.J., and Mr. Alessa in North Bergen, N.J. — physically conditioned themselves, engaged in paintball and tactical training, saved thousands of dollars for their trip acquired military gear and apparel, according to the criminal complaint. They talked about what they said was their obligation to wage violent jihad and at times expressed a willingness to commit acts of violence in the United States, the complaint said. On Nov. 29, 2009, for example, the complaint said that Mr. Alessa told Mr. Almonte and the undercover: “They only fear you when you have a gun and when you — when you start killing them, and when you — when you take their head, and you go like this, and you behead it on camera . . . We’ll start doing killing here, if I can’t do it over there.” Mr. Alessa used the Arabic words for gun and killing, according to the complaint. The next day, Mr. Alessa told the undercover: “I leave this time, God willing, I never come back. I’ll never see this crap hole. Only way I would come back here is if I was in the land of jihad and the leader ordered me to come back here and do something here. Ah, I love that.” The complaint said that more recently, on April 25, Mr. Almonte said that there would soon be United States troops in Somalia — which he called a good development because it would not be as gratifying to kill only Africans. The men also watched and played for the undercover officer numerous video and audio recordings that promoted violent jihad, including lectures by Anwar al-Awlaki, the Yemeni cleric who is suspected of using the Web to incite Muslims in the West to violence, and videos featuring attacks by Al Shabaab and other terrorist groups, the complaint said. Al Shabaab was designated as a terrorist organization by the State Department in 2008. Federal authorities have said that as two dozen young men of Somali descent who had disappeared in the past two years from their homes in the Minneapolis area had been being recruited by Al Shabaab, which means “the youth” in Arabic, and one of them carried out a suicide bombing there in 2008. Last year, the group claimed responsibility for mortar barrages aimed at a United States congressman, Donald M. Payne, a Democrat from New Jersey who was visiting Somalia. Raymond W. Kelly, the New York police commissioner, said that like in other criminal cases, the department can not publicly acknowledge the undercover officer, but praised his work. “Even when individuals plan to support terrorist activity abroad, we remain concerned that once they reach their foreign destinations they may be redirected against targets back home, as we’ve seen in the past,” he said. “We are also concerned that should they remain undetected and fail in their foreign aspirations that they might strike domestically, as was discussed as a possibility in this case.” Mr. Fishman said the case demonstrated the seriousness with which law enforcement regard those who seek to join the ranks of violent extremists. “When Alessa and Almonte schemed to engage in violent jihad, we were listening,” he said. “When they attempted to leave the country, we were waiting. We will continue to be vigilant and to protect against terrorism no matter where its adherents intend to do harm.” Mr. Alessa had lived with his parents in a second floor apartment on 81st Street in North Bergen for at least 14 years, according to a downstairs neighbor who also owns the building. In years past, Mr. Alessa played in the backyard with her children, the neighbor said. The family came from Jordan, the neighbor said. Mr. Alessa’s mother, Nadia, had been a teacher at some point, and his father had owned a store. The son went to college, the neighbor said. He wore a long beard and often hung around with a heavier set man who the neighbor thought was Mr. Almonte. “He was quiet. He was civil. There was nothing weird about him,” said the neighbor, who refused to give her name. “They kept to themselves, we kept to ourselves.” Charles B. McKenna, the director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, compared the radicalization of youth to the recruitment efforts of common street gangs, saying in the news release: “We must be vigilant in stopping our young men and women from being co-opted and trained to do us harm.” Michael B. Ward, the special agent in charge of the Newark F.B.I. office, who oversees the Joint Terrorist Task Force there, said that the arrests were triggered by the men’s plans to travel overseas. The two men were taken into custody at the airport based on arrest warrants issued by the United States District Court in Newark, according to the news release. Both were charged in a criminal complaint with a single count of conspiracy to kill, kidnap, maim, or injure persons or damage property in a foreign country. If convicted, they face a maximum sentence of life in prison. Kareem Fahim contributed reporting from New Jersey.

Congratulations !

Originally posted by General Duke: ^^^Yeah, but if the International community were serious they would support, Puntland and not waste money on silly Naval patrols and supporting a government in Mogadishu that controls a street in Mogadishu,. Somali's realise they must take their nations fate in their own hands... I couldn't agree more... trying to coordinate intl efforts in such and endeavor is akin to herding cats...

Either way, the thought of a joint rescue operation between the businessmen and the Govt of Puntland is an interesting take and shows some real bal_s on everyones part, something most Somalis never seem to be lacking in, and their clever resourcefulness at the same time to meet an end goal.

Somalilander? And, my mistake, the trucks were hijacked in P-Land. Well we all have to start somewhere dont we? Ive made it pretty clear I am here to learn about Somalia and never professed to being an expert. Thanks for putting up with my silly questions. I guess thats akin to asking who is the Republican party in the U.S. ? As a matter of fact I was just reading SSC`s website. Interesting....

Uhhh, thats pretty much what I just said in less than 100 words, verses your 1000 words waxed so eloquently but thanks so much for taking the time Oddweyne!

Very interesting... so Puntland does have a QRF, Quick Reaction Force to respond to pirate hijackings and perform hostage rescue before these ships can reach land? Who is training them, or are they relying on their past training no doubt? Seems they are sending a strong message to pirate crews and the Intl community, good on them !

It seems he is saying that the UN has had to "adapt" which could mean some food programs have been delayed or were set aside for now until security improves, especially in Sanaag & Sool. Were the kidnapped trucks and drivers ever recovered that were hijacked there from the UN?

Nicely written piece, thanks for that !

Thanks, and by the way..... when do I get my long sought after official NOMAD STATUS? I`ll change the signature in exchange for.... joking! This forum has taught me alot about the peoples of Somali and I appreciate your and everyones elses patience with what may seem to some or most as silly questions. It may interest some of you to know here that as an outsider I would never fully understand Clan Politics and all the different variables that comprise the Somalia society. Thats what I have been told anyway, and I dont believe it. Doesnt mean I cant try.... I would also like to advise all here that a private concern will be doing a country-wide assessment of Somalia at a later date and would appreciate to hear from all and everyone with ideas of completing and participating in the assessment, ALL REGIONS PLEASE PM ME. We will hold no one certain Clan, Politics or Religious beliefs in front of, or before our Swiss Style Neutrality. No, we are not from Switzerland. I would really appreciate all comments and concerns. PM me when you are not busy.

Well, Mr Duufaas, first of all the internationally recognized correct spelling of the country that shares a coastline with Somalia, and is spelled on most maps is Djibouti. If you wish to minimize the intelligence of yourself and the conversation I guess that is your choice. Second, your joke was slightly funny and thanks for the enlightening but brief moment. Thirdly, 80 to 300 is a pretty big negative factor, care to elaborate on your number, and why 300 is being reported and who is on the wrong SIDE?

Well, Mr Duufaas, first of all the internationally recognized correct spelling of the country that shares a coastline with Somalia, and is spelled on most maps is Djibouti. If you wish to minimize the intelligence of yourself and the conversation I guess that is your choice. Second, your joke was slightly funny and thanks for the enlightening but brief moment. Thirdly, 80 to 300 is a pretty big negative factor, care to elaborate on your number, and why 300 is being reported and who is on the wrong SIDE?

Well Mr Moderator I find that signature as a wake up call to all Somalis (whether they like rock & roll or not ) to embrace some of the old ways, sit under an Acacia Tree with other Elders and work things out, while at the same time realizing some of those old ways in a new post modern society working towards advancement will not work and to embrace some new political ways at the same time. The House of Saud, even under Wahabi Rule, and as a modern example, have finally come to such a realization, as a pre-modern Govt trying to modernize society. Perhaps Somalis should also. But I digress. While I do not speak Somali, (my wife does) and feel that simply for that reason I should not be banned, profiled or eliminated from intelligent public discourse on the subject of Somalia, I also do feel that I do have the simple right to ask intelligent questions, without being told what my signature should or should not say, or being made fun of. Perhaps you are scolding the wrong people? I abide by the house rules, do I not? I also do call Bull_hit when I see it, people using certain elements of Somali society to further their own agendas, politics, bank accounts and downright Skallywags and Skulduggery. Is that not allowed on this forum, to call people out on what in most modern societies is considered somewhat moderately politically correct? Perhaps all you Somalis here are above any and all criticism, you have all done such a wonderful job by the way, history shows this. Go ahead, blame it on old Colonialists, but ultimately the TOTAL RESPONSIBILITY lies squarely on all of your own heads. Go ahead, tell me what I can say or can not say again Mr Moderator. I look forward to all of your replies, and thank you for your comments Miskiin-Macruuf-Aqiyaar. God Bless Somalia !!

Ahhh, Mr Somalia, another well informed contributing poster boy. Why not contribute to this discussion instead of making it one sided, eliminate your arrogance and simply post a informative reply, ....instead of making a total Donkey of yourself? LOL, Nice One !

Ahhh, Mr Somalia, another well informed contributing poster boy. Why not contribute to this discussion instead of making it one sided, eliminate your arrogance and simply post a informative reply, ....instead of making a total Donkey of yourself? LOL, Nice One !

Yes, thank you, I have the basic understanding of what Somaliland means. So let me guess...SSC translates in english to anyone person Somali, it belongs to them. I think for simplification, perhaps over-simplified would put them in the freedom fighter/terrorist/angry people group and classify them as official Somaliland Govt Soldier deserters. Sound about right Zack?

Yes, thank you, I have the basic understanding of what Somaliland means. So let me guess...SSC translates in english to anyone person Somali, it belongs to them. I think for simplification, perhaps over-simplified would put them in the freedom fighter/terrorist/angry people group and classify them as official Somaliland Govt Soldier deserters. Sound about right Zack?

Yes, for real Zack. Can you translate what that means for me, or am I being to forward for your taste? I do not know what SSC means in english or who they represent?