Senior Sign Language Expert Jobs in Somalia (Consultant)

Language Teacher
Djibouti
May 12, 2026
Full Time
Urgent
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Job Description

Employer: Federal Government of Somalia
Ministry: Ministry of Education, Culture and Higher Education (MOECHE)
Position: Senior Sign Language Expert (Consultant)
Duty Station: Mogadishu, Somalia
Contract Type: Consultancy
Duration: 365 days

Reporting To: Director of Inclusive Education, MOECHE
Posted: Today

Job Overview

The Federal Government of Somalia, through the Ministry of Education, Culture and Higher Education (MOECHE), is seeking a highly qualified Senior Sign Language Expert (Consultant) to lead the development of a National Somali Sign Language (SSL) Framework.

This consultancy plays a critical role in strengthening inclusive education systems in Somalia by ensuring that children with hearing impairments have equitable access to quality education through a standardized national sign language system.

The assignment is part of Somalia’s broader education reform agenda aligned with the Education Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP 2026–2027) and the National Transformation Plan (NTP 2027–2029).

Candidates exploring similar education and consultancy opportunities across the Horn of Africa may also refer to regional job listings such as Somalia Jobs in Mogadishu for updated education and development sector roles.

Objective of the Assignment

The main objective is to design, validate, and institutionalize a standardized Somali Sign Language system that supports:

  • Inclusive teaching and learning
  • Communication access for deaf and hard-of-hearing learners
  • National harmonization of sign language usage
  • Capacity building of educators and interpreters

The consultant will ensure the framework is linguistically accurate, culturally relevant, and education-system ready.

Key Responsibilities (Scope of Work)

1. Technical Review & Situational Analysis

  • Collect existing Somali Sign Language resources from institutions, NGOs, and communities
  • Create a structured repository of sign language materials
  • Map linguistic variations across regions
  • Conduct comparative analysis of signs, grammar, and vocabulary

2. Technical Working Group Engagement

  • Provide expert input to the SSL Technical Working Group (TWG)
  • Facilitate technical workshops and expert consultations
  • Support national standardization criteria development

3. Development of SSL Framework & Lexicon

  • Design structured domains and categories of Somali Sign Language
  • Develop core vocabulary and thematic lexicon expansion
  • Harmonize regional sign variations into a unified system
  • Produce draft SSL Framework and Guidance Document

4. Stakeholder Consultation

  • Engage Deaf communities, educators, interpreters, and policymakers
  • Collect and analyze feedback for framework refinement

5. Validation & Finalization

  • Lead national validation workshops
  • Revise framework based on stakeholder inputs
  • Finalize national SSL framework and lexicon

6. Documentation & Reporting

  • Prepare comprehensive technical report covering methodology, findings, and recommendations
  • Provide implementation roadmap for national rollout

7. Training Manual Development

  • Develop structured grammar and syntax guide for Somali Sign Language
  • Produce illustrated training manuals and reference materials

8. Training & Capacity Building

  • Design training modules for teachers and interpreters
  • Develop digital learning materials
  • Support initial training delivery sessions

Deliverables

  • National repository of SSL materials
  • Mapped linguistic database
  • Technical analysis report
  • Draft and final SSL lexicon
  • Somali Sign Language Framework document
  • Standardized national sign vocabulary list
  • Stakeholder consultation report
  • Comprehensive training manual (grammar + syntax)
  • Capacity-building modules and digital resources

Required Qualifications

  • Master’s or Advanced Degree in Linguistics, Sign Language Studies, Deaf Studies, or related field
  • Minimum 6+ years of experience in sign language development and linguistic standardization
  • Proven experience working with Deaf communities and inclusive education programs
  • Strong understanding of Somali linguistic and cultural context
  • Fluency in Somali (spoken, written, and reading)
  • Experience in developing technical frameworks and policy documents
  • Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills
  • Experience in training design and capacity building

Professionals searching for similar inclusive education consultancy roles in Africa may also explore opportunities listed on Eswatini Education & Consultancy Jobs for comparative regional assignments.

Experience Requirements

  • Proven track record in sign language system development
  • Experience in curriculum or educational framework design
  • Experience conducting linguistic research and analysis
  • Prior consultancy experience with government or international organizations is an advantage

Skills Required

  • Sign language linguistics expertise
  • Research and analytical skills
  • Report writing and documentation
  • Workshop facilitation
  • Curriculum and training design
  • Stakeholder engagement and communication
  • Project management within short-term consultancy frameworks

Training & Capacity Building Expectations

The consultant will also be expected to:

  • Train educators and interpreters on standardized SSL usage
  • Develop instructional materials for long-term adoption
  • Support institutional capacity development within MOECHE

Additional opportunities in related consultancy, education, and training assignments across Africa can be explored via Angola Jobs & Consultancy Opportunities for broader regional career exposure.

Salary & Compensation

  • Competitive consultancy-based lump sum package
  • Payment linked to deliverables and milestones
  • Travel and field allowances (if applicable)
  • Negotiable based on experience and technical expertise

Duty Station

  • Primary location: Mogadishu, Somalia
  • Possible travel to Federal Member States and education field sites

Application Process

Interested consultants should submit:

  • Updated CV or company profile
  • Cover letter detailing relevant experience
  • Samples of previous similar work
  • Financial proposal (lump sum)
  • Valid registration documents (for firms)

📌 Deadline: 20 Dec 2026 (11:59 PM)