The Somali job market comprises of three main sectors, namely the private sector, government sector, and local and international aid agencies, each with its distinct and unorthodox recruitment approaches. Our aim is to help job seekers navigate these unconventional methods and provide guidance on securing a job in their desired industry.
PRIVATE SECTOR
The private sector has taken the lead in giving the Somali people jobs through their independently held enterprises after the demise of the Somali state in 1991. The sector offers a variety of services, including education, health, trading (import and export), banking, currency and others. Before its demise thirty years ago, Siyad Barre’s socialist government provided nearly all of its inhabitants’ needs, making it the only recruiter of the nation’s labor force.
However, if you’re currently pursuing a job in the private sector, you’ll find that Somali business owners have their own distinctive hiring process when it comes to assembling their team.
Finding a job in the private sector is not just about having the right qualifications or experience. It’s often about who you know, or more specifically, who your relatives are. Yes, you read that right. Kinship is more important than qualification when it comes to landing a job in the private sector.
If you don’t have any relatives in the business world, don’t worry, there are still some bizarre ways to get employed. One option is to see if anyone from your family knows business owners. Trust is crucial in Somalia, and having a personal connection to a business owner can often lead to a job offer, regardless of your qualifications.
But what if you don’t have any connections? Well, the third option is to have a skill that business owners cannot find from their close family members. This means being good at something that is not commonly found within the family network. For example, if you have a talent for web development or digital marketing, you may be able to secure a job in the private sector, even without any personal connections.
Of course, these methods may seem bizarre to those from other countries where qualifications and experience are the main factors in securing a job. However, it’s important to understand that in Somalia, cultural and societal norms play a significant role in the job market. Family ties and trust are highly valued, and personal connections can often trump qualifications and experience.
So if you’re looking to find a job in the private sector in Somalia, it may be worth exploring these unconventional methods. Who knows, your distant cousin’s friend’s uncle may just be the key to landing your dream job.
AID AGENCIES INCLUDING NGOs
Securing a job in NGOs and Aid Agencies in Somalia can be a daunting task, as the competition is fierce and the requirements are often stringent. However, some people have found bizarre ways to secure employment in these sectors. In this article, we will explore some unconventional ways to get a job in NGOs and Aid Agencies in Somalia.
First and foremost, knowing English can greatly increase your chances of getting hired in NGOs and Aid Agencies in Somalia. These organizations often require their staff to communicate in English, as it is the official language of many international aid agencies. So, if you are fluent in English, you will have an advantage over other candidates.
Secondly, having contacts within the Somali staff of aid agencies can also help you secure a job. These contacts can provide you with information about job postings and help you with the recruitment process and job documents. So, it is essential to network and build relationships with people who work in these organizations.
Thirdly, some people have been known to falsify their job experience in the NGO space to get hired. While this is not ethical, some individuals have been able to outsmart other applicants in the final stage and secure the job. However, it is crucial to note that honesty and integrity are highly valued in these organizations, and such actions can have severe consequences.
Lastly, perseverance is key when it comes to securing a job in NGOs and Aid Agencies in Somalia. Job postings can be highly competitive, and it may take several attempts before you land the job you want. It is essential to have the energy to surf job posting websites regularly and apply for any job, whether it is related to your qualifications or not.
GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS
Getting a job in the government institutions of Somalia is no easy task, and the methods to do so may seem bizarre to those unfamiliar with the country’s culture and politics. Let’s explore some of the ways in which people secure positions in the government.
The first way to secure a job in the government institutions of Somalia is through clan affiliation. Many government ministries and positions are reserved for individuals from specific clans, meaning that there is no open competition for all but only for those from the same clan. If you are lucky enough to belong to a clan offered for that position, you can secure the job without much hassle.
The second way is to have a relative in a position of power who can help you get hired. If the person in charge of recruitment is your relative, you may be able to get access to some positions in the government institutions.
The third way is through contacts and networking within the government. Knowing the right people and having connections can be a huge advantage when it comes to securing a job in the government. Many positions are not advertised publicly, so having someone on the inside who can give you information and help you navigate the recruitment process can be invaluable.
The fourth and final way, which is the least preferred, is to get a job through your qualification and hard work. This method involves applying for advertised positions and creating a network that can give you access to the government work space. While this method is the most fair and transparent, it is also the most difficult, as there is often intense competition for government jobs, and the recruitment process can be long and arduous.
In conclusion, the three primary employment markets in Somalia are the private sector, government sector, and local and international aid agencies, and each has its unique hiring process. In the private sector, kinship and personal connections play a significant role in securing employment, and having a skill not commonly found within the family network can also lead to job offers. For aid agencies, fluency in English and contacts within the Somali staff of aid agencies can be advantageous. In government institutions, clan affiliation, having a relative in a position of power, and networking can be significant in securing employment.
Post by: Mohamed R. Durre
