22 Jobs in Somalia
Work in Somalia runs on Islamic calendar rhythms, with Fridays sacred and Eid holidays reshaping the annual pay cycle.
Average salary: $30,481
Average salary
$30,481
across 18 jobs
- Shelter and WASH Technical Officer
- Norwegian Refugee Council
- Somalia
- SOS 12,000,000 – SOS 20,000,000

- Peace and Development Officer
- UNDP
- Somalia
- $40,000 – $60,000

- Fleet Assistant
- SOS Children's Villages
- Somalia
- $5,000 – $8,000

- Logistics & Procurement Intern
- SOS Children's Villages
- Somalia
- $3,600 – $4,800

- Health Science Lecturer
- SOS Children's Villages
- Somalia
- SOS 96,000 – SOS 144,000

- Health Specialist
- UNICEF
- Somalia
- SOS 300,000 – SOS 420,000

- HSE Supervisor (Tier 2)
- Fluor Corporation
- Somalia
- $50,000 – $70,000

- Business Development Manager
- Save the Children International
- Somalia
- $40,000 – $60,000

- BRCiS Finance Assistant
- Norwegian Refugee Council
- Mogadishu, Somalia
- $12,000 – $18,000

- Data Analyst
- Action Against Hunger
- Somalia
- $24,000 – $30,000

- Education Assistant
- Norwegian Refugee Council
- Somalia
- $7,200 – $10,800

- Generalist Field Officer - Huddur
- International Committee of the Red Cross
- Kismayo, Somalia
- SOS 8,000,000 – SOS 12,000,000

- Force Protection Screening Specialist
- CACI International Inc
- Somalia
- $61,600 – $129,300

- Finance Officer
- Catholic Relief Services
- Somalia
- $20,000 – $30,000

- Programme Policy Officer - Identity Management
- World Food Programme
- Garoowe, Somalia
- $40,000 – $60,000

- VAM Officer
- World Food Programme
- Garoowe, Somalia
- $45,000 – $60,000

- GBV & CP Social Worker
- SOS Children's Villages
- Somalia
- $4,800 – $7,200

- Assistant Environment Officer
- UNHCR
- Mogadishu, Somalia
- $35,000 – $45,000

- Gender Manager
- Action Against Hunger
- Somalia
- $35,000 – $45,000

- Psychosocial Counsellor PSS
- SOS Children's Villages
- Somalia
- $4,800 – $7,200

- Temporary GBV Social Worker
- SOS Children's Villages
- Somalia
- $4,800 – $7,200

- Child Protection Social Worker
- SOS Children's Villages
- Somalia
- $4,800 – $7,200

Hiring in Somalia typically follows personal networks and established employer relationships. Contracts range from informal verbal agreements to formal written terms, with many positions structured around seasonal demand or project-based work. Employers commonly request identification documents, references, and evidence of prior experience. Standard working hours align with Islamic prayer times, with many businesses adjusting schedules around midday prayers. Foreign nationals require appropriate visa status and work permits issued by Somali authorities. Local employment often involves negotiating terms directly with management rather than through formal HR processes. Pay is frequently distributed monthly, though some sectors use alternative cycles tied to harvest or business cycles.
Questions
Who is eligible to work in Somalia?
Somali citizens have unrestricted work rights, while foreign nationals require valid visas and work permits from Somali immigration authorities. Employers typically verify citizenship or residency status before hire, and some sectors restrict certain roles to nationals only.
What types of contracts are common in Somalia?
Employment ranges from informal handshake agreements to formal written contracts. Many roles operate on fixed-term project bases or seasonal arrangements, particularly in agriculture, trade, and construction. Some positions offer permanent status with established employers.
How are working hours typically structured?
Standard working days accommodate Islamic prayer times, with breaks around midday salah. Most formal employment runs six days weekly with Friday reserved for prayer, though retail and hospitality may operate differently.
What documents do employers require?
Employers ask for identification, educational certificates or diplomas, references from previous positions, and sometimes police clearance depending on sector. Proof of address and family records may also be requested for certain roles.
How does the working year align with Islamic holidays?
The calendar centers on Islamic observances: Ramadan shifts annually and typically involves reduced hours, while Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha create extended breaks. These holidays directly impact payment schedules and annual leave allocation.
How is overtime typically handled?
Overtime practices vary widely by employer and sector. Some businesses pay additional rates for hours beyond standard; others integrate extra work into existing compensation without premium pay, particularly in informal arrangements.
What happens during Ramadan?
Working hours reduce significantly during the fasting month, with most businesses shortening days to accommodate prayer and meal times. Pay typically continues unchanged, though productivity expectations adjust for the fasting period.
How do workers receive payment?
Monthly payment is standard, though timing can vary. Many workers receive cash payments from employers directly, while some sectors use mobile money transfers or bank deposits. Payment day often follows the Islamic lunar calendar adjustments.
Are there deductions from pay that workers should expect?
Income tax and social contributions exist in formal sectors, though application varies significantly. Some employers deduct health fund contributions or pension-related amounts, though informal arrangements may bypass these entirely.
What sectors hire most actively in Somalia?
Trade, livestock, agriculture, telecommunications, security, education, and healthcare represent major employment areas. Seasonal hiring peaks during harvest periods and commercial cycles, with construction and project work expanding during stable periods.