DEMAC Technical Project Officer

Contract

This is a DRC - National contract. More about DRC - National contracts.

ABOUT DEMAC

DEMAC is a global initiative that works for a deeper understanding of diasporas as humanitarian actors and strives for better coordination between diaspora organizations, local networks and the institutional humanitarian system. DEMAC is hosted by The Danish Refugee Council and funded by USAID.

Founded in 2015, DEMAC aims to increase engagement, visibility, and recognition for diaspora organizations within the humanitarian system. By fostering a deeper understanding of diasporas as transnational humanitarian actors, DEMAC contributes to transforming the humanitarian ecosystem.

The term diaspora refers to migrants, refugees, and their descendants living outside their country of birth or ancestry yet still maintaining meaningful emotional and material ties to that country. In humanitarian emergencies and fragile situations, many diasporas seek to contribute to improving situations on the ground and assist people in need in their country of origin. With their close links and networks in country of origin as well as abroad, diasporas are able to establish and sustain development initiatives, and to mobilise quickly in a humanitarian crisis.

Since 2021, DEMAC has mapped and engaged with over 100 Ukrainian Diaspora Organizations globally. The goal: To support Ukrainian diaspora organizations in coordinating aid assistance with local NGOs and institutional humanitarian actors and creating a network for collaboration. Currently, DEMAC is expanding its operations in Denmark and Ukraine to strengthen the engagement between local Ukrainian NGOs and diaspora organizations globally for skills and knowledge exchange.

Role Description

The main role of the DEMAC Technical Project Officer for Ukraine is to support the project management of the app development in collaboration with the rest of the DEMAC team and key stakeholders involved in the project. This role involves fostering engagement between local NGOs in Ukraine and the Ukrainian diaspora, utilizing technology-based network building through an innovative App. The App will serve as a first-of-its-kind hub for diaspora humanitarians to connect for response activities through knowledge and skills exchange. This effort will be part of strengthening local leadership that supports response efforts originating from and are managed by local organizations.

The Technical Project Officer will collaborate closely with the app development company and community engagement officer for the development of an innovative humanitarian app. This role will bridge the gap between app developers and community stakeholders, such as diaspora and local Ukrainian NGOs, ensuring seamless communication, technical understanding, and user-centric design.

KEY Tasks

The ideal candidate will have a background in technical project management, preferably from a startup environment or a similar dynamic environment and possess strong communication skills to translate technical concepts for diverse audiences.

The main tasks will include (but will not be limited to):

• Collaborate with the app development company to oversee the development of the humanitarian app, ensuring alignment with project timelines, objectives, and budget constraints.
• Serve as a liaison between app developers and the community engagement officer to facilitate clear communication and understanding of project requirements.
• Translate technical jargon into easily understandable language for stakeholders with varying technical backgrounds.
• Conduct regular assessments to ensure the app's usability, functionality, and efficiency in supporting humanitarian response between diaspora and local organizations.
• Identify and address technical challenges, offering innovative solutions in collaboration with the app development team.
• Coordinate with local NGOs and diaspora organizations to gather feedback, requirements, evaluation and insights for app optimization.
• Illustrate design ideas using storyboards, process flows and sitemaps. Design graphic user interface elements, like menus, tabs and widgets.
• Other relevant tasks related to the project implementation and DEMAC activities.

Competencies and Experience

To be successful in this role, you excel in mobilizing and working with a broad range of actors. Moreover, we also expect the following:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Proven experience (5 years) in technical project support/management in a startup environment focused on tech solutions or app development or other technical company.
• Strong understanding of software development processes, mobile app technologies, and project management methodologies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with diverse stakeholders, including technical and non-technical team members.
• Ability to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders by translating complex technical concepts into easily understandable information.
• Experience in user-centered design principles and usability testing.
• Excellent communication and inter-personal skills
• Cultural and gender sensitivity
• Full proficiency in English and Ukrainian.

• Interest in matters relating to civil society, diaspora, forced displacement and humanitarian work

• Proactive, results driven and perseverant.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.

Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.

Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.

Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.

Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

Workplace: Lviv or Kyiv

Full-time position

Contract length: 14 months, with potential for extension pending renewed donor funding.

Start date: February 2024

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for national staff.

Application process: All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages in English).

Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 14.01.2024