Economic Recovery Officer

Contract

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

The overall purpose of the role: The overall responsibility of the Project Officer – Economic Recovery/Livelihoods is to provide sound technical expertise in development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of livelihoods programs to LEAPS project funded by WUSC. The role will directly report to the Area manager and support the day-to-day implementation of the economic recovery related activities in the project as well as contribute to the recruitment and management of Economic Recovery assistants, and community incentive staffs. In addition, he/she will undertake other duties as assigned by the Area Manager in a matrix management arrangement with the technical coordination with DRC Head of Programs to ensure the project expectations are met. The role is responsible for overall project management of DRC’s livelihoods portfolio in Kakuma, including budget management.

Key Responsibilities: R1. Project Management/Development, Monitoring & Evaluation:

• Plan, oversee and support the broad implementation of livelihoods activities in current DANIDA, ICRAF, WUSC and future economic recovery programs in DRC Kakuma/Kalobayei Refugee camps/settlement
• Remain abreast of topical developments related to economic recovery and GBV-EMAP that will promote community participation in improving accountable behavior for male hence improving their economic/livelihoods well-being of their female partner
• Promote sector learning and knowledge management in the Livelihoods sector through: collating findings/ information collected from the field as well as routine monitoring to draw lessons.
• Lead in community mobilization, sensitization, formation of groups and training on VSLAs as well as Skills training (Mentorships) to promote financial inclusion amongst the vulnerable and unbanked communities.
• Develop and or adopt sector guidelines and tools in support of livelihoods implementation.
• Submit timely and high-quality activity and donor and internal progress reports.
• Work closely with the Protection, MEAL and Advocacy/Communication teams to enhance program integration through well-thought-out strategic strategies.
• Ensure livelihoods sector growth in scope through fundraising - identification of sector gaps and root causes analysis, and take the lead in developing quality concept notes/proposals with corresponding activity budgets.
• Support the Economic Recovery team in project kick-off, review and project closure meetings including periodic program review and planning meetings and external meetings as often and as requested by the supervisor.
• Ensure project staff adhere to CHS Principles in project implementation; participate in CHS audits and support M&E plan.
• Ensure targets are met under DRC’s agreement with donors and to be accountable to the stated goals of the program.

R2. Coordination & Partnership:

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with all stakeholders, including POCs and host community members and leaders, NGOs, UN agencies, DRS (Department of Refugees Services), FSP (financial Service Providers) and other DRC team members including partners to enhance multi-agency and multi-sectoral cooperation and coordination on response activities.
• Promote collaboration and synergy between refugee-focused interventions and the host communities.
• Actively participate and engage in relevant coordination meetings and collaborate with other agencies of relevance/value add to DRC’s urban agenda.

R3. Budget Management:

• Responsible for sound budget expenditure, adherence to DRC financial procedures and donor requirements as related to the livelihoods sector.
• Draft spending plans, procurement plans, and work plans based on livelihood activities and budgets.
• Lead in budget follow-up meetings to ensure the budget is tracked and over/under expenditures are addressed in time.

R4. Staff Supervision:

• Mentor, provide technical supervision and capacity building support, and facilitate the performance development of livelihoods project assistants and community engagement facilitators.

R5. Technical Implementation:

• Implement technical activities related to financial inclusion including building the capacity of VSLAs as well as work with digital partners to digitize VSLAs.
• Provide technical leadership to project assistants and community engagement facilitators on best practice around financial inclusion and business practices, focusing on community engagement.
• Conduct training in financial literacy and entrepreneurship skills, working with micro-businesses to strengthen business plans and operations.

Experience and technical competencies:

• Minimum of 3 years + of field experience in leading and managing economic recovery/livelihoods programming in an International NGO’ or other relevant agency and experience implementing Financial Inclusion interventions and models (VSLA/GS&L, Financial Education, savings groups-bank linkage) is an added advantage.
• Technical experience in financial inclusion programming including working with VSLAs, developing the capacity of micro-enterprises, working with micro-loans and formal financial institutions, providing financial inclusion training. Experience working with sharia finance an advantage
• Experience in working with digital service providers and digital financial services including the implementation of digital solutions
• Strong project management skills, with experience managing multiple location, sector project budget.
• Experience working in urban displacement responses and in multi-sectoral interventions.
• Experience in the digitization of savings groups project, enterprises, or social associations is an added advantage
• Strong planning, organization and problem-solving skills with ability to work both independently and within a team in a demanding working environment.
• Good analytical and strategic planning skills.
• A demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with host governments, donors, partners, local organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Good level of communication and interpersonal skills.

Education:

• A degree in relevant field (Business Management, Economics, Entrepreneurship or Community Development or its equivalent).
• Fluency in written and spoken English essential

Languages:

• English
• Swahili

DRC’s Core competencies: All DRC roles require the post-holder to master the below DRC’s 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: you Uphold and promote 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.

Conditions: Contract duration: 8 months contract with possibility of extension, subject to funding and performance. Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council terms of employment for National staff. Employment Category: Band E1 Reporting to: Area Manager Direct reports: Economic Recovery Assistant Availability: May 2023 Location: Kakuma Key stakeholders: Internal: Programme Management Unit, M&E staff, implementing field teams, senior management team and support service team. External: Technical Working Group(s), urban refugee and host communities, Local and National Government Authorities, relevant NGOs/CBOs and humanitarian agencies including DRC partners and donors as appropriate.

General Commitments: DRC has a Humanitarian Accountability Framework, outlining its global accountability commitments. All staff are required to contribute to the achievement of this framework (http://www.drc.dk/HAF.4265.0.html)

Application Process: Qualified candidates are invited to submit their applications, which should include a 1-page cover letter clearly stating their motivation, and qualifications and a CV. Applications should include contact details of three professional referees who have supervised the candidate in the last five years. One referee must be the applicant’s most recent manager. Only applications that address the stipulated duties and meet the required qualifications will be considered. We only accept applications sent via our online-application form on www.drc.ngo under Vacancies.

Applications should be sent no later than: 11th April 2023.

Gender Equality: DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels. In light of this, female candidates and those from minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply.