Economic Recovery Specialist

Contract

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

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfilment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956, and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced.

All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation

The Economic Recovery Specialist will provide support to DRC Jordan’s Economic Recovery technical unit, acting as the focal point for assigned projects and providing technical supervisory support. This includes supporting the rollout of tools and standard operating procedures (SOPs) as well as quality assurance monitoring of technical programmes and revision and delivery of internal skills training materials. The Specialist will provide oversight on the quality of DRC’s economic recovery activities implementation across Jordan.

About the job

The individual will report directly to Head of Programmes. Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

Coordination and oversight of assigned projects

• Provide project management support for assigned Economic Recovery projects, including developing plans, budgets and reports
• Liaise with external stakeholders including vocational training centres, private sector companies, relevant government ministries and NGOs implementing economic recovery programming
• Oversee coordination with consortium partners (if any) ensuring quality and timely implementation of project activities
• Provide field support and coordination for DRC’s market-based, cash and MSME support programming which includes microbusiness/self-employment grants, mentorship, soft skills and technical skills development, Cash for Work projects
• Assist with mapping of private sector entities and market assessments to inform design of projects that support microbusiness and improve employability of vulnerable Jordanians and refugees
• Together with the MEAL department, capture, document and ensure that learning is incorporated into project design

Technical Field Support and Coordination:

• Provide technical supervision for projects implementation for across seven governorates ensuring standards of quality and compliance; projects include development, business grants, credit & loan groups, education as well as Employment Intensive Infrastructure Projects (EIIP; in afforestation, infrastructure and urban rehabilitation)
• Supervise Livelihoods officers in the implementation DRC’s Economic Recovery Pathway, including microbusiness and self-employment grants, financial literacy and business development, savings and credit groups, business support groups, etc.
• Review a portion of grant proposals and identify highest potential businesses.
• Act as focal point for all cash-based projects, including cash for work and incentive-based volunteering.
• Support the capacity building of local civil society partners on implementing Economic Recovery activities
• Visit programme activities regularly and provide support and feedback to livelihood staff on technical approaches.
• Support field teams in rolling out livelihood tools and SOPs and ensure the full understanding and use of tools developed.
• Develop training on relevant soft and professional development topics such as financial inclusion, business development, career counseling, etc.
• Develop and oversee local labor market assessments and associated research activities in coordination with the MEAL unit.
• Provide support to capture needed modifications on the GAMMA database to best accommodate programme needs
• Support the technical unit in training of field staff on use of livelihood tools, providing periodic refresher trainings as required;
• Oversee the mapping of beneficiary skills reflected on market demand.
• Ensure economic recovery activities are implemented in a way that meets or exceeds standards set by DRC;
• Support continual improvement of DRC’s economic recovery activities by capturing and sharing key challenges, lessons articulating obstacles and proposed solutions, and identifying success stories to highlight.
• Participate in project kick-off meetings as well as systematic project review discussions.
• Support field staff in identifying local partnerships especially from the private sector.

Proposal Development and Content Revision:

• Assist in translation of technical documents from English to Arabic and review of outsourced translations for quality assurance
• Review and update Arabic language training materials in coordination with the field teams and technical unit colleagues
• Develop and support the revision new technical tools to support field programs;
• Assist in the roll out of new trainings and development of associated support materials;
• Provide support to DRC’s Economic Recovery technical unit in close collaboration with the Grants Unit in regard to development and environmental projects.
• Feed into new Economic Recovery project design, concept notes and proposals

Other needs as communicated by the Economic Recovery Manager or Head of Programmes

About you

Required

At least three years proven and successful track record of economic recovery programming in Jordan, including supporting business start-up and expansion, mentoring, on-the-job training, job-matching, career counselling, cash for work, etc. You should also have:

• Master degree in one of the following: International Development, MBA/Finance or International Relations
• Experience in economic development, private sector development, economic recovery in humanitarian and/or emerging economy contexts, business strategy and business plan development, or similar fields
• Experience in undertaking value chain analysis and market-based programming;
• Experience in fostering strategic private sector engagement;
• Understanding of the refugee / host community context in country, including socio-economic challenges and opportunities and the role NGOs and private sector can play in addressing challenges and realizing opportunities
• Fluency in English and Arabic
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Arabic
• High integrity and willingness to conduct her/himself transparently and open to scrutiny

Ideally, you also have

• Experience in implementing market systems development activities
• Understanding of the interlinkages between Protection and Economic Recovery
• Knowledge of the Government of Jordan systems and policies for Jordanian and refugee job-seekers and businesses
• Ability to communicate technical information in an easy to understand, informative and collaborative manner

Good knowledge of the Core Humanitarian Standards or other accountability measures/standards

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: You act in line with DRC’s vision and values.

Designation of Duty Station: Amman

Start date: ASAP

Application process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. A****pplications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 18 January 2023

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit drc.ngo/jobsupport.

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.