Regional Durable Solutions Coordinator

Contract

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

Who are we?

DRC in the Middle East hosts the Durable Solutions Platform (DSP). The platform was established to gather evidence for programming and advocacy to achieve durable solutions for Syrian refugees and IDPs. Originally founded by three agencies – IRC, NRC and DRC, as a member platform, membership was subsequently expanded to include three additional agencies – Oxfam, ACF and Save the Children. In the course of revising its strategy in 2022, the DSP widened its ambition and scope to also include support to the achievement of durable solutions for displaced populations in Iraq and Yemen. In early 2023, a decision was made by the membership, for the DSP to shift from a member-based platform to an issue-based alliances and collaboration convened from among relevant members and other stakeholders – including local actors, for an interim period. The DSP would continue to be hosted by DRC’s Middle East Regional Office in Amman.

The DSP conducts research to stimulate strategic discussion on eventual return and reintegration of refugees and IDPs to their areas of origin. Furthermore, DSP research supports the development of long-term programming and advocacy strategies to improve self-reliance of refugees in countries of first asylum. Finally, DSP analysis strengthens advocacy to improve access to resettlement and complementary pathways. In addition to research, activities of the DSP include regular learning events on durable solutions approaches. DSP has also coordinated a network of Syrian civil society organisations in the region and convenes regular meetings and workshops to support the development of coordinated advocacy strategies on durable solutions.

Background

The DSP Coordinator is expected to represent the platform in discussions on solutions for the Syrians in and outside of Syria; day-to-day management of the DSP- grants and oversight of DSP staff; coordinate closely with partner agencies and other agencies. S/he will provide overall implementation and strategic direction of the platform activities in the interim phase (expected to last at least a year) with a view to redefining the DSP’s value add, areas of focus, engagement with and convening of key stakeholders in the durable solutions space in the region. They will be expected to sustain engagement with key donors to the DSP – current and potential future donors, and to the development of an overall vision and strategic positioning of the DSP in the region. They will also take the lead in developing and coordinating research on solutions programming and policy, capacity development and learning across Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq, Jordan and Syria and represent the platform in relevant fora, as required.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Strategic Lead

• Support the analysis of regional durable solutions data, strategies, policies and legislation, and production and dissemination of the information in relevant format and fora in line with agreed strategic priorities for the platform
• Lead in the regular assessment and review of the platform’s work and implementation plans ensuring that DSP maintains a strategic role
• Oversee the development and publication of key briefing papers and policy briefs based on evidence where relevant
• Lead the development of a strategic vision and positioning of the DSP during the interim period – while making recommendations and supporting the operationalisation of a plan for the platform beyond this period

1. Coordination and oversight

• Lead in sharing information, legislation, policies and conventions, reports, best practice experiences, and working methods available in the region with relevant stakeholders and interested parties
• Oversight of the DSP research and knowledge management agenda including initiating studies and developing processes to monitor uptake to improve solutions programing and policies
• Responsible for quality control of DSP publications
• Liaise and act as the focal point for any consultants hired by the platform
• Monitor risks arising from the platform’s work and escalate concerns to senior DRC regional management in a timely manner

1. Donor engagement and fundraising

• Identify funding opportunities and build donor relations in coordination with the Middle East regional office (RHoP, Regional Advocacy and Communications Manager, Executive Director, Business Development Coordinator)
• In coordination with the Regional Head of Programmes (RHoP) and the Regional Business Development Coordinator, maintain regular oversight of existing and future grants including budget responsibility, work plans, monitoring of implementation and, reporting
• Build relationships with key actors including non-traditional actors and local actors in the region

1. External Engagement, Advocacy and Policy

• Engage with relevant stakeholders to facilitate discussions based on evidence
• Maintain regular contact with DSP’s sister platforms – ReDSS and ADSP, and other relevant platforms and actors relevant to DSP’s mandate (JIPS, Mixed Migration Centre etc) to ensure engagement in global solutions and policy discussions
• Facilitate and organise regular consultation/technical workshops and learning events/meetings on key issues of interest to DSP
• Support existing forums and members in their advocacy with governmental and inter-governmental actors on durable solutions.
• Ensure continued engagement with key players on displacement and solutions in the region including regional and national authorities, UN agencies, humanitarian and development donors, relevant working groups

• Proactive engagement in policy development processes as it relates to durable solutions for refugees and IDPs in the region

  Experience and technical competencies:

• Understanding of regional displacement dynamics in the Middle East

• At least 5 years of experience in a relevant field
• Proven experience in external engagement – including strong inter-personal facilitation and communication skills to build trusted relationships with a wide array of humanitarian and development partners, donors, government agencies, etc
• Excellent coordination and networking skills
• Proven experience in facilitation or oversight of policy research
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the organisation
• Excellent analytical and writing skills
• Strong experience in translating evidence and research into programming and policy guidance
• Flexibility, proactive engagement, ability to work under pressure and to demonstrate high tolerance for change, complexity and unpredictability
• Excellent understanding of displacement and durable solutions issues and detailed knowledge of humanitarian principles, guidelines and laws and the humanitarian coordination systems
• Proven experience working on displacement, durable solutions or early recovery issues in humanitarian environments, including provision of technical advice or research and policy analysis.

Languages

• English (Fluent)
• Arabic (Desirable)

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s 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.

  Education: (include certificates, licenses etc.)

• Advanced university degree or equivalent in political science, international relations, humanitarian law, migration, Middle East studies, or related field

  We offer

Contract length: (12) Months

Position Band: This position will be placed at Non-Management (F) band

Start date: April 15th, 2023

Duty station: Amman with frequent travel in the region

Designation of Duty Station: Unaccompanied / Family Duty Station

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates or Nationals. For questions regarding the vacancy please contact Younes.elazm@drc.ngo

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.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, DRC reserves the right of conducting tests and interviews before the closing date, and can close the advertisement earlier in case of finding a suitable candidate.

Closing date for applications: March 28th, 2023

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