Regional Program Support Specialist - Durable Solutions Platform

Contract

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

About the job

The Program Support Specialist will be responsible for providing efficient and effective administrative, operational and research support functions for the operations of the Durable Solutions Platform in the region.

Background

The search for durable solutions to the protracted displacement stemming from the Syrian crisis is a key humanitarian and development necessity for the Middle East. This search for durable solutions is a regional, cross-border issue and demands a multi-sectorial response that goes beyond the existing humanitarian agenda. The discussion around the options and rights of the displaced are highly politicised.

The Durable Solutions Platform (DSP) is a joint initiative of Action Against Hunger (AAH), Danish Refugee Council (DRC), the International Rescue Committee (IRC), the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), Oxfam and Save the Children. The objective of this platform is to generate knowledge and promote dialogue and strategic programme approaches to the long term future of Syrian refugees and internally displaced people based on international best practice and principles for preparing and supporting durable solutions for people in displacement. The platform’s work consists of research, advocacy, programme and capacity building support and stakeholder engagement.

The platform consists of a small team and is hosted by the DRC regional office in Amman, Jordan.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Durable Solutions Platform Manager, the Specialist will:

Grant management support and fundraising (35%)

• Coordinate the financial management and monitoring of DSP budgets, expenditure, and compliance with donors’ rules and regulations, in close coordination with the DSP Manager
• Lead on developing and tracking spending plans with DSP team members;
• Lead on DSP’s monitoring and evaluation and donor reporting, including quarterly and annual reports;
• Lead on the development of a fundraising strategy for DSP in coordination with the DSP Manager;
• Regularly liaise with DSP’s members on fundraising opportunities, monitor separate funding opportunities for DSP, lead on coordinating proposal development processes and on drafting content as appropriate, as well as coordinating with DSP member organizations’ and relevant partners grants teams as needed;
• Liaise closely with DSP’s hosting agency DRC MERO and other DSP members’ support staff as necessary.

DSP operations (35%):

• Provide comprehensive support to the DSP team in relation to administrative and finance matters within DRC MERO, including but not limited to procurement processes, supporting DSP team on travel bookings, event organization, and liaising with admin and other MERO units as necessary;
• Lead on the organization and hosting of DSP trainings, learning events, roundtables, workshops and conferences in the region;
• Lead on the organization of DSP’s annual planning workshop;
• Provide support to the organization of DSP research, advocacy and learning processes as necessary.
• Work with the DSP Regional Specialist (Research) on filling in research gaps, such as data collection, note-taking and coordination as necessary;
• Act as focal point for host government liaison as necessary.

Communications and administrative support (20%):

• Coordinate the publication of DSP outputs and communication materials, contribute to editing and developing reports for various audiences;
• Lead on drafting relevant communications material and briefs for fundraising or dissemination purposes;
• Lead on updating the DSP website and twitter account, drafting website content and quarterly DSP update emails;
• Update DSP’s internal and external mailing lists and database;
• Maintain and continuously improve administrative systems, including DSP’s SharePoint, mailing lists and databases;
• Manage administration tasks related to program activities, and ensure adequate hard copy and electronic filing for DSP documents.

Representation (10%):

• Represent DSP and contribute to discussions and learning of durable solutions programming and policy;
• Develop and maintain a network among the NGO and donor community.

About you

Experience and technical competencies: (include years of experience)

• Minimum of (3) years of experience in similar positions, including in supporting internal and external coordination processes;
• Demonstrated expertise in financial management, MEAL and program reporting;
• Knowledge of and experience with the context of displacement-related issues and the humanitarian / development nexus in Middle East region;
• Strong administrative and human resource skills with proven experience in providing support to programs or coordination bodies;
• Strong writing skills and ability to effectively document program learning and reporting
• Excellent inter-personal facilitation and communication skills and demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the organization
• Strong IT command, close familiarity with the maintenance and management of template-style websites and experience of applying ICT (information communications technology) to knowledge management
• Flexibility, proactive engagement, ability to work under pressure and to demonstrate high tolerance for change, complexity and unpredictability

Education

• Advanced university degree or equivalent in the social sciences, preferably with a focus on migration, displacement or humanitarian emergencies
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to easily establish and maintain relationships with people from a wide variety of backgrounds

Languages

• Excellent English language skills.
• Good command of Arabic and drafting skills in Arabic is an advantage

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.

We offer

Contract length: 12 months

Start date: As soon as possible

Duty station: Amman with frequent travel in the region

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates or Nationals. This position will be placed at Non-Management (G1) band.

For questions regarding the vacancy please contact [email protected]

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: February 08, 2022

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.

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