Background
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is an international non-governmental organisation, which promotes and supports durable solutions for refugees and internally displaced people worldwide. DRC has been providing relief and development services in the greater Horn of Africa region since 1997. Using a human rights framework, DRC focuses on a variety of regional displacements including that of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen.
DRC works in emergency settings all the way through to solutions programming, aiming to create synergies between the different humanitarian aid and development projects in the region – both in terms of geographical coverage and activities implemented in support of populations displaced or otherwise affected by conflict and natural hazards. DRC work primarily with three programmatic directions: 1) acute emergency response; 2) response to protracted displacement and promotion of durable solutions; and 3) prevention of root causes of displacement.
Purpose
The Great Lakes Programme Advisor (GLPA) will have overall responsibility for the development and coordination of a DRC regional strategy incorporating Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Uganda as core countries of concern and other countries as necessary. The candidate must be able to consider both emergency programmes such as considering regional refugee displacements as well as development, solutions and resilience paradigms. The GLPA will also be responsible for registering the Danish Refugee Council in Burundi, working from initial assessments and groundwork already undertaken.
The GLPA will work closely with the DRC Horn of Africa and Yemen (HOAY) regional team, Country Directors and Head of Programmes in respective country offices to develop the Great Lakes Strategy, and support country programmes as required through regular engagement. The GLPA is not expected to line manage staff initially; however, when registration in Burundi has been finalised and if funds are raised, then direct programme management may ensue.
The desired candidate is expected to have senior level management or advisory experience and a demonstrable successful track record of effective programme development, networking, capacity building and programme implementation. S/he must also be able to conceptualize and articulate DRC vision and have the strong oral and written communication skills required to translate the vision into action. The incumbent is expected to have extensive donor engagement experience. Fluency in both English and French is mandatory. Experience and understanding of refugee and displacement issues is an advantage and ideally the candidate will have a good understanding of the region and/or from other similar protection situations.
Key responsibilities
Develop a Great Lakes Regional Strategy articulating the recommended direction of DRC in the region assessing programme possibilities in emergency response, resilience and solutions programmes as necessary. Assess the possibility for multi-country and cross-border programmes.
Register the Danish Refugee Council in Burundi ensuring strong networks with government, civil society and donors. If funds are raised, build the DRC Burundi programme in coordination with support from DRC HOAY Region and HQ.
Pursue funding opportunities for DRC country offices in the Great Lakes region prioritising Burundi and Tanzania. Liaise with potential donors and write grant proposals in cooperation with country programs.
Engage proactively with donors and regional institutions to promote and align DRC strategies towards the political and funding environment, campaigning DRC’s findings, best practices and evidence around displaced communities.
Facilitate and/or participate in relevant meetings, workshops, seminars and trainings.
Provide technical support as needed to existing country programs remotely and through in-country visits and short-term deployments.
Coordinate and maintain constructive relationships with government institutions, civil society, and international organizations.
Ensure DRC’s principles and approaches are integrated in the planning and response. Follow the humanitarian principles, standards and guidelines that DRC is committed to, and ensure these are adhered to by DRC staff and partners.
Undertake any further duties as the line manager sees fit. The position duties are flexible to a degree to allow the candidate to develop skills they personally identify and the duties may evolve depending on DRC’s programmes in the Great Lakes region.
Reporting
The GLPA reports to the Deputy Regional Director for the Horn of Africa and Yemen with extensive collaboration with Country Directors, Heads of Programmes and livelihood staff in programme areas.
Qualifications
University qualifications in political science, economics, law, international relations, social science or a relevant equivalent.
Over 5 years of progressively responsible experience and successful track record in the humanitarian/development sector including program management, leadership and design. At least 2 years of which should be in a developing country context and 2 years at country senior management level.
Demonstrated experience and skill in networking, proposal development, budget development, and program implementation.
Proven experience in effectively coordinating with national governments, international and national NGO partners and a variety of donors including DFID, UNHCR, ECHO and OFDA.
Full proficiency in spoken and written English and French is compulsory.
Strong computer skills (Excel, Microsoft, PowerPoint and Outlook).
Desirable qualifications
Experience in the Great Lakes Region, particularly Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Uganda is strongly regarded.
Prior experience in registering a NGO in a country is looked upon favorably.
Working experience within an INGO, and preferably previous successful experience with DRC.
Proven experience in managing emergency/non-emergency integrated programs as well as developing community-based protection and/or solutions programs.
Able to work independently and energetically.
Demonstrated ability for rapid analysis of complex issues, and translation of programmatic learning and priorities into operational strategies.
Superior internal and external communication and coordination capabilities and excellent team management skills.
Experience managing donor funded programs and grants; including staff management, budget oversight, monitoring and evaluation systems, and technical input to proposal-budget development and donor reports.
Conditions
*Contract: *4 months’** contract, renewable dependent on both funding and performance.
Salary and conditions in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Global Expatriates (available at www.drc.dk under Vacancies). This position is graded as A14 under DRC’s new salary scale. For qualified National staff the terms of employment will be in accordance with DRC terms for national staff.
Availability: Immediately
Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda with frequent travel to the Great Lakes Region. Being based in Bujumbura, Kampala is also possible. This is a non-family duty station.
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.
For general information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult www.drc.dk.
Employer want to submit job applications through their website at: Apply Online