Economic Recovery Officer

About DRC   
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a humanitarian, non-governmental and non-profit organization, founded in 1956, that works in more than 35 countries around the world. DRC is one of the largest protection actors in Kenya, actively coordinating and advocating for improving the protective environment for refugees and host communities.  DRC implements Protection monitoring, Child Protection and GBV prevention and response programmes in its areas of operation to address protection issues faced by displaced and non-displaced at-risk groups and individuals. The programme also aims to identify and build synergies with DRC´s Economic Recovery sector to facilitate durable solutions and Humanitarian Disarmament & Peace Building activities to enhance to respond to the needs of communities affected by acute crisis as well as those in protracted displacement situations.

Overall purpose of the role: 
DRC is looking for a qualified individual with experience in Economic programming in Mandera, working under the Project Manager as Economic Recovery Officer responsible for various project activities within the Economic Recovery sector, with an understanding of market systems. The project aims to link with cross-border markets in Dollo-Ado region of Ethiopia and Gedo region of Somalia, and to specifically target women and youth (male and female). In addition, he/she will undertake other duties assigned by the Project Manager in a matrix management arrangement with the Head of Programmes and technical coordination with Project Coordinator- inclusive markets and project partners in the TIG’s to ensure the project expectations are met. Applications from qualified candidates who worked in the context are strongly encouraged.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Programme Management, Development, Monitoring and Evaluation
• Carry out participatory needs assessments and identify appropriate Economic Recovery interventions to increase incomes and long-term resilience for the local community. 
• Develop a good understanding of facilitation-based interventions in the market sector that support it, including demonstrating a good understanding of market opportunities for smallholder farmers, gender and youth.
• Prepare quarterly workplans and raise quarterly PRs as per the project workplan
• Take an active role in periodic project review and planning meetings; and external meetings as often as requested by the project Manager. 
• Take a lead role in the documentation of lessons learned and ensure they are fed into the design of activities. 
• Take part in field reporting by preparing technical internal and external reports for DRC Kenya’s activities in Mandera, in accordance with EU guidelines and support implementing M&E plans and share with MEAL team for consolidation.
• As assigned by project Manager, take major part in implementation of DRC Kenya, BORESHA activities in the project target areas and also support post implementation monitoring as and when required.
• Participate in monthly BFU review meetings to know where the project stands with the given project duration as well as technical implementing Group (TIG) meetings.
• Identification of community members to benefit from project activities and other formal/informal financial support activities as outlined in project documents, and ensure relevant monitoring is done throughout the project. 
• Develop relevant training manuals and practices for target beneficiaries and lead in facilitating training where necessary.
• Ensure all project beneficiaries are properly mentored and supported throughout the project.
• Ensure that all project documentation is in place. 
• Gather community feedbacks and feed into the monthly accountability template.
• Adhere to CHS Principles in day to day project implementation; participate in CHS audits; support in implementing the M&E plan.
• Assist in developing livelihoods concept notes and proposals towards future fund-raising efforts.
• Coordinate field reporting: prepare monthly progress reports both technical internal and external reports. Share weekly updates for project performance with the Project manager for consolidation.

Coordination & Partnership

• Promote collaboration and synergy between DRC, DW, BORESHA consortium members, partners, local authorities, local communities and other agency interventions. 
• Engage various market players, develop partnerships, carry out partnership activities and act as a professional and credible spokesperson for the program.
• Support the consortium members and DRC Kenya Project Manager to ensure effective liaison with stake holders and relevant Government of Kenya departments, from the location to divisional levels, as needed.
• Participate in external stakeholder meeting and maintain external relations involving government officials and other key stakeholders.
• Support the Project Manager through contributing to the PMM preparations for the project.
• Support Project Manager in liaising with DRC Kenya partners to get weekly and monthly updates of the project implementation.

Budget Management

• Support budget drafting exercise as per the identified or prioritized needs of the project as well as new projects.
• Support budget tracking to check budget utilization and work closely with the Project Manager to address any spending gaps identified.
• Prepare quarterly budget forecast for respective project activities as well as participate in Monthly BFU meetings

Experience and technical competencies: 

• Must have a degree in Agribusiness Management, Agricultural Economics, Entrepreneurship, Business Administration, or other livelihoods related disciplines;
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in implementing livelihoods or income generating projects preferably with an NGO. Experience in Mandera County as well as cross border programming is strongly preferred.
• Have an understanding of MSD approach, Value chain growth and development, microenterprise / small business development including VSLA / Groups, DRR interventions and animal health initiatives.
• Skills or training in financial literacy as well as implementation of integrated programming approach is desirable
• Prior experience working with local governments and stakeholders in implementation of projects, including community mobilization skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; well organized, and able to prioritize multiple tasks
• Working knowledge of MS Office and other relevant computer applications
• Able to adapt to changing program priorities and emergency priorities that may arise. 
• Good planning and organizational skills coupled with problem solving capabilities.
• Fluency in Somali language is essential.

Education

• Must have a degree in Agribusiness Management, Agricultural Economics, Entrepreneurship, Business Administration or other livelihoods related disciplines;

Language: 

• Written and spoken fluency in English and Kiswahili 
• Working knowledge & Fluency in Somali language is essential.

Key stakeholders: Internal & External

• Project Team
• Technical team members
• Partners
• Relevant County and national government line ministries 
• Relevant Government of Kenya departments
• Relevant County Government actors and departments
• Inter-agency working groups
• Project Donor

About you:  
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: You act in line with our vision and values.   

Conditions  

• Contract: One-year contract with possibility of extension, subject to funding and performance. Salary and other conditions are offered in accordance with DRC’s Terms of Employment. 
• Availability: May 2024
• Duty station: Mandera

Application and CV:  
Only motivated applications that address the stipulated duties and meet the required qualifications, sent together with a CV, will be considered.  
DRC only accepts applications sent via our online-application form on www.drc.ngo under Vacancies. Please remember to upload both a letter of application and your CV and do not attach any written recommendations.  
Please submit your application and CV in English no later than 19th April, 2024

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.

Equal Opportunities: DRC is an equal opportunity employer.  We value diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all employees.  We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability status, religion, ethnic origin, color, race, marital status or other protected characteristics.  
DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process. Visit drc.ngo to read more about what we do to secure robust safeguarding mechanisms.