Livelihoods Manager

About DRC

DRC began operating in Kenya in 2005 with assistance to refugees and displacement-affected communities via implementation of protection and livelihoods activities. DRC works in Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps, as well as in Nairobi to assist urban-based refugees, and in Mandera County implementing a cross-border resilience programme In Dadaab, DRC has since 2011 focused on protection through prevention and response to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) as well as self-reliance and livelihoods programming aimed at enhancing the capacity of individuals to earn an income through vocational skills training, enterprise development, scholarship programs, micro-agriculture as well as savings and loan groups. DRC in Dadaab has been a part of the voluntary repatriation of Somali refugees through the issuance of return cash grants.

Overall purpose of the role:

This role supports the Kenya country programme in managing the livelihoods programme through the operationalization of DRC’s Resilience & Livelihoods strategy in Dadaab and Garissa County. This is achieved by ensuring the development and implementation of the livelihoods programming in Dadaab refugee camps/North East Garissa Sub-region which meets DRC’s internal and global standards. This includes taking the lead and full participation in program assessments, project design, implementation, MEAL and advocacy including representation in various fora. The position reports to the Area Manager and oversees all livelihoods and protection projects. The position also manages staff and plays a key role in program/project design, quality assurance and reporting.

Responsibilities:

Program Management, Development, Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Oversee the Programme/Project Management Cycle that includes design, planning, implementation, MEAL and transition stages for various interventions.
• Provide management and technical leadership to vocational skills, drylands agriculture, education scholarships & youth development components with a focus on relevance, cost-effectiveness, building a solid evidence-base and moving them to scale.
• Provides strong oversight for Protection – SGBV and VolRep/SCOPE projects and all the integrated programming elements.
• Oversee the implementation of technical approaches in micro-enterprise development, value-chain development, financial inclusion (savings groups/financial literacy), and social/life skills capacity development in livelihood interventions.
• Oversee participatory needs assessments and identify appropriate livelihood interventions to increase incomes for the local and refugee communities and reduce poverty/increase incomes in target locations.
• Participate in internal periodic program reviews, planning meetings and external meetings as often as requested by the line manager.
• Integrate multi-sectoral considerations into livelihoods programming, with a particular focus on linkages with health, education, WASH and legal protection concerns.
• Oversee timely preparation and submission of weekly, monthly, quarterly & annual reports to the Area Manager.
• Ensure mainstreaming of AGD within DRC projects to promote safe, dignified, and equitable access to resources and services for all.
• Take lead & coordinate project special events including donor field visits and ensure proper visibility.
• Ensure mainstreaming of CHS commitments in DRC Projects and particularly the CFRM.

Training & Capacity development:

• Provide continuous technical support and mentorship for Assistants/Officers/Team Leaders to develop professional and technical competencies.
• Support field teams to participate in and provide leadership within Camp-level Protection, Livelihoods and Education Working Group meetings.
• Provide technical feedback on monthly, quarterly narrative reports received from the Protection and Livelihoods Teams, ensuring that established project objectives and targets are met.

Coordination & Partnership:

• Promote collaboration and synergy between the DRC host community projects (HCS) and similar projects/groups in the Dadaab refugee camps.
• Promote a positive profile of the program and good understanding among other sectors, partners and communities about the program.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with all stakeholders – Community support groups, community leaders, RAS, UNHCR, I/NGOs, to enhance multi-agency, multi-sectoral cooperation and coordination.
• Serve as liaison with stakeholders and relevant Government of Kenya departments – from the local administration to sub-county levels for livelihoods-related matters.
• Represent DRC at Dadaab-level Livelihoods, Protection coordination meetings and other key stakeholder forums.

Budget Management:

• Manage livelihoods project budgets in order to maintain program expenditure within budget parameters, ensuring adherence to DRC financial procedures and donor requirements.
• Support team members to utilize financial planning tools, such as spending plans, procurement plans, and work-plans based on activities and budgets.
• Work closely with the Area Manager and the Finance Team in budget drafting and revision processes as per identified/prioritized needs for each grant.

Staff Management:

• Ensure timely recruitment of highly competent Protection and Livelihoods sector staff.
• Hold regular meetings with staff to plan & address any concerns and share feedback.
• Monitor and provide objective feedback related to staff performance, including objective-setting, probation & performance evaluations to promote growth and development.

Experience and technical competencies:

• Minimum 3 years’ proven mid-senior level experience in managing complex, integrated livelihoods, protection projects/programmes within humanitarian and development organizations
• Minimum 4 years’ demonstrable working experience at field implementation level as an officer and/or assistant.
• Experience in designing projects and programmes, developing networks & partnerships and representation
• Experience working with diverse donors such as UNHCR, DANIDA, BRPM, ECHO, EU, DFID, SDC and private grants
• Fluent in report-writing and with good MEAL skills
• People management skills (worked with small to large teams ranging from 10 to 100 individuals)
• Cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to establish effective working relations with local partners and other stakeholders
• Excellent in the use of MS Office Suite, email and internet
• Experience in a refugee setting and knowledge of refugee issues an asset (but not a requirement)

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.  

Education:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in International Development, Business Administration, Economics, Sociology, Agri-business, Agriculture
• Certificates in Entrepreneurship, Value-chains, Savings Groups, MIS for Savings Groups, Agriculture, Management/Leadership).
• Fluency in written and spoken English essential 

Key stakeholders:

• Internal: Project and Programme Staff,
• External: Partner organizations, Donor organizations, Government departments

Conditions:

• Contract: Initial runs up to December 31st 2019 but renewable based on performance and availability of funds. Salary and other conditions are offered in accordance with DRC’s Terms.
• Availability:  October/November 2019
• Duty station: The position will be based in Dadaab Refugee Camp (with travel within Garissa County) 

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 27 September, 2019 

Gender Equality: DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels.  In light of this, women candidates are particularly encouraged to apply to bridge the gender gap. 

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.

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