Community Engagement Team Leader – Danish Demining Group

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfilment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956, and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced.

All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

Operating since 2004 in Lebanon, DRC has addressed the needs and rights of vulnerable populations, working initially with Palestinian refugees (since 2004), Iraqi refugees (2007-2010), Lebanese IDPs (during the 2006 conflict), migrant domestic workers (since 2009) and, since 2011, responding to the Syrian refugee crisis.

DRC Lebanon is currently delivering programming in protection, housing, infrastructure, basic assistance, livelihoods, and community development interventions. This myriad programming seeks to address the immediate needs of displaced populations and concurrently support vulnerable host populations. DRC has five offices spread throughout Lebanon in, Beirut, the Bekaa, Saida, Tripoli and Qobayat.

About the job

The Community Engagement (CE) Team Leader is engaged by Danish Demining Group, the human security unit of Danish Refugee Council, to support the design and oversee the implementation of Risk Education (RE) programming aiming to reduce the threat posed by mines, explosive remnants of war (ERW) and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to the population living in Lebanon as well as refugees returning or potentially returning to Syria. This includes supporting the following activities: Recruitment and training of DRC/DDG personnel, identification and capacity building of partners and stakeholders, conducting needs assessments, designing Information, Education and Communication materials.

The role will furthermore support and oversee the implementation of Social Stability components including supporting and overseeing conflict management education, conflict analysis, community safety action planning and youth empowerment activities.

The CE Team Leader will ensure that activities are implemented within DRC/DDG’s regulations, procedures, guidelines and strategy; and will maintain at all times an accountable professional relationship with beneficiaries and other stakeholders. The CE Team Leader is responsible for maintaining a safe environment for staff, beneficiaries and assets through a proactive approach following DRC/DDG SOPs and security framework. The CE Team Leader will be based in Bekaa, Lebanon, but will be roving throughout DRC/DDG Lebanon operational areas. S/he will be under the direct line management of the Bekaa Area Programme Manager but will be technically supervised by the DDG Programme Manager. The main duties and responsibilities will be:

• Day to day management and supervision of staff and activities when appropriate and day to day supervision of partner activity implementation
• Taking the lead in identifying operational areas, target groups and stakeholders
• Support strategy and programme development, including the development of concept notes and budgets
• Maintain close communication and coordination between DRC/DDG, partners, government counterparts and other stakeholders
• Oversee needs assessments and Coordinate and conduct Quality Assurance and M&E
• Promote conflict sensitivity and community-led approaches throughout DRC/DDG programming
• Compile and exercise quality control of reports and other written outputs using agreed templates and formats
• Provide regular feedback regarding progress, implementation, achievements, challenges and mitigation measures for assigned projects and activities
• Closely monitor and manage assigned budgets, update work plans and budget forecasts, and ensure that expenses have been allocated to the correct budget lines
• Oversee the preparation of relevant documentation related to procurement, logistics, administration, safety and human resources in line with project needs and DRC internal procedures
• Remain abreast of ongoing trends in Lebanon and in the region as related to humanitarian mine action, social stability and integrated protection/economic recovery programming
• Capacity building of DRC/DDG personnel and partners, including development of training plans and materials

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to have a BA degree, (MA is preferred). Moreover, we also expect the following: 

Required  

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in Community Engagement, Risk Education, Social Stability, Social Cohesion and/or community-driven development
• Understanding of best and emerging practices and strategies in conflict sensitivity, community-led approaches, youth empowerment and behaviour change communication
• Creative and curious about identifying, tailoring and adopting fit-for-purpose approaches
• Minimum 1 year of managerial experience
• Experience in project cycle management, proposal development and reporting
• Experience with conducting qualitative field research
• Ability to organize and facilitate capacity-building initiatives, including drafting training management plans and devising training aids
• Familiarity with Core Humanitarian Standard and accountability approaches
• Experience in implementing projects through local partners and providing direct technical support to local organizations
• Strong written and oral communication skills, effective in representation and liaison with internal and external stakeholders
• Self-sustained IT user (Microsoft Office)
• Commitment to and understanding of DRC/DDGs’s aims, values and principles
• Interpersonal adaptability and high level of comfort in differing technical and sociocultural settings
• Flexible and able to handle pressure well
• Available to work odd hours, including outside of normal office hours

Preferred

• Familiarity with Humanitarian Mine Action is an advantage

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ 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: 1 Year, renewable based on performance and availability of funds

Band/Level: G

Basic Salary: 2700 USD per month

Duty Station: Bekaa

Start date: February 2020

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Nationals; please refer to drc.ngo under Vacancies. For questions regarding the vacancy please contact dolene.khairallah@drc.ngo 

Application process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 31st Jan 2020

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