About ReDSS
The Regional Durable Solutions Secretariat (ReDSS) is a coalition of 14 NGOs working in the search of durable solutions in East Africa. ReDSS Secretariat is hosted by DRC and based in Nairobi with a country unit in Somalia and Ethiopia and about to start a country unit in Kenya. ReDSS is a coordination and information hub that focuses on research and knowledge management, program support, capacity development, learning, and policy influencing. ReDSS Steering committee is composed of DRC, IRC and NRC.
Overall purpose of the role:
The ReDSS Kenya manager will be responsible to start ReDSS in Kenya. He/ she will be responsible for the overall management and coordination of ReDSS Kenya Country Unit and for initiating and implementing its strategy, work plan and budget while providing strategic direction and representing ReDSS members in relevant fora and coordination mechanisms.
Responsibilities
Overall management and coordination of ReDSS Kenya unit
- Lead ReDSS Kenya and provide strategic directions and vision
- Ensure that ReDSS strategy is delivered with high quality
- Development of country strategy, work plans, budgets and fundraise for the unit together with ReDSS members
- Ensure internal information sharing and coordination among ReDSS members in Kenya
- Line management responsibility: performance management and staff development of staff under his/ her supervision
- Ensure strong leadership and clear communication of vision, strategies, procedures and guidelines
- Ensure ongoing management and support to facilitate compliance, adequate procedures and processes, timely and quality project implementation and appropriate budget planning and management, and cost efficiency
- Coordinate the development of donor applications and reports, as well as ensuring donor compliance and quality control
Research and knowledge management: promoting a culture of learning and reflection that leads to improvements in durable solutions programing and policies
- Develop a common research and learning agenda to address key knowledge and practice gaps in Kenya
- Use of the ReDSS Solutions Framework and solutions programming tools to support joint accountability and analysis to monitor progress and challenges
- Maintain and update online information management system and database
- Organize learning events at national and regional levels – in coordination with key government and stakeholders
- Lead the implementation and monitoring of the application of the ReDSS learning framework to promote a culture of learning and reflection
Strengthening the capacity of practitioners and policy-makers in the field of durable solutions
- Strengthen capacities of local authorities and humanitarian and development stakeholder to cooperate in developing integrated approaches for displaced and host communities
- Support the roll-out of the technical and policy durable solutions training package
- Facilitate mentorship and peer learning through the creation of a network of technical people
- Support development of learning tools such as online tutorials
- Translate evidence and research into programing and policies guidance
Contribute and support policy actions based on evidence
- Initiate and support policy actions and engagement, based on evidence to improve solutions-oriented policies in Kenya at national and county level
- Support the development, implementation and monitoring of ReDSS Kenya policy strategy
- External representation and coordination
- Represent ReDSS Kenya with a diverse range of governmental, humanitarian and development actors, UN agencies, private sector and academia
- Ensure active engagement with displacement affected communities to ensure their ownership and support in order to make solutions lasting, locally relevant and feasible
Experience and technical competencies:
- Minimum 6 years of experience in similar positions involving knowledge management, research, evidence building; analysis and coordination of a consortium of partners
- Strong knowledge of the socio-economic and political dynamics of the region; more specifically on displacement trends with a demonstrated ability to manage politically sensitive contexts
- Solid experience in capacity development of a wide range of actors including adult learning, mentoring and coaching, training of trainers and impact monitoring of capacity development activities
- Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the organization
Required skills
- Strong analytical and writing skills with proven experience in producing high quality research and policy briefs with ability to present complex information in a simple and accessible manner
- Strong experience in translating evidence and research into programming and policy guidance
- Solid experience in capacity development of a wide range of actors including adult learning, mentoring and coaching, training of trainers and impact monitoring of capacity development activities
- Excellent coordination, inter-personal facilitation and communication skills to build trusted relationships with a wide array of humanitarian and development partners, donors, Government agencies, etc.
- Good 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
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:
- Advanced University degree in social studies, political science, international relations
Key stakeholders: Internal & External
- ReDSS members in Kenya and other NGOs
- Kenya national and county governments authorities (Turkana and Garissa)
- Humanitarian and development stakeholders
- UN agencies (UNHCR, UNDP, IOM, WFP, UNICEF…)
- IGAD Forced Displacement and Mixed Migration Secretariat
- Word Bank and International Finance Corporation
- Private sector actors
- Academic/Think tanks/Research institutes
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: June, 2020
- Duty station: The position will be based in Nairobi Office.
Application and CV:
Only motivated applications that address the stipulated duties and meet the required qualifications, sent together with a CV, will be considered. Applications should include contact details of three professional referees who have supervised the candidate in the last five years. One of the referees must be the applicant’s most recent manager.
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 23 Mach, 2020
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.