Alternative Finance Specialist

Overall description of the role in DRC 
This role is envisaged to support an advancement of DRC EAGL’s ability to work with Innovative Financing, including securing a strong country engagement. The position should focus on expanding a partnership base, including creating link between country developed investment pipeline and private sector investor and donors. 
The role has three main functions/purposes:

• Support the development of country approaches which are adequate for DRC in relation to innovative financing including elaborating incentives for field engagement
• Ensure a broader partnership base of donors, investors and others engaged in the innovative financing space
• Support the development of a pipeline

Overall purpose of the role
The Alternative finance specialist functions as a specialist within sector area in the region.  She or he will drive development of programmes that explores the nexus between market-led programming, sustainable and alternative finance, protection, environmental resilience as well as provide technical support to wider livelihood and alternative finance activities. She or he will also develop opportunities for alternative finance models to be piloted within programmes in targeted countries within the region. This role has a multi-country focus and ensures compliance to DRC procedures and guidelines within Kenya and the wider region

Responsibilities
Alternative Finance programme development

• Identify programme opportunities to engage alternative sources of finance that can fund programmes that support greater self-reliance among displaced populations and hosting communities within the EAGL region, with a particular focus on refugee entrepreneurship opportunities in Kenya
• Develop relationships with private actors, businesses and funders interested in engaging in alternative finance programmes with DRC 
• Identify and develop concept notes and business proposals where alternative finance can be effectively mobilised, with details of programme plans and refined finance models to further conversations with private actors and funders
• Conduct analysis and liaise with private actors to develop pilot opportunities for deploying private finance to support displaced people
• Identify and refine sectoral and geographical priorities for engagement of displacement-affected populations in inclusive market-led growth, developing a broader framework for engagement

Monitoring and strategy development 

• Develop program monitoring tools which would be used to gauge the success of alternative finance pilots, working with the MEAL unit to develop M&E tools that would enable continuous adaption around systems change
• Work closely with Country Directors, Area Managers, and the Grants unit to develop quality proposals, concept notes and budgets
• If/when the opportunity arises to seek funding, develop and undertake needs assessments to inform program design and strategic direction. 
• Support the development of a DRC wide alternative finance strategy with Programme Innovation and Business Engagement team

External coordination and representation

• Explore new business and partnerships, and identify funding opportunities and potential alternative funding sources
• Share relevant project information with stakeholders
• Participate in relevant coordination meetings
• Participate in Refugees Task Force meeting as needed

As Specialist the post-holder is responsible for the following:

• Responsible for providing specialized knowledge and operational know-how within a specific discipline
• May also have technical line responsibilities, but generally on technical or operational

Reporting
The Alternative finance specialist will report to the Deputy Regional Director

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. 

Experience and technical competencies 

• Advanced degree in finance, economics, or other relevant degree; (MA in humanitarian/development subjects, or business and finance).
• At least five years of relevant experience (market systems, alternative finance, impact investing, inclusive growth, protection, environmental strengthening)
• Strong understanding of forced displacement and migration in general
• Well elaborated know-how and experience in humanitarian financing, and particularly alternative financing / blended financing models
• Ability to model, develop and integrate new financing models and model the business cases in this regard
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish relationships within DRC and to external stakeholders at highest level
• Strategic thinking ability, to capacity to develop innovative policies, systems and new eco-systems
• Experience in strategy development in market systems and displacement-affected populations
• Experience in engaging with private sector for purposes of international development, i.e., impact investment
• Demonstrated capacities in communication, coordination and in working in a multicultural staffing context; 
• Familiarity with Project Cycle Management 
• Demonstrated record in collaborating, networking and negotiating with authorities, UN agencies, donors and other NGOs;
• Documented skills in project planning and design, drafting, calculation and technical writing
• Good analytical and communication skills;
• Ability to work under pressure in a rapidly changing and insecure environment;
• Good level of IT literacy and an understanding of how new technologies can be practically applied to achieve livelihoods results;

Languages: 

• English: Fluent (written and spoken)
• French: Good (written and spoken)

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 for international staff graded at Employment Band NM.G1

Availability:       December 2020

Duty station:    The position will be based in one in Nairobi. This position is non-accompanied.

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 submit your application and CV in English no later than 30 October, 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, colour, race, marital status or other protected characteristics.