Urban Manager

Introduction

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 fulfillment 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 8,000 employees and also 8,000 volunteers, while managing a turnover of over 400 million Euro. Based in Copenhagen (Denmark) and present in forty countries, the Danish Refugee Council is a non-profit-making, politically independent, nongovernmental and non-denominational relief organization. The Danish Refugee Council is Denmark’s largest humanitarian NGO and has been ranked the 3rd best NGO in the world in 2018 (for the six consecutive years, the organization is among the top five of the NGO Advisor Annual List).

Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency. 

Background

The Danish Refugee Council initiated its activities in the island of Lesvos in November 2015 due to the unprecedented influx of asylum seekers. Following new political developments and displacement dynamics in early 2016, DRC expanded its activities to the mainland to support the people living in several sites across the country. With offices in Athens, Larissa and Thessaloniki, it currently implements a wide range of activities, including Site Management Support, legal assistance, identification of individual needs and protection of highly vulnerable persons, access to services within and outside the hosting sites through cultural mediation, and non-formal education. DRC works closely with the refugee communities, the Greek authorities and other humanitarian actors to ensure a protective environment for refugees and asylum seekers in Greece.

Purpose

DRC Greece is looking to recruit a qualified, flexible and enthusiastic professional to work for its Office in Larisa (Thessaly Greece) as an Urban Manager. Under the supervision of the Area Manager, the Urban Manager will be responsible for the development and implementation of DRC urban activities in Central Greece (Larisa, Trikala, Karditsa) and ensure that DRC’s Integration Learning Centers are vibrant and well managed and contributes to the overall and specific objectives of DRCs strategy in Greece. Under the managerial supervision of Area Manager, the Urban Manager will be responsible to liaise and coordinate with other CSOs, informal groups and authorities involved in the space, to create and reinforce collaboration and synergies, promoting the welfare of program beneficiaries and helping to create linkages and foster harmonious coexistence with the local population. 

Duties and Responsibilities

The main responsibilities include:

• Line manage Integration Learning Centers Team Leaders and other staff roving between Larissa, Trikala and Karditsa and is responsible for all recruitments and HR issues; 
• Develop services and activities in accordance with the DRC's program and strategic objectives; 
• Manage all operational activities of the ILCs, including human and financial resources, classes, facilities, supplies and coordination with other related departments; 
• Coordinate all urban programmatic planning and implementation to ensure projects and activities are carried out as planned, in a timely manner and in accordance with donor's requirements and DRC's quality standards; 
• Ensure that the project activities in their district are delivered on time, within scope and within budget; 
• Liaise with local authorities, CSOs, grassroots groups and other stakeholders to coordinate joint activities and promote synergies; 
• Provide first-line trouble shooting for the involved local authorities’ associations and maintaining comprehensive project documentation; 
• Proactively identify and resolve barriers to implementation through regular monitoring of activities 
• Preparation and monitoring of project proposals and budgets; 
• Evaluation of project performance based on project objectives and activity indicators; 
• Evaluate staff performance based on project objectives and DRC minimum standards;
• Prepare project reports and ensure that data collection and reporting is performed in a timely and accurate manner; 
• Ensure sound financial management, budget follow up and accountability of DRC resources; 
• Ensure the effective implementation of procurement procedures in collaboration with relevant departments, as well as of Finance/admin processes through proper documentation for inventory record keeping; 
• Responsible to ensure all administrative and filing requirements are in place in the ILC; 
• Represent DRC Greece to relevant forums and working committees/groups; 
• Closely collaborate with DRC Greece Country office Urban/Integration Coordinator and Education Coordinator and MEAL Department on programme development and implementation;
• In collaboration with DRC Greece Country Office staff and local Area Manager and other relevant DRC departments, develop new partnerships with other local actors. Identifies gaps and program development opportunities; 
• In collaboration with Country Office Grants Specialist, provides inputs for funding proposals and is responsible for overall donor compliance of the project.

In addition to the above, the Urban Manager may be asked to carry out other duties requested by the Area Manager

Required Qualifications

• University degree in Social or Behavioral Sciences, International Development and/or relevant field; 
• At least three years working experience in a related field; previous working experience with local or international NGOs will be considered; 
• Proven experience in project management and management of interdisciplinary teams 
• Excellent verbal and written English skills;
• Advanced verbal Greek skills
• Experience of community-based or community mobilization work in a humanitarian context will be considered an advantage; 
• Knowledge and understanding of project monitoring tools and techniques, including logical framework approach; 
• Capacity to produce quality concept notes and high-quality reports; 
• Strong computer skills 

Required Skills & Qualities

• Core Competencies of DRC:

• Striving for excellence
• Collaboration
• Taking the lead
• Communication
• Demonstrating Integrity

• Ability to work in a multinational and multicultural environment
• Proactivity, with a sound commitment to teamwork and with a spirit of genuine collaboration
• Strong initiative and self-motivated, with a strong commitment to humanitarian principle and high sense of ethics
• Excellent communication skills, as well as patience and politeness, are needed
• Ability to cope with high workload and stress and identify priority activities and assignments, and adjust priorities as required
• Multi-tasking and organizational skills are must, and a good sense of humor

Terms and Conditions

• The contract will be under the Greek Labor Law (this is a national position)
• All allowances will be provided to the employees (Christmas, Easter, Vacation bonus)
• DRC provides training opportunities to develop and strengthen the quality of its services as well as its staff members’ professional and personal development.
• The position will be based in Larisa (Central Greece) and national terms and conditions apply

Application Process

Are you interested? Then apply for this position on line: www.drc.dk/about-drc/vacancies/current-vacancies. All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in English.

DRC provides equal opportunity in employment and prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability. DRC encourages all applicants to apply and does not practice any discrimination in any recruitment process. However, applicants must be aware that DRC cannot systemically sponsor non-EU citizen or non-Greek resident for all the steps of legal process to get a work permit and/or a residency permit in Greece.

Applications close on the 20th of June 2021. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.

Due to the urgency of the position DRC reserves the right to recruit a candidate who matches the required profile before the above deadline.