Innovative Financing Specialist

Who are we?

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 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.

About the job

This role is envisaged to support an advancement of DRC MERO’s ability to work with Innovative Financing, including securing strong engagement from countries in the region. The position should focus on expanding a partnership base, including creating a link between country developed investment pipeline and private sector investors and donors.

The role has three main functions/purposes:

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

The Innovative Financing 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 Jordan and the wider region

Duties and Responsibilities

Innovative financing programme development

• Identify programme opportunities to engage alternative and innovative sources of finance that can fund programmes that support greater self-reliance among displaced populations and hosting communities within the Middle East region.
• 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

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

Experience and technical competencies:

• Advanced degree in finance, economics, or other relevant degree;
• At least five years of relevant experience in a relevant field (market systems, innovative/alternative finance, impact investing, inclusive growth, private sector development, business development, social enterprises etc.)
• An understanding of forced displacement and migration issues not essential.
• A strong understanding of the Middle East region, the donor and funding landscape and opportunities and challenges in the region.
• 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, with 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
• Experience in collaborating, networking and negotiating with authorities, civil society, the private sector or foundations, 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;

Education:

• Relevant educational background (an MA in humanitarian/development subjects, or economics, business and finance).

Languages:

• English: Fluent (written and spoken)
• Arabic skills an advantage, but not essential

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: You act in line with our vision and values.

We offer

Contract length: 1 year contract

Band: Non-Management – Band G

Location: Amman - Jordan

Start date: August 15, 2021

Application process

Interested? Then apply for this position by clicking on the apply button.
All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in the same language as this vacancy note. CV only applications will not be considered.

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please contact younes.elazm@drc.ngo

Closing date for applications: July 26, 2021

Need further information?

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