Livelihoods Officer-Microenterprise Development at Danish Refugee Council

Job Purpose:

With regards to the Livelihoods sector, DRC is specifically looking for a qualified individual with competencies in livelihood development, microenterprise development, VSLA training and implementation, a strong understanding of market systems, and a strong understanding of how to improve and add value to market chains. In addition to entrepreneurial trainings and the formation of VSLAs, the program envisions developing and strengthening value chains with products from the Kakuma and Kalobeyei camps, including hides and skins, handicrafts, and any locally grown agricultural products.

Key Responsibilities:

Programme Management, Development, Monitoring and Evaluation

• Carry out participatory needs assessments and identify appropriate livelihood interventions to increase incomes for the local community and reduce poverty in Kakuma and Kalobeyei
• Participate in periodic program review and planning meetings; and external meetings as often as requested by the Livelihoods Team Leader.
• Ensure project staff adhere to CHS Principles in day to day project implementation; participate in CHS audits; support M&E plan.
• Assist in developing livelihoods concept notes and proposals.
• Coordinate field reporting: prepare technical internal and external reports.

Coordination & Partnership

• Serve as the liaison with stake holders and relevant Government of Kenya departments – from the location to divisional levels
• Promote collaboration and synergy between the DRC, host community groups, and refugee groups in the Kakuma and Kalobeyei refugee camps.
• Participate in the camp-level inter-agency Livelihoods Working Group;

Budget Management

• Supervise the budget expenditures, ensuring adherence to DRC financial procedures and donor requirements
• Draft spending plans, procurement plans, and work plans based on activities and budgets.
• Help to the draft livelihoods activity budgets.
• Liaise closely with finances officer in the management of the livelihood activity budgets.

Staff Management

• Hold regular meetings with staff to plan and address any concerns and share feedback
• Monitor and provide objective feedback related to staff performance, including completing staff performance evaluations to promote growth and professional development
• Provide leadership and support to ensure staff well-being, i.e. monitor and manage stress management by providing regular opportunities for staff debriefing to address secondary trauma.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Must have a degree in Agribusiness management, Agricultural Economics, Entrepreneurship, Business Administration, or other livelihoods related disciplines;
• Minimum 2 years’ experience setting up and implementing livelihoods or income generating projects preferably with an NGO in a refugee/IDP setting
• Skills or training in basic book keeping or financial literacy is desirable
• Prior experience working with local governments and stakeholders in implementation of projects
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; well organized, and able to prioritize multiple tasks.
• Working knowledge of MS Office and other relevant computer applications,
• Proven understanding of microenterprise / small business development including Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) approach (ILO), VSLA / Groups Savings and Loan approaches,
• Able to adapt to changing program priorities and emergency priorities that may arise
• Strong self-starter, able to take initiatives.
• Good planning and organizational skills coupled with problem solving capabilities
• Hands-on community mobilization skills
• Experience with hides and skins an added advantage
• Experience in working in harsh climatic conditions and ability to communicate in any languages used in South Suda, the Great Lakes area, and / or Turkana will be an added advantage