Humanitarian Advisor (Food Security) at Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe

• The aim is to prevent, minimize and respond appropriately to people's need in humanitarian crises. The position is part of the new Technical Unit created as part of our restructure. The aim of the unit is to provide technical advice and expertise to DKH and its partners in order to further qualify our work worldwide. This position ensures the quality of our projects in the areas of food security and thus makes a valuable contribution to the operationalization of the strategy.

Areas of responsibility:

Technical guidance and qualification of DKH and its local partners (40%)

• Internal and external focal point for food security
• Ongoing regular analysis of projects/ capacities to identify good practices and areas of improvement
• Operationalizing the DKH strategy, input on future strategic papers
• Provide technical advice and orientation along the project cycle, incl. review of proposals and reports in line with global standards, cluster guidance, other requirements.
• Support nutrition sensitive programming, as well as linkages to other focus areas (DRR, climate change, cash, livelihoods, gender etc.)
• Track early warning systems (e.g. IPC Classification) and support food security analysis and strengthen preparedness capacity
• Strengthen capacity of DKH and its partners through trainings, workshops, etc.
• Technical supervision and capacity development of focal points in the field (incl. mentoring/ coaching)
• Regular travel to project sites and field offices for on the job training, advice, support and implementation of specific activities, as well as short-term reinforcement in humanitarian emergencies.
• Identification of relevant links to development, including social protection, and interface function with BfdW
• Sensitization on the topic in general including gender specific aspects, accountability and participation.

Develop and maintain procedures, guidelines and instruments which are systematically embedded in our ways of working at all levels (20%)

• Development/ maintenance and rollout of professional standards, processes, procedures, instruments
• Build DKH/ partner capacity to proficiently and systematically apply the instruments and tools available
• Collaborate with colleagues in the technical unit and other stakeholders to develop or revise new procedures
• Close collaboration with CVA, markets and livelihoods officer in day-to-day work as well other advisers in the team and other departments
• Ensure that technical tools and materials are filed and accessible to staff and partners at all levels

Growing organizational evidence base, culture of learning and knowledge management (30%)

• Support routine data collection across our food security work (as well as nutrition and livelihoods)
• Support DKH and partner capacity to analyse data in order to inform decision making and project designs
• Collaborate with fundraising, communication, advocacy department in developing key messages and communication around food security and nutrition in general
• Contribute towards revision of organizational knowledge management processes and procedures together with other key actors (Technical Unit, Programmes, MEAL, etc.).
• Lead or participate in designing and commissioning of studies, evaluations etc.
• Share evidence and learning internally and externally and thereby contribute to the culture of learning and knowledge management within the organization and its partners
• Maintain project and learning database in order to provide regular updates of our work
• Facilitate regular communities of practice bringing together key stakeholders of DKH and local partners around food security (as well as nutrition and livelihoods)
• Innovations, new developments and findings are monitored, shared and integrated where appropriate
• Support briefing of senior management staff on food security (at times nutrition) in preparation for events

External representation, networking, advocacy, collaboration and cooperation (10%)

• Representation of DKH on food security at national, regional, EU and global level through events, conferences, working groups etc.
• Representation on the subject in in house coordination structures with Bread for the World
• Participate in the development of related policy and advocacy positions and support their dissemination.
• Work closely with communications department and advocacy staff to ensure relevant information is produced, edited, up to date and well-communicated for various internal and external purposes (external events, brochures, press releases, annual report, website etc.)
• Build relationships, maintain and expand networks with key stakeholders in this thematic field.

Qualifications

Technical qualifications:

• University degree humanitarian, development, food security or related field or years of experience in the management of food security (or related field) projects in humanitarian aid/ development
• Experience and knowledge in management of food security, additional expertise and experience in nutrition, markets and livelihoods highly appreciated
• Experience in humanitarian aid is essential
• Experience in conducting and analyzing studies and evaluations
• Demonstrated experience in capacity building through training, mentoring, coaching
• Experience or interest in localization/ working with local actors
• Experience in external representation (third-party donors, clusters, thematic events, etc.)
• Familiar with humanitarian coordination structures, technical working groups, mandates from donors, UN and other NGOs in the field
• Up to date on current trends and developments and best practices
• Excellent English and French language/ communication skills (other languages are an advantage)
• MS Office skills as well as use of digital technologies applied on project level
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly and in a manner appropriate to the target audience

Personal qualifications

• Self-starter with drive and ability to invest and master subject matters
• Works independently and reliably, but also well as part of a team
• Willingness to take on responsibility;
• Organizational skills, ability to prioritize tasks
• Intercultural and interpersonal skills
• Commitment to delivering quality
• Ability to build trust and successful relationships (in person and from a distance);
• Positive and engaging attitude, ability to inspire others
• Affinity for localization and working with local partners
• Flexibility, ability to work under pressure, perseverance;
• Willingness to travel on assignments, ability to work in tropical regions;
• Confident professional presentation, good interpersonal skills.