Job Opportunities at Danish Refugee Council

Overall purpose of the role: 

The regional office of DRC East Africa & Great Lakes (DRC EAGL) is looking for a dynamic, ambitious, and well-experienced specialist on environment and climate change within the humanitarian or development sector who will support DRC’s progression towards becoming an organisation which proactively complies with sustainable and environmentally sound principles and practices.

The position is based in Nairobi / Kenya at the DRC EAGL office, which covers international humanitarian and development work and situations of displacement in whole East Africa and the Great Lake region and has been funded until the end of the year. Continuation of the position is contingent upon available funding.

About the job

East Africa has always been prone to extreme weather conditions, namely droughts and floods, which climate change is expected to worsen in future and thus, make East Africa a “climate hotspot”. The impact of natural disasters is strongly interrelated with man-made environmental changes that may interfere with coping strategies traditionally applied and with natural resource-based livelihoods more generally. Thus, the importance of migration as a response to environmental and climatic stressors in combination with other societal developments is likely to grow in the future. It is expected that climate change will become the single largest root cause of displacement, increasingly undermining the capacities of local communities to achieve sustainable development pathways and resilience to shocks that force people to move. According to OCHA, climate change and environmental degradation could bring internal displacement figures to 140 million people by 2050. 

Therefore, the intersection of climate change, environmental degradation and displacement requires comprehensive solutions to the multidimensional challenges it creates. DRC EAGL aims to strengthen its programming with more tailored approaches to meet these upcoming challenges and hence, is looking for a strong candidate to support this complex, future direction of DRC EAGL. 

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

• Provide technical support and mentoring to program managers and team members in ensuring high-quality, impactful implementation in environment and climate change projects, documenting technical strategies and learning, and taking initiatives systematically to scale.
• Design and deliver technical support and mentoring to program managers and team members throughout the program cycle and especially at critical program milestones to embed a strong environment and climate change approach in programming, including: conducting risk, vulnerability and environmental assessments and analysis; refining program logic to incorporate environmental issues; designing interventions and activities that build resilience towards climate change  at household, community and systems-levels
• Support the technical capacity building of local disaster management structures and access to climate information systems to issue early warnings and coordinate anticipatory actions to feed into exploration of forecast based finance approaches
• Keep abreast of new thinking, research and innovations in environment and climate change and synthesize and regularly communicate findings for country teams in the EAGL region
• Facilitate cross-region environment and climate change learning groups to expand and deepen capacity and exchange across DRC EAGL teams, develop and facilitate cross-country training and guidelines for conducting environmental screenings and assessments and promote country teams’ work within the organization.
• Contribute to regional environment and climate change knowledge management and communications and to raising our external profile regionally, regularly sharing out findings and updates through appropriate internal and external channels.
• Represent DRC EAGL in appropriate learning and policy forums relevant to the EAGL region. Support country teams to identify and participate in opportunities for external representation and thought leadership.
• Support country, regional and HQ teams with environmental-related research initiatives, and create and disseminate learning and advocacy documents that demonstrate our programs’ impact, innovation and influence on environment and climate change.
• Explore innovative ways of integrating environmental screenings and assessments within existing needs assessments and tools used in DRC, complementing the classic conduct of environmental screenings and assessments, as well as undertake testing.
• Source and document new ideas and innovations from within country programs, private sector partners, researcher and academics and link them with appropriate implementing partners and funding sources to begin to scale up ideas that are proven in programs
• Support exploring alternative green funding opportunities and building relationships in the green finance ecosystem as well as development of concept notes for innovative approaches such as forecast based finance, bankable nature solutions and environment innovations relevant to displacement settings
•  Support exploring opportunities in alternative energy including solar and fuel-efficient stoves

About you

To be successful in this role we expect the following experience and technical competencies: 

• Advanced degree in environmental studies, geography, earth sciences or similar with a specification in climate change adaption and mitigation 
•  At least 7 years technical cross-sector (public / private sector and NGOs) working experience in the context of climate change, resilience, and environment
•  Strong understanding of environmental and climate change policy and practice, multilateral agreements as well as environmental frameworks relevant to the region 
•  Well elaborated know-how and experience in humanitarian programming
•  Experience designing and implementing disaster- and climate-resilience activities to support targeted households to better manage environmental risks as well as predictable disaster- and climate-related risks, such as flooding and droughts and other natural hazards, with experience in forecast-based finance an advantage
• Proven experience and knowledge about the conduction and challenges of environmental and climatic (impact) assessments, preferably with different tools (e.g. NEAT+, CVCA, CRiSTAL etc.)
•  Solid understanding of early warning systems, weather forecasting tools, food security vulnerability, and ability to link analysis to programme design. Demonstrated field experience desirable in development and management of early warning and early action, including awareness raising and training and capacity strengthening. 
• Experience in risk analysis and risk modelling, product development and environmental and climatic data management
• Strategic thinking ability, to capacity to develop innovative policies, systems and new eco-systems
• Excellent communication and networking skills with existing relevant contacts among experts and across different sectors
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong interpersonal skills, flexibility and willingness to travel
• Strong organizational and work prioritization skills
• Demonstrated leadership, versatility, and integrity
• Further donor languages such as French, German and/or Spanish are a strong asset 
• Advanced training, experience and knowledge of relevant fields such as nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based adaptation 
• GIS and remote sensing skills are highly desirable 
• Experience in project management as well as writing project documents, country reports and publications
• Knowledge of green finance and a network in this space is an advantage

Moreover, in this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies: 

1. Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process. 
2. Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback. 
3. Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation. 
4. Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly. 
5. Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

Duration:    Until 31st December 2021 renewable subject to Performance and Funding.

Contract:    Salary and conditions in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment Band Non-Manager G level 1

Start Date:    1st September 2021 

Duty Station:     Nairobi – Kenya with travel with frequent travel 

Reporting:     Technical Sector Manager and Regional Protection Coordinator

Commitments:     DRC has a Humanitarian Accountability Framework, outlining its global accountability commitments. All staff are required to contribute to the achievement of this framework (http://www.drc.dk/HAF.4265.0.html).  All DRC staff must be committed to the Red Cross Code of Conduct, as well as the Core Humanitarian Standards.

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.

Applications 

Applicants must send a cover letter (max 1 page) and an updated CV (max 3 pages) in English. Cover letter should outline your personal motivation for applying and your key qualifications for the position. Apply online on our page Current Vacancies at http://www.drc.ngo. Applications sent by email will not be considered. 

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Overall Purpose of the Role:

The holder of the position will work under the overall supervision of the SGBV Team Leader. The Protection Officer, WGE will coordinate, manage & supervise the direct implementation of SGBV Prevention activities in both Kakuma Refugee Camp and Kalobeyei Settlement. S/he will directly supervise five Protection Assistants and provide overall leadership to a team of SGBV Prevention staff (including over 20 Incentive Workers). S/he will work and liaise closely with the Protection Officer-SGBV Response, on coordination of SGBV program activities as per the donor requirements.

Responsibilities: 

1. Programme Management:

• Take lead in the development and implementation of programmes and activities aimed at increasing Girl Child/Female participation and involvement in DRC project activities as well as their improved access to services;
• Take a lead in the direct implementation of the mentorship programme through: Identification of mentors and mentees, Capacity building and training of mentors and mentees, Appropriate pairing of mentors and mentees, taking corrective measures where pairing is reported as being problematic and Monitoring the mentor-mentee relationships;
• Identify and promote culturally appropriate/relevant interventions geared towards improved physical and reproductive health, social skills (conflict resolution, problem solving, empathy and relationship building) and self-sufficiency of target beneficiaries
• Support in the identification of extremely vulnerable girls and young women for appropriate direct DRC support or referral to other actors for services not offered at DRC
• In close collaboration with data monitoring and MEL staff, develop and administer field activity monitoring tools for all WGE implemented activities and maintain (regularly update) a database of all DRC beneficiaries in the projects for grant reporting
• Conduct comprehensive report and documentation of lessons learnt and best practices to achieve project goals and activities;
• Provide DRC representation in coordination and information sharing forums as and when required
• Actively support in implementation of prevention activities like SASA! EMAP and other GBV prevention tools when requested and required to by your supervisor
• Give support & direction in designing, planning & implementation of WGE, SGBV and other protection activities including development of project proposal, concept notes & sector publications

2. Budget Management

• Regularly update the projects budget tracker for all project expenditure and participate in monthly BFU reviews with the finance team
• Actively support in grant monitoring through development of detailed/activity implementation work-plan, phased budget, procurement plans, and conduct budget tracking and narrative/financial reporting on outputs 

3. Staff Management

• Directly supervise the work of Five Protection Assistants and leadership for over 20 Community Incentive Workers;
• Ensure Community Incentive Workers’ monthly work plans are developed and reviewed regularly; 
• Conduct regular monitoring site visits including home visits to assess and verify ongoing activities where necessary
• 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 development 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.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation: 

• Support in conducting assessment and analysis of camp and programme dynamics and in recommending how the project can position itself to better serve the interests of the community
• Support the MEL staff to develop project monitoring and evaluation tools and assist in mid-term and end of project evaluations. Ensure safe and proper documentation and storage/filling of all WGE related program materials 
• Monitor work plan and its effectiveness and efficient implementation; document success stories from programs;

5. Coordination & Partnership:

• Represent the SGBV Team Leader at Protection Working Group Coordination and other meetings as may be necessary;
• Promote a positive profile of the program and good understanding among other sectors, partners and communities about the program.

Experience and technical competencies:

• At least 3 years’ experience in protection work supervisory responsibilities over national staff, budgetary oversight; program development, planning and implementation;
• Must have in-depth technical expertise on Protection, Women and Girls’ Empowerment and Gender Based Violence related issues including having a clear understanding of gender inequality, and issues surrounding discrimination and violence against women and girls
• Must have experience with operationalizing SGBV principles; Human Rights Law, MHPSS and other relevant international standards in a humanitarian aid setting; Well versed with Humanitarian Accountability Standards
• Proficient in community mobilization, relations, Behavior Change Communication and Case Management with good facilitation skills and proven record of providing trainings and workshops on gender and SGBV, SRH, topics in a variety of settings.
• Excellent Analytical, Communication and Report writing skills; Excellent Negotiation and Conflict Resolution skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to establish effective working relations with local staff, beneficiaries, duty bearers and other stakeholders

Education: 

• Bachelor’s Degree (Protection, Psychology, Community Health, International Relations, Law, Community Development or relevant Social Sciences)

DRC Core Competencies:

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.  

Conditions:  

Contract: 5 months contract with possibility of extension, subject to funding and performance. Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council terms of employment for National staff.
Availability: August 2021
Duty station: Kakuma (Qualifies for RnR and accommodation).
Key stakeholders:                                                                                       
Internal: Kakuma SMT, Protection and Livelihoods implementation teams, Support Services team 
External: Country Gender Officer and other government authorities; Protection Humanitarian Agencies and other NGOs; UNHCR and Donors; Community Structures 

General
Commitments: 

DRC has a Humanitarian Accountability Framework, outlining its global accountability commitments. All staff are required to contribute to the achievement of this framework (http://www.drc.dk/HAF.4265.0.html)

Application Process 

Qualified candidates are invited to submit their applications, which should include a 1-page cover letter clearly stating their motivation, and qualifications and a CV. Applications should include contact details of three professional referees who have supervised the candidate in the last five years. One referee must be the applicant’s most recent manager. Only applications that address the stipulated duties and meet the required qualifications will be considered.  
We only accept applications sent via our online-application form on http://www.drc.ngo under Vacancies.