Deputy Chief of Party (BORESHA NABAD)

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is an independent international non-governmental organization, working in 40+ countries throughout the world, and our primary mandate is to promote durable solutions for refugees and displaced populations. The DRC office in Nairobi is a Regional Office providing management support and strategic direction to DRC programs operating in East Africa & Great Lake region.

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is leading a consortium of partners in implementation of the EU-funded programme BORESHA NABAD across Mandera, Kenya, Dollo Ado, Ethiopia and Gedo, Somalia. Building upon BORESHA I, II and III, BORESHA NABAD is centered on enhancing the effectiveness of conflict prevention and mitigation, disaster risk reduction and management, and resilience-building in cross-border communities. DRC is partnering with Rural Agency for Community Development (RACIDA), Voice for Peace for All in the Horn of Africa (VOPA) and Mandera Women for Peace and Development (WFPD) to deliver BORESHA NABAD.

Overall purpose of the role

The Deputy Chief of Party is the senior most field-based position for the BORESHA-NABAD programme and will be responsible for day-to-day implementation and coordination of activities across the Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia field offices. As a Senior member of the Programme Management Unit, the Deputy Chief of Party will support the Chief of Party in the overall planning, implementation, and management of the programme.

Responsibilities:

• As the senior most person at the field level, contribute to the overall leadership and management, and general technical direction, for the design and implementation of project activities across the different programme target locations.
• Responsible for the overall coordination and compliance of all consortium member activities at the field level and ensuring a shared project vision and ‘theory of change’ amongst staff and across all implementing agencies.
• Responsible for day-to-day design, delivery, and progress against agreed targets of the project across all implementing agencies, including timely and quality completion of all programme’s technical and financial deliverables and reports in accordance with EU guidelines.
• Manage and work with respective project managers to identify implementation gaps and provide on-site support through frequent visits to project sites.
• Serve as a liaison with and build effective working relationships with government counterparts, local partners, communities, power brokers, relevant development agencies, private businesses, donors, and other relevant stakeholders at the field level.
• In close coordination with finance and supply chain teams, support financial and administrative management of the programme at the field level, ensuring compliance with DRC, EU, and national policies, rules, regulations, and systems in a timely, documented, accurate & appropriate manner; ensures that support services are cost-effective and efficient.
• Support the establishment and implementation of effective project reporting, monitoring and evaluation, financial management, and procurement mechanisms that meets DRC and donor regulations.
• Develop partnership and activity sequencing and layering plans with other humanitarian and development cross-border programmes, and private sector actors at the local level and coordinate with authorities in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia Government levels.
• Lead Technical Working Group meetings at the field level and ensure outcomes of those meeting are actioned and integrated into implementation cycle of the programme.
• Promote sustainability of project activities with effective networking, linkages to other programmes, capacity building of key project staff, and strengthening community-based organizations and mechanisms.
• Participate in the hiring, professional development, and evaluation process of field programme staff, ensuring the achievement of project results by setting specific goals and providing continuous performance feedback.
• Ensure that the DRC Dynamics (ERP) system is fully used in managing Supply Chain, Finance, HR, and Grant Management at the field level.
• Ensure a safe and secure environment for DRC staff, beneficiaries, and assets by operationalizing DRC’s security procedures, and providing safety and security analysis, recommendations, and follow-ups.

About you

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.

Experience and technical competencies:

• University degree in relevant field (development studies, peacebuilding, and Social Sciences) with at least 8-years relevant experience and at least 3-years’ experience managing large-scale multi-sector programming.
• Experience in Resilience, Market Systems, and Stabilization Programming is highly desired.
• Practical and extensive consortium management experience with extensive knowledge of activity design, budget development, and implementation tracking. Eu programme management experience is an added advantage.
• Practical and proven skills in negotiation and conflict resolution with a wide range of stakeholders including working with government and private sector stakeholders in fragile contexts.
• Experience in security and safety management in highly dynamic security environments.
• Experience living and/or working in Mandera, Dollow, or Dollo Ado is strongly preferred.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and as a team is needed.
• Proven excellent communication skills and fluency in written and spoken English, and any of Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia borderlands local languages is essential. Excellent report writing skills is a must.

Education

• Advanced University degree in relevant field (development studies, peacebuilding, and Social Sciences). with at least 8-years relevant experience;

We offer

• Contract length: One year, renewable.
• Employment Category: Band M E2
• Start date: February 2024
• Duty Station: Nairobi
• Reporting Line: Chief of Party

Providing equal opportunities. We are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, age, ability, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other factor. At DRC we celebrate diversity and appreciate our employees for the people they are and their unique skills, backgrounds, and perspectives. We encourage all interested candidates to apply.

Promoting high standards : DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process