About DRC
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a humanitarian, non-governmental and non-profit organization, founded in 1956, that works in more than 35 countries around the world. DRC is one of the largest protection actors in Kenya, actively coordinating and advocating for improving the protective environment for refugees and host communities. DRC implements Protection monitoring, Child Protection and GBV prevention and response programmes in its areas of operation to address protection issues faced by displaced and non-displaced at-risk groups and individuals. The programme also aims to identify and build synergies with DRC´s Economic Recovery sector to facilitate durable solutions and Humanitarian Disarmament & Peace Building activities to enhance to respond to the needs of communities affected by acute crisis as well as those in protracted displacement situations.

Overall purpose of the role:
The holder of this position will manage a team of Economic Recovery Officer and Assistants to effectively implement a financial inclusion project. The overall responsibility of the Economic Recovery Coordinator is to provide sound technical expertise to the financial inclusion project funded by Sweden and led by DRC in collaboration with KCB Bank, KCB Foundation and Chamasoft Ltd. The role will directly report to the Project Manager and support the day-to-day implementation of the economic recovery related activities in the project as well as contribute to the recruitment and management of the Economic Recovery Officer and Assistants. In addition, the position holder will undertake other duties as assigned by the Project Manager. He/she will be responsible for the overall design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of DRC’s Economic Recovery programme in the specific area. The Economic Recovery Coordinator will provide oversight, technical support, and leadership within the DRC Economic Recovery unit around activities related to financial inclusion.

Duties & Responsibilities:
Technical Expertise in Financial Inclusion

• Provide technical guidance on financial inclusion activities, including technical design of connecting entrepreneurs to formal financial institutions.
• Lead the development of a Revolving Fund to support financial inclusion in Mandera.
• Provide technical guidance on the training and establishment of Community Savings & Loans Associations (CSLAs), their running and managing their growth.
• Liaise with formal financial institutions to support access to finance for hard-to-reach customers, building trust and setting up dialogue with target communities.
• Support small businesses to access finance and repay credit facilities safely; providing mentorship where necessary to support growth and repayment.
• Develop a pipeline of businesses in target areas that can access formal finance and support the connection of these businesses to financial institutions.
• Provide technical guidance around KYC (Know-Your-Customer) requirements for access to formal finance.

Program Management, Development, Monitoring and Evaluation

• In collaboration with the Project Manager, provide technical leadership related to project design, development, planning, implementation, reporting and overall project management of the financial inclusion portfolio.
• Develop technically sound work plans consistent with programme goals and objectives in coordination with the Economic Recovery staff & the MEAL team.
• Develop high-quality concept notes, proposals, strategies, monitoring and evaluation plans and ensure their appropriate and timely implementation.
• Closely monitor the implementation of Financial Inclusion activities to timely, identify any problems that may affect the achievement of intended outputs and results.
• Submit timely weekly, monthly, quarterly & annual reports to the Project Manager.
• With support from field staff and the MEAL team, ensure robust monitoring & evaluation of all Economic Recovery activities.
• Ensure timely and quality procurement of sector items and services in liaison with the Supply Chain department.
• Ensure harmonious working of the team members with other consortium partners and stakeholders.
• Lead in private sector partner engagement.

Training & Capacity development:

• Organize and manage workshops, trainings and meetings that are hosted by the sector with relevant stakeholders.
• Provide ongoing technical support and mentorship to the Economic Recovery Officer and Assistants to develop professional and technical competency.
• Support field teams to participate in and provide leadership within coordination working groups and other sectorial meetings.
• Provide technical feedback on narrative reports and ensuring that established project targets and objectives are met.

Coordination & Partnership

• Ensure that DRC is effectively represented and fully participates in all the relevant thematic and inter-agency working groups, particularly in the areas of business/entrepreneurship and finance.
• Promote a positive profile of DRC and the project by ensuring DRC’s role is well understood within and without the sector, and among other partners and communities.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with consortium partners and all other stakeholders.
• Provide higher level guidance to the market systems with private sector engagement.
• Provide guidance in mapping and engagement strategy.

Budget Management:

• Manage the Economic Recovery budget in Mandera in order to maintain sound project expenditure within the set parameters; ensuring adherence to DRC financial procedures and donor requirements.
• Support the Economic Recovery team members to utilize financial planning tools, such as spending, procurement, and work plans based on activities and budgets.
• Prepare spending plans, procurement plans, and work plans based on activities and budgets.

Experience and technical competencies:

• At least five years of experience working in banking, financial inclusion, access to finance programmes, sustainable and alternative livelihoods, resilience, economic recovery and self-reliance programming.
• Good working know on the Village Savings & Loans methodology with excellent understanding of market systems development approach and the Graduation model.
• Must have substantial previous experience in implementing financial inclusion and MSD programmes with good understanding of access to finance.
• Excellent analytical and writing skills; cultural sensitivity and have respect for diversity.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to establish effective working relations with local partners and other stakeholders.
• Experience and willingness to work in the field with proficient programme management skills.

Education

• At least a Bachelor’s degree in Agri-business, Business Development, Economic Development, Community/International Development) from a recognized university.
• A Master’s degree in a relevant field will be a plus. Knowledge of Kiswahili and the Somali language is an advantage.

Language:

• Written and spoken fluency in English and Kiswahili

Key stakeholders: Internal & External

• Economic Recovery teams, Support Services team, Urban program, Country office program and support teams;
• Consortium Partners.
• National and county government authorities.
• Other NGOs.
• Private sector players.
• Donors.

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.

Conditions

• Contract: One-year contract with possibility of extension, subject to funding and performance. Salary and other conditions are offered in accordance with DRC’s Terms of Employment.
• Availability: July 2024
• Duty station: Mandera base office, Mandera

Application and CV:
Only motivated applications that address the stipulated duties and meet the required qualifications, sent together with a CV, will be considered.
DRC only accepts applications sent via our online-application form on www.drc.ngo under Vacancies. Please remember to upload both a letter of application and your CV and do not attach any written recommendations. Please submit your application and CV in English no later than 28th June 2024

Gender Equality: DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels. In light of this, Female candidates and those from minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
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, color, race, marital status or other protected characteristics.
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. Visit drc.ngo to read more about what we do to secure robust safeguarding mechanisms.
If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit drc.ngo/jobsupport.