The overall purpose of the role
The overall responsibility of the Project Officer – Economic Recovery is to provide sound technical expertise to a financial inclusion project funded by EU and led by DRC in partnership with SOMREP. The role will directly report to a financial inclusion 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 project assistants, and community engagement facilitators. In addition, he/she will undertake other duties as assigned by the Project Manager in a matrix management arrangement with the Area Manager and technical coordination with the DRC Economic Recovery/Livelihoods Coordinator to ensure the project expectations are met

Responsibilities:

Project Management/Development, Monitoring & Evaluation

• Plan, oversee and support the broad implementation of livelihoods activities (Financial inclusion activities within the project).
• Remain abreast of topical developments related to economic recovery and financial inclusion that will promote community participation in the financial sector hence improving their economic/livelihoods well-being.
• Promote sector learning and knowledge management in the Livelihoods sector through: collating findings/ information collected from the field as well as routine monitoring to draw lessons.
• Lead in community mobilization, sensitization, formation of groups and training on VSLAs as well as FED (financial enterprise development) to promote financial inclusion amongst the vulnerable and unbanked communities.
• Develop and or adopt sector guidelines and tools in support of livelihoods implementation.
• Submit timely and high-quality activity and donor and internal progress reports.
• Work closely with the Protection, MEAL and Advocacy/Communication teams to enhance program integration through well-thought-out strategic strategies.
• Ensure livelihoods sector growth in scope through fundraising – identification of sector gaps and root causes analysis, and take the lead in developing quality concept notes/proposals with corresponding activity budgets.
• Support the Economic Recovery team in project kick-off, review and project closure meetings including periodic program review and planning meetings and external meetings as often and as requested by the supervisor.
• Ensure project staff adhere to CHS Principles in project implementation; participate in CHS audits and support M&E plan.

Coordination & Partnership

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with all stakeholders, including urban refugee and host community members and leaders, NGOs, UN agencies, DRS (Department of Refugees Services), FSP (financial Service Providers) and other DRC team members including partners to enhance multi-agency and multi-sectoral cooperation and coordination on response activities.
• Promote collaboration and synergy between refugee-focused interventions and the host communities.
• Actively participate and engage in relevant coordination meetings and collaborate with other agencies of relevance/value add to DRC’s urban agenda.

Budget Management

• Provide support to ensure sound budget expenditure, adherence to DRC financial procedures and donor requirements as related to the livelihoods sector.
• Support Draft spending plans, procurement plans, and work plans based on livelihood activities and budgets.
• Support in budget follow-up meetings to ensure the budget is tracked and over/under expenditures are addressed in time.

Technical Implementation

• Implement technical activities related to financial inclusion including building the capacity of VSLAs as well as work with digital partners to digitize VSLAs. Implement the graduation approach helping VSLAs to gain financial capital
• Provide technical leadership to project assistants and community engagement facilitators on best practice around financial inclusion and business practices, focusing on community engagement.
• Conduct training in financial literacy and entrepreneurship skills, working with micro-businesses to strengthen business plans and operations.
• Work with farmer producer groups linking them with business enterprises to promote businesses

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.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of 3 years + of field experience in leading and managing economic recovery/livelihoods programming in an International NGO’ or other relevant agency and experience implementing Financial Inclusion interventions and models (VSLA/GS&L, Financial Education, savings groups-bank linkage) is an added advantage.
• A degree in relevant field (Business Management, Economics, Entrepreneurship or Community Development or its equivalent).
• Fluency in written and spoken English essential
• Technical experience in financial inclusion programming including working with VSLAs, developing the capacity of micro-enterprises, working with micro-loans and formal financial institutions, providing financial inclusion training. Experience working with sharia finance an advantage
• Experience in working with digital service providers and digital financial services including the implementation of digital solutions
• Strong project management skills, with experience managing multiple location, sector project budget.
• Experience working in displacement responses and in multi-sectoral interventions.
• Experience in the digitization of savings groups project, enterprises, or social associations is an added advantage
• Strong planning, organization and problem-solving skills with ability to work both independently and within a team in a demanding working environment.
• Good analytical and strategic planning skills.
• A demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with host governments, donors, partners, local organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Good level of communication and interpersonal skills.

Conditions

Contract: 12 months with the possibility of extension, subject to funding and performance. Salary and other conditions are offered by DRC’s Terms of Employment for National Staff; Employment band non-management H2

Availability: 1st June 2024

Duty station: This position is based in Jowhar

Reporting Line: Economic Recovery Team Leader

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, and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct about DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. DRC conducts thorough background checks as part of the recruitment process

Application and CV

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered

DRC only accepts applications sent via our online application form on www.drc.ngo under Vacancies.

Please submit your application and CV in English no later than 8th May 2024