Specialist in economic recovery (rural livelihood programs) – Ukraine

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading protection agency with a mandate to protect, advocate and promote sustainable solutions for displaced people.

DRC has been active in Ukraine since 2014. Currently, DRC has over 700 staff in Ukraine and will continue to scale up significantly in 2024 to implement emergency assistance in the Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (Humanitarian Mine Action) sectors, through direct interventions, support to duty-bearers and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and partnerships with CSOs. DRC will continue to develop and adapt its portfolio of sustainable solutions to the changing context.

DRC is currently looking for a Economic Recovery Specialist (Rural Livelihood Programs) for her activities in Kiev.

About the role:

The Economic Recovery Specialist (Rural Livelihoods Programs) is a key member of the Economic Recovery Department and is responsible for the efficient, timely and quality implementation of Economic Recovery interventions. The overall purpose of the Economic Recovery Specialist role is to provide technical support and direct technical oversight to the assigned Economic Recovery portfolio, focused on early recovery and sustainable livelihoods interventions. The Economic Recovery Specialist works closely with the Economic Recovery Coordinator and the field-based Economic Recovery Managers and Team Leaders to ensure timely, coordinated and practical technical support to the implementation teams. The Specialist also assists in guiding the development of country and area strategies related to rural livelihoods programming.

Your main responsibilities are:

Capacity building, training and technical support for DRC Economic Recovery (EcRec) teams

• Develop or support the development and review of technical guidelines (e.g., standard operating procedures, guidelines, tools). Provide capacity building and training to teams on how to apply implementation guidelines.
• Provide or facilitate the introduction, orientation and capacity building for the field teams or other colleagues.
• Ensure that the allocated economic recovery portfolio complies with national, organizational and donor technical regulations, technical quality standards and other regulations, policies and procedures.
• Ensure harmonized approaches, methodologies and consistent use of technical tools across all areas and programmes.
• Assess the suitability of different programming options and the appropriateness of different programme activities and ensure that implementation modalities best suit needs and context.
• Work with the EcRec Coordinator and Area Programme Managers to develop the sector’s strategic direction and plans, including expanding economic programming based on the needs of target groups in Ukraine.
• Work closely with Area Managers, Area Program Managers, Area Economic Recovery Managers, and Technical Team Leads to address implementation challenges and identify technical support needs.
• Ensure an inclusive and gender-sensitive approach to implementation, in line with the DRC policy on mainstreaming age, gender and diversity
• Support field teams in conducting assessments, data collection and analysis
• Work closely and collaborate with other sector coordinators and specialists to ensure the implementation of integrated programming, including input on integrated programme strategies and the development of tools and guidelines to facilitate programme integration

Monitoring and evaluation and quality assurance of economic recovery programming

• Work with the DRC Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) department to ensure that mechanisms are in place for effective, ongoing monitoring during the implementation of economic recovery programmes on farms, and to analyse and disseminate the impacts of the programmes.
• Conduct regular field visits to regional offices and programme sites and support field teams to ensure smooth and timely implementation of livelihood interventions, with a high level of programme quality.
• Together with the MEAL team and the Economic Recovery Coordinator, assessments are designed to identify the needs of the conflict-affected rural population, ensuring that programme design is based on robust data.

Program development and external representation

• Use primary and secondary data, contextual knowledge at field level, and discussions and priorities from different forums and stakeholders to provide high-quality input for concept notes and proposals.
• Participate in relevant FSL forums, such as the Agriculture Technical Working Group and FSL cluster meetings, and disseminate the minutes and key messages/perspectives from these meetings internally.

About you:

To be successful in this role we expect you to: minimum 2-3 years of experience in implementing economic recovery programs with a focus on rural/agricultural outcomes and activities and minimum 2 years of experience in human resource management. In addition, we also expect the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
• Knowledge and experience in implementing protection programmes in the areas of agricultural programming for subsistence farming, small and medium farms, rural value chain development and agro-MSME programming
• Previous proven experience in programs delivered through local partners or under external management
• Demonstrable experience in capacity building and training of national staff and local partners
• Technical expertise in agriculture, food security and early recovery; experience with climate-smart agricultural techniques would be a great asset
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office
• Full professional command of the English language; professional command of the Ukrainian language is an advantage.

In this role you will be expected to demonstrate DRC’s five core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: You focus on achieving results while ensuring an efficient process.
• To collaborate: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
• Taking the lead: You take responsibility and initiative and strive for innovation.
• Communicate: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrate integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct with respect to our values ​​and code of conduct, including protection from sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

• Contract Duration: One year contract after successful completion of a three month trial period (extendable depending on performance and funding)
• Band: G non-management
• Location designation: Kiev
• Start date: October 1, 2024

Salary and employment conditions are in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s employment conditions for citizens or expats; see Vacancies | DRC Danish Refugee Council