Program Coordinator – Anticipatory Action – Yemen

Who are we?

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC), founded in 1956, is a leading international NGO and one of the few with specific expertise in forced displacement. Operating in 40 countries with 9,000 employees and supported by 7,500 volunteers, DRC protects, advocates and builds sustainable futures for refugees and other people and communities affected by displacement. DRC works in all stages of displacement: in the acute crisis, during displacement, during settlement and integration in a new location, or upon return. DRC provides protection and life-saving humanitarian assistance; supports displaced people in becoming self-reliant and integrated into host societies; and works with civil society and responsible authorities to promote the protection of rights and peaceful coexistence.

In recent years, DRC has increasingly engaged in anticipatory action responses to both climate hazards and conflict-induced displacement. We have developed innovative tools to predict hazard displacement, enabling humanitarian actors to get ahead of crises. We have implemented several projects in response to droughts and floods in Somalia and conflict-induced displacement in South Sudan, working with ECHO, IOM, WFP, FAO and IFRC, and are now expanding and scaling up this work through a new global anticipatory action project, including one implemented in South Yemen.

DRC has been implementing programmes in Yemen since 2009. When the conflict broke out in 2015, risks to civilians increased dramatically and DRC expanded its intervention to provide multi-sectoral programmes in the areas of WASH, food security and economic recovery, protection, CCCM, shelter and humanitarian mine action (HMA).

About the track

DRC Yemen is looking for a highly experienced Program Coordinator – Anticipatory Action to provide project leadership for the implementation of the Anticipatory Humanitarian Action for Displacement (AHEAD) project in South Yemen. This is a four-year project, funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, that will develop anticipatory action data models and approaches using local and global data for local-level analysis to inform humanitarian actors’ decisions when deploying humanitarian aid and to enable more timely, dignified, efficient and sustainable aid.

Under the technical line management of the Regional Coordinator and Global Chief of Party, the Yemen-based Anticipatory Action Coordinator will assume overall responsibility for the Yemen project and country-specific deliverables. The Anticipatory Action Coordinator will also work closely with other country coordinators in the region implementing the same project.

Main Responsibilities:

Management and coordination

• Take responsibility as project coordinator for all Anticipatory Action activities in the country and coordinate the teams in country (and with those in the region) to ensure project delivery.
• Contribute to technical working groups, both internal and external, and participate in discussions and forums with partners.

Implementation and technical support

• Lead monthly program reviews for the grant (at national level) to ensure quality and timely program implementation, in line with work plans, objectives and at appropriate expenditure levels over the life of the project.
• Develop and ensure project plans are kept up to date. Monitor monthly progress against project indicators and ensure reported figures are accurate and aligned with work plans.
• In close collaboration with the Support Services Manager and the Area Program Manager, ensure that procurement plans and accurate budget expenditure forecasts are continually updated and monitored to ensure timely delivery of project activities.
• Work with country sector teams to develop policy frameworks and discussions at local and national government levels, ensuring that anticipatory action planning is part of country preparedness.
• Work with regional and global leaders in anticipatory action to develop programmatic guidelines and policies for anticipatory action in response to conflict and climate hazards.
• Work with the broader DRC Evidence, Knowledge and Learning team to ensure clear and relevant data and analysis for displacement prediction models in Anticipatory Action.

Business development and advocacy

• Support for business development activities to expand the Anticipatory Action portfolio, coordinate the development of inputs for proposal development and engage potential donors.
• Contribute to DRC’s external advocacy and representation regarding anticipatory action.
• Work closely with the DRC Advocacy Coordinator on policy engagement regarding scaling up the use of anticipatory action in the humanitarian sector.

Reporting and communication

• Ensure clear lines of communication with all relevant internal and external stakeholders (with a strong focus on building relationships and understanding around anticipatory action with national and local authorities).
• Ensure high-quality internal and donor program reports are submitted in a timely manner.

About you

Experience and technical competences:

You are an effective project manager and enjoy coordinating teams of dedicated staff to build collaboration and capacity within the South Area Office program team and build strong relationships with national stakeholders.

Required

• Minimum 5 years of experience in humanitarian or development programming/projects in conflict areas.
• Experience in coordinating with national and local authorities, including coordinating working groups, trainings, workshops, etc.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills – verbal and written.
• Demonstrable problem-solving skills and a flexible and innovative attitude to work.
• Advanced knowledge and experience with Word, Excel, Outlook, etc., as well as data analysis.
• A strategic thinker who is able to contribute to a programmatic vision in a collaborative manner and communicate this to the area team.
• Highly motivated and hardworking, with great attention to detail.

Desirable

• Experience with the direct implementation of Anticipatory Action projects or projects related to climate resilience.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as part of a team and to build close working relationships with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong knowledge of using analytics in programming and response.
• Experience in capacity building and coaching of other staff.

Education:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as humanitarian action and development; or 3 years of additional relevant work experience.

Languages:

• Fluent English and Arabic are required.

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, with the possibility of extension.

Band: G1 non-manager

Location: Aden

Location designation: Non-family location

Start date: As soon as possible

This position is open to both international and national staff.

The salary and employment conditions are in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s employment conditions.