Cash and Livelihoods Coordinator Job Vacancy in Kenya - Danish Refugee Council

Position Title: Cash and Livelihoods Coordinator

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) has been providing relief and development services in the Horn of Africa since 1997. Using a human rights framework, the DRC East Africa and Great Lakes (EAGL) operation focuses on people who are affected by displacement, including refugees, internally displaced, migrants, and host communities in Burundi, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is implementing a large scale-up project to respond to the drought in the Horn of Africa and contribute to famine prevention efforts. At the current time, the project will specifically be implemented in Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia, with some displacement research extending into Djibouti. This multisectoral integrated emergency response will also have a specific focus on strengthening the protective environment in drought-affected areas of Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya, and improving the delivery of life-saving services in areas affected by large-scale displacements.

Overall purpose of the role

The Cash and Livelihoods Coordinator will provide targeted and high-quality strategic guidance, capacity strengthening and technical leadership to DRC Emergency Economic Recovery portfolio, across DRC’s three Economic Recovery sub-sectors (food security, decent livelihoods, and financial inclusion), and will promote and reinforce DRC’s leadership and expertise in building self-reliance and resilience for conflict-, climate- and displacement-affected populations in Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia.

A specific focus for the Cash and Livelihoods Coordinator will be related to the implementation of cash-based modalities in support of developing and increasing DRC’s emergency portfolio. In particular, s/he will promote the standardization of emergency CVA practices to develop community-based programming models and support emergency interventions transitioning to early recovery. A secondary focus will be to support the development of integrated programming across other DRC core sectors of intervention (including WASH, CCCM and Protection).

The Cash and Livelihoods Coordinator reports to the Chief of Party and works in close collaboration with the technical teams in country and other Coordinators within the PMU.

Responsibilities:

Strategy

  • Contribute to the further strategic and programmatic development of DRC’s CVA portfolio in Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia, across DRC’s Response Framework and its three programmatic platforms (Responding to Emergency; Solutions to Displacement; Addressing Root Causes). This includes further defining DRC’s strategic niche in building the self-reliance of conflict- and displacement-affected populations in fragile contexts through effective and timely emergency responses.
  • Review and refine the strategic uses, planning and design of Market Systems Approaches (including in support to basic needs, in close collaboration with the Regional Emergency Coordinator) including via facilitating strategic workshops and based upon relevant assessments and stakeholder consultations.
  • Ensure all CVA activities across operating countries adhere to globally approved cash-based programming standards.
  • Liaise with Global Economic Recovery Team, Global CVA lead and Global Emergency Unit on global initiatives (e.g. programme, policy, advocacy, research) and represent DRC externally at regional level in relevant technical, policy and advocacy forums and communities of practice.
  • Collaborate with other sector leads (e.g. Protection, Humanitarian Disarmament, CCCM and Peacebuilding, Environment, etc.) at country or regional level to explore options for integrated programming.

Capacity Strengthening

  • Identify technical and/or programmatic gaps and provide training, mentoring and capacity building as required, and specifically for technical line reports.

  • Complete regular field visits to deliver training, technical oversight, identify needs, provide support, trouble shoot, strengthen capacity, and ensure quality programming.

  • Specific areas of focus:

  • Rapid Market assessment and cash feasibility: support uptake/better use of targeted rapid market assessment and analysis, including labour market assessments, in support of market systems programming across DRC’s Response Framework.

  • Modality selection/due diligence: deepen DRC Economic Recovery and Emergency staff’s ability to undertake robust modality selection (across cash, vouchers, or in-kind – alone, or in combination with other assistance modalities such as service provision or infrastructure); systematically further embed and build capacity for the use of DRC’s Modality Due Diligence (MDD) tool in the design of Economic Recovery programs.

  • Monitoring and evaluation: support outcome monitoring to measure programme quality, and evaluate impact, cost-effectiveness and relevance.

  • Participation and accountability: support DRC operations to increase the participation of and their accountability to populations of concern.

  • MSA preparedness: support organisational preparedness for market systems programming (including CVA and uptake of digital payments in country operations).

Technical & Operational Support

  • Technical support: provide technical advice and support to Economic Recovery and Emergency teams on assessment, design, set-up, implementation, monitoring, learning and reporting of higher quality, more timely and more accountable needs, preferences and market-based Economic Recovery programming on behalf of IDPs or refugees, and their host communities.
  • Act as Project Focal Point for dedicated EC Rec GFFO projects and ensure the projects meet outcomes, indicators and budgetary targets in a timely manner through monthly project review coordination meetings with AMs.
  • Quality assurance & compliance: follow up on the implementation of DRC’s minimum standards for Economic Recovery programming and lead the development, harmonization, rolling out of and training in core programme tools, guidance and standard operating procedures (SOPs) as required, with a particular focus on early recovery interventions. Assure compliance with DRC standards and procedures, and alignment with global and regional strategies, including through regular coordination with colleagues in support services at Regional and HQ levels.
  • Risk management: support organisational risk management related to MSA and for core Economic Recovery activities.

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:

  • Masters in social sciences, Economics, Development Studies or other relevant field.

  • Minimum 5 years international field experience in similar roles with humanitarian and/or development INGO

  • Substantial experience in a technical advisory role and with hands-on programme management and implementation across the project/programme cycle

  • Demonstrable experience working on economic recovery and emergency cash-based programming in contexts of forced displacement.

  • Significant experience and demonstrated expertise in market systems programming in fragile contexts, financial inclusion and food security support.

  • Familiarity with self-reliance programming, including safety net and the Graduation Approach is a plus

  • Experience delivering targeted and high-quality technical training and capacity building, including in settings with remote technical management.

  • Familiarity with DRC’s other core sector of intervention, in particular Protection, WASH and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (HDP) will be a plus.

  • Excellent representation and communication skills along with strong analytical and strategic thinking skills

  • Excellent organisational skills, ability to determine priorities and attention to detail.

  • Excellent interpersonal and coordination skills, including working with different groups, partners and nationalities, and experience in coordination mechanisms.

  • Experience in East Africa and Great Lakes, in particular in Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia is expected.

  • Ability to travel regularly within the region and beyond – including in conflict affected areas – for up to 4 weeks at a short time notice.

  • Proficiency in English is a strong preference, while other regional languages are beneficial.

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 for Kenyan Staff; Employment band F-Non-Management; not accompanied.

Availability: Immediately

Duty station: To be determined (Nairobi/Kenya, Addis Ababa/Ethiopia or Mogadishu/ Somalia – with more than 50% of travel to other two country and field offices)

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

How to apply

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 https://candidate.hr-manager.net/ApplicationInit.aspx?cid=1036&ProjectId=167625&DepartmentId=19006&MediaId=5 under job.

Please submit your application and CV in English no later than 05 April 2023