Livelihoods Manager (Based Manager) at Danish Refugee Council (DRC)

Location: Maiduguri, Borno
Contract type: Expatriate contract

The Job

• To ensure the effective implementation of DRC’s Integrated EC/EU project in Yobe State and ensure smooth running of the Yobe based office.
• This include involvement in coordination with other EC project consortium members, the local and state government and local civil groups involve in the project.
• The Livelihoods Manager –Based Manager will be expected to ensure timely, accountable and protection-sensitive delivery of the EC project, mentor and manage field staff, ensure open lines of communication with Consortium members and with DRC Safety Unit and foster cross-sectorial linkages with shelter/NFI, WASH and protection where relevant.
• The LM is responsible for reporting on program delivery to internal and external stakeholders, in collaboration with the Head of Programmes, Area Manager, Quality Assurance Manager and MEAL Specialist.
• Program development will also be a key aspect, looking at future funding opportunities within Yobe State.
• Working with the Head of Programmes, QAM and AM for mutually reinforcing Livelihoods and Recovery activities project opportunities.

Responsibilities
General Management:

• Overall responsibility for the management of the DRC component of the EC Consortium project in Yobe State. This includes consideration of timeliness and accountability of cash distributions planned, as well as practical aspects (daily office management, HR/personnel, logistics, procurement, safety, reporting, distribution process monitoring, PDM and other evaluations of impact, mainstreaming of protection, consideration of Age, Gender and Diversity in distributions etc)
• Overall responsibility for meeting donor targets and compliance requirements through activities, means of undertaking activities, and in all documentation (financial, logistics etc). 
• Line manage national staff as defined by the AM and HoP, conducting performance reviews, setting objectives and ensuring expected performance criteria are met
• Adapt the EC project team structure according to needs, resources and capacities
• Ensure high quality project implementation in accordance with donor and DRC regulations as well as in line with agreed log frames/indicators, budgets, procurement plans, and work plans.
• Work closely with Safety Unit and logistics to ensure Duty of Care and staff/beneficiary safety considerations for all field travel, including sometimes to less secure locations
• With finance ensure that activities and expenses are regularly monitored and, as needed, action plans with follow-up are developed to correct any over- or underspending in a timely manner.
• Ensure effective information management from for programming, working with MEAL Specialist, ensuring data protection where relevant
• Ensure that the EC project is well documented and that the institutional memory of DRC Nigeria is preserved.
• Work closely with Logistics and Procurement Specialists and Supply Chain unit in order to ensure that proper documentation and accountability of supplies is in line with donor requirements and best warehousing practices.

Coordination:

• Pro-actively communicate and coordinate with other DRC teams (programmatic and support functions) to ensure safe, timely, effective and accountable achievement of objectives and targets.
• Regular coordination and liaison with Mercy Corps (Consortium Lead), Coopi (Consortium member), consortium member, relevant sector working groups, local authorities and other relevant partners in the field.
• Maintain strong links to AM, support functions and MEAL teams in Maiduguri to facilitate joint planning 
• Represent DRC in meetings relevant to the EC project and area coordination foras, as well with partners, donors, government officials and cluster/coordination meetings.
• Ensure DRC’s programming approach is known and correctly understood by all stakeholders.
• Pro-actively liaise and build good rapport with INGO, UN, local authority officials, community representatives, and any other relevant stakeholders.
• Facilitate reporting and information sharing through protection sector and other coordination mechanisms back to DRC management – provide and collect information to inform the whole response

Strategy:

• Continuous liaison with other actors (INGO, NNGO, UN, local authorities, civil society) and other DRC sector teams for context analysis to inform strategic approach
• Contribute to the development of DRC Nigeria programme strategy ensuring relevance to the country SPD, context and cluster strategy
• Roll out the strategy through effective programming and ensure its integration into the DRC Nigeria response as a whole.

Donor Relations / Funding:

• Reports in a consistent and timely manner to DRC managers and donors with regard to project progress and future plans. 
• Represent the organization where appropriate with implementing partners, government, and donor entities at field level – mainly Mercy Corps/EC. Help build strong relationships with donors and UN agencies at field level to ensure predictable funding for DRC’s programming in Nigeria.
• Monitor developments and determine strategic opportunities related to the FS sector
• Contribute to development of high quality proposals according to DRC Nigeria priorities as identified in its country strategic planning.
• Administration: Finances, Human Resources, and Logistics
• Provide appropriate and timely feedback to program staff regarding their performance, including annual staff performance appraisals. Identify with relevant staff their needs and opportunities for professional development.
• Develop job descriptions and recruit qualified Yobe staff (national).

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Reporting:

• Participate as required in project kick-off, close-out and review meetings. Ensure documentation and follow up of action points in a timely manner.
• Include the participation of beneficiaries and communities, particularly those most vulnerable or at-risk, in all stages of the project cycle where appropriate.
• Ensure that all activities are included in project M&E plans and work closely with MEAL Manager to ensure learning is institutionalised in programming. Ensure key lessons learned are incorporated in new project proposals.
• Strengthen accountability activities for relevant staff, ensuring that feedback from all relevant stakeholders is considered in programme design.
• Lead on monthly reporting to Mercy Corps and contribute significantly to development of end of project narrative reports
• The responsibilities listed in the JD are not exhaustive and may be readjusted according to operational needs but will remain in line with the overall purpose of the role.

Experience and Technical Competencies
Essential:

• Minimum 7 years of working experience in a humanitarian context and experience in complex emergencies and high-security environments
• Minimum 5 years technical experience in livelihoods programming, including managing EC/EU-funded projects
• Demonstrated success in building systems for tracking and reporting project activities
• Understanding of protection principles, conflict sensitivity
• Solid experience in staff management in a cross-cultural environment required
• Proven ability to build external relationships with diplomacy, tact and professionalism in a complex and demanding environment.
• Proficiency in common computer packages and financial software i.e. Word, Excel, Power point etc.
• Must show ability to work in an isolated and challenging environment.

Desirable:

• Previous experience in Nigeria or similar context with conflict/access analysis ability

Education:

• A University level degree in relevant subject

Languages:

• Fluency in written and spoken English

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ 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 DRC’s vision and values.

We Offer

• Contract length: One-year contract
• Level: MF Level 2 step 6
• Designation of Duty Station: Maiduguri, Borno State. Non-family Duty station
• Start date: 1 April 2019
• Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates; please refer to drc.ngo under Vacancies.