DRC is looking for a qualified individual with experience in Economic programming in Mandera, working under the Project Manager as Economic Recovery Officer responsible for various project activities within the Economic Recovery sector, with an understanding of market systems. The project aims to link with cross-border markets in Dollo-Ado region of Ethiopia and Gedo region of Somalia, and to specifically target women and youth (male and female). In addition, he/she will undertake other duties assigned by the Project Manager in a matrix management arrangement with the Head of Programmes and technical coordination with Project Coordinator- inclusive markets and project partners in the TIG’s to ensure the project expectations are met. Applications from qualified candidates who worked in the context are strongly encouraged.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Programme Management, Development, Monitoring and Evaluation
Carry out participatory needs assessments and identify appropriate Economic Recovery interventions to increase incomes and long-term resilience for the local community.
Develop a good understanding of facilitation-based interventions in the market sector that support it, including demonstrating a good understanding of market opportunities for smallholder farmers, gender and youth.
Prepare quarterly workplans and raise quarterly PRs as per the project workplan
Take an active role in periodic project review and planning meetings; and external meetings as often as requested by the project Manager.
Take a lead role in the documentation of lessons learned and ensure they are fed into the design of activities.
Take part in field reporting by preparing technical internal and external reports for DRC Kenya’s activities in Mandera, in accordance with EU guidelines and support implementing M&E plans and share with MEAL team for consolidation.
As assigned by project Manager, take major part in implementation of DRC Kenya, BORESHA activities in the project target areas and also support post implementation monitoring as and when required.
Participate in monthly BFU review meetings to know where the project stands with the given project duration as well as technical implementing Group (TIG) meetings.
Identification of community members to benefit from project activities and other formal/informal financial support activities as outlined in project documents, and ensure relevant monitoring is done throughout the project.
Develop relevant training manuals and practices for target beneficiaries and lead in facilitating training where necessary.
Ensure all project beneficiaries are properly mentored and supported throughout the project.
Ensure that all project documentation is in place.
Gather community feedbacks and feed into the monthly accountability template.
Adhere to CHS Principles in day to day project implementation; participate in CHS audits; support in implementing the M&E plan.
Assist in developing livelihoods concept notes and proposals towards future fund-raising efforts.
Coordinate field reporting: prepare monthly progress reports both technical internal and external reports. Share weekly updates for project performance with the Project manager for consolidation.
Coordination & Partnership
Promote collaboration and synergy between DRC, DW, BORESHA consortium members, partners, local authorities, local communities and other agency interventions.
Engage various market players, develop partnerships, carry out partnership activities and act as a professional and credible spokesperson for the program.
Support the consortium members and DRC Kenya Project Manager to ensure effective liaison with stake holders and relevant Government of Kenya departments, from the location to divisional levels, as needed.
Participate in external stakeholder meeting and maintain external relations involving government officials and other key stakeholders.
Support the Project Manager through contributing to the PMM preparations for the project.
Support Project Manager in liaising with DRC Kenya partners to get weekly and monthly updates of the project implementation.
Budget Management
Support budget drafting exercise as per the identified or prioritized needs of the project as well as new projects.
Support budget tracking to check budget utilization and work closely with the Project Manager to address any spending gaps identified.
Prepare quarterly budget forecast for respective project activities as well as participate in Monthly BFU meetings
Experience and technical competencies:
Must have a degree in Agribusiness Management, Agricultural Economics, Entrepreneurship, Business Administration, or other livelihoods related disciplines;
Minimum 3 years’ experience in implementing livelihoods or income generating projects preferably with an NGO. Experience in Mandera County as well as cross border programming is strongly preferred.
Have an understanding of MSD approach, Value chain growth and development, microenterprise / small business development including VSLA / Groups, DRR interventions and animal health initiatives.
Skills or training in financial literacy as well as implementation of integrated programming approach is desirable
Prior experience working with local governments and stakeholders in implementation of projects, including community mobilization skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team; well organized, and able to prioritize multiple tasks
Working knowledge of MS Office and other relevant computer applications
Able to adapt to changing program priorities and emergency priorities that may arise.
Good planning and organizational skills coupled with problem solving capabilities.
Fluency in Somali language is essential.
Education
Must have a degree in Agribusiness Management, Agricultural Economics, Entrepreneurship, Business Administration or other livelihoods related disciplines;
Language:
Written and spoken fluency in English and Kiswahili
Working knowledge & Fluency in Somali language is essential.
