The Danish Refugee Council (DRC), an international non-governmental organization (NGO), has been providing relief and development services in the Horn of Africa since 1997. DRC promotes and supports solutions to the problems faced by refugees, internally displaced people (IDPs), and migrants. The organization has offices across the region and has been operational in Ethiopia since 2009. With funding from bilateral and multilateral donors, DRC is currently implementing a range of activities across Ethiopia and Djibouti, including WASH and shelter provision, child and youth protection, gender-based violence response, awareness-raising of migration risks, protection monitoring of migration routes, and livelihoods support for returning migrants or those at-risk of migration.

Overall Purpose of the Role: 

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC), is implementing an ECHO-funded programme across Tigray, Somali, Gambella and Afar regions, with a focus on protection and shelter.This project aims to meet the urgent needs of the most vulnerable while promoting self-reliance for those displaced by crisis and affected local host populations, while systematically increasing the capacity of local duty bearers and communities to play an important role as a keystone of the responses that affect them.DRC aims to:

• Provide immediate, life-saving assistance and emergency protection responses to conflict-affected communities in Tigray region
• Implement an integrated Protection response to conflict- and natural disaster-affected communities in Somali region
• Continue providing essential general protection programming, and expand case management services in Gambella region
• Provide mobile emergency response assistance in Afar region
• Support coordination of humanitarian response through the HINGO Forum and Protection Cluster

With a complex programme in diverse locations, DRC is seeking a highly qualified, enthusiastic and action-oriented individual for the position of  Project Coordinator to oversee the implementation and management of this project. The  Project Coordinator will also support the Head of Programmes in the adaptation and roll out of key project management tools across the portfolio. Applicants are expected to have a demonstrated generalist background in the development or humanitarian field with significant experience in project cycle management, and representation with community and government representatives, with experience working on ECHO funded programmes preferred.

Reporting To: Head of Programmes

RESPONSIBILITIES

Management & Coordination:

• Enabling and overseeing effective, efficient and timely implementation of the ECHO funded project,  in line with the submitted proposal, donor requirements and international best practice.
• Work closely with DRC technical teams, in particular protection and shelter, to ensure that all activities are in line with core protection principles and best practices and DRC and donor regulations.
• Oversee all steps of the project cycle, including timely implementation of activities, effective and relevant monitoring of activities, timely completion of projects and documentation and reflection of achievements and lessons learned
• Work closely with the area office teams to follow up on progress and provide support to ensure timely completion of activities. Ensure that all contractually agreed activities are implemented, in line with contextual needs.
• Troubleshoot project problems and implementation challenges and identify and implement creative solutions where needed.
• Actively participate in programme team meetings to ensure cross learning with other units and effective coordination.

Reporting

• Ensure all necessary project documents are in place and updated, including LOUs, PMTs, workplans, detailed implementation plans and BVAs.
• Prepare monthly progress reports, trackers, updated workplan and financial reports for selected project(s)
• Coordinate the production of project narrative and financial reports internally and to donors
• Regularly review and report on progress

Finance and administration

• Serve as budget holder for selected project(s) and ensure that all expenditure is in line with the agreed budget and DRC and donor rules.
• Monitor programme finances and monthly forecasts, and provide guidance to Area teams concerning expenditure and budget projections
• Review and approve expenditure on the project
• Lead on budget vs actual review meetings and provide justifications for deviation
• Proactively identify needs for budget realignment

Human resources:

• Closely support and follow up on recruitment for any roles on the project
• Promote positive and collaborative working environment amongst the different teams working on the project(s) in different locations.
• Promote professional development of project staff

Logistics and procurement

• Together with field teams, prepare procurement plans and work with supply chain team to ensure that project supplies are procured in a timely manner, in line with DRC and donor requirements, and project needs.
• Ensure that all project visibility is in line with donor requirements.

Monitoring and evaluation

• Work closely with the MEAL manager to ensure strong focus on monitoring and learning, and ensure that indicators are accurately tracked and that means of verification are in place.
• Ensure that strong accountability mechanisms are in place through the project sites
• Organise regular review and reflection meetings and lead on donor monitoring visits/meetings
• Ensure lessons learned from implementation are effectively analysed and incorporated into future project designs.
• Ensure a wuality final evaluation is conducted for the project

Design of project management tools

• Support the development of standard project management tools, including updating/improving existing tools and/or developing new ones that can be utilised across DRC Ethiopia’s portfolio to contribute to continuous improvement.
• Support the Head of Programmes on other project management functions as required

Experience and Technical Competencies: (include years of experience)

• An advanced degree in a related field, such as international relations, migration, human rights, law, or social sciences;
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience working in international humanitarian and/or development aid, preferably with displaced populations, and with at least 5 years in project management.
• Technical expertise and experience inprotection, shelter, WASH and/or livelihoods programming.
• Robust analytical and strategic planning skills.
• Strong understanding of project cycle management, and familiarity with planning and management tools
• Familiarity with specific donor rules, in particular ECHO
• Demonstrated understanding of grants management and contractual compliance
• Demonstrable track record of meeting or exceeding programme targets, whilst maintaining technical quality.
• Highly diplomatic with excellent political awareness and understanding.
• High-level communications and interpersonal skills.
• A demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with host governments, donors, partners, local organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Fluent in written and spoken English

REQUIREMENTS

Education (include certificates, licenses etc.):

• Master’s degree in law, social sciences, international development, or other relevant field.

Languages: (indicate fluency level)

• Excellent verbal and written English and Amharic.
• Knowledge of Tigrinya or Somali an added advantage

All DRC roles require the post-holder to master DRC’s core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: Focusing on reaching results while ensuring efficient processes.
• Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.
• Taking the lead: Taking ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: Listening and speaking effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: Acting in line with DRC’s vision and values