The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has been operational in Ethiopia supporting refugees and other vulnerable populations since 2000, and among its cross-sectoral programming, runs a number of projects focused on economic recovery and development to strengthen livelihoods of refugees and vulnerable Ethiopians. This includes ongoing youth livelihoods-related programming in the Gambella and Somali refugee camps, as well as livelihoods work benefiting Ethiopian communities in different regions. The IRC continues to explore and pursue program development opportunities to engage more communities in this work, aligned with IRC capacities and priorities in the areas of livelihoods-related skills building, income and asset generation, and engagement with private sector actors to advance livelihoods opportunities among refugee and host country populations.

The IRC seeks a dynamic and highly experienced professional for the position of Employment and Livelihoods advisor for IRC ongoing DFID funded SHARPE livelihoods programming. This includes providing technical support to ongoing youth livelihoods-related programming in refugee camps, as well as livelihoods work benefiting Ethiopian communities. The successful candidate will provide problem solving(data analysis and providing solution), technical backstopping and (stakeholder coordination)cross-sectoral collaboration) for the enhancement and success of other IRC/DAI programs, and play a key role in new youth livelihoods and employment program design and development in further Ethiopian contexts.

This position is based in Addis Ababa, with frequent travel to the field (approx. 50%), including significant time in somali and Gambella refugee camps and host communities. The position reports to ERD coordinator on the project on day-to-day project management and implementation with complementary oversight from Field coordinator.

Scope

The Livelihoods and employment advisor will support and strengthen the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of SHARPE project in Gambella, Dolo Adod and Jigjiga with the specific reference to youth livelihoods and employment.  The youth employment and livelihoods advisor will liaise with other project staff and other within IRC/SHARPE team (particularly on integrated WASH and women and girls focused programs); and among partner agencies, government, private sector, and community groups. She/he will provide the program IRC/DAI program to ensure technically sound, strategic, complementary programming, designed and implemented with technical rigor. The Specialist will ensure successful planning, implementation and monitoring of livelihoods assistance programming which includes entrepreneurship, enterprise development and employment initiatives, financial inclusion/savings, micro-franchising, and other related activities. She/he will also contribute to concept notes and proposals for new livelihoods programming, and help provide technical backstopping for both camp-based and external programming focused on economic recovery and development.  With support from and in coordination with team, the Jijiga, Dolo and Gambella field Coordinators, he/she will support Livelihoods staff, supporting them with all aspects of project implementation and monitoring, ensuring completion of activities to a high quality and on a timely basis as defined in the project documents.

Specific Responsibilities

Technical Quality and Project Management

• Undertake detail data collection and analysis with regard to youth livelihoods and employment aspect of the project  in the Gambella, Dolo Ado  and JigJiga
• Based on the assessment provide direction for staff/project and monitor staff in their implementation of project work plans and quality of technical activities of youth livelihoods and  employment including program budget oversight
• Ensure appropriate methodologies and technical approaches are developed for all program activities working with project staff to ensure global best practices are applied to youth livelihoods programming
• Work closely with the team leader to ensure alignment of SHARPE livelihoods programming with strategy plan and relevant theories of change
• Contribute to development of sector-relevant strategic direction and plans including ongoing development of livelihoods programming, staffing and management structures
• Along with senior program staff and the Technical Unit/Advisors, support the development of Standard Operating Procedures and Guidance Notes for program activities
• Ensure regular monitoring and modification of ongoing programming as required

Project Monitoring and Reporting

• Prepare relevant and quality IRC/DAI and donor reports as per agreed-upon schedules (monthly, quarterly and/or annually) on grant activities, indicators and achievements.
• Work closely and coordinate with IRC logistics, finance and grant staff to ensure timely and compliant program activities and expenditures; including active participation in procurement, supply chain, grant and other meetings
• Together with the DTL and Accountability and Learning manger, develop and implement a full monitoring and evaluation framework for livelihoods and employment activities as well as learning strategies, and adapt them to the different program methodologies.

Program Design and Coordination

• Support the team to   develop sound technical design and components of project proposals and concept notes.
• Develop and maintain effective coordination and long-term relationships with external stakeholders including partner agencies/NGOS, government departments and ministries, community-based organizations, private sector partners, donors, and others in accurately and professionally representing IRC /DAI positions.
• Actively advance IRC’s/DAI connections to economic actors/private sector at a local, regional and national level, seeking avenues for partnership, collaboration and coordination of activities to ensure sustainability of interventions
• Together with the team leader/team members, regularly engage with internally and externally
• Participate in IRC and external working groups and communities of practice around livelihoods to advance livelihoods strategies, disseminate research and program successes, discuss implementation challenges, and share best practices
• Support the sharing of information and learning across livelihoods-related programs

Other

• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor to enable and develop IRC programs

• MA/MSC  in international development, economics, business administration, law, and/or related certification with 5 years’ experience  or BA/BSC with 8 years’ experience  in humanitarian response, with specific experience in livelihoods and enterprise development approaches
• Demonstrated private sector experience, or experience supporting business and business skill development
• Prior experience working in emergency settings or insecure environments preferred
• Strong program/technical , team t management skills, planning, reporting, monitoring and evaluation skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills, effective in representation and liaison with external parties
• INGO experience required; experience with coordination systems or advocacy preferable
• Must be capable of applying skills and knowledge in a range of capacities, including direct data collection and analysis , implementation, advisory functions, training and the transfer of technical knowledge and management skills to others
• Personal qualities: works well in and promotes teamwork, comfortable in a multi-cultural environment, flexible and able to handle pressure well, has a strong sense of humor
• Fluency in English and Amharic is  required