Economic Recovery Officer

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfilment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956, and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced.

All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

Operating since 2004 in Lebanon, DRC has addressed the needs and rights of vulnerable populations, working initially with Palestinian refugees (since 2004), Iraqi refugees (2007-2010), Lebanese IDPs (during the 2006 conflict), migrant domestic workers (since 2009) and, since 2011, responding to the Syrian refugee crisis.

DRC Lebanon is currently delivering programming in protection, housing, infrastructure, basic assistance, livelihoods, and community development interventions. This myriad programming seeks to address the immediate needs of displaced populations and concurrently support vulnerable host populations. DRC has five offices spread throughout Lebanon in, Beirut, the Bekaa, Saida, Tripoli and Qobayat.

About the job

The Economic Recovery Officer will be based in Beirut as a member of the Economic Recovery department. The Economic Recovery Officer will play a key role in implementing various Economic Recovery programs, and be specifically responsible for the technical oversight of the business development (for micro, small and medium enterprises), including technical training support, financial support, referrals and any other organization of the assistance to these MSMEs. S/he will particularly focus on supporting vulnerable MSMEs to develop their potential, in a value-chain and local business cluster approach, providing different kind of assistance and regular mentorship to each MSME across the entire length of the project. . The officer will also coordinate with relevant partners and activities within the project.

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

Program Implementation:

Support the Economic Recovery Specialist and program team in planning and implementing project activities to meet project deliverables based on timeline and scope agreed with the donor;

Lead on the MSMEs support, design processes and implementation in order to deliver maximum impact;

Contribute to and implement the tools for MSMEs support including assessment tools, selection tools and follow-up tools;

Conduct the MSMEs various assessments according to the processes, ensure the quality of the identification and selection process and completeness of the files of the MSMEs submitted to the Selection Committee;

Ensure the identification and selection of a pool of experts in business development and other related topics to support MSMEs;

Coordinate financial and operational feasibility studies for MSME support packages that promote job growth and employment;

Facilitate field coordination of assistance to micro, small and medium enterprise (MSMEs), organize the trainings with the various stakeholders.

Coordinate developed strategies to meet the programme’s job creation targets through market-oriented solutions and devising short and long term employment opportunities through MSME support;

Ensure that all MSME support-related interventions are in compliance with international norms and standards, national laws and policies, technical standards and organizational policies;

Build relationships with unions and local municipalities to introduce the project and facilitate access to information related to project activities and scope. Arrange for meetings with local entities and authorities, as requested;

Support the Specialist and programme team in planning and implementing project activities to meet project deliverables based on timeline and scope agreed with the donor;

Oversee filing and record keeping of project activities;

Contribute to the analysis of data collected to facilitate assessment results and lessons learnt;

Prepare weekly reports to be submitted to the Specialist. Contribute to quarterly reports and other ad hoc reports to meet donor and internal requirements;

Oversee the successful implementation of program activities, ensuring that assistants are following work plans, that activities are on schedule, and that program deliverables are completed as promised;

Contribute to data collection tools, assessments and mapping reports, as an integral part of the program;

Conduct field assessments, make recommendations about the needs and vulnerabilities of the target populations in the program objectives;

Provide day-to-day oversight and coordination, including administrative, financial and logistical support; Troubleshoot any administrative problems and report any challenges or bottlenecks to Specialist;

Ensure strong engagement with beneficiaries targeted in DRC economic recovery program and make sure their enquiries are answered in a timely manner.

Address complaints or issues related to the economic recovery activities and report back to line manager when needed. 

Assist in conducting market assessment of the areas of intervention and determining program intervention priorities based on needs and existing resources.

Participate in field based research activities related to DRC economic recovery programing

Establish and maintain contact and productive working relationships with community representatives, local and international organization, beneficiaries and employers.

Keep track and produce report

Support the Economic Recovery Specialist in developing budget forecast, work plans and tools for the projects

Upon needs, the economic recovery officer could also contribute to the below tasks:

Gather information on the local context, target communities and employer to assist the economic recovery Specialist in the selection market oriented activities

Provide beneficiaries with relevant information on the Labour market, Lebanese regulations and their implications for Syrian and Lebanese. 

HR and Administration

With strong collaboration with economic recovery Specialist ensure that the technical aspects of the project are running in accordance with the project’s objectives and DRC’s strategies.

In case needed, assist in the recruitment of qualified and experienced staff, trainers, and consultants if required.

Work closely with operational staff to ensure a proper management and follow up on order requests, payment requests and financial forecast of program activities. In particular, the economic recovery Officer is in charge of all the HR and administration, including procurement, that is directly in relation with the job placement and private sector.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Documentation

Work closely with the monitoring and evaluation department to facilitate monitoring and evaluation activities to ensure program implementation is on track and of highest quality.

Frequently conduct field visits to ensure a quality work.

Ensure that project files are maintained, archived and up to date.

Ensure that all reporting and referrals is done through the relevant online platforms.

Contributes to the analysis of data collected to facilitate assessment results and lessons learnt.

Any other task relevant to the position and as requested by the economic recovery Specialist or Program Manager.

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to have a minimum of a Bachelor University degree; preferably related to business management, international development, economics. Moreover, we also expect the following:

• 4 years’ minimum experience with INGOs, preferably in Livelihoods, or related sectors, which would include experience with the following activities:
• Proven ability to successfully implement economic development programming including grants and technical assistance for municipalities and MSMEs beneficiaries;
• Experience carrying out in-depth assessments of MSMEs to identify bottlenecks, challenges and potential for growth;
• Experience creating and managing detailed action/project plans and assessing impact to timelines and budget for change in scope or pivot in direction;
• Experience drafting detailed requirements for use by third parties to execute against;
• Experience managing a team;
• Proven ability to liaise with a network of government officials, NGOs, and potential implementing partners;
• Knowledge of the local market and vulnerabilities.
• Conducting market assessments.

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: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

Contract length: 12 months renewable based on performance and availability of funds

Band/Level: H

Duty Station: Beirut

Expected start date: October 2021

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates; please refer to drc.ngo under Vacancies. For questions regarding the vacancy please contact sama.kanaan@drc.ngo