Livelihood Assistant (Business Development)

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 Assistant will be based in north as a member of the Economic Recovery department. The Economic Recovery Assistant will play a key role in implementing various Economic Recovery programs, and be specifically supporting the technical oversight of the business development (for micro, small and medium enterprises), the local economic development with municipalities and business clusters. S/he will particularly focus on supporting vulnerable MSMEs to develop their potential, in a value-chain and local business cluster approach.

The assistant will also coordinate with relevant partners and activities within the project.

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

• Support the Economic Recovery Officer and program team in planning and implementing project activities to meet project deliverables based on timeline and scope agreed with the donor;
• Support the Officer to implement the MSMEs support and local economic development/business clusters components;
• Implement the tools for MSMEs support including assessment tools, selection tools and follow-up tools;
• Ensure the quality of the identification and selection process and completeness of the files of the MSMEs submitted to the Selection Committee;
• Support the officer in coordinating financial and operational feasibility studies for MSME support packages that promote job growth and employment;
• Ensure that all MSME support-related interventions are in compliance with international norms and standards, national laws and policies, technical standards and organizational policies;
• Support the officer in various tasks that are contributing to the setup of Local Business Clusters in areas of intervention
• Oversee filing and record keeping of project activities
• Provide day-to-day oversight and coordination, including administrative, financial and logistical support; Troubleshoot any administrative problems and report any challenges or bottlenecks to the Officer;
• Ensure strong engagement with beneficiaries targeted in DRC economic recovery program and make sure their enquiries are answered in a timely manner.
• Assist in conducting market assessment of the areas of intervention and determining program intervention priorities based on needs and existing resources.

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:

Required

• 3 years’ minimum experience with INGOs, preferably in Livelihoods, or related sectors, which would include experience with the following activities:
  • Proven ability and knowledge of 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;
  • Knowledge of the local market and vulnerabilities.
  • Conducting market assessments.
• Driving license of at least 2 years old

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: Till 31 July 2021

Band/Level: I1,1 – salary equivalent to 1350 USD

Duty Station: NOL

Start date: First of December 2020

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 karim.mikati@drc.ngo