Livelihoods Officer – Small and Medium Enterprises support

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 rotes, 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.

Responsibilities:

Program Implementation:

• Actively lead the implementation of the livelihoods activities in Beirut in a way that ensures coherence between planned activities and commitments outlined in project proposals.
• Participate in the identification of new SMEs beneficiaries.
• Visit businesses selected to evaluate with the business owner the type of support needed, the amount of the financial grant and the type of business development support needed.
• Adapt business development training curricula to fit the needs of each SMEs and provide trainings and advices on various topics upon needs (accountancy, business management, contingency planning, labour law etc.).
• Coordinate with other livelihoods actors on the ground and provide referrals to support to SMEs to other actors or financial providers.  
• Follow up with support SMEs after distributing the financial assistance to control and ensure the appropriate spending.  
• Ensure appropriate documentation of the assistance provided, compliant with DRC regulations and donors rules, and ensure archiving of the said documentation.
• Conduct data collection on the state of SMEs upon need.
• Ensure strong engagement with beneficiaries targeted in DRC livelihoods program and make sure their enquiries are answered in a timely manner.
• Address complaints or issues related to the livelihoods activities and report back to line manager when needed. 
• Participate in field based research activities related to DRC livelihoods programing
• Establish and maintain contact and productive working relationships with community representative, local and international organizations, beneficiaries and relevant stakeholders.
• Keep track and produce reports on achievements, in a timely manner and upon required format.

HR and Administration

• With strong collaboration with Emergency Team Leader 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 payment requests, actual and timely delivery of cash grants, and financial forecast of program activities.

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.
• Any other task relevant to the position and as requested by the Emergency team leader or the Livelihoods Coordinator.

 

About you

• To be successful in this role we expect you to have 3 years’ minimum experience with INGOs, preferably in Livelihoods, or related sectors, which would include experience with the following activities:
• Business development support and/or assets replacement emergency business support, financial and non-financial
• Engagement with the private sector.

• Moreover, we also expect the following:

   

  Required

   

• A minimum of a Bachelor University degree; preferably related to business management, economics, international development, or social sciences
• Fluency in English (written and spoken),
• 2 years valid driving license is mandatory as you may be requested to drive the organization’s vehicle

• Desirable

• Experience in Business development support and/or assets replacement emergency business support, financial and non-financial
• Engagement with the private sector

• 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:4 months (renewable based on performance and funding)

  Band/Level:H

  Duty Station: Beirut

  Start date: 1st of Septemer

  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