Livelihood Officer (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 Officer will be based in North 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), 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. S/he will also work closely with municipalities to support their local economic development plan.

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

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

• Support the Economic Recovery Team Leader 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 and local economic development/business clusters components, 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;
• Ensure the quality of the identification and selection process and completeness of the files of the MSMEs submitted to the Selection Committee
• 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), limited in-kind grants and linkages to existing business support services to lower risks and strengthen the ability of companies to grow their workforce;
• 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
• 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
• Provide day-to-day oversight and coordination, including administrative, financial and logistical support; Troubleshoot any administrative problems and report any challenges or bottlenecks to Team Leader
• Assist in conducting market assessment of the areas of intervention and determining program intervention priorities based on needs and existing resources
• Support the Economic Recovery Team Leader in developing budget forecast, work plans and tools for the projects

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

• 5 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 working for municipalities’ local economic development;
• 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.

• 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: H2,1 – salary equivalent to 1750 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