Economic Recovery Officer (Employability)

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 – Employability will be based in the North of Lebanon, covering both the T5 area and Akkar area, as a member of DRC’s Economic Recovery department. The Economic Recovery Officer – Employability will play a key role in implementing various Economic Recovery activities, and be specifically responsible for the technical oversight of the skills training component. S/he will particularly focus on implementing quality vocational training and work based learning activities, and conducting soft-skills trainings to job seekers. S/he will also conduct outreach to employers, creating a network in the market with several businesses and potential employers, provide placement opportunities in vocational training, Work Based Learning and job placement.

The officer will conduct daily follow-up and data collection about the markets and job opportunities for DRC beneficiaries. 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 the employability implementation for the ILO project;
• Oversee the successful implementation of program activities, ensuring that activities are on schedule, and that program deliverables are completed as planned;
• Provide assistance to the EcRec Team Leader to collaborate closely with all key stakeholders;
• Support the Economic Recovery Team Leader in the selection and evaluation of training providers for vocational training;
• Identify new partnerships with the private sector for the provision of training and Work-Based Learning (WBL) opportunities;
• Map employers from the private sector and perform outreach to engage them in the possibility of hosting apprentices. Follow up and monitor apprenticeship placements to ensure a successful fit, a positive learning experience, and monitor compliance to grant requirements;
• Follow up Work based learning placements quality by executing regular spot checks, evaluations, and capacity building plan implementation.
• Support the integration of adapted approaches to respond to barriers to women and youth’s engagement in the workforce;
• Participate in the identification of new outreach methods for the employers /beneficiaries.
• Follow up with jobseekers after referring them to employers, and /or after being hired.
• Conduct data collection on the local labor market and enter collected information on job vacancies, training opportunities and self-employment support programs into the database.
• Provide a list of job vacancies and support beneficiaries to apply.
• Collaborate closely with other components of the program to enhance linkages between job seekers, training institutes, small and medium enterprises and job platforms;
• Ensure that all training-related interventions are in compliance with international norms and standards, national laws and policies, technical standards and organizational policies;
• Contribute to data collection tools, market and labour market 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 Team Leader;
• Responsible for the filing and record keeping of project activities related to employability activities;
• Assist in the development of strategies to meet the program’s job placement targets through market-oriented solutions;
• 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;
• Keep track and produce report upon requests of the Team Leader;
• Support the Economic Recovery Team Leader in developing budget forecast, work plans and tools for the projects.
• Assist in the recruitment of qualified and experienced trainers and consultants if required.
• Work closely with operational staff to ensure proper management and follow up on purchase requests, payment requests and financial forecast of program activities. In particular, the economic recovery Officer is responsible for taking the lead on procurement related to the job placement and private sector.
• 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 quality work.
• Ensure that beneficiaries and communities are adequately informed about DRC programmes and feedback mechanisms, are aware of their entitlements, are comfortable giving feedback, and that feedback is used to improve the quality of programmes.
• 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.

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to have a Bachelor University degree; preferably related to international development, social sciences, economics, business.

 Moreover, we also expect the following:

Required

2 years’ minimum experience with INGOs, preferably in Livelihoods, or related sectors, which could include experience with some or all of the following activities:

• • Engagement with the private sector and providing job placement;
  • Proven ability to successfully implement economic recovery programming, including vocational training and work based learning;
  • Experience creating and managing detailed action/project plans and assessing impact to timelines and budget for changes in scope or pivot in direction;
  • Experience managing a team;
  • Knowledge of the local labour market and livelihoods pathways for vulnerable individuals.
  • 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: 11 months

Band/Level: H2

Duty Station: North of Lebanon

Start date: 1 February 2022

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