Asia Displacement Solutions Platform (ADSP) Manager

Who are we?

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 fulfillment 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.

Background

The Asia Displacement Solutions Platform (https://adsp.ngo/) is a joint initiative of the Danish Refugee Council, International Rescue Committee, and the Norwegian Refugee Council, which aims to contribute to the development of solutions for populations affected by displacement in the region.

The position manages the regional ADSP platform, across a collective network of three international NGOs, and is responsible for project and staff management for projects connected to this initiative. The Manager is expected to lead the development and management of these projects, coordinate closely with partner agencies and provide line and technical management of ADSP’s Specialist and Officers, based presently in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Within the initiative’s framework, the Manager is expected to take a lead in developing and coordinating research, policy and advocacy initiatives and to support the application of that learning to practice. The Manager will support linkages between programming in Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Myanmar and Bangladesh.

The position works hand in hand with the Steering Committee comprising the Regional Directors of the NRC, IRC, and DRC, as well as with the Technical Committee comprising regional deputies from the three organisations. The position is based in Dhaka, Bangladesh within the DRC Regional Office, but oversees project management and implementation in all countries of operation of ADSP in Asia; the position is directly supervised by the DRC Regional Head of Programme Asia-Europe.

Duties and Responsibilities

PLATFORM MANAGEMENT

• Facilitate the implementation of the ADSP Strategy 2023-2025; Coordinate the development of the strategic priorities and subsequent workplans for the Afghan and Myanmar displacement axes.
• Support the day-to-day functioning of the ADSP including ensuring smooth communication and cooperation between all stakeholders.
• Act as the primary liaison for communication with ADSP’s Technical Committee and Steering Committee, ensuring cohesion and accurate reporting on ADSP’s work for the Afghan and Rohingya sub-regions.
• Supervise and provide strategic direction to all ADSP staff.
• Ensure financial oversight, monthly expenditure tracking and PMT of all ADSP staff
• Act as focal person for donor reporting and compliance
• Oversee and coordinate communication products such as press releases, statements, Op eds, newsletters etc.
• Ensure internal information-sharing at the country and regional level
• Oversee work plans and budgets, and if relevant manage staff and consultants

POLICY AND ADVOCACY

• Engage and work with ADSP members and partners to plan and implement pro-active influencing strategies that deliver ADSP’s strategic objectives and priorities
• Follow key influencing processes and provide briefings and updates as required to ADSP members and other partners.
• Map out and foster relationships with key influencers that ADSP should engage with on the Afghan and Myanmar displacement issues
• Coordinate, facilitate, and develop a range of influencing activities including events, commissioning and undertaking publications, drafting position papers and briefings, convening policy dialogue with policymakers, etc.
• Represent ADSP and engage with a range of key external stakeholders, including officials in key UN Member States, global institutions, think tanks, academics, private sector and other key advocacy audiences.
• Proactive engagement in policy development processes such as the Support Platform for the SSAR, Global Refugee Forum, International Migration Review Forum amongst others.
• Support existing forums and members to engage with governmental and inter-governmental actors on displacement and durable solutions for persons displaced from Afghanistan and Myanmar
• Ensure continued engagement with key players on displacement and solutions in the region and beyond.

RESEARCH AND KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT

• Facilitate and organize regular consultation/technical workshops and learning events/meetings on key issues of interest and catalyze change at policy and practice levels in Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Myanmar as relevant.
• Coordinate and manage the implementation of research and knowledge management agendas
• Ensure cross-learning and coherence between the different countries and at regional level, and between partners and other stakeholders
• Quality control of publications
• Gather and disseminate relevant data, information etc. to key stakeholders of the initiative

CAPACITY BUILDING

• Ensure active engagement with civil society actors, refugee-led groups, and displacement-affected communities
• Strategically leverage ADSP’s unique position to negotiate access for civil society to engage in policy decisions at national, regional and global levels
• Build partnerships with select Afghan and Myanmar civil society organisations and support them to develop and implement activities targeting communities affected by displacement
• Map and inform capacity development support to civil society and refugee-led groups, in order to effectively engage with issues of concern
• Organize learning events with civil society, partner agencies, and other key stakeholders at national, regional, and global levels to show-case and further the discourse on key issues facing displaced communities.

Experience and technical competencies:

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of relevant experience in a similar role.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant working experience in analysis and reporting
• Excellent interpersonal, diplomatic and negotiation skills with high level of flexibility in a challenging and fast-moving multicultural environment.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to determine priorities and respect deadlines.
• Proven experience in report writing.
• Expertise in coordination.
• Experience working in complex and volatile contexts
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with senior representatives of INGOs, IOs and government structures.
• Thorough understanding of protection issues.
• Strong experience of financial management and donor compliance processes.
• Knowledge of the key tools used by donor agencies, such as logical frameworks, results chains, results-based management and financial administration systems.
• Ability to work and travel within the project locations.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working in/on Afghanistan
• Ability to speak a language relevant to countries of focus (Dari, Pashto, Bangla, Thai, Bahasa Malay, Burmese etc)

Languages

• English (Fluent)

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s 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.

Education: (include certificates, licenses etc.)

• Master’s degree in International Development, Human Rights, Social Work, or similar. Qualifications in migration or refugee issues preferred.

We offer

Contract length: (12) Months

Position Band: This position will be placed at Management (F1) band

Start date: June 15th, 2023

Duty station: Dhaka, Bangladesh with frequent travel in the region

Designation of Duty Station: Unaccompanied / Family Duty Station

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates. For questions regarding the vacancy please contact [email protected]