Chief of Party (BORESHA NABAD)

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) has been providing relief and development services in the Horn of Africa since 1997. Using a human rights framework, the DRC East Africa and Great Lakes (EAGL) operation focuses on people who are affected by displacement, including refugees, internally displaced, migrants, and host communities in Burundi, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.

Overall purpose of the role

DRC is seeking exceptionally qualified candidates for the position of Chief of Party (COP) to lead a consortium of partners in implementation of the EU-funded programme BORESHA NABAD across Mandera, Kenya, Dollo Ado, Ethiopia and Gedo, Somalia. Building upon BORESHA I, II and III, BORESHA NABAD is centered on enhancing the effectiveness of conflict prevention and mitigation, disaster risk reduction and management, and resilience-building in cross-border communities.

DRC is partnering with Rural Agency for Community Development (RACIDA), Voice for Peace for All in the Horn of Africa (VOPA) and Mandera Women for Peace and Development (WFPD) to deliver BORESHA NABAD.

Qualified candidates must demonstrate capacity in leading an integrated project team comprising staffs from partner organisations, a range of senior-level experience across both program and support functions and should be capable of providing strategic direction and motivation to a diverse team of technical experts while building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders ranging from community members, to national and district local government officials and governmental entities, EU and other non-governmental organizations. Successful candidates will be forward thinking and creative in their approaches and must embrace learning and adaptive management practices. The preferred candidate will have proven knowledge and experience on localization and partnership.

The Chief of Party holds overall responsibility for the achievement of BORESHA NABAD’s intended results, ensuring that deliverables are submitted on time and to a high standard and that the programme is delivering against its intended objectives, and ensuring an integrated vision among different components and actors. The Successful Candidate will serve as the principal point of contact with EU, oversee the programme components, be responsible for risk management of the programme as well ensuring robust and meaningful programme learning and adaptation is embedded.

Key responsibilities

• Be responsible for the leadership, oversight and management of the delivery of expected results throughout the life of the programme, consistent with the award objectives and donor compliance requirements.
• Serve as convener of the Steering Committee, ensuring all consortium members are actively engaged to drive strategic direction, problem solve implementation challenges and ensure robust results management of the programme.
• Lead on project delivery, including strategic direction and performance management, component design and delivery, team management, and research and learning.
• Provide and maintain a single programmatic and technical approach, ensuring a strong shared vision of the programme within BORESHA NABAD, robust coordination mechanisms with DRC and partners, and that the programme team teams have the needed programmatic and technical resources to plan, deliver and oversee quality programming and activities.
• Serve as the principal point of contact with EU, overseeing all formal and informal communications and providing timely updates on delivery, including risks and challenges.
• Be responsible for the ongoing active risk management of the programme, ensuring there is a programme culture of risk management at all levels, that EU, DRC, partners and the Steering Committee are kept informed and engaged on BORESHA NABAD’s risks and management strategy, and that there is embedded and iterative business continuity planning.
• Oversee and manage the programme’s relationship with local government authorities and other stakeholders, including representing the programme in local, national, and international meetings and events as appropriate.
• Ensure robust, regular, and organised coordination between programme and support services teams, DRC Country and Area offices and partners.
• Ensure the project Safety and Security Plan is being fully implemented and reviewed/adapted as conditions demand.
• Collaborate with the DRC Senior Management Team to make decisions and manage security incidents at a local level.
• Lead and manage all team members and support respectful and positive working relationships which allow for the effective implementation of all activities.

The responsibilities listed in the JD are not exhaustive and may be readjusted according to operational needs but will remain in line with the overall purpose of the role.

About you

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: You act in line with our vision and values.

Qualifications and Experience

• A degree in a related field, such as international relations, migration, human rights, law, or social sciences;
• A minimum of 5 years’ senior management experience working in international humanitarian and/or development aid, ideally with experience in a similar role (Chief of Party, Deputy Chief of Party, Team Lead, Deputy Team Lead);
• Demonstrated experience in managing large multi-location programs in complex operating environments, preferably with experience managing multi-organization teams;
• Technical expertise and experience in conflict mitigation/peacebuilding, resilience and/or disaster risk reduction programming in cross-border and/on borderlands contexts;
• Robust analytical and strategic planning skills; · Strong experience in management of finance and budget monitoring, financial forecasting, and risk management; ·
• Demonstrable track record of meeting or exceeding program targets, whilst maintaining technical quality;
• Highly diplomatic with excellent political awareness and understanding; · High-level communications and interpersonal skills; ·
• A demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with host governments, donors, partners, local organizations, and other stakeholders.

Conditions

Contract: Two year contract, Salary and other conditions are offered in accordance with DRC’s Terms of Employment for Employment band E Management

Availability: January 2024

Duty station: This position is based in Nairobi, Kenya frequent travel to Mandera, Dollow and Dollo Ado

Reporting Line: Operations Director

Providing equal opportunities We are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, age, ability, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other factor. At DRC we celebrate diversity and appreciate our employees for the people they are and their unique skills, backgrounds, and perspectives. We encourage all interested candidates to apply.

Promoting high standards : DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process