Program Support Officer – Durable Solutions Platform

Who are we?

Danish Refugee Council is a leading humanitarian agency pursuing our mandate to protect and promote durable solutions to displacement-affected populations based on humanitarian principles. DRC applies a regional approach with operational presence in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey & Yemen with a Middle East Regional Office (MERO) based in Amman, Jordan, which has 30 staff. Overall in the region DRC Middle East has more than 1,800 staff and an operating budget of USD 120 million.

Background

The search for durable solutions to the protracted displacement stemming from the Syrian crisis is a key humanitarian and development necessity for the Middle East. This search for durable solutions is a regional, cross-border issue and demands a multi-sectorial response that goes beyond the existing humanitarian agenda. The discussion around the options and rights of the displaced are highly politicised.

The Durable Solutions Platform (DSP) is a joint initiative of Action Against Hunger (AAH), Danish Refugee Council (DRC), the International Rescue Committee (IRC), the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), Oxfam and Save the Children. The objective of this platform is to generate knowledge and promote dialogue and strategic programme approaches to the long term future of Syrian refugees and internally displaced people based on international best practice and principles for preparing and supporting durable solutions for people in displacement. The platform’s work consists of research, advocacy, programme and capacity building support and stakeholder engagement.

The platform consists of a small team and is hosted by the DRC regional office in Amman, Jordan.

About the job

The Program Support Officer will be responsible for provide efficient and effective administrative, operational and research support functions for the operations of the Durable Solutions Platform in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Durable Solutions Platform Manager, the Specialist will:

Grant management support (35%)

· Assist in the financial management and monitoring of DSP budgets, expenditure, and compliance with donors’ rules and regulations;

· Track spending plans with DSP team members;

· Support with DSP’s monitoring and evaluation and donor reporting, including tracking M&E log-frame targets, quarterly and annual reports;

· Liaise closely with DSP’s hosting agency DRC MERO and other DSP members’ support staff as necessary.

DSP operations (35%):

· Provide comprehensive support to the DSP team in relation to administrative and finance matters within DRC MERO, including but not limited to procurement processes, supporting DSP team on travel bookings, event organization, and liaising with admin and other MERO units as necessary;

· Support the organization and hosting of DSP trainings, learning events, roundtables, workshops and conferences in the region;

· Provide support to the organization of DSP research, advocacy and learning processes as necessary.

· Support the DSP team with research projects, capacity development and advocacy activities and program tasks, e.g. note-taking for research interviews, take minutes of meetings, etc.

Communications, administrative support and representation (30%):

· Support in finalizing DSP publications, outputs and communication materials by liaising with DRC MERO communications team and relevant communications colleagues in-country as necessary;

· Support in updating the DSP website and twitter account, drafting website show_content and quarterly DSP update emails;

· Update DSP’s internal and external mailing lists and database;

· Maintain administrative systems, including DSP’s SharePoint and mailing lists;

· Manage administration tasks related to program activities, and ensure adequate hard copy and electronic filing for DSP documents.

· Represent DSP and contribute to discussions and learning on durable solutions as relevant

Experience and technical competencies: (include years of experience)

· Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in similar positions;

· Demonstrated expertise in grants, monitoring & evaluation (M&E) and administration;

· Excellent writing skills in English;

· Excellent organizational skills,

· Proven interpersonal and problem-solving skills, creativity and flexibility.

· Working experience in regional structures/positions is preferable;

· Knowledge of and experience with the context of displacement-related issues and the humanitarian / development nexus in Middle East region;

· Comfortable in a multi-cultural environment, flexible and able to handle pressure well;

· Flexibility, proactive engagement, ability to work under pressure and to demonstrate high tolerance for change, complexity and unpredictability.

Education

· University degree (Bachelor level) in economics, accounting, finance or business administration, human resource or programme management

Languages

· Fluent in spoken and written English, fluency in Arabic language highly desirable.

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.

We offer

Contract length: Till end of December 31, 2022

Start date: As soon as possible

Duty station: Amman with frequent travel in the region

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates or Nationals. This position will be placed at Non-Management (H) band.