Danish Refugee Council (DRC), one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, is currently looking for a highly qualified Project Officer for its Sida-funded project implemented in Kosovo.

ABOUT THE JOB

DRC has been operating in Kosovo since 1998, initially providing emergency relief and, since 2003, focussing on minority returns.  Currently we work with returnees, IDPs, host communities and minority communities to promote the achievement of durable solutions and community stabilisation, as well as to address the root causes of conflict.  In parallel, we support Kosovo authorities in strengthening their ability to develop and implement policies and tools aimed at ensuring the protection of our persons of concern’s rights.

Within a multi-year, multi-dimensional project funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), DRC implements activities focussed on bridging inter-community gaps through initiatives aimed at enhancing resilience to conflict.  The Project Officer will work in a team engaged in mobilising local youth groups in partnership with local NGOs, under the overall supervision and coordination of the Project Manager.

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

Programmatic responsibilities

Support the Project Coordinator in overseeing the day-to-day implementation of initiatives aimed at empowering local communities with conflict management skills, in view to enhance their overall resilience to conflict.  This entails:

• Supporting the development of sub-grants by the implementing partners, monitoring compliance with Sub-Grant Agreements and DRC Partnership policies and tools, supporting their work with youth associations, and fostering their familiarity with and alignment to DRC financial, procurement and other procedures;
• Supporting the performance of a conflict analysis in project target locations, in close cooperation with relevant stakeholders, implementing partners and youth associations.
• Apply DRC and donor M&E tools.
• Ensure the adoption of an AGDM-based, rights-based, transparent, participatory, inclusive and environmentally friendly approach in all activities.
• Gather and share with the Project Coordinator information relevant to the drafting of donor and other reports.

Other responsibilities

• Offer support to colleagues from different teams/programmes/units, including Support Services.
• Utilise DRC Dynamics for all relevant matters, to the extent granted by assigned access level.
• Support the Project Coordinator on supply chain matters, in close cooperation with Support Service colleagues and in line with DRC rules, and namely in relation to: identifying respective project and office procurement needs, initiating relevant procedures, and managing relations with suppliers up to contract closure; ensuring proper asset management; addressing office and project logistic needs.

ABOUT YOU

To be successful in this role we expect you to be able to positively contribute to the implementation of activities under Component 4 of the above-mentioned Sida-funded project in accordance with donor and DRC procedures and rules, as well as to actively maintain DRC’s reputation of professionalism and transparency.  This will entail displaying:

• Familiarity with the social characteristics of Kosovo, including with respect to the challenges different communities face in overcoming barriers to interaction;
• Competence related to the principles and mechanisms underlying the implementation of international donor-funded projects in Kosovo;
• Attention to details and professional rigorousness;
• Ability to create and maintain a positive rapport with beneficiary communities, based on trust and conducive to their empowerment, and hinged on the adoption of a rights-based and AGDM-based approach;
• Ability to create and maintain mutually beneficial linkages with local and central authorities;
• An open, supportive, collegial behaviour with all DRC staff.

In addition, you will be expected to uphold the ethical principles enshrined in DRC’s Code of Conduct.

On these grounds, we expect the following:

Required

• University degree or equivalent work experience;
• Minimum 2 years of experience in the international development sector;
• Minimum 2 years of experience in supporting returnees, minorities and other vulnerable groups in Kosovo;
• Experience in dealing with local NGOs;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• Fluency in both spoken and written English (minimum ISCED B2 level);
• Native-speaking proficiency of Albanian language;
• Very good command of both spoken and written Serbian language.

Desirable

• Experience in managing inter-community conflict;
• Experience in supporting youth groups;
• Experience in liaising with public institutions.

Moreover, all DRC staff must master the following DRC’s 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 uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment

WE OFFER

Contract length: At least 6 months, including an initial three-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension

Level: H Non-management

Expected start date: 15/12/2020

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with DRC Kosovo National Salary Scale.

APPLICATION PROCESS

All applicants must upload an updated CV (no longer than four pages) and a cover letter, both in English. Applications must be in English and must be submitted exclusively through the online system on https://drc.ngo/about-drc/vacancies/current-vacancies. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 9 November 2020.

If you face any problems with the online application process, please contact [email protected]  [email protected].  Any other communication between applicants or perspective applicants and DRC staff, including but not limited to telephone calls, visits to DRC offices and emails, will result in the applicant being disqualified from the selection process.

⇒ More information.