Job Profile Liaison and Project Manager (N2) Regional Development and Protection Programme for refugees and host communities in the Middle East (Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq) Based in Amman, Jordan Reference number: DK-01519-2016/JOR.02-W 1. Preliminary 1.1. Short background: The post is advertised to fill a vacant position as Liaison and Project Manager for the innovative European Regional Development and Protection Programme (RDPP), for refugees and host communities in the Middle East (Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq). The RDPP was initiated by the European Commission and commenced implementation on the 1 July 2014 under the overall responsibility and management of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. Implementation is planned to run until 30 June 2018. 1.2. Purpose of memo: This memo describes the main tasks involved in the position and the qualifications requested from candidates to the job. 1.3. Expected composition of the selection committee: Applicants for the position will be selected for interview by the Dept. for Humanitarian Action, Migration and Civil Society (HMC), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark (MFA). Mercuri Urval will participate in the process of appointment by conducting personality tests and test interviews with the selected candidates, as well as taking part in the final interview. The final interview panel consists of representatives from HMC and the Human Resource Department of MFA and the consultant from Mercuri Urval A/S in charge of the recruitment process. 2. The Regional Development and Protection Programme 2.1. The RDPP in brief: The RDPP supports Syrian refugees and vulnerable host communities in Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq (Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) only). Overall objectives are: To ensure that refugees are fully able to avail themselves of a durable solution once the possibility arises as well as to encourage the ability of refugees to access basic rights; To support socio-economic development in host countries that will benefit both the host populations and refugees. The specific objectives are: To strengthen protection of refugees and asylum seekers in the region through promoting improved rights, appropriate legal assistance as well as capacity building of, and other types of support to, local and national authorities and civil society actors in the field of asylum and migration; 1
To enhance economic opportunities and general development of local host communities through social and economic measures aiming to mitigate the negative impacts and maximise the opportunities arising from the presence of refugees; To sustain and develop the livelihood capacity and self-reliance of refugees in urban and encamped settings; To achieve these objectives, the RDPP consists of four inter-linked and complementary components, the budgets for which appear in brackets: 1. An 'impact analysis and research' component (3,6 million Euro); 2. A protection component (10,3 million Euro); 3. An advocacy and political dialogue component (1,3 million Euro); 4. A component focused on social and economic development in communities affected by displacement (23 million Euro); Currently, the total budget amounts to 41,6 million Euro over a four-year period but may be increased in case additional donors join in or existing donors decide to increase their contribution. The disbursement balance between the three target countries is Lebanon 52%, Jordan 30% and Iraq 18%. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark has the overall responsibility for programme implementation. The programme management is guided by a Steering Committee, composed of all donors to the RDPP (in addition to Denmark, the European Commission (DEVCO), Ireland, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Norway and Switzerland) and co-chaired by EU and Denmark. Other relevant stakeholders, including EU Member States, may join the Action at a later stage if interested. Overall responsibility for daily management is placed with an international Programme Manager based in Beirut. The Manager is assisted by a relatively lean programme support team, consisting of a Project Manager and a Finance and Administration Manager in Lebanon and a Programme Liaison Officer in Amman. The Programme Manager is supported by a Programme Coordinator based in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Copenhagen to oversee relations with the European Commission and other members of the Steering Committee and programmatic backstopping support for the field team. The actual execution of the RDPP is done through implementing partners, including UN agencies, international and national NGOs and civil society organisations with a strong record in displacement-related assistance. 3. The Position 3.1. Title: Liaison and Project Manager (N2) 3.2. Place of service and reporting structure: The Liaison and Project Manager will cover the RDPP partnerships and engagements in Jordan and Iraq (KRI only). The duty station will be Amman, Jordan with frequent travel to KRI. Travel to other parts of Iraq is not foreseen. The incumbent reports to the Programme Manager in Beirut. Occasional travel to Beirut for coordination with the Programme Manager 2
is foreseen. Occasional travel to Beirut for coordination with the Programme Manager is foreseen. Occasional travel to Beirut for coordination is foreseen. 3.3. Terms of employment according to Danida staff rules. Below non-exhaustive brief benefits: Contract period: Starting date as soon as possible. End date 30 June 2018. Attractive remuneration package reflecting family status. Contribution to a pension scheme, health insurance and reimbursement of school fees. Free housing. 3.4. Special conditions of the function: Any successful candidate would have to undergo relevant training in working in hostile environments, i.e. HEAT, First Aid and CAC 1 (Conduct after Capture), provided that the applicant has not already completed such training. 3.5. Area of responsibility/tasks: The Liaison and Project Manager is based in Amman, Jordan and is responsible for managing and monitoring of the portfolio of partnerships in Jordan and Iraq. The task is carried out in close coordination with the Programme Manager and the other team members of the RDPP. The areas of responsibility for the Liaison and Project Manager include: Coordination and liaison Acts as the focal point for the RDPP in Amman In coordination with Programme Manager, identify and suggest new windows of opportunities for the programme, as well as new possible partnerships Coordinate and liaise RDPP activities in Jordan and KRI with donors, government authorities, UN, and other relevant stakeholders Attend relevant fora, including government and donor coordination fora and relevant sector working groups In coordination with the Programme Manager, engage relevant partners and other stakeholders in discussions on advocacy and policy dialogue In KRI, attend relevant coordination and policy fora as required, in coordination with the Programme Manager. Partnership development Identify, propose, and plan possible projects and partnerships in cooperation with the Programme Manager and based upon key strategy documents Appraise project proposals together with the RDPP team Project management Lead negotiations when developing new partnership agreements and amendments Ensure partnerships are implemented according to agreed plan Highlight and discuss delays or deviations in project implementation with the Programme Manager and follow-up with partners Immediately alert the Programme Manager in case of suspicion of irregularities at any level of programme implementation Conduct frequent field visits to monitor implementation of projects Follow-up on narrative and financial reporting from partners Reporting With the M&E, Reporting and Communication Officer: Gather data from partners on M&E plans Coordinate regularly on procedures for monitoring, reporting and innovative elements of partnerships 3
Any other required duties as assigned by the Programme Manager 3.6. Success criteria: The key success criterion is that the partnerships of the RDPP is implemented effectively in accordance with agreed strategies, work plans, budgets and that guidelines and accountability standards are respected as per the contracts. Further, emphasis is also on strong coordination and visibility of the RDPP among counterparts from national governments, donors, partners and other relevant stakeholders. A mutually positive and frequent dialogue and participation in relevant donor fora will be expected. Innovation, piloting of new approaches and risk willingness are core values of the RDPP programme as well as a strong emphasis on partnerships with national actors and stakeholders. This entails a diverse and also substantial partnership portfolio. Finally, the maintenance of a close and positive working relationship with the Programme Manager and other RDPP team members is key. The above success criterias require that all defined tasks are managed in a satisfactory manner and that other challenges emerging are handled proactively and with a positive outcome. It is recognised by all involved that this is a very ambitious initiative that is to be implemented in a highly complex environment. 4. Demand Profile/Qualifications 4.1 Requirements and expectations concerning professional qualifications: A solid, relevant academic background, preferably within social sciences Extensive experience from management of humanitarian and development programmes in the Middle East, and experience in bridging humanitarian and developmental activities. Extensive experience in liaising with governments and local authorities in a complex political environment, preferably Syria or neighbouring countries. Broad experience from working with NGOs, the UN, EC and/or bilateral programmes a considerable asset Familiarity with Danida and European Commission contractual systems and procedures highly desirable Fluency in English is required, proficiency in Arabic an asset 4.2 Requirements and expectations concerning personal qualifications: Should be a team player but also able to work independently Strong abilities for efficient and pro-active planning and decision-making Strong intercultural and social competences Ability to travel extensively and in insecure environments. 4
5. Recruitment Procedures 5.1 How do you apply: Information about the mandatory application procedure can be found at: www.danidajob.um.dk. Reference number DK-01519-2016/JOR.02-W should be stated in the application. 5.2 Deadline for applications: 12 August 2016 at 12 noon (CEST). 5.3 Preliminary interviews and personal evaluation: 30 August 1 September 2016. Mercuri Urval will conduct a personal evaluation of selected candidates. 5.4 Language test: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has decided that all candidates called in for interview - except for those to whom the relevant language is mother tongue - shall be language tested in Denmark in the working languages of the duty station (i.e. English). 5.5 Presentation to the appointments committee: 2 September 2016. 5.6 Decision: A decision is expected during week 36. 5.7 Expected commencement: As soon as possible. 5