Job Profile Programme Manager (N1) Regional Development and Protection Programme for refugees and host communities in the Middle East (Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq) Based in Beirut, Lebanon Reference number: DK-01717-2016/LIB.01-W 1. Preliminary 1.1. Short background: The post is advertised to fill a vacant position as Programme 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 currently 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); The disbursement balance between the three target countries is Lebanon 52%, Jordan 30% and Iraq 18%. The current time frame and budget stands at 41,6 million Euro over a four-year period. This might be extended should more donors decide to join or existing donors decide to increase their contribution. 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 the international Programme Manager based in Beirut. The Programme Manager is assisted by a relatively lean programme support team, consisting of four staff: In Lebanon a Project Manager and a Finance and Administration Manager; and in Jordan a Liaison and Project Manager and an M&E, Reporting and Communications Officer. The Programme Manager further receives support from the 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: Programme Manager (N1) 3.2. Place of service and reporting structure: The Programme Manager will be overall responsible for the management of the Regional Development and Protection Programme. The duty station will be Beirut, Lebanon with 2
frequent travel to Jordan and Iraq (KRI only). Travel to other parts of Iraq is not foreseen. The incumbent reports to the Head of the Humanitarian Team and chairman of the RDPP Middle East Steering Committee. 3.3. Terms of employment: Contract period: until 30 June 2018, subject to available funding. (flyttet sæningen hertil) Terms of Employment according to Danida staff rules. Below non-exhaustive brief benefits: 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: Potential applicants should be aware of the severe security situation in the area. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has adopted a policy according to which assignment to high risk countries is conditioned upon the applicants' successful completion of a psychological test carried out by a psychologist appointed by the ministry. The purpose of the test is to evaluate whether the applicant is considered mentally fit to live and work under such difficult conditions as is the case in the region. It is a condition for the assignment that the applicant is approved by the psychologist appointed by the ministry. Moreover, the applicant in question should also be physically fit to live and work in the region given the difficult living conditions as well as the severe security situation. For this reason it is a condition for assignment that the applicant undergoes a medical examination carried out by an approved physician. Finally, any successful candidate would have to undergo relevant training in working in hostile environments, i.e. a HEAT course, provided that the applicant has not already completed such training. 3.5. Area of responsibility/tasks: The Programme Manager is based in Beirut, Lebanon and is responsible for overall management and implementation of the RDPP Middle East. The task is carried out in close coordination with the staff of the Programme Management Unit in Beirut and Amman as well as the Programme Coordinator in Copenhagen. The Steering Committee provides the overall strategic direction for the programme. The areas of responsibility for the Programme Manager include: Programme strategy Responsible for development of programme strategy and annual plans of the RDPP Middle East in coordination with the Steering Committee and Programme Coordinator Lead on context analysis as well as identification of possible partnerships and innovative pilot engagements Assure integration to the extent relevant of the thematic pillars to ensure coherence within a national and regional perspective Responsible for strategic coordination with EU and MS representations, governments, donors and other relevant stakeholders Coordination, communication, visibility and advocacy/political dialogue Ensure the RDPP is well-placed to influence policy and strategy development nationally and regionally as well as in European fora based on lessons learnt and agreed priorities Represent the RDPP in relevant national and regional fora, coordination groups and other events 3
Lead advocacy and dialogue efforts of the programme with governments and other strategically relevant actors Ensure close coordination with EU delegations, RDPP donors represented in the region, and relevant other EU funding instruments Ensure the visibility and public communication of RDPP in coordination with EU delegations and RDPP donor representations. Management Overall responsible for programmatic and financial management of RDPP in the field, including overseeing programme implementation and monitoring results while ensuring that Danida and EU regulations are adhered to Ensure partnerships are on track to achieve overall RDPP programme objectives and outcomes Responsible for staff management, including providing leadership, support and supervision Of the four thematic components, directly manage the engagements in relation to the research component Participate in Steering Committees for key innovative partnerships or of specific strategic importance Review and approve annual and final reports and amendments to partnerships Responsible for drafting revised a programme document and budget, if and when needed Together with M&E, Reporting and Communication Officer, prepare mid-term programme updates, and annual programme reports Ensure regular communication and close coordination with the Programme Coordinator in Copenhagen on issues related to programme management, quality assurance, finance management, programmatic plans and challenges, as well as strategic developments. Any other required duties as assigned by the Steering Committee 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 Steering Committee, the Programme Coordinator and the staff members of the Programme Management Unit 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. 4
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. Extensive experience from engaging with a broad and very diverse range of partners Management experience Experience on refugee protection and forced displacement is an asset. 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: A team player but also able to work independently Strong abilities for efficient, pro-active and innovative planning and decision-making Strong intercultural and social competences Strong analytical and strategic capacities to engage in policy discussions Ability to travel extensively and in insecure environments. 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-01717-2016/LIB.01-W should be stated in the application. 5.2 Deadline for applications: 12 August 2016 5.3 Preliminary interviews and personal evaluation: 23-24 August 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: 25 August 2016 5.6 Decision: A decision is expected during week 36 5.7 Expected commencement: As soon as possible. 5