Country: Somalia
Closing date: 09 Mar 2014
Danish Demining Group
Invites applications for the position of
Country Director in Somalia
Background
Danish Demining Group (DDG) is a part of Danish Refugee Council (DRC). DDG has operated in Somaliland since 1999 and in South Central Somalia since 2007 clearing mines and other explosive remnants of war. Our programme has since grown to include other aspects of Armed Violence Reduction, namely:
• Strengthening local institutions and enhancing local capacity for addressing safety needs • Addressing immediate threats to life and limbs by explosive remnants of war • Addressing small arms as a tool of violence • Building capacity for conflict management and peace • Strengthening relationships between security providers and communities
The program is rooted in a participatory process, where DDG assists target communities to assess their safety and security situation, define and prioritize their safety and security needs and identify resources to address these needs (Community Safety).
Responsibilities
The Country Director is responsible for DDG’s operations in Somalia and may have responsibilities as part of the regional initiatives in the Horn of Africa. The Country Director refers to and works in close co-ordination with the DDG Regional Director for the Horn of Africa who is based in Nairobi. Specific responsibilities include:
Management
• Management, operational oversight, coordination and implementation of the Mine Action, Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and Community Safety (CS) programmes in Somalia • Support and supervision of nearly 300 national staff and 6 expatriate staff. This includes coaching, ensuring co-ordination between local managers, recruiting and development of staff.
Programme development
• Develop and expand the programme in a volatile environment • Be a driving force in terms of developing the projects within the DDG programme objectives.
Strategic development
• In co-ordination with the Regional Director, lead the process of continuously developing DDG’s Armed Violence Reduction approach in a regional context and adapted to the circumstances in the field – both nationally and regionally.
Finance and administration
• Responsible for budget monitoring, financial management and expenses control including compliance with minimum DRC/DDG and donor requirements and ensuring that the necessary systems are in place.
Security
• Responsible for security including development and ensuring adherence to security procedures, monitoring the development in the security situation, developing contingency plans etc.
Reporting
• Ensure proper and timely financial and narrative reporting in compliance with internal and external reporting requirements including procurement.
Representation/Liaison
• Act as representative for the DDG programme in Somalia towards government authorities, donors, partners, UN agencies and international and local NGOs and various local co-ordination forums. • Cooperation and operational synchronisation with DRC Somalia.
Fundraising
• Proposal writing, including development of budgets and support to the Regional Director in applying for funding and broadening DDG Somalia’s funding base.
Accountability
• Guided by the DRC Programme Handbook, continuously monitor and develop relevant accountability initiatives in the field as well as strengthening the effort to document the impact of DDG’s activities.
Qualifications
• University Degree in Social Sciences, Law, International Development, International Relations or related area • Minimum of 5 years working experience at an international level with humanitarian international NGOs or operational UN agencies • Minimum of 2 years field experience in conflict affected areas, preferably in Africa in general or Somalia in particular • Proven experience in project management, including budget expenditure, donor relations, reporting, proposal writing, staff management and monitoring and evaluation • Preferably experience in the areas of small arms and/or community based safety or explosive ordnance disposal programming • Fluency in written and spoken English • High degree of computer literacy
Personal competencies
• Strong leadership skills, including ability to build and motivate a team as well as willingness to deal with conflicts up front • Political and cultural sensitivity, including ability to adapt well to local cultures • Proven ability to function well in a volatile and very restricted environment • Strong liaison and communication skills • Ability to resist external pressures • Innovative and creative thinking • Strong analytical and reporting skills
Conditions
Duty station: Mogadishu, Somalia with frequent travel to other areas in Somalia. This is a ‘non-family duty station’ and the person must be prepared to live and work in an isolated and unstable security environment with limited recreational and social facilities. Accommodation is provided.
Contract: 12 months - with good possibilities for extension. Salary and conditions in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for expatriates, please refer to www.drc.dk under Vacancies. This position is placed at salary category 3. The position offers an R&R benefit, in addition to standard vacation and holiday benefits. The position is subject to funding.
Start date: May 2014 or as soon as possible.
Further information
For information about our work and organisation, please visit our website http://www.danishdemininggroup.dk/.
How to apply:
Application and CV
Only motivated applications that address the stipulated duties and meet the required qualifications sent together with a CV, in English and marked ”Country Director DDG Somalia” will be considered.
We only accept applications sent via our online system at www.drc.dk under Vacancies.
Please remember to upload a letter of application and your CV. CV-only applications will not be considered.
Applications are to be sent to no later than 9th March 2014.
Please contact job@drc.dk, if you experience problems with your online application.