Project Assistant - Armed Violence Reduction

About DRC   
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a humanitarian, non-governmental and non-profit organization, founded in 1956, that works in more than 35 countries around the world. DRC has been operating in Kenya since 2005, where we assist refugees and displacement-affected communities in Dadaab, Kakuma, Kalobeyei and Nairobi through protection and livelihoods activities to enhance their self-reliance and expand opportunities for a dignified life. DRC provides both humanitarian assistance and longer-term development support to respond to the needs of communities affected by acute crisis as well as those in protracted displacement situations.

Overall purpose of the role: 
To support the ABLI Garissa Project in implementing DDG project components in Garissa County, especially as it relates to implementing DDG’s AVR activities. The AVR Project Assistant works directly with local communities and local authorities to strengthen their capacity to improve safety at the community level. This includes, but is not limited to, facilitating community entry and stakeholder mapping activities, local stakeholder consultations capacity building activities, conflict management & security provision in project context, dialogue facilitation and policy dialogue facilitation. Support Project Officers and other Assistants in the field as delegated by the AVR Project Officer, adherence to DRC/DDG’s security procedures and regulations, representation of DDG in the community circles in Garissa as delegated by the AVR Project Officer; adherence to DRC/DDG’s standard regulations and operational procedures (including the Code of Conduct, the DRC/DDG Programme Manual and administrative regulations).  

Duties & Responsibilities: 
Project Management and Development:

• Act as primary link between the assigned target communities and DRC/DDG.
• Responsible for assisting locational authorities in target areas with selecting target communities in accordance with DRC/DDG selection criteria and process.
• Liaise with community leaders and local government authorities about the security in the assigned target communities (i.e. community entry).
• Provide inputs and participate in the baseline study and context area security incidents and management processes.
• Facilitute community entry and ABLI-Garissa project planning processes in target communities and ensure the representation and participation of all socio-economic groups in the communities.
• Monitor the implementation of the project activities by the assigned target communities and support communities to improve implementation;
• Provide inputs and participate in the development of Improving Local Security and Management Concept.
• Ensure that all tasks allocated by the AVR Project Officer are executed promptly, efficiently and in accordance with DRC/DDG operational guidelines.
• Take good care of all assigned equipment including computers and communication equipment.
• Ensure that there are receipts for all expenses and compile all receipts according to DRC/DDG’s financial guidelines by the end of each week financial reporting period and submit to the AVR PO.
• Fully adhere to DRC/DDG’s procedures for security, financial management, logistics, human resources and administration.
• Uphold DRC/DDG’s Code of Conduct.

Monitoring, Reporting and Evaluation

• Compile the required monitoring forms and reports using the prescribed DRC/DDG formats and submit reports to the AVR Project Officer by the end of each month.

Coordination & Partnerships

• Ensure good cooperation with partners and other organisations working in the project target areas.
• Ensure excellent collaboration with DRC/DDG staff, staff from other consortium members and other partners.

Experience and technical competencies:  

• A minimum of 2 years working experience. 
• Exceptional understanding of local dynamics that lead to armed violence (ideally in arid and semi-arid parts of Kenya).
• Substantial knowledge of the Kenya political system from community to national level;
• Open-minded and committed to finding non-violent ways to mitigate conflict and promote inter-communal peace and collaboration.
• Cultural and gender sensitivity.
• A team player: able to demonstrate a constructive, cooperative and problem-solving approach.
• Experience with community peace and/or development work.
• Experience of working in insecure environments. 
• Strong ability to communicate constructively to various different groups of people including; community (elders, women, men, spiritual leaders etc.), Security providers (KPRs, Police, APs), Government officials (chiefs, DOs, DCs) etc.
• Ability to use IT equipment effectively including computers and mobile phones.

Education: 

• A university Degree or Diploma preferably in Peace studies, Conflict Management, Social sciences or closely related field

Key stake holders:

• Internal: Programme staff; Support Services staff
• External: Relevant stakeholders – Community leaders, Local/Sub-county administration, NGOs/INGOs and police services

About you:  
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: You act in line with our vision and values.   

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Protection related studies Psychology/Sociology, Community Development, Laws, Social sciences. Master’s degree in the same fields is an added advantage;
• Excellent knowledge of computer applications including MS Word, Excel, Power point;

Language

• Fluency in written and spoken English. Fluency in local spoken languages.;

Conditions  

• Contract: 5 months contract with possibility of extension, subject to funding and performance. Salary and other conditions are offered in accordance with DRC’s Terms of Employment. 
• Availability: August 2020
• Duty station: Dadaab, Garissa County. This is a local position, with no entitlement to accommodation and R & R

Application and CV:  
Only motivated applications that address the stipulated duties and meet the required qualifications, sent together with a CV, will be considered.  
DRC only accepts applications sent via our online-application form on www.drc.ngo under Vacancies. Please remember to upload both a letter of application and your CV and do not attach any written recommendations.  Please submit your application and CV in English no later than 23 July, 2020

Gender Equality: DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels.  In light of this, Female candidates and those from minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Equal Opportunities: DRC is an equal opportunity employer.  We value diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all employees.  We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability status, religion, ethnic origin, color, race, marital status or other protected characteristics.  
DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process. Visit drc.ngo to read more about what we do to secure robust safeguarding mechanisms. 
If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit drc.ngo/jobsupport.