Multi-Country Operations Trainee

Introduction

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfilment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956 and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Based in Copenhagen (Denmark) and present in forty countries, the Danish Refugee Council is a non-profit-making, politically independent, non-governmental and non-denominational relief organization.

Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

1. Background

DRC has been operating in West Africa since 1998. The DRC West Africa Regional Office (hereafter: WARO) is based in Dakar, Senegal, and covers six countries outside of Senegal. Led by the Regional Director, the DRC WARO oversees, supports and provides strategic directions for DRC’s Country Offices within the region, which currently includes Mali, Burkina Faso, the Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon and the Central African Republic.

2. Purpose

Based in the DRC West Africa Regional Office (hereafter: WARO), the Multi-Country Operations Trainee will support the development and quality review of multi-country donor proposals and reports covered by the WARO. S/He will also contribute to strengthen strategic partnerships, create tailored communication and advocacy products and assist in the organization of regional internal and external program events. The Trainee will work intensively with the Multi-Country Operations Department, and will have interactions with the Support services, the Program Department and Country Offices in the region. It is a unique opportunity to join a well-known international organization and benefit from a support adapted to the practical application of academic teaching.

3. Duties and Responsibilities

Under the management of the Regional Head of Multi-Country Operations (hereafter: RHOM), and with the technical supervision of the Regional Head of Support Services, the Multi-Country Operations Trainee will have the following activities and tasks:

• Assist in the review and/or development of multi-country concept notes, proposals, budget and amendments, in coordination with the regional and country teams, partners and according to priorities defined with the RHOM ;
• Assist in the mapping and vetting of partners and to the management of partnerships in the Multi-Country Operations Department
• Assist in the revision of multi-country donor, program or partners’ reports ;
• Work with the RHOM to ensure regional concept notes, proposal workflows and deadlines are followed by teams and partners ;
• Participate in the organisation of kick-off and closure meetings for regional projects, regional project reviews and external events ;
• Draft and/or review communication and advocacy products based on information from country / regional teams and partners according to priorities defined with the RHOM ;
• Develop regular external product on DRC regional strategy and operations ;
• Ensure the compliance to DRC and donors’ communication guidelines ;
• Produce thematic maps for countries or regional team.

All the tasks mentioned above will be primarily for the DRC WARO. However, if manageable and only with the approval of the Regional Director, Country Offices may be included in the scope of the tasks ensured by the Multi-Country Operations Trainee.

In addition to the above, the Multi-Country Operations Trainee may be asked to carry out other duties requested by the Regional Head of Multi-Country Operations or the Regional Head of Support Services or the Regional Director.

4. Required Qualifications

• Post-graduate degree/ University Degree (Bachelor or Master) in International Development/Development Studies, International Relations, Economics, Political Science/Public Affairs, Business Administration or Management, or another relevant field is required ;
• Previous experience in an international organization is required (between at least six months to two years), especially in grant management, reporting management and/or financial management ;
• Proven operational management experience and capability
• Good understanding of institutional fundraising ;
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and influencing skills with a well-developed ability to motivate and persuade ;
• Full professional fluency in French language (70% of the professional communication in this position will be done in French, including almost all the communication within the WARO) ;
• Professional Proficiency (written and spoken) in English (30% of the professional communication in this position will be in English) ;
• Understanding of the different contexts of the West Africa Region ;
• Excellent Computer Skills (MS Office, Internet) and an advanced proficiency in Excel are required.

5. Required Skills & Qualities

• Core Competencies of DRC:
  • Striving for excellence
  • Collaboration
  • Taking the lead
  • Communication
  • Demonstrating Integrity
• Ability to work in a multinational and multicultural environment
• Proactivity, with a sound commitment to teamwork and with a spirit of genuine collaboration
• Excellent communication skills, as well as patience and politeness, are required
• Multi-tasking and Organizational skills are necessary
• Adaptable and Flexible
• Proven analytical and critical thinking skills
• Exemplary sense of ethics in the workplace
• Team-oriented & good sense of humor

6. General Regulations

• The employee shall follow DRC instructions on safety, confidentiality and ethical guidelines, including the Code of Conduct and the Humanitarian Accountability Framework
• Employee should not engage in any other paid activity during the DRC contract period without prior authorization
• Employee should not engage in any activity that could harm DRC or the implementation of any project during the DRC contract period
• Employee should not give interviews to the media or publish project-related photos or other material without prior authorization
• Employee shall return all borrowed equipment for the project to DRC after the end of the contract period or upon request

7. Application Process

Are you interested? Then apply for this position on line: www.drc.dk/about-drc/vacancies/current-vacancies. All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in French or in English.

DRC provides equal opportunity in employment and prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability.

DRC encourages all applicants to apply and does not practice any discrimination in any recruitment process. However, applicants must be aware that DRC cannot employ, under an international traineeship or volunteering agreement, a citizen of the country in which she/ he is going to be stationed (in such case, the Republic of Senegal).

You are welcome to contact the Regional Head of Multi-Country Operations, florent.milesi@drc.ngo, for additional information regarding the position.

Applications close on the 28th of February, 2021, at 5 p.m. (Dakar-time). Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.

Due to the urgency of the position, DRC has the right to recruit a candidate who matches the required profile before the above deadline.