Solutions Advisor

The history of the Great Lakes has been characterized by large-scale forced and protracted displacement within, and to a lesser extent outside, the region. The main drivers of displacement are poverty, political instability or crisis, armed conflict between and within countries, ethnic tensions and control over land and natural resources.  

The search for durable solutions to the protracted displacement situation in the Great lakes is a key humanitarian and development concern. This is a regional/cross border issue, dynamic, with a strong political dimension, and which demands a multi-sectorial response that goes beyond the existing humanitarian agenda. 

About the Regional Durable Solutions Secretariat
ReDSS GL is inspired by ReDSS East and Horn of Africa, which was established following extensive consultations among NGOs in the region, identifying a wish and a vision to establish a body that can assist stakeholders in addressing durable solutions more consistently. ReDSS Gl is a consortium of 10 NGOs: ACTED, CARE International, Concern World Wide, DRC, IRC, Mercy Corps, NRC, OXFAM, Save the Children and World Vision, with IRC, NRC and DRC forming the steering committee.

The Regional Durable Solutions Secretariat for the Great Lakes (ReDSS GL) is being established in 2019 after consultations with ReDSS members who wish establish a separate ReDSS secretariat with the aim of establishing an effective, focused stakeholder engagement to address and promote durable solutions for displacement affected communities in the Great Lakes region. 

ReDSS is not an implementing agency but a coordination and information hub acting as a catalyst and agent provocateur to stimulate forward thinking and policy development on durable solutions for displacement affected communities in the Great Lakes. It seeks to improve joint learning and research, support advocacy and policy dialogue, capacity development and coordination. 

Overall purpose of the role: 
Learning from the ReDSS East Africa’s experience and its work with IGAD, ReDSS Great Lakes is being established with its HQ in Bujumbura and proposes to create similar approaches for the Great Lakes by working with the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR). In order to strengthen the capacity of ICGLR to lead and coordinate the displacement and Durable Solution agenda in the region an Adviser for the Great Lakes will be hired to work closely with them. The main purpose of the role is to provide advice on the displacement agenda in the Great Lakes and to serve as liaison for ReDSS in their work with ICGLR.

Responsibilities: 

Research and knowledge management: promoting a culture of learning and reflection that leads to improvements in durable solutions programming and policies

• Establish ReDSS GL as a credible partner in displacement with ICGLR by identifying key areas where ReDSS GL can add value
• Serve as bridge maker between the work of ReDSS GL and ICGLR ensuring coordination and synchronicity
• Oversee the implementation of ReDSS GL research and knowledge management agenda including review of what has been done, what is useful and then initiating studies and developing processes that are relevant to ICGLR 
• Analysis of regional durable solutions data, strategies, policies and legislation, and production and dissemination of quality reports
• Analysis of regional policy documents and their implementation at ICGLR national levels
• Ensure cross learning and coherence between the different ICGLR countries and at regional level
• Facilitate and organize regular consultation/technical workshops and learning events/meetings on key issues of interest to ReDSS and the ICGLR

Strengthening the capacity of Governments, ICGLR practitioners and policy-makers in the field of durable solutions

• Ensure gender, IDPs and returnees’ component in policies and laws
• Capacity building of ICGLR staff including trainings
• Support the roll-out of the technical and policy training package 
• Support ICGLR Peer Policy Dialogue for members states and peer to peer learning from positive regional example
• Translate evidence and research into programming and policies guidance
• Direct support to ICGLR and its partners
• Contribute and support policy actions based on evidence
• Initiate and support policy actions of ICGLR and engagement in collaboration with ReDSS members, based on evidence from ReDSS and external studies and analyses to improve solutions-oriented policies at national and regional level 
• Continue to implement and monitor ReDSS commitments to the Agenda for Humanity and SDGs
• Support existing forums and members to engage with ICGLR on durable Solutions
• Proactive engagement in policy development processes such as CRRF and support and facilitate ReDSS members engagement
• Work closely with ICGLR to ensure coherence between national and regional policy processes and other relevant bodies and forums 
• Support development of key briefing papers and policy briefs based on evidence
• Work with ICGLR on their displacement and durable solutions agenda, strategies, policies and legal frameworks
• Analyse polices, regulations, legal frameworks and propose solutions
• Work closely with the Conference Secretariat technical arm and coordinating body of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region
• Provide technical support to policy makers and practitioners, including through displacement and durable solution training 

External representation and coordination

• As ReDSS secretariat staff member facilitate engagement of ICGLR with key players on displacement and Solutions in the region 
• Ensure coordination with donors, academia, think tanks, UN agencies, INGOs, inter-governmental organizations
• Serve as focal point in ICGLR for donors’ engagement 
• Represent ReDSS in ICGLR working groups and meetings 
• Provide overall implementation and strategic direction and guidance and capacity development of ICGLR 
• Ensure information and knowledge sharing and coordination between the work of ReDSS and ICGLR 

About you
To be successful in this role we expect the following experience and technical competencies

• Minimum 8 years of experience in similar positions involving policy advice, knowledge management, research, evidence building, analysis and coordination of a consortium of partners
•  Advanced University degree in social studies, political science, international relations or relevant field
• Strong knowledge of the Great Lakes region and the socio-economic and political dynamics affecting it, more specifically on displacement trends with a demonstrated ability to manage politically sensitive contexts
• Solid experience in capacity development of a wide range of actors including adult learning, mentoring and coaching, training of trainers and impact monitoring of capacity development activities
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the organization
• Strong analytical and writing skills with proven experience in producing high quality research and policy briefs with ability to present complex information in a simple and accessible manner
• Strong experience in translating evidence and research into programming and policy guidance
• Excellent coordination and networking skills
• Inter-personal facilitation, communication and diplomacy skills to build trusted relationships with a wide array of humanitarian and development partners, donors, government agencies, etc.
• Flexibility, proactive engagement, ability to work under pressure and to demonstrate high tolerance for change, complexity and unpredictability
• Experience working with Governments in the Great Lakes
• Fluency in written and spoken French and English

Moreover, in this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ 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: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

Duration:           1 Year renewable subject to Performance and Funding.

Contract:           Salary  in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment Band Non-Manager G2

Start Date:        1st April 2021 

Duty Station:     Bujumbura - Burundi 

Reporting:         This position is managed by Regional ReDDS Manager  and will report to Solutions Coordinator for day to day tasks.

Commitments:     DRC has a Humanitarian Accountability Framework, outlining its global accountability commitments. All staff are required to contribute to the achievement of this framework (http://www.drc.dk/HAF.4265.0.html).  All DRC staff must be committed to the Red Cross Code of Conduct, as well as the Core Humanitarian Standards.

Gender Equality: DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels.  In light of this, women candidates are particularly encouraged to apply to bridge the gender gap. 

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, colour, race, marital status or other protected characteristics.

applications 
Applicants must send a cover letter (max 1 page) and an updated CV (max 3 pages) in English. Cover letter should outline your personal motivation for applying and your key qualifications for the position. 

Apply online on our page Current Vacancies at www.drc.ngo  Applications sent by email will not be considered. 

Closing date for applications: 10th March 2021. 

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit  drc.ngo/jobsupport