INTRODUCTION 

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC), an international non-governmental organization (NGO), has been providing relief and development services in the Horn of Africa since 1997. DRC promotes and supports solutions to the problems faced by refugees, internally displaced people (IDPs), and migrants. The organization has offices across the region, and has been operational in Ethiopia since 2009.  With funding from bilateral and multilateral donors, DRC is currently implementing a range of activities across Ethiopia and Djibouti, including WASH and shelter provision, child and youth protection, gender based violence response, awareness-raising of migration risks, protection monitoring of migration routes, and livelihoods support for returning migrants or those at-risk of migration.

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE ROLE: 

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC), in partnership with Mercy Corps, is planning to implement a 44-month action entitled Strengthened Socio-Economic Development and Better Employment Opportunities for Refugees and Host Communities in the Jigjiga Area. In line with the Government of Ethiopia’s commitments to the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF), the action will aim to improve employment and livelihood opportunities for up to 54,000 members of the refugee and host community in the Fafan zone of the Somali region. As part of the action, DRC will seek to support diaspora investment in the project location. Specifically, DRC will draw from the organization’s work globally in linking diaspora communities to direct local investment and social impact initiatives, with a specific view to explore avenues for both Ethiopian Somali and Somali diaspora to make larger-scale direct investments in the host community and refugee enterprises and small businesses targeted through the action. DRC, therefore, is seeking a highly qualified, enthusiastic and action-oriented individual for the position of Diaspora Specialist to lead in the design, implementation and monitoring of the action’s diaspora components. Applicants are expected to have a demonstrated business engagement or start-up background combined with experience in project cycle management, representation with community and governmental representatives and the ability to engage in research related diaspora interest and investment trends. DRC highly encourages female applicants. 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS 

Technical Responsibilities

• Assist the project Specialist to Map and develop a database of existing and potential Ethiopian Somali and Somali diaspora associations, entrepreneurs and business owners in, from or with links to the Somali region of Ethiopia. This includes collaboration with DRC’s Copenhagen-based Diaspora Program to identify countries with high concentrations of diaspora, the nature of associations and engagement they participate in, their attitudes towards and interests in investment (in-kind, direct investment and social impact investment) and barriers to investment.
• Establish or support existing diaspora advisory boards or associations at camp and wareda ;eve; in coordination with Project specialist-Diaspora to identify key areas of interest for investment into Fafan zone and viable means for scaling and facilitating investment. This is anticipated to be undertaken using established crowdfunding platforms or investment pooling modalities and, depending upon diaspora preference, would be harnessed for cost share grants, small-scale start-up grants or other forms of investment into the action’s targeted initiatives.
• Maintaining dialogue and idea sharing with diaspora networks at camps and wareda level to encourage ongoing engagement and investment in Fafan zone through conferences, workshops and learning events.
• Ensure all components of the action adhere to protection standards and principles as well DRC guidelines and accountability standards.
  

Management, Coordination and Representation  

• In coordination with Diaspora specialist and Project Manager, ensure rigorous project cycle management principles are applied and oversee the daily management of the implementation of diaspora components of the project. This entails ensuring detailed work, financial and procurement plans are in place and followed.
• Work closely with the action’s MEAL team to monitor project achievements. When activities are identified as behind schedule or are facing technical or logistical challenges, work with the project team to identify and implement corrective actions.
• Together with diaspora specialist and project Manager, organize and facilitate regular reviews of achievements and spending for the project and lead all project reporting related to diaspora activities. 
• Act as the action’s primary focal point with Jigjiga-level diaspora associations and other relevant stakeholders.

Experience and technical competencies: (include years of experience)  

• 2 to 4 years of work experience within the field of business, investment, market systems or innovative livelihoods.
• Experience working with an international NGO or UN agency preferred, but not required.
• Technical understanding of protection concepts, prevention and response strategies.
• Hands-on experience working with communities and governmental authorities.
• Strong planning, organizational and problem-solving skills with the ability to work both independently and within a team.
• Integrity, strong work ethic, and ability to consistently meet deadlines under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to learning and implementing organizational policies and procedures.
• Full proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or economics or other related fields 
  

LANGUAGE:

• Excellent verbal and written proficiency in English.
• Somali language skills.

All DRC roles require the post-holder to master DRC’s core competencies: 

• Striving for excellence: Focusing on reaching results while ensuring efficient processes.
• Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.
• Taking the lead: Taking ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: Listening and speaking effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: Acting in line with DRC's vision and values