Danish Demining Group (DDG) Program Manager Job in Kenya

Danish Demining Group (DDG) is a part of Danish Refugee Council (DRC). DRC has operated in Kenya since 2005, and DDG is now looking to establish operations in Kenya. DDG has operated in the region since 1999 (Somaliland) and has armed violence reduction programmes in Somaliland, Somalia, Yemen, South Sudan and Uganda.

DDG’s armed violence reduction (AVR) approach encompasses the following elements:

• Strengthening institutions and enhancing 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 AVR approach is currently implemented on the national level and on the community level. On the national level DDG seeks to support the authorities with small arms management, and supporting peace building and security sector reform initiatives.

The Community Safety approach 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.

DDG will assess the needs and existing strategies on both national and community level, and develop activities that complement what is being done already. DDG therefore look for a Kenyan Programme Manager to lead the starting up of DDG’s activities in Kenya.

Responsibilities

The Programme Manager (PM) is responsible for developing a feasibility study in Kenya, focusing on implementing DDGs Community Safety activities in Turkana or another relevant location in Kenya. The PM is to conduct both field trip, desk study and liaise with relevant stakeholders in ensuring that DDG’s intervention is relevant and complementary to existing activities and strategies.

The PM is also expected to take lead in developing proposals, fundraising and thereby to create the funding base for the programme. Implementation is expected to commence ultimo 2012.

The position includes the following responsibilities:

a) Management

• Management, operational oversight, coordination and implementation of the feasibility study and potential armed violence reduction activities in Kenya.
• Support and supervision of national staff. This position is the first in DDG Kenya, and will be heavily involved in identifying, recruiting and developing the national team.

b) Programme development

• Establish a new programme in a volatile environment
• Be a driving force in terms of developing the DDG programme within the DDG programme objectives.
• Look to establish projects which complement existing AVR projects in Kenya, and potentially develop cross-border projects.

c) 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.

d) 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.

e) Security

• Responsible for security including development and ensuring adherence to security procedures, monitoring the development in the security situation, developing contingency plans, etc.

f) Reporting

• Ensure proper and timely financial and narrative reporting in compliance with internal and external reporting requirements including procurement.

g) Representation/Liaison

• Act as representative for the DDG programme in Kenya towards government authorities, donors, partners, UN agencies and international and local NGOs and various local co-ordination forums.
• Cooperation and operational synchronisation with DRC Kenya.

h) Fundraising

• Proposal writing, including development of budgets and support to the Regional Director in applying for funding and broadening DDG Kenya’s funding base.

i) 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

• Minimum 3 years of International experience from humanitarian/development work including programme development and management responsibilities.
• Substantial knowledge of the Kenya political system from community to national level.
• Documented proposal writing and fundraising experience as well as good knowledge of donor requirements.
• Experience with financial management.
• Experience with working in insecure environments.
• Diplomatic, patient and persistent.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Good knowledge of Word and Excel.

Personal Competencies

• 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, education and communication skills
• Ability to resist external pressures
• Innovative and creative thinking
• Analytical and reporting skills

Conditions

Duty station:

Nairobi, Kenya with frequent travel to other areas in Kenya. The person must be prepared to live and work in the field, in isolated areas in an unstable security environment with limited recreational and social facilities.

Contract:

12 months - with possibilities for extension, subject to funding. 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 level B2. The position offers standard vacation and holiday benefits.

Start date:

May 2012 or as soon as possible.

Further Information

You are welcome to contact Mr. Klaus Ljoerring Pedersen, DDG Regional Director, Horn of Africa & Representative for Armed Violence Reduction on email: klpc@drc.dk for additional information about the vacancy. Please note that applications are not to be sent to Mr. Ljoerring Pedersen.

For information about our work and organisation, please visit our website www.danishdemininggroup.dk.

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 ”DDG Programme Manager – Kenya” will be considered.

We only accept applications sent via our online system at www.drc.dk under Vacancies > Current vacancies > DDG Programme Manager - Kenya.

Applications sent directly to klaus ljoerring pedersen will not be considered.
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 2. April 2012.

Please contact Anne Oxholm, job@drc.dk, if you experience problems with your online application.