The history of the Great Lakes has been characterized by large-scale forced and prolonged displacement within and, to a lesser extent, outside the region. The main drivers of displacement are poverty, political instability or crises, armed conflicts 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 major humanitarian and development concern. It is a dynamic regional/cross-border issue with a strong political dimension, requiring a multisectoral response that goes beyond the existing humanitarian agenda.
Overview of the Regional Secretariat for Sustainable Solutions
The ReDSS was established following extensive consultations among NGOs from East Africa, the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region, who have identified a desire and vision for the creation of an organization that can help stakeholders address sustainable solutions in a more coherent manner. ReDSS is a consortium of 14 NGOs: Action Against Hunger (ACF), ACTED, CARE International, Concern Worldwide, DRC, IRC, INTERSOS, Mercy Corps, NRC, OXFAM, etc, Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK), Save the Children, World Vision and the Lutheran World Federation. The IRC, NRC and DRC form the steering committee of the ReDSS. It is hosted by the Danish Council for Refugees.
The RDSS is not an implementing agency, but a coordination and information center that acts as a catalyst and provocative agent to stimulate reflection and policy development on sustainable solutions for communities affected by displacement in the Great Lakes. It seeks to improve learning and joint research, to support advocacy and political dialogue, capacity building and coordination.
Objective of the position:
Drawing lessons from the experience of ReDSS in East Africa and its work with IGAD, the ReDSS intends to implement a similar approach for the Great Lakes by working with the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICRGL). In order to strengthen the capacity of ICGLR to lead and coordinate the agenda for sustainable displacement and solutions in the region, the, a senior advisor for the Great Lakes will be recruited to work closely with the ICGLR conference secretariat. The main objective of this post is to provide advice and support on the Great Lakes travel agenda and to serve as a liaison for the ReDSS in its work with the secretariat ICGLR and its Member States.
Responsibilities:
Research and knowledge management: promoting a culture of learning and reflection that improves programming and policies for sustainable solutions
- Establish ReDSS as a credible travel partner with ICGLR by identifying key areas where ReDSS can add value to the work of ICGLR.
- Develop the ICGLR engagement strategy and ways to work together.
- To act as a bridge between the work of the ReDSS and that of the ICGLR, ensuring coordination and synchronization.
- Involve the ICGLR Secretariat in the implementation of the ReDSS research and knowledge management program in the Great Lakes region, by, in particular, by reviewing the studies conducted by the ICGLR secretariat, identifying what is useful in advancing their policy agenda for sustainable solutions, then by launching studies and developing processes relevant to ICGLR.
- Analysis of regional data, strategies, policies and legislation on sustainable solutions in the Great Lakes region, and production and dissemination of quality reports.
- Analysis of ICGLR regional policy documents and their implementation at Member State level, and mapping of engagement opportunities (conferences, key dates, etc.).
- To ensure cross-learning and coherence between the different countries of the ICGLR and at regional level.
- Facilitate and organize regular technical consultations/workshops and learning events/meetings on key issues of interest to the ReDSS and ICGLR.
- Capacity-building on normative frameworks for refugees, both at the level of regional and international instruments.
- Strengthen/establish an information/data retention centre that can contribute to policy formulation
Build the capacity of governments, ICGLR practitioners and policy makers in the field of sustainable solutions.
- Support the implementation of updated technical and policy training modules;
- Provide continuous capacity-building for sustainable solutions to ICGLR secretariat staff, stakeholders and affiliated experts, including through specific training; and;
- Support the organization of regional capacity-building workshops on sustainable solutions for the benefit of ICGLR member States, including, to assist them in developing their strategy and action plan on comprehensive sustainable solutions for communities affected by displacement in the Great Lakes region; and;
- Assist the ICGLR Secretariat in reviewing the commitments to sustainable solutions made by its member states at the 2019 Global Refugee Forum and the upcoming Global Forum on the refugees of 2023;
- To provide the secretariat of the Regional Advisory Group (RCG), composed of the ICGLR secretariat, UNHCR and other observers (European Union, ICGLR member states, key experts, etc.)
- Ensure that national policies and laws integrate gender, sexual and gender-based violence, mental health, internally displaced persons and returnees; and;
- Translate evidence and research into programming and policy directions for the ICGLR Secretariat; and;
- Provide direct support to ICGLR and its partners to plan and organize meetings, training, etc.
- Contribute to and support evidence-based policy actions.
- Launch and support ICGLR policy actions and engagement in collaboration with ReDSS members, based on ReDSS data and external studies and analyses, and, to improve solution-oriented policies at national and regional level; and;
- Continue the implementation and follow-up of the ReDSS commitments to the Agenda for Humanity and the SDGs;
- Support existing forums and members to engage with the ICGLR on sustainable solutions; and;
- Proactively engage in policy development processes such as the CRRF/GRF and support and facilitate the engagement of ReDSS members; and;
- Work closely with ICGLR to ensure coherence between national and regional policy processes and other relevant bodies and forums; and;
- Support the development of key information materials and evidence-based guidance notes; and;
- Work with ICGLR on their agenda, strategies, policies and legal frameworks for sustainable displacement and solutions; and;
- Analyze policies, regulations, legal frameworks and propose solutions.
- Support ICGLR staff in capacity building on issues related to sustainable solutions for refugees and displaced persons, as well as in the areas of advocacy, lobbying, advocacy, and advocacy, from research, data analysis, policy analysis, project management, and the writing of reports.
- Build the capacity of refugees, especially women, girls, youth and stateless people, in entrepreneurial skills, trauma management and stress management.
- Support the participation of ICGLR staff in regional and international forums, as well as the exchange of knowledge.
External representation and coordination
- As a staff member of the ReDSS secretariat, facilitate ICGLR’s engagement with key actors in displacement and solutions in the region;
- Ensure coordination with donors, universities, think tanks, UN agencies, ENGOs and intergovernmental organisations; and;
- To serve as the focal point of the ReDSS within ICGLR for donor engagement, as required and with the authorization of the ICGLR secretariat; and;
- Represent the ReDSS in ICGLR working groups and meetings, as required and with the authorization of the ICGLR secretariat; and;
- Provide comprehensive implementation and strategic direction, as well as advice and capacity development for the ICGLR secretariat; and;
- To ensure the sharing of information and knowledge and coordination between the work of the ReDSS and ICGLR; and;
- Support the implementation of ReDSS activities in the Great Lakes region as required, particularly in the absence of the ReDSS Manager; and;
- Support research processes: review research projects and policy briefs, facilitate KIIs, support the effective dissemination of research products.
About you
To succeed in this role, we expect the following experience and technical skills:
- At least 6 – 8 years of experience in similar positions in the region involving policy advice, knowledge management, research, evidence-setting, research, analysis and coordination of a consortium of partners;
- Higher university degree in social sciences, political sciences, international relations or in a relevant field;
- Strong knowledge of the Great Lakes region and the socio-economic and political dynamics affecting it, particularly displacement trends, and, demonstrated ability to manage politically sensitive contexts; and;
- Strong experience in developing the capabilities of a wide range of actors, including adult learning, mentoring and coaching, training of trainers and monitoring of the impact of capacity development activities; and;
- Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and to establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the’organisation; and;
- Strong analytical and editorial skills, with proven experience in producing high quality research and guidance notes, and, and ability to present complex information in a simple and accessible way;
- Strong experience in the translation of evidence and research into programming and policy directions.
- Excellent coordination and networking skills…;
- Interpersonal facilitation, communication and diplomacy skills to build trust relationships with a wide range of humanitarian and development partners, donors, government agencies, etc;
- Flexibility, proactive commitment, ability to work under pressure and demonstrate high tolerance for change, complexity and’ unpredictability;
- Experience working with Great Lakes governments;
- Experience working with or in African subregional organizations is a plus;
- Mastery of French and English, both written and oral.
In addition, as part of this position, you will need to demonstrate the five core competencies of the DRC:
- The search for’excellence: You focus on achieving results while ensuring an efficient process.
- Collaborate: You involve the parties concerned and encourage feedback*.*
- Taking the lead: You take ownership of the project and take initiatives while aiming for innovation.
- Communicate: You listen and speak effectively and honestly*.*
- Demonstrating the integrity of’: Respect and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to the values and code of conduct of the DRC, including protection from exploitation, and, sexual abuse and harassment.
What we offer you
Duration : 1 Year renewable subject to performance and financing.
Contract : Salary and conditions in accordance with the conditions of’employment of the Danish Council for Refugees Band G1/No Manager.
Start date of : 15 March 2024
Place of assignment : Bujumbura/Burundi
Hierarchical line : This position reports to the regional head of the Great Lakes ReDSS, with a line parallel to the direction of gender, women, and, children and humanitarian affairs of ICGLR.
Ensuring equal opportunities : we are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect of all employees. All applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, age, ability, ethnic origin, nationality, religion, gender identity, gender identity, etc, sexual orientation, marital status or any other factor. At DRC, we celebrate diversity and value our employees for the people they are and their unique skills, backgrounds and perspectives. We encourage all interested candidates to apply.
DRC’ strives to attract, motivate and retain qualified national staff within its programs. Thus, we strongly encourage national or national candidates from the diaspora to apply for this position. However, applicants should take into consideration that DRC may not employ, within a’ framework of an international contract, any, a national of the country in which he will have to work (in this case the Republic of Burundi). Nationals of the ICGLR Member States are particularly encouraged to apply for the position.
Promoting high standards : DRC’s ability to provide protection and assistance to refugees, including, to internally displaced persons and others within its competence depends on the ability of our staff to respect and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to with the values and code of conduct of the DRC, including protection from sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process.
How to apply
https://job.drc.ngo/jobs/job?id=170234
Only reasoned applications, meeting the missions planned and meeting the required qualifications, accompanied by a CV, will be considered.
DRC only accepts applications sent via our online application form on www.drc.ngo/ Vacancies or by following this link : https://job.drc.ngo/jobs/job?id=170234.
Please submit your application and CV in French or English at the latest by 16 February 2024.