DCA is a Danish relief and development organisation working to assist and empower people affected by poverty and disasters to live a life in dignity. In Ethiopia, key areas of its work are saving life and livelihood through humanitarian interventions resilience building of vulnerable communities and empowerment.  DCA invites competent professionals to apply for SHARPE Aid Policy Lead Position.

Program Summary

DCA plans to engage in a DFID-funded, 3.5-year programme, Strengthening Host and Refugee Population Economies (SHARPE), whose main objective is to “increase sustainably the net economic returns to refugees and hosts communities through both increased gains and decreased losses.” The programme will use an M4P approach, focusing on six market systems in three focal regions/hubs (Gambella and Somali Region, Jigjiga and Dollo Ado) to improve the livelihoods of 200,000 beneficiaries. The programme begins with a 6-month Inception Phase during which diagnostic reports will be developed, a management results framework developed, and interventions piloted. Activities should focus on market systems development and be facilitative, adaptive and innovative to reach the beneficiaries in an equitable manner that promotes cooperation between refugees and host communities. The Policy Lead is part of the SHARPE management team based in Addis Ababa and shall work with DCA-Ethiopia team and all relevant stakeholders on policy development and review.

General Position Summary

The primary role of the Aid Policy lead is contributing to the development of SHARPE consortium policy and strategy. The incumbent represents DCA/SHARPE in a wide range of external forums and in coordination with UNHCR, ARRA and regional district government. She/he is expected to proactive engage in policy development processes such as CRRF. In addition, the incumbent will produce policy papers and guidelines; advice DCA and SHARPE management team on key policy issues; and support DCA/SHARPE staffs understand and comply to relevant policies and guidelines; as well as inform potential policy issues that may arise in the future. The incumbent must ensure adherence to international humanitarian quality and accountability standards, relevant national and international laws, as well as DCA’s core values and code of conduct in the course of project implementation and uphold maximum efficiency, transparency and accountability in resource use.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Key Program Functions

• Work collegially and co-operatively within the wider DCA and SHARPE team members particularly on issues related to policies, procedures and guidelines development and review;
• Maintaining an environmental scan in portfolio policy areas to identify strategic opportunities and challenges; Remain vigilant and being able to interpret current policy events to increase the influence of DCA/SHARPE in policy and strategy developments;
• Actively engage and play leading role on the development and review of internal policies and guidelines; proactively understand change processes and inform the SMT team on their impact and appropriate strategies to pursue
• Develop a research and learning agenda to address key knowledge and practice gaps on policy issues;
• Support the roll-out of policy training packages;
• Support development of learning tools such as online tutorials on key policy issues;
• Support translate evidence and research into programing and policies guidance;
• Initiate and support policy actions and engagement, based on evidence from SHARPE studies and analysis to improve solutions-oriented policies in Ethiopia;
• Initiate policy dialogue among relevant stakeholders for better understanding and refinement of relevant policies and guidelines,
• Ensure continued engagement with key players on policies related to displacement and Solutions in Ethiopia including national and local authorities, UN agencies, humanitarian and development donors, relevant working groups
• Ensure internal information sharing and coordination among SHARPE members on major displacement related policies in Ethiopia,
• Train /coach and provide policy related guidance to staffs to ensure good understanding of relevant policies and procedures among the team
• Ensure compliance to relevant government policies and procedures in the course of the project implementation;
• Facilitate and organize regular consultation/technical workshops and learning events/meetings on key policy issues

Partnership and Representation

• Closely work with partner staffs, UNHHCR, ARRA, target beneficiary representatives, and the local government in setting out clear and transparent policies and strategies
• Participate in national and regional, policy related meetings, networks, and ensure DCA/SHARPE operations are aligned and coordinated with similar efforts of government and other humanitarian and development actors;
• Promote and maintain good partnership with stakeholders (target communities, private sector, government, ARRA, UNHCR, and other humanitarian actors) in the spirit of respect, equity, transparency and complementarity;

Human Resource Management

• Lead/Manage DCA subordinate staffs teams, set defined expectations, provide leadership and technical support as needed, and evaluate direct reports accordingly;
• Lead by example, and motivate staff members through regular coaching and mentoring; and foster the spirit of teamwork and cooperation with in DCA team and other partners staffs;
• Mentor, empower, train and build the capacity of your staff and direct reports both technically and managerially with the advisement of the expatriate team

Accountable to:  SHARPE Team Leader; and functional relation to DCA head of Programs    

Terms of Employment:   One year with a possibility of extension

Key Qualifications/ Skills:

• Advanced University degree in social studies, political science, international relations or relevant field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in similar positions involving policy analysis,  research

Technical & Other Skills

• Experience from management of refugee programme
• Strong knowledge of the CRRF, Ethiopian refugee legislation and the socio-economic and political dynamics affecting it
• Demonstrated ability to manage politically sensitive contexts
• Experience in working in sectors like livelihoods, rural development, private sector development an advantage.
• Excellent coordination and networking skills and a strong and well established network an asset
• Inter-personal facilitation and communication skills to build trusted relationships with a wide array of humanitarian and development partners, private sector and government agencies
• Flexibility, proactive engagement, ability to work under pressure and to demonstrate high tolerance for change, complexity and unpredictability