Economic Development Project Specialist / Economic Recovery Officer in Danish Refugee Council / Danska Rada u spravah bizhenciv v Ukrayini

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading human rights organization with a mandate to facilitate, advocate and promote long-term solutions for war-affected populations.   

DRB has been working in Ukraine since 2014 and currently has more than 800 employees. In 2024, DRB continues to significantly expand its emergency response activities in the protection, livelihoods, housing/non-food and humanitarian disarmament and peacebuilding (humanitarian demining) sectors, both independently and with the support of responsible parties and civil society organizations (CSOs), as well as partnership relations with CSOs. DRB will continue and adapt its portfolio of long-term solutions according to the changing context.

DRB is currently seeking an Economic Development Project Specialist to work in the field of economic recovery, who will join the team in the city of Sumy (outbound activities will be carried out in the Sumy region).

General purpose of the role:

Under the supervision of the Economic Development Project Team Leader, the Specialistwill be responsible for coordinating and managing the implementation of measures for economic recovery, including the provision of sectoral funds to farmers, grants to enterprises, support in professional training, business coaching. You will work closely with communities, civil society organizations (CSOs) and government services. 

This role is focused on Sumy Oblast and must ensure compliance with DRB procedures and guidelines at a basic level. This role should contribute to the development of basic strategies that are transformed into an action plan and daily tasks.

Your main responsibilities will be:

• Manage planning and implementation of program measures related to economic recovery. To this end, you will support the Economic Recovery Team Leader in preparing and updating monthly work plans. 
• Determine the needs for the recovery of the economy in the specified areas and will inform the Group Leader and the Manager about them. Ensure the collection of quality information and data.
• Coordinate work with colleagues in information management and actively participate in the analysis of collected information and data.
• Organize information and educational activities, including the dissemination of key messages, development and distribution of informational and educational and communication materials and conducting information sessions, in accordance with the needs identified during monitoring.
• Contribute to the improvement of the quality of the community-oriented approach of the DRB by effectively identifying and coordinating work with interested parties parties, key informants and community members. 
• Mobilize and establish strong links with communities through consistent engagement with local structures and adherence to culturally and dignified approaches. 
• Supervise the work of junior specialists of the projecteconomic development and ensure the quality of their activities.
• Coordinate work with other DRB departments to improve the process of referrals and information exchange.
• Contribute and provide information from places to create proposals for new projects .
• Provide regular reports to the Economic Development Project Team Leader and/or Economic Development Project Manager.

About you:

To be successful in this position, we expect you to have at least 2 years of experience in business development, finance, economic recovery, development of business plans, etc. In addition, we also expect the following from you:

• Higher education in the field business, economy, agriculture, social, humanitarian or other related fields. 
• Experience in the humanitarian field and understanding of business grants will be an advantage.
• Ability to speak on sensitive topics and work with people who are in a difficult situation. 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with vulnerable individuals, employees and stakeholders with diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, ability to prioritize tasks and manage with several responsibilities.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Outlook/Exchange, Windows operating systems.
• Knowledge of the English language is desirable. 
• Knowledge of the Ukrainian language is mandatory.

All DRB roles require the incumbent to master the basic DRB competencies:

• Strive for excellence: focus on achieving results while ensuring efficient processes.
• Collaboration: involve stakeholders and encourage feedback.
• Initiative: take responsibility and initiative, strive for innovation.
• Communication: listen and speak effectively and honestly .
• Demonstrating Integrity: Adhering to and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in accordance with DRB's values ​​and Code of Conduct, including protection from sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer:

Contract duration: Permanent employment contract after passing a 3-month trial period
Level: H - non-management
Place of work: Amounts
Start date:October 1, 2024

Wages and conditions will be in accordance with the Conditions of Employment of the staff of the Danish Refugee Council in Ukraine.

Application Process

All applicants must submit a cover letter and an updated resume (no more than four pages) in English.

Applications sent by email will not be considered. 

Application deadline: September 202024

DRB reserves the right to select a candidate before the closing date if a candidate is identified. Only those candidates who match the experience will be invited for an interview.