Economic Recovery (Urban Livelihoods) Officer

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading protection agency with a mandate to protect, advocate and promote durable solutions for displacement-affected populations.

DRC has been operating in Ukraine since 2014, currently DRC employs over 800 staff in Ukraine and will continue significant scale-up in 2024 to implement emergency response in the Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (humanitarian mine action) sectors, using direct interventions, support to duty bearers and civil society organizations (CSOs), and partnerships with CSOs. DRC will continue and adapt its durable solutions portfolio to the evolving context.

DRC is currently looking for a Chernihiv-based Economic Recovery Officer (Urban Livelihoods) for its Economic Recovery activities.

About the job:
Are you a business professional looking to make a tangible impact in communities affected by crises? We are seeking someone with hands-on experience in the business world who is ready to channel their expertise into the humanitarian sector to rebuild lives and support livelihoods.

In this vital role, you will evaluate business plans, implement MSME grant distribution programs, and provide critical support to help businesses recover and grow. Your ability to discern what makes a business viable and your understanding of the challenges faced by communities will directly contribute to economic recovery and resilience in humanitarian contexts.

In the humanitarian sector, your efforts will empower entrepreneurs, restore livelihoods, and strengthen local economies affected by conflict or disaster. If you’re ready to bring your expertise into the humanitarian field and start making an impact, we encourage you to apply today!

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

• Lead the planning and implementation of programme activities related to economic recovery activities in urban areas (towns and cities of Chernihiv oblast), including but not limited to vocational training, the distribution of business grants, and capacity building of micro and small businesses.
• Support the Economic Recovery Team Leader in producing and updating monthly workplans.
• Identify and communicate with Economic Recovery TL and Manager on economic recovery needs in designated areas. Ensure to collect both quantitative and qualitative information and data.
• Coordinate with Information Management colleagues and take active part in the analysis of the collected information and data.
• Organize outreach activities, including dissemination of key messages, design and distribution of IEC materials, and conduction of awareness-raising sessions, tailored to needs identified through monitoring.
• Contribute to the quality of DRC’s community-based approach by effectively identifying and coordinating with community stakeholders, key informants and community members.
• Mobilize and build strong rapport with communities through consistent engagement with community-based structures and adhering to dignified, culturally sensitive approaches.
• Supervise the Economic Recovery Assistant(s) and ensure the quality of the activities.
• Coordinate with other departments in DRC to facilitate referrals and information sharing.
• Contribute to and provide field-related inputs for proposals for funding for new projects.
• Provide regular reports to the Economic Recovery Team Leader and/or Economic Recovery Programme Manager.
• Any other duties as may be assigned by the Economic Recovery Team Leader and/or Economic Recovery Manager, relevant to the achievement of Economic Recover objectives.

About you

• A minimum of 2+ years of experience in implementing economic recovery or livelihood activities, preferably in the humanitarian or development sector.
• Strong understanding of business development opportunities and challenges in Ukraine, with particular knowledge of the Chernihiv oblast's economic context.
• Proven time management skills with the ability to effectively prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities under tight deadlines.
• Experience in working with vulnerable populations, with the ability to discuss and address sensitive issues compassionately and professionally.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including individuals, teams, and external partners.
• Familiarity with business grants or entrepreneurial support mechanisms, including assessing needs and delivering targeted assistance, is an advantage.
• A strong sense of professional ethics and understanding of confidentiality in sensitive settings.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, and familiarity with digital reporting and management systems.
• Fluency in Ukrainian is required; good English skills are preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to collect, analyze, and use data for reporting and decision-making.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

• Contract length: Open-ended contract after successful completion of a 3-month probationary period.
• Designation of Duty Station: Chernihiv.
• Start date: January 2025.
• Salary and conditions are in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment.

Application process
All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English.

Applications sent by email will not be considered.
Closing date for applications: 20 December 2024*
*We reserve the right to conduct further interviews before the deadline for submission of applications.

Department:

Location: Chernihiv