ORGANIZATIONAL DESCRIPTION:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one of the largest humanitarian agencies in the world, providing relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict reconstruction support to victims of oppression and violent conflict. IRC has worked for over eight decades in the world addressing both the immediate, lifesaving needs of conflict affected people in an emergency and the reconstruction needs in post conflict societies. IRC is committed to a culture of bold leadership, innovation in all aspects of our work, creative partnerships and thorough accountability to those we serve.
PROGRAM BACKGROUND:
The Regional Development and Protection Programme (RDPP), launched by the European Union (EU) Trust Fund, is comprised of five geographically-based projects: Tigray, Jijiga, Afar, Dolo Ado and Urban Areas. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Ethiopia is the lead agency for the Shire lot consortium and a sub-partner in the Jijiga lot consortium, both entailing a diverse group of partners. The RDPP global objective is to create evidence-based, innovative and sustainable development and protection solutions for refugees and their host communities through four main objectives focused on integrated basic services (water, energy, education); improved livelihood and employment opportunities; access to justice; and strengthened capacities of multi-stakeholder coordination platforms to cooperate in developing an integrated approach for refugees, host communities and mixed migration flows.
The IRC seeks an experienced professional for the position of RDPP Livelihoods Manager responsible for the improved livelihoods and employment opportunities component of the RDPP in both the Shire area projects. This position is based one each in Tigray (Shire) Regions with (approximately 70-80% time in the field, and 20-30% of time in Shire). The position reports to the IRC Livelihoods Specialist/Assistant Coordinator on day-to-day project management and implementation with additional oversight from the Field Coordinator in Shire. The position will work closely with the Livelihoods Specialist, other Sector Coordinators and Managers; Field Coordinators; and Finance, Human Resources and Supply Chain teams in Shire.
Scope
The Livelihoods Manager will be responsible to the implementation, management, monitoring and evaluation of livelihoods programming under the RDPP project for IRC Ethiopia funded by the EU Trust Fund. The Livelihoods Manager will liaise with other technical managers within the IRC, including timely and quality attention to strategies for and deliverables related cross-sector/service integration; partner agencies, government, private sector, and community partners, as well as the Livelihoods Working Group. The Livelihoods Manager is responsible for overall management of the livelihoods component, providing support necessary to ensure successful implementation of livelihoods development programming which includes entrepreneurship, enterprise development and employment initiatives, financial inclusion/savings, micro-franchising, and related activities. The Livelihoods Manager is responsible for programmatic, human resources, operational and financial management aspects of the livelihoods and employment opportunities component within the scope of IRC’s responsibilities under the project, and in close collaboration with the Livelihoods Specialist and RDPP Coordinator. With support from and in coordination with the Livelihoods Specialist, and the field managers, he/she will directly supervise RDPP Livelihoods staff, supporting them with all aspects of project implementation and monitoring, ensuring completion of activities to a high quality and on a timely basis as defined in the project documents. Particular experience in livelihoods project management and good understanding of the Ethiopian context will be essential in this role.
Key Responsibilities
· Lead and manage the implementation of RDPP activities related to youth entrepreneurship and business skill acquisition, including toolkit and curricula piloting and adaptation, facilitation of training of trainers and partner capacity building.
· Identify and develop partnerships with relevant private sector and local youth serving organizations in support of roll out and delivery of entrepreneurship, business skills and financial service components of the program.
· Develop, manage and keep track of relevant program activity work plans and training implementation schedules to ensure timely delivery of services and achievement of objectives.
· Work with relevant RDPP staff to ensure youth voice, participation and feedback in all elements of project cycle.
· Identify TVET partners and support the customization of the IRC curriculum training guides to suit beneficiary needs and interests.
· Support/facilitate the development of appropriate methods/approaches to delivering entrepreneurship and business skills training for youth participating in vocational training.
· Support Livelihoods Specialist and RDPP Coordinator to prepare relevant and quality IRC and donor reports as per agreed-upon schedules (monthly, quarterly and/or annually) on grant activities, indicators and achievements.
· Ensure regular monitoring and modification of ongoing programming as required
· Manage the Livelihoods officers, overseeing the design and implementation of youth awareness and utilization of financial services.
· Work with the Accountability and Learning Unit to monitor the progress and pace of youth business skill development, financial inclusion and enterprise development, assuring that program objectives are realized and feedback accurately captured and integrated.
· Maintain productive working relationships with project partners, beneficiaries and key counterparts.
· Working closely with IRC Livelihoods teams, remain up to date on good practices and developments in entrepreneurship, business skills and financial services in order to ensure program quality and impact.
· Work closely and coordinate with IRC Supply Chain, Finance, Grants staff and the IRC RDPP Coordinator to ensure timely and compliant program activities and expenditures; including active participation in procurement, supply chain, grant and other meetings.
· Bachelor’s degree in economics, finance, business administration/management, international development, or other relevant field. Minimum 6 years of relevant experience with first degree and 3 years relevant experience with post graduate.
· Experience in entrepreneurship programming, enterprise development and financial/business skill building.
· Experience in youth outreach, relationship building, and partnerships in advancing organizational mission and recognizing opportunities for collaboration.
· Experience in project management skills in NGO/INGO and demonstrated experience in working with private sector partners.
· At least 2 years senior level management experience. Strong leadership, analytical and organizational skills. Demonstrated ability to quickly assess priorities and effectively manage a variety of activities at a time while paying appropriate attention to detail.
· Proven management skills, computer literate, and excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact professionally with donor, project stakeholders, in-country collaborators and staff at all levels of the organization.
· Fluency in English and Tigrigna is required.