Junior specialist of the rural economic development project 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 now 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 looking for an office in Chernihiv Junior specialist/rank of the project on the economic development of rural areas to work in the field of economic recovery.  

the junior economic development project specialist will support the implementation of rural economic recovery measures, including, but not limited to, the provision of grants to private subsistence households, the provision of grants to small farms, as well as providing grants for building business potential in rural areas. He/she will work closely with communities, civil society organizations (CSOs), and government services to identify vulnerable individuals in need of support, maintain service databases, and share information about available services. 

Geographic Coverage: This position is focused on the Chernihiv region and ensures compliance with DRB procedures and guidelines at the regional level. This role contributes to the development of core strategies that are implemented through the action plan and daily tasks.

Your primary responsibilities will be:

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Under the supervision of the head of the economic development project group, the junior specialist/rank of the rural economic development project will:

• Implement program measures economic recovery at the farm level, including, but not limited to, grants to subsistence farmers and small farms, as well as grants to build business capacity in rural areas. , community-based, by effectively identifying and coordinating work with stakeholders, key informants and members communities.
• Establish and maintain communication with relevant public, private and non-governmental providers of similar services and other entities for the effective implementation of project activities.
• Identify economic development/regeneration needs in identified locations and provide information to the project's economic development specialistand/or the head of the economic development project group. Ensure the collection of quantitative and qualitative information and data for consideration in new projects.
• Organization and implementation of informational and educational activities, including dissemination of key messages, distribution of materials and holding of information sessions, in accordance with identified needs.
• Mobilize and establish strong links with communities through consistent engagement with local structures and adhere to culturally sensitive approaches and dignity.
• Constant coordination of their actions with the economic development group implementing similar activities in cities, to exchange information, experience and ensure consistency of economic development programs.
• Coordinate work with other DRB departments to improve the process of referrals and information exchange.
• Perform any other duties that may be assigned by the Project Team Leader with of economic development and/or the Manager of economic development related to the achievement of economic development goals.

About you:

• At least 1 year of experience in implementing economic recovery or livelihood activities, preferably in the humanitarian or development sector.
• Higher or secondary special education in the areas of: agriculture, economics, political science, international economics or related specialties.
• Experience and interest in business development in rural areas
• Ability to speak on sensitive topics and work with people in distress
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with vulnerable individuals, employees and stakeholders .
• Excellent organizational skills, the ability to prioritize tasks and cope with several tasks at the same time.
• An objective assessment of oneself professional opportunities, understanding of confidentiality and ethics
• Proficiency in operating systems Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Outlook/Exchange, Windows
• Knowledge of English - preferably intermediate level
• Knowledge Ukrainian language - mandatory

All DRB positions require their incumbents to possess key competencies defined by the DRB: 

• Strive for excellence: Focus on achieving results while ensuring process efficiency.< /li>
• Cooperation: Engaging relevant parties and encouraging them to provide feedback communication.
• Initiative: Personal control of the situation and taking the initiative, with a simultaneous desire to innovation.
• Communication: Ability to listen and speak effectively and honestly.
< listyle="font-weight: 400">Integrity: Adhering to and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRB's values ​​and Code of Conduct, including protection against sexual exploitation, violence and harassment. 

We offer:

• Contract duration: Indefinite after an initial 3-month trial period
• Level : Group I
• Determining the place of service: Chernihiv
• Start date: February 10, 2025

The application is open to citizens of Ukraine. Salary and conditions will be in line with the terms of employment of Danish Refugee Council national staff.

Application process:

All applicants must upload a cover letter and updated CV (no more than four pages in English).  Applications sent by e-mail will not be considered.

Application deadline: January 19, 2025*

*DRB reserves reserve the right to conduct additional interviews before the application deadline.