Sahel Armed Violence Reduction Advisor

Background

Danish Demining Group (DDG) is a specialised unit within the Danish Refugee Council which implements armed violence reduction (AVR), including mine action programmes. DDG has operated in West Africa since 2013 with a focus on community-based approaches to armed violence reduction (AVR). DDG has programmes in the Mano River Union and Sahel sub-regions of West Africa, covering Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Niger and Nigeria.

While the context in these regions differs on my fronts, there are several commonalities which include weak social cohesion, inter-ethnic tensions, presence of armed non-state actors, weak capacity of the state and moderate to high levels of armed violence and insecurity.

Purpose

DDG is looking for a dynamic, bilingual (French and English) Advisor to build and grow DDG’s armed violence reduction programming, with a specific focus on conflict and stability issues in the Sahel. Some technical support will also be provided to DDG’s AVR programming in Guinea. This is a regional position, which will be based in Bamako. The Advisor will be responsible for working with DDG’s Sahel Programme Manager and field staff in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Guinea to develop new and innovative programming in the areas of stability, fragility and resilience, and to ensure quality programming delivery.

Responsibilities

Main task and responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

Programme development

• Ensure quality and coherence of the Armed Violence Reduction activities with the exception of mine action in each country of operation, and monitor and follow up to the implementation of the plan together with the Sahel Programme Manager and Regional Manager
• Work closely with DDG’s Head of Programme Design in the creation of integrated DDG-AVR and DRC field activities, according to project context and specifics
• Ensure that all AVR-related activities are coordinated with and complementary to each other and well-coordinated with DRC and external partners.
• Carry out regular field visits to monitor and advise the field staff in programme delivery.
• Ensure use of current and future DDG methodologies through development or contextualization of DDG manuals.

Staff capacity development

• Ensure DDG’s Armed Violence Reduction field staff are well trained and have the relevant skills and capacity to deliver the program efficiently and effectively. Develop and implement coaching and training for the staff.

Monitoring and evaluation

• Ensure strong and coherent data management, monitoring and evaluation within AVR, and DDG’s reporting structures.
• Oversee the process of Needs Assessments, Baseline Studies and Impact Assessments for DDG in the Sahel region
• Train M&E and Programme staff in data collection and monitoring
• Continuously improve and update data collection tools, so they can be used in the particular context
• Review and implement DDG’s M&E and Impact Assessment Framework
• Partner with relevant research institutions to ensure vital external studies and validation of programming results.
• Ensure all projects are conducted in a conflict sensitive manner with regular review to nclude conflict analysis as a starting point.

Fundraising and communications

• Provide technical support to programme staff during development of funding proposals particularly logframes and M&E frameworks and plans
• Disseminate results in varied ways to enhance use in reports and in decision making
• Provide technical support to ensure that DDG is able to articulate and document relevant best
• Ensure documentation and consolidation of success stories, which can be communicated externally

Qualifications

• At least 5 years programming experience in the areas of community safety, conflict prevention/resolution, social cohesion, peacebuilding, small arms control and/or stability.
• University Degree, preferably Master’s, in Conflict/Security issues, International Development, International Relations or other relevant subject.
• Minimum of 10 years working experience at an international level with humanitarian international NGOs or operational UN agencies
• Minimum of 5 years’ field experience in conflict affected areas; experience in West Africa an advantage
• At least three years prior experience in staff mentoring, coaching and/or training
• Proven experience in project management, including planning and project development, budget management, reporting, staff management and monitoring and evaluation
• Preferably experience in the areas of conflict resolution, security governance and/or community based programming
• Fluency in French essential; ability to speak and write in English at an advanced level is an additional requirement
• High degree of computer literacy

Personal competencies

• Leadership skills, including ability to build and motivate a team and willingness to deal with conflicts constructively
• Political and cultural sensitivity, including ability to adapt well to local cultures.
• Proven ability to function well in an unstable and restricted environment
• Strong liaison, education and communication skills (oral and written)
• Ability to resist external pressures
• Innovative and creative thinking

Conditions

Availability: November 2015 (subject to confirmation of funding)
Duty station: Bamako, Mali with frequent travel to project sites in West Africa

Duration: 12 months with possibility of extension, subject to performance
Contract: Level A10

This is a Non Family Duty post. Salary, benefits and other conditions are offered in accordance with DRC’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates; please refer to www.drc.dk under Vacancies.

Further information

For more information about the position, please contact Sharmala Naidoo, DDG Regional Manager atregional.manager@ddgwestafrica.org. For general information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consultwww.drc.dk. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

For information about our work and organisation, please visit our website: http://www.danishdemininggroup.dk/.

Commitments

DRC has a Humanitarian Accountability Framework, outlining its global accountability commitments. All staff are required to contribute to the achievement of this framework.

HOW TO APPLY:

Application and CV

Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience are invited to submit an updated CV (no longer than two pages) and cover letter explaining their motivation and why they are suited for the post.

We only accept applications sent via our online system at www.drc.dk under Vacancies here. Please remember to upload a letter of application and your CV. CV-only applications will not be considered.

Applications are to be sent to no later than September 30th 2015.