Capacity Strengthening Manager At Danish Refugee Council

Position Title: Capacity Strengthening Manager

Supervised by: Area Manager

Technical link: Head of program based in Yaoundé

Duty Station: Meiganga with mobility to Garoua Boulai, Djohong and Ngaoundéré

Area of ​​Operation: Adamaoua and East Regions, Cameroon

Period considered: 12 months

Contract type: National or Expatriate contract

Salary & Benefits: MF Level 2

Introduction

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) assists refugees and displaced people worldwide: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights and strengthen their opportunities for a better future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along displacement routes and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive to achieve responsible and sustainable solutions. We work for the successful integration of vulnerable communities and, where possible, their wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) was founded in Denmark in 1956 and has since grown into an international humanitarian organisation with over 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Headquartered in Copenhagen and present in 40 countries, the DRC is a non-governmental, non-profit, politically neutral and independent non-denominational aid organisation.

Our vision is a life with dignity for all displaced people in the world. All our efforts are based on our moral compass: humanity, respect, independence, neutrality, participation, honesty and transparency.

2. Context

Led by the regional office in Dakar and closely linked to interventions in neighboring Central African Republic (CAR), DRC began operations in Cameroon in 2018, responding to the humanitarian needs of CAR refugees and vulnerable Cameroonians in the Adamawa region. Currently, DRC operates a main office in Meiganga and two sub-offices in Djohong (Adamaoua region) and Garoua-Boulai (East region). In early 2019, DRC also initiated operations in the South-West region to provide assistance that meets the basic needs of populations in terms of food, shelter and protection in rural and hard-to-reach areas. In 2023, DRC is initiating an intervention in the Logone-et-Chari department in the Far North with the priority of seeking solutions to the root causes of inter-community conflicts through programming on peacebuilding and resilience. DRC works with various local partners in Cameroon and is gradually increasing its financial support to Cameroonian civil society organizations. In 2024, DRC plans to expand its interventions in the Mayo Tsanaga Department in coordination with other humanitarian actors for a livelihood response for the most vulnerable refugees in the Minawao camp.

2. Purpose

Based in Meiganga, the Capacity Strengthening Manager (CSM) works under the direct supervision of the Area Manager of Adamaoua and East. The CSM is responsible for the entire capacity building component of local project teams/partners and the management of a few DRC specialists in the region. To this end, he will have to ensure the development of contextualized training modules adapted to the graduation approach, project management, the development of mentoring actions and support for local partners while ensuring strict compliance with DRC and donor procedures. He will contribute to the visibility and development of programmatic and organizational themes aimed at strengthening teams/partners in line with the DRC Cameroon programmatic vision.

DRC is seeking for this position an individual with proven experience in assessing capacity building needs, developing and implementing formal training, field training and mentoring activities for local NGOs as well as the organization’s staff.

To be the chosen candidate for this position, you must demonstrate an excellent understanding of project coordination, support for local NGOs, grant management, strong managerial skills including technical supervision of staff, a proactive posture and a great ability to achieve quality results in a short time. You also have a good ability to develop a strategic vision and operationalize it, are autonomous, flexible and attentive.

3. Responsibilities

The responsibilities listed are not exhaustive and could be readjusted according to operational needs identified at the time as long as they remain consistent with the general responsibilities of the position.

Training management

• Systematically consult local partners on training needs
• Diagnose existing methodologies and propose relevant approaches based on lessons learned
• Develop a participatory methodology for the creation of training modules by involving departments, technical coordinators and the Grant team if necessary.
• Develop, in consultation with various stakeholders and technical reinforcements, high-quality training modules and operational tools in different formats (videos, text, etc.) including presentations, practical activities, guidelines, supporting resources, pre-tests and post-tests, etc.
• Involve stakeholders in the validation of tools and other training materials developed for better ownership.
• Develop SOPs and plans on capacity building of local NGOs
• Review of existing resources and documentary research (tools, educational materials, online resources, etc.) for each chosen theme and creation of a toolbox.
• Establish an annual training schedule for training cycles and share it with all parties
• Identify potential trainers among local partners and train them specifically on relevant topics.
• Carry out all training in the Adamaoua-East zone and support other DRC offices as needed
• Participate in supporting trainers during their first cycles, and make adjustments to teaching materials if necessary.
• Produce a detailed and flexible trainer’s guide aimed at: supervising the methodology and processes for implementing training modules, and supervising the strategy for multiplying training and assessing the skills of beneficiaries.
• Promote good practices by regularly producing analyses in the form of an article detailing the issues, challenges and successes of the capacity building component as well as recommendations.
• Contribute to the development of monthly, quarterly and annual reports in conjunction with PMs and the Grant team.
• Ensure compliance with internal and external reporting requirements.

Partnership management

• Maintain clear and transparent communication with local partners
• Ensure smooth collaboration with local NGOs in line with DRC Cameroon’s strategy. Is accountable for the involvement and commitment of local partners in the implementation of activities and the fulfillment of all commitments according to the terms of the signed sub-subsidy contracts.
• Strengthen the capacity of local partners to ensure compliance with the rules and regulations of respective agreements with donors.
• Support local partners to ensure compliance with PRM and DRC grant agreement rules and regulations.
• Carry out regular visits to the field and to partner premises to provide technical support to staff and ensure progress and the quality of interventions.
• Ensure ongoing communication on supporting local NGOs in order to identify opportunities for synergies and possible pooling with other projects in the area.
• Active engagement with other actors in the same locality/implementation sector, participation in external coordination meetings and sharing of reports.

Grant management

• Contract monitoring: control of contracts signed with donors for projects under his/her responsibility and is responsible for compliance with contractual commitments on projects.
• Communication and visibility: Ensures that DRC’s commitments in terms of communication and visibility are fulfilled in conjunction with the communications team based in Yaoundé.
• Project Development: Is a driving force for proposals for funding opportunities and, in close collaboration with the AM and the HoP based in Yaoundé, actively contributes to and supports the writing of concept notes and project proposals by identifying and supervising needs or impact assessments.

Quality control

• Coordinates with the MEAL department to organize field assessments and feedback sessions with all program teams. Provides programmatic insight to MEAL reports.
• Ensures that MEAL staff on base have weekly coordination meetings for activity planning
• Collect lessons learned and best practices as well as case studies (from DRC and/or other partners) that can be used in reports to donors and DRC communication materials.
• Ensures that all activities are implemented in accordance with the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) and DRC policies; Ensures that gender is taken into account throughout the project cycle; Applies DRC Cameroon’s recommendations on accountability.

Team management

• Recruitment : Recruitment of project implementation staff in line with needs and necessary resources. Preparation of staff TDRs, tests and interviews in collaboration with HR departments.
• Team Management : Coaches the team of specialists for the effective and efficient completion of the project cycle and implementation of activities. Ensures that the specialists work closely with the support team to ensure compliance with DRC policies and procedures on financing, procurement and logistics, including effective weekly, monthly and quarterly planning; Reports resource/staff management issues to the Area Manager for decision. Organizes staff leave effectively.
• Staff development : Identifies training needs related to project themes and internal and external training opportunities based on the budget available for the project; Contributes to career management within DRC; Organization of quality assessment with performance objectives for all team members
• Budget Monitoring : Masters budget monitoring tools and makes realistic and real-time forecasts. Ensures overall consistency in the use of budget lines for program activities, for effective and efficient use of resources, including financial and human, and all assets; Is proactive in identifying risks of over/under spending and proposes solutions to resolve identified risks.
• Purchasing : In conjunction with the PMs, ensure that projects are covered by an up-to-date purchasing plan in coordination with logistics. Plans and monitors purchases with the logistics department. Ensures the application of DRC procedures for ordering, transporting, receiving and storing purchases. Participates in purchasing committees when necessary.
• Fleet of vehicles : Consolidates movement requests for project teams and shares them with the logistics team for consolidation and transmission to the Area Manager. Ensures an organized and reasoned use of movements, in line with programmatic requirements
• Communication : Consolidates communication needs for project teams. Ensures rational use of communication resources in collaboration with the Yaoundé communications team.

Security and Access Management

• Maintains a close relationship with the Security Officer to develop increased knowledge of the intervention zone and threats;
• Ensure awareness among project teams of applicable DRC security rules and support the Security Officer in ensuring their application at all levels;
• Immediately report any violations of security protocols and recommend appropriate action, in accordance with DRC procedures.

Representation and relationships

• Support the Area Manager to represent DRC programs as required in the Adamaoua and East regions;
• Closely coordinate DRC activities with national authorities, UN agencies and local/international NGOs, as well as other stakeholders as needed;
• Develop close relationships and communicate regularly with refugee representatives, local leaders and technical services, and support the Area Manager in relations with administrative authorities, etc.

The CSM is expected to perform any other tasks required by his hierarchy and corresponding to his position.

4. Required qualifications

Experience and skills required

• Advanced degree (Master) in Training Engineering, Educational Engineering and Training, in law, social sciences, international relations or field related to the position in question
• At least 3 years of experience as a project manager, and at least 2 years in the Coordination of multi-sectoral programs
• Proven experience (theory and practice) in the field of training – a recognized certificate being a plus.
• Proficiency in MS Office software and proficiency in visual communication support
• Experience with donors BPRM, ECHO, BHA, European Union
• Experience in training, technical advice and supervision of teams, partners and beneficiaries;
• Ability to transmit skills through theoretical and practical training in an effective, clear and precise manner;
• Ability to organize and supervise data collection via a tablet (kobo);
• Good oral and written communication skills;
• Strong management and leadership skills in a pressured environment;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
• Professionalism and respect for deadlines and commitments; Organizational skills; Proactivity and sense of teamwork
• Ready to work in a rural setting and difficult conditions.

LANGUAGES :

• Complete professional mastery of French required.
• Good level of English a plus.
• Knowledge of the local language (Gbaya, Fufuldé, etc.)

Main working relationships:

• DRC Staff and Partners
• State technical services
• Landlords
• Auditors

5. General regulations

• The employee must follow DRC’s instructions regarding security, confidentiality and ethical guidelines, including the Code of Conduct and the Humanitarian Responsibility Framework
• The employee must not carry out any other paid activity during the duration of the DRC contract without prior authorization.
• The Employee shall not engage in any activity that may be detrimental to DRC or the implementation of any project during the term of the DRC contract.
• The employee must not give interviews to the media or publish photos related to DRC programs or share other materials without receiving prior authorization.
• The employee must return all equipment loaned by DRC to perform the work after the end of the contract period or upon request by DRC.

6. Skills and qualities required

• In this role, you must demonstrate the five essential DRC skills, namely:
  • Striving for Excellence: You focus on achieving results while ensuring an efficient process. You strive to produce accurate, thorough and professional work with optimal use of time and effort.
  • Collaborate: You cooperate with and engage stakeholders, actively seeking their opinions and sharing key information with them. You support and trust others, while encouraging feedback.
  • Taking the Lead: You take responsibility and prioritize your work based on DRC’s overall vision and goals. You take the initiative when faced with a challenge or opportunity and seek innovative solutions.
  • Communicate: You write and speak effectively and honestly while adapting your style and tone to the situation. You actively listen to others and involve them in dialogue.
  • Demonstrate Integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values ​​and code of conduct, including protection from sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.
• Ability to work in a multicultural and cosmopolitan environment
• Proactivity, with a cooperative and collaborative approach
• Excellent communication skills (including attention and patience) are required
• Good organizational skills are required
• Exemplary sense of ethics
• Ability to work in a team and good sense of humor