ReDSS Kenya Protection and Solutions Coordinator (Re-advertisement) at Danish Refugee Council

Background
The Regional Durable Solutions Secretariat (ReDSS) is a coalition of 14 NGOs working in the search of durable solutions in East Africa. ReDSS Secretariat is hosted by DRC and based in Nairobi with a country unit in Somalia and Ethiopia. This post will contribute to the development of a more significant inter-agency protection and solutions coordination role within ReDSS Kenya, building on work led to date by ReDSS and the Refugee Working Group, with a particular focus on protection issues for refugees in the country. ReDSS is an interagency coordination and information hub that focuses on research and knowledge management, program support, capacity development, learning, and policy influencing. The ReDSS Steering committee is composed of DRC, IRC and NRC. For more information http://www.regionaldss.org/

Overall purpose of the role
The ReDSS Kenya Protection and Solutions Coordinator will be responsible to support increased coordination, advocacy, information sharing and knowledge management among NGOs working on displacement and solutions in Kenya. S/he will work with the ReDSS Manager, supporting ReDSS Kenya as necessary to support the overall development of ReDSS’ work in Kenya, including representing ReDSS members in relevant fora and coordination mechanisms.

Responsibilities

Policy Influencing

• Support ReDSS members and the Refugee Working Group in developing a strategy to better enable NGOs in Kenya to collectively respond to and advocate for the protection needs of refugees in the country
• Undertake mapping and gap analysis of current coordination arrangements around refugee protection, both at national and field level
• Develop joint advocacy messages and advocacy plan that supports NGOs to undertake concrete actions to current protection needs
• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders, in particular NGOs, UNHCR and donors, and others to be identified as necessary
• Support the development, implementation and monitoring of ReDSS Kenya policy engagement strategy
• Ensure active engagement with displacement affected communities to ensure their ownership and support in order to make solutions lasting, locally relevant and feasible

Research and knowledge management: promoting a culture of learning and reflection that leads to improvements in solutions processes in Kenya

• Ensure that previous ReDSS research work is having the maximum impact on current policy and programming in relation to the protection of refugees in Kenya
• Support the Kenya Refugee Working Group by providing regular context and protection analysis to inform the working groups work and strategies
• Taking lessons from ReDSS work elsewhere in the region, develop a “common research agenda” strategy that will improve the ability of programming and policy actions to respond to evidence and enables greater coherence and the identification of key knowledge gaps
• Maintain and update online information management system and database to share learning
• Organize learning events at national and Garissa/ Turkana county levels – in coordination with key stakeholders
• Lead the implementation and monitoring of the application of the ReDSS learning framework to promote a culture of learning and reflection

Strengthening the capacity of practitioners and policy-makers in the field of long-term solutions

• Work with ReDSS team (and members as appropriate) to improve regional engagement on refugee protection issues in Kenya, identifying opportunities for cross-border discussions or work as appropriate and building networks
• Strengthen capacities of local authorities and humanitarian and development stakeholder to cooperate in developing integrated approaches for displaced and host communities
• Support sharing of programmatic lessons learnt and exchanges among members and key stakeholders
• Support accountability to displacement affected communities through engagement with members on key issues affecting them

Support development of ReDSS Kenya unit

• Deputize for the ReDSS Kenya Country Manager as necessary to support the development of a future workplan for ReDSS’ work in Kenya
• Support ReDSS Regional Manager with ensuring that ReDSS’ work in Kenya complies with DRC’s procedures and systems

Reporting
This position reports to the Regional Solutions Manager.

Experience and technical competencies

• University degree in social studies, political science, international relations
• Minimum 8 years of experience in similar positions involving protection coordination, knowledge management, research, evidence building and analysis
• Strong knowledge of the socio-economic and political dynamics of the region; more specifically on displacement trends with a demonstrated ability to manage politically sensitive contexts
• Experience of working with a wide range of national and international partners in implementing multi-stakeholder initiatives, ideally in a management, coordination or representational role
• Solid experience in capacity development of a wide range of actors including adult learning, mentoring and coaching, training of trainers and impact monitoring of capacity development activities
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the organization

Required skills

• Excellent coordination, inter-personal facilitation and communication skills to build trusted relationships with a wide array of humanitarian and development partners, donors, Government agencies, etc.
• Strong analytical and writing skills with proven experience in producing high quality protection research and policy briefs with ability to present complex information in a simple and accessible manner
• Strong experience in translating evidence and research into programming and policy guidance
• Solid experience in capacity development of a wide range of actors including adult learning, mentoring and coaching, training of trainers and impact monitoring of capacity development activities
• Good IT command, close familiarity with the maintenance and management of template-style websites and experience of applying ICT (information communications technology) to knowledge management
• Flexibility, proactive engagement, ability to work under pressure and to demonstrate high tolerance for change, complexity and unpredictability

About you
In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s 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: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

Conditions
Contract: Nine months’ contract. Salary and conditions in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for National Staff in Kenya.

Start Date: January 2022

Duty Station: Nairobi, Regional Office

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