Senior ReDSS ICGLR Advisor (Conseiller Principal ReDSS pour la CIRGL) – Re advertisement At Danish Refugee Council

Bujumbura, Burundi ( Senior ReDSS Advisor for the ICGLR)

ReDSS was established following extensive consultations between NGOs from the East Africa, Horn of Africa and Great Lakes region, who identified a desire and vision for the creation of a body that can support stakeholders to address durable solutions in a more coherent manner. ReDSS is a consortium of 14 NGOs: Action Contre la Faim (ACF), ACTED, CARE International, Concern Worldwide, DRC, IRC, INTERSOS, Mercy Corps, NRC, OXFAM, Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK), Save the Children, World Vision and the Lutheran World Federation. IRC, NRC and DRC form the ReDSS Steering Committee. It is hosted by the Danish Refugee Council.

ReDSS is not an implementing agency, but a coordination and information hub that acts as a catalyst and agent provocateur to stimulate reflection and policy development on durable solutions for communities affected by displacement in the Great Lakes. It seeks to enhance shared learning and research, support advocacy and policy dialogue, capacity development and coordination.

Job Objective:

Drawing on the experience of ReDSS in East Africa and its work with IGAD, ReDSS intends to implement a similar approach for the Great Lakes by working with the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR). In order to strengthen the capacity of the ICGLR to lead and coordinate the displacement and durable solutions agenda in the region, a Senior Advisor for the Great Lakes will be recruited to work closely with the ICGLR Conference Secretariat. The main objective of this position is to provide advice and support on the displacement agenda in the Great Lakes and to serve as a liaison for ReDSS in its work with the ICGLR Secretariat and its Member States.

Main responsibilities:

• Establish ReDSS as a credible travel partner with the ICGLR by identifying key areas where ReDSS can add value to the work of the ICGLR.
• Develop the ICGLR engagement strategy and ways to work together.
• Serve as a bridge between the work of ReDSS and that of the ICGLR, ensuring coordination and synchronization.
• Involve the ICGLR Secretariat in the implementation of the ReDSS research and knowledge management agenda in the Great Lakes region, including by reviewing studies conducted by the ICGLR Secretariat, determining what is useful to advance their policy agenda on sustainable solutions, and then initiating studies and developing processes relevant to the ICGLR.
• Analysis of regional data, strategies, policies and legislation on sustainable solutions in the Great Lakes region, and production and dissemination of quality reports.
• Support the establishment of updated technical and policy training modules;
• Provide continuous capacity building on sustainable solutions to ICGLR Secretariat staff, stakeholders and affiliated experts, including through the organisation of specific training;
• Initiate and support ICGLR policy actions and engagement in collaboration with ReDSS members, based on ReDSS data and external studies and analyses, to improve solution-oriented policies at national and regional levels;
• Continue the implementation and monitoring of ReDSS commitments to the Agenda for Humanity and the SDGs;
• Proactively engage in policy development processes such as the CRRF/GRF and support and facilitate engagement of ReDSS members;
• Work closely with the ICGLR to ensure coherence between national and regional policy processes and other relevant bodies and forums;
• As a member of the ReDSS Secretariat staff, facilitate ICGLR engagement with key actors on displacement and solutions in the region;
• Coordinate with donors, academia, think tanks, UN agencies, INGOs and intergovernmental organizations;
• Serve as the ReDSS focal point within the ICGLR for donor engagement, as required and with the authorization of the ICGLR Secretariat;
• Represent the ReDSS in ICGLR working groups and meetings, as required and with the authorization of the ICGLR Secretariat;
• Support the implementation of ReDSS activities in the Great Lakes region as needed, particularly in the absence of the ReDSS Manager;
• Support research processes: review research projects and policy briefs, facilitate KIIs, support effective dissemination of research products.

About you

To be successful in this role, we expect the following experience and technical skills:

• At least 4 – 5 years of experience in similar positions in the region involving policy advice, knowledge management, research, evidence development, analysis and coordination of a consortium of partners;
• Advanced university degree in social sciences, political science, international relations or a relevant field;
• Strong knowledge of the Great Lakes region and the socio-economic and political dynamics affecting it, particularly displacement trends, with a demonstrated ability to manage politically sensitive contexts;
• Strong experience in capacity development of a wide range of actors, including adult learning, mentoring and coaching, training of trainers and monitoring the impact of capacity development activities;
• Strong analytical and writing skills, with proven experience in producing high quality research papers and policy briefs, and the ability to present complex information in a simple and accessible manner;
• Strong experience in translating evidence and research into programming and policy guidance.
• Flexibility, proactive commitment, ability to work under pressure and demonstrate high tolerance for change, complexity and unpredictability;
• Experience working with governments in the Great Lakes region;
• Experience working with or in African sub-regional organizations is a plus;
• Fluency in French and English, written and spoken.

Additionally, in this role you will be required to demonstrate the five core competencies of the RDC:

The pursuit of excellence: You focus on achieving results while ensuring an efficient process.

• Collaborate: You involve stakeholders and encourage feedback*.*
• Take the lead: You take ownership of the project and take initiatives while aiming for innovation.
• Communicate: You listen and speak effectively and honestly*.*
• Demonstrate Integrity: Uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to the DRC’s values ​​and code of conduct, including protection from sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

What we offer

Duration: 1 year, renewable subject to performance and funding.

Contract: Salary and conditions in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s conditions of employment Band G1/Non-Manager.

Start date: February 1, 2025

Place of assignment:  Bujumbura/Burundi

Reporting Line : This position reports to the ReDSS Regional Manager for the Great Lakes, with a parallel reporting line to the ICGLR Gender, Women, Children and Humanitarian Affairs Directorate.