Consortium Manager

Background

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is an independent international non-governmental organization, working in 40+ countries throughout the world, and our primary mandate is to promote durable solutions for refugees and displaced populations. The DRC office in Nairobi is a Regional Office providing management support and strategic direction to DRC programs operating in East Africa & Great Lake

Overall purpose of the role

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is seeking exceptionally qualified candidates for the position of Consortium Manager to lead a consortium of partners in implementation of a project across Benishangul Gumuz, Ethiopia and Gedaref, Sudan. The project is aimed at supporting the resilience of areas and populations affected by forced displacement due to the conflict in Sudan, and to promote social cohesion among communities.

The role is responsible for the overall strategy and implementation, including management of the Consortium Management Unit, developing its role in Benishangul Gumuz and Gedaref and maintaining activities and deliverables as agreed upon with the Steering Committee.

Qualified candidates must demonstrate capacity in leading an integrated project team comprising staff from partner organisations, a range of senior-level experience across both program and support functions and should be capable of providing strategic direction and motivation to a diverse team of technical specialists while building and maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders ranging from community members, local authorities, national governmental entities, donor agencies and non-governmental organizations. Successful candidates will be forward thinking and creative in their approaches and must embrace learning and adaptive management practices. The preferred candidate will have proven knowledge and experience of inclusive system approaches and gender transformative programming.

The Consortium Manager holds overall responsibility for the achievement of the project’s intended results, ensuring that deliverables are submitted on time and to a high standard of quality. The position holder will be responsible for ensuring an integrated vision among the different project intervention areas and actors. They will also serve as the principal point of contact with the donor, oversee risk management of the project as well ensure robust and meaningful learning and adaptation is embedded.

Key responsibilities

• Be responsible for the leadership, oversight and management of the delivery of expected results throughout the life of the project, consistent with the award objectives and donor compliance requirements.
• Serve as secretary to the Steering Committee, ensuring all consortium members are actively engaged to drive the strategic direction, problem solve implementation challenges and ensure robust results management of the programme.
• Lead on project delivery, including strategic direction and performance management, component design and delivery, team management, and research and learning.
• Provide and maintain a single programmatic and technical approach, ensuring a strong shared vision of the project, oversee robust coordination between DRC and partners, and ensure project teams access programmatic and technical resources to deliver quality programming interventions.
• Serve as the principal point of contact with the donor, overseeing all formal and informal communications and providing timely updates on delivery, including risks and challenges.
• Responsible for active risk management of the project, fostering a culture of risk management at all levels and that the donor, DRC, and the Steering Committee are kept informed and engaged on project risks and management strategy, and that there is embedded and iterative business continuity planning.
• Oversee and manage the project’s relationship with authorities and other stakeholders, including representing the project in local, national, and international meetings and events.
• Ensure the Safety and Security Plans are being fully implemented and reviewed/adapted as conditions demand.

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: You act in line with our vision and values.

Education.

Degree in political science, international development, social work humanitarian law, migration or related field.

Experience and technical competencies:

• At least 7 years' experience working in international humanitarian and/or development aid,  ideally with experience in a similar role (Consortium Manager, Project Manager, Programme Advisor);
• At least 3 years' experience with people management
• Demonstrated experience managing and/ or supporting large multi-location programs in complex operating environments, preferably with experience coordinating multi-partner teams.

•  Technical expertise and experience in either inclusive systems, health and nutrition, protection and gender, peacebuilding or resilience programming in fragile contexts.
• Demonstrable experience in project management, budget monitoring, financial forecasting, and risk management.

• Ability to build and maintain relationships with host governments, donors, partners, local organizations, and other stakeholders

Languages.

• Full professional proficiency in English essential

Amharic, Arabic or French language skills an asset

Conditions

Contract:       End of contract is December 31, 2027 with possibility of extension, subject to funding and performance.Salary and other conditions are offered in accordance with DRC’s Terms of Employment for Staff ; Employment band F- Management.

Duty station: Ethiopia or Sudan

Availability:    ASAP

Reporting Line: Operations Director

Providing equal opportunities    We are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, age, ability, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other factor. At DRC we celebrate diversity and appreciate our employees for the people they are and their unique skills, backgrounds, and perspectives. We encourage all interested candidates to apply.

Promoting high standards : DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process