Overall purpose of the role:

The Regional Durable Solutions Secretariat (ReDSS) is a coalition of 14 NGOs working together in the search of durable solutions in East Africa and the Great Lakes. The ReDSS Regional Secretariat is based in Nairobi with country units in Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya, and a small team in Burundi leading on working in the Great Lakes. It is a coordination and information hub that focuses on research and knowledge management, programme support, capacity development, policy dialogue, and internal/external coordination. For more information http://www.regionaldss.org

The Regional Director is responsible for the overall management and leadership of the secretariat, using data and evidence to support better programing and policy dialogue through multi-stakeholder partnerships in the search for durable solutions.

Responsibilities :

The ReDSS Director will

• Set the overall strategy for the ReDSS team across the region, in liaison with members, and particularly the Steering Committee
• Provide leadership to all of ReDSS’s work, supporting and managing the regional team, ReDSS Great Lakes Manager and Country Managers
• Lead engagement with ReDSS members through Steering Committee and member meetings
• Lead external engagement with key stakeholders at the regional and national level, as required, maintaining ReDSS’s reputation and position within the region and globally
• Liaise with member, UN and donor HQs, and sister solutions platforms, to contribute to NGO engagement with global durable solutions policy processes
• Ensure the sustainability of ReDSS’s work through fundraising with potential donors and ensuring high quality delivery of existing grants
• Ensure that ReDSS’s external communications are of high quality
• Guide the implementation of ReDSS research and knowledge management agenda including initiating studies and developing processes to monitor uptake to improve solutions programing and policies
• Analyze regional forced displacement trends and dynamics to inform and adapt programing and policy activities
• Ensure cross learning and coherence between countries and at regional level
• Organize regular consultation/technical workshops and learning events/meetings on key issues
• Responsible for quality control of ReDSS publications and to lead the implementation and monitoring of the ReDSS learning framework to promote a culture of learning and reflection
• Support the roll-out of the technical and policy training package and the development of learning tools
• Translate evidence and research into programing and policies guidance and facilitate mentorship and peer learning through the creation of a network of technical people
• Ensure active engagement with displacement affected communities to ensure their ownership and support in order to make solutions lasting, locally relevant and feasible
• Contribute and support policy processes based on evidence
• Initiate and support policy processes in collaboration with ReDSS members, based on evidence from ReDSS studies and analyses to improve solutions-oriented policies
• Support existing forums and members to engage with governmental and inter-governmental actors on durable solutions (governments, development and humanitarian actors, donors…) and facilitate ReDSS members participation
• Proactive engagement in policy development processes including with IGAD
• Development and publication of policy briefs based on evidence
• Ensure continued engagement with key players on displacement and solutions in the region including regional and national authorities, UN agencies, humanitarian and development donors, relevant working groups
• Represent ReDSS in a number of working groups and meetings and support ReDSS members participation

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.

Experience and Technical comptencies (included year of experience)

• Master’s degree in relevant field or equivalent
• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field or equivalent
• Minimum 8 years of experience in similar positions involving knowledge management, research, evidence building; analysis and coordination of a consortium of partners
• 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
• 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
• Strong analytical and writing skills with proven experience in producing high quality 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
• Excellent coordination and networking skills
• Flexibility, proactive engagement, ability to work under pressure and to demonstrate high tolerance for change, complexity and unpredictability

What we offer

Contract: 2 Year Contract with the possibility of extension, subject to funding and performance.

Management Band/ E.

Nationality: Expatriate or national

Availability: 1st January 2024.

Duty station: Nairobi (Kenya)

Reporting Line: DRC Regional 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.

DRC strives to attract, motivate and retain qualified national staff within its programs. As such, we strongly encourage national and diaspora candidates to apply for this position.

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.