Programme Assistant Trainee

Introduction

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfilment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956 and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Based in Copenhagen (Denmark) and present in forty countries, the Danish Refugee Council is a non-profit-making, politically independent, non-governmental and non-denominational relief organization.

Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

1. Background

DRC has been operating in West Africa since 1998 and in North Africa and Latin America since 2011. The DRC West-North Africa & Latin America (WANALA) Regional Office is based in Dakar, Senegal, and covers several countries. Led by the Regional Executive Director, the DRC WANALAC oversees, supports, and provides strategic directions for DRC’s Country Offices within the above-mentioned regions. It includes Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Algeria / Tunisia, Libya, Colombia, Venezuela, and Mexico.

2. Purpose

Based in the DRC West and North Africa & Latin America (WANALA) Regional Office (hereafter: WANALA), the Program Assistant Trainee will support the follow up of programmes and the development and quality review of proposals and reports covered by the regional office. He/she will also contribute to assist in the organization of regional internal and external program events and support communication initiatives. The Trainee will work intensively with the Program Department and will have interactions with the Support services and Country Offices in the region and HQ. It is a unique opportunity to join a well-known international organization and benefit from a support adapted to the practical application of academic teaching.

Under the traineeship programme, trainees will have 10% of their time allocated to learning objectives they will define according to their interests and possibilities offered by DRC.

DRC is looking for motivated young people who have a personal interest and commitment to work in the region, with the civil society, in the long term.

3. Responsibilities

Under the management of the Regional Head of Program, the Program Assistant Trainee will have the following activities and tasks:

• Assist in the review and/or development of concept notes, proposals, budget and amendments, in coordination with the regional program teams and according to priorities defined with the RHoP
• Assist in the revision of donor or program reports
• Work with the Regional Head of Program to ensure concept note, proposal workflows and deadlines are followed by program teams.
• Participate in the organization of kick-off and closure meetings for regional projects, regional annual reviews and external events.
• Work with the Support services in the organization and coordination of workshops and internal events.
• Draft and/ or review communication and advocacy products based on information from country and regional teams according to priorities defined with the RHoP
• Develop regular external and internal products on DRC strategy and program
• Ensure the compliance to DRC and Donors’ communication guidelines
• Daily management of DRC regional twitter account
• Support the flow of information within the regional office, and between HQ and country offices
• Weekly watch of funding opportunities
• Produce thematic maps for countries or regional team

All the tasks mentioned above will be primarily, for the DRC regional office. However, if manageable and only with the approval of the Regional Director, country offices may be included in the scope of the tasks ensured by the Program Assistant Trainee.

In addition to the above, the Program Assistant Trainee may be asked to carry out other duties requested by the Regional Head of Programmes.

4. Roles reporting to this position

No direct reports – technical line to Economic Recovery Coordinators and multi-country Program Managers in country.

5. Required Qualifications

• Relevant university degree, or proven social experience related to the sector (as volunteer/…);
• Proven social skills and a interest in people and operational management;
• Understanding of the different contexts of the West Africa, North Africa and/or Latin America Regions;
• Interest in and a professional project in grant management and institutional fundraising (procurement and tender processes); and/ or in communication; and/ or in one of the sectors of DRC (protection, economic recovery, Humanitarian disarmament and peacebuilding). 
• Excellent communication, interpersonal skills with a well-developed ability to motivate and persuade at high levels;
• Full professional fluency in French and English; Spanish language is an asset
• Excellent Computer Skills (MS Office, Internet) and an advanced proficiency in Excel are required.

6. Required Skills & Qualities

• Core Competencies of DRC:

                 – Striving for excellence

                 – Collaboration

                 – Taking the lead

                 – Communication

                 – Demonstrating Integrity

• Ability to work in a multinational and multicultural environment
• Proactivity, with a sound commitment to teamwork and with a spirit of genuine collaboration
• Excellent communication skills, as well as patience and politeness, are required
• Multi-tasking and Organizational skills are necessary
• Adaptable and Flexible
• Proven analytical and critical thinking skills
• Exemplary sense of ethics in the workplace
• Team-oriented & good sense of humor

7. General Regulations

The employee shall follow :

• DRC regulations on safety, health, COVID-19 norms and hygiene
• The Code of Conduct and all ethical guidelines, including the Code of Conduct and the Humanitarian Accountability Framework
• Rules for the use of the DRC guesthouse, which is a working accommodation

In addition :

• Employee should not engage in any other paid activity during the DRC contract period without prior authorization
• Employee should not engage in any activity that could harm DRC or the implementation of any project during the DRC contract period
• Employee should not give interviews to the media or publish project-related photos or other material without prior authorization
• Employee shall return all borrowed equipment for the project to DRC after the end of the contract period or upon request

8. Applicable conditions:

• 10, 000 DKK monthly allowance
• Insurances 100% paid for by DRC
• Accommodation 100% paid for by DRC in a guesthouse

9. Application Process

Are you interested? Then apply for this position online: www.drc.dk/about-drc/vacancies/current-vacancies. All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in English. Applications can only be made online, on the site indicated above.

DRC encourages all applicants to apply and does not practice any discrimination in any recruitment process. DRC provides equal opportunity in employment and prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability.

DRC strongly encourage candidates from countries where we work or with a personal engagement in the region to apply.

Closing date for applications: April 30th, 2024. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.

Due to the urgency of the position, DRC has the right to recruit a candidate who matches the required profile before the above deadline.