Economic Recovery Specialist

(Yemen – Sana’a)

Who are we?

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

Overall purpose of the role: 

The Economic Recovery Specialist provides overall technical oversight, leadership and coordination to the Cash Consortium of Yemen (CCY) as part of its Consortium Management Unit (CMU). The Specialist’s technical oversight, leadership and coordination revolve specifically around its Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) and Livelihoods projects. While leading the technical work of the CCY and supporting the partners, the Specialist will specifically ensure good Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) practices are in place and aligned with the market, that food security is supported by MPCA and livelihoods projects under CCY, ensure the decency and sustainability of livelihoods projects, and whenever feasible ensure that the projects promote financial inclusion and linkages with social protection system in Yemen. 
The Economic Recovery Specialist has the overall responsibility for designing, coordinating, supporting CCY’s program in Yemen and for providing technical guidance to CCY’s CMU and partners. 

Main responsibilities:

Responsibilities: (in bullet points)

Technical Oversight 

• Lead the CCY Technical Working Groups on a regular basis, including organisation and reporting
• Provide regular technical support and guidance to Coordinators/Specialists, and other relevant staff of CCY’s partners, in both a structured manner and on a case-by-case basis. 
• Lead development, harmonization, trainings, and roll out of SOPs, tools and guidelines for CCY projects, in a coordinated manner with partners
• Lead on the development of beneficiary selection criteria and identification process, and oversee compliance to agreed standards and guidelines
• Ensure compliance with CCY and DRC quality standards and procedures and alignment with CCY’s strategy and minimum standards of DRC’s economic recovery, proactively identifying risks and mitigation strategies.
• Coordinate with sector colleagues at DRC RO and HQ levels as appropriate about relevant strategic and technical directions 
• Complete regular field visits across the country (North and South) to partners to ensure technical oversight, capacity building and support, identify needs, and ensure quality programming
• Ensure that MPCA and Livelihoods are integrated in design and implementation, by closely working with partners and other CMU colleagues
• Contribute to the refinement of the CCY strategy

Programme Development

• Lead design of project proposals (with associated budgets, recommendations, and indicators) in coordination with Partners, Chief of Party, MEAL and IM Specialists, and Grants
• Lead on developing assessments, including market system assessments, to inform evidence-based planning and implementation and ensure that all interventions are informed by market conditions 
• Contribute to map donor priorities in line with CCY strategy
• Provide technical leadership and review of all proposals and reports, and other relevant sector-specific donor communications
• Contribute to project review meetings and contribute to other program review meetings as necessary (Grant Opening, Review, & Close Out Meetings)
• Technical advice on sector-related budget development and/or realignments, in coordination with Partners and other CMU staff.
• Support the research and analysis work undertaken by CCY

Quality Assurance

• Oversight of overall program implementation progress and quality; identification, resolution and/or escalation of issues; 
• Work with MEAL and IM Specialists to develop harmonized tools and databases to monitor and track efficiency and quality of programming and improve information management within the partners focal points 
• Work closely with MEAL in design, implementation, and evaluation of sector-level programming 
• Coordinate with MEAL and IM to ensure accountability mechanisms are established for programming
• Capture best practices and lessons learned from the monitoring and evaluation results and analysis, and use them to enhance programme quality, effectiveness, and efficiency 
• Ensure strong information management and use of databases for information management and reporting, in coordination with IM and MEAL staff

Coordination and Donor Engagement

• Participation in relevant MPCA/CVA and Livelihoods coordination fora, working groups/strategic advisory groups, and any other relevant fora to represent CCY and its mandate 
• Act as the main technical-level point with donors, as instructed by the Chief of Party
• Support donor visits to the field
• Proactively engage in coordination with partners, but also with other local and international NGOs as well as with international public organizations to refine, expand and strengthen CCY’s referral and information assistance and partner networks whilst seeking new partnerships 
• Report issues and challenges to the donor in a timely manner, in coordination with the Chief of Party

Other

• Ensure adherence to DRC’s Age, Gender, and Diversity policy and AGD programmatic minimum standards.
• Ensure compliance with zero-tolerance to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse policy. 
• Ensure compliance with DRC guidelines and policies on HR, admin, finance, and supply. 
• Perform other relevant tasks as requested by and in discussion with the Chief of Party

Experience and technical competencies:

• Proven experience of at least 5 years in CVA (including MPCA), Livelihoods, Economic Recovery, Food Security, in a complex humanitarian context; 
• Minimum 4 years managing or designing livelihoods and CVA programming (including with consortia).
• Strong communication and analytical skills, including demonstrated capacity to lead/design research and innovation in the sector.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to quickly develop good insight and understanding of the conflict and the economic environment of Yemen;
• Sound understanding of humanitarian architecture and experience with representation in a cluster or working group;
• Cultural sensitivity and adaptability;
• Experience coordinating with diverse teams and providing technical guidance and training;
• Able to manage high workload and deadlines in an efficient and timely manner;
• Able to manage stress and be flexible.

Education: 

• Master’s degree in development, humanitarian affairs, social sciences, or a related field. 
• If Bachelor’s in the relevant field, an additional 3 years of humanitarian work experience is required

Languages:

• Proficiency in spoken and written English and Arabic is essential.

All DRC roles require the post-holder to master DRC’s core competencies: 

• Striving for excellence: Focusing on reaching results while ensuring efficient processes.   
• Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.   
• Taking the lead: Taking ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.   
• Communicating: Listening and speaking 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.

We offer.

• Contract length:  April 30 2026
• Position Band:  This position will be placed in the non-Management (G2) band.
• Start date: ASAP
• Duty station: Sana’a, Yemen (with frequent travel to the field )
• Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s National Terms of Employment.