Overall objectives
The overall objective of the Regional Mixed Migration Secretariat (RMMS) is to support agencies, institutions and forums in the Horn of Africa and Yemen sub-region to improve the management of protection and assistance response to people in mixed migration flows in the Horn of Africa and across the Gulf of Aden or Red Sea in Yemen, as well as other migratory routes from the Horn outwards in northerly, westerly and southern directions. To do this it produces a range of information, research and analysis and participates in the displacement sector in terms of policy debate, policy dialogue and data gathering innovations.
The RMMS Coordinator will be responsible for the overall strategy and implementation of the RMMS, including management of the Secretariat, developing its expanding role in the region and beyond and maintaining its current activities and deliverables as established in recent years.
Background
The Horn of Africa is an important departure point for people in mixed migration flows. Each year tens of thousands of people leave the Horn of Africa and move within the Horn of Africa, in the hope of finding a safer or brighter future elsewhere. Most move with smugglers and the routes used are dynamic and changing.
It is important that the work RMMS remain focused on improving information flow and assist where relevant with coordination among the already existing forums in the region and avoid duplicating their efforts. The Secretariat is thus not primarily an implementing agency, but rather a unit of data collection, data and information management, analysis, research and policy development. .
The RMMS has been hosted and managed by the DRC Regional Office for East Africa and Yemen, in Nairobi. The work of RMMS is guided by Steering Committee, consisting of 8 representatives (one from each of the following: UNHCR, IOM, Intersos DRC, the Swiss Agency of Development Cooperation, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the EU Delegation to Kenya and IGAD), meeting twice a year to discuss the RMMS activities and work plans.
Key Responsibilities
Management of the Secretariat
- Direct and manage the team of RMMS staff in Nairobi: currently: 2 RMMS project officers, 1 4Mi project manager and (while under daily supervision of the 4Mi PM) a team of approximately 7 4Mi staff.
- Develop work plans for the RMMS, to be submitted to the RMMS Steering Committee.
- Manage budgets and interventions of various donors including the EU, IGAD, Swiss SDC/HSD, UK FCO, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UNICEF, GIZ and others as they arise.
- Maintain excellent donor relations and bring in new donors to fund and support RMMS (and DRC).
- Manage any external consultants working on special (research) projects.
Data collection, information management
- Maintain and manage the RMMS web portal, to make information and analysis available to regional agencies and stakeholders. Continue to develop RMMS reputation as the go-to resource on mixed migration in the region and beyond.
- Maintain and manage the regular dissemination of RMMS products such as the monthly summaries, maps and media listings
- Take overall responsibility for the Mixed Migration Monitoring Mechanism Initiative (4Mi) in the East Africa and Yemen region, while the programme is rapidly expanding within and beyond the region. Closely manage the 4Mi project manager, ensure the quality of the 4Mi programme, lead new initiatives in data analysis and presentation and work closely with the Global Mixed Migration Secretariat (GMMS) in Geneva and other DRC/RMMS regional hubs in improving and expanding this RMMS flagship project.
- In close cooperation with the 4Mi PM and senior analyst, develop a system of regular dissemination of analysis of 4Mi data.
Research and analysis
- Continue to coordinate and manage sector-leading research initiatives on areas of relevance and interest, as approved by the Steering Committee, and thereby maintain RMMS’s pre-eminent research reputation in the sector.
- Continue the sector-leading analysis of regional mixed migration data, strategies, policies and legislation, and production and dissemination of quality reports.
- Continue to produce high-quality briefing and discussion papers and feature articles, if possible in cooperation with external authors, providing original insights and in-depth analysis on new, emerging trends in mixed migration.
Support to policy development and operations
- Facilitate and coordinate regular consultation/technical workshops and conferences/meetings, to identify areas for research or tools development.
- Work on the development of a regional policy development strategy and in regional coordination of information campaigns.
- Present at, and/or offer RMMS staff and resources to support international and inter-regional conferences, workshops and debates as well as training programmes, all to add value to the relevant sector.
- Continue to develop strong linkages between RMMS data collection, research & analysis and policy development and operational responses.
Projects and partnerships
- Support existing forums in the region to develop a better understanding of the regional aspects of mixed migration.
- Continue to engage in partnerships with fora such as the International Detention Coalition (IDC), the Platform on Disaster Displacement, Mhub and other actors.
- Offer RMMS support to national Mixed Migration Task Forces (MMTFs) in the region if and when needed.
- Establish new partnerships and where relevant and feasible bring in new, separately funded research projects.
- Contribute to the Geneva-based Global Mixed Migration Secretariat (GMMS) by offering support and regional insights as and when requested, to allow the GMMS and DRC to further define its role vis a vis the growing phenomenon of mixed migration globally.
- Maintain excellent relations with DRC country offices, HQ and external stakeholders.
Reporting Arrangements
- Strategic and Technical supervision and reporting: The Coordinator will report to the Steering Committee on a quarterly basis, and work according to the rolling 6 months’ work plans approved by the Steering Committee.
- Administrative supervision: The Coordinator of The Regional Mixed Migration Secretariat will be supervised by the DRC Deputy Director for East Africa and Yemen. The RMMS Coordinator line manages and supervises the technical/administrative staff of the secretariat and any short-term consultants.
Qualifications & Experience
- Advanced university degree in International Law, Political Sciences, Social Sciences or similar;
- A minimum of 7-10 years of experience in a relevant international position;
- Excellent human rights/protection knowledge and solid knowledge of international refugee law;
- Strong background in migration and having a clear understanding of the regional mixed migration dynamic in the Horn of Africa and Yemen;
- Field protection experience from one of the concerned countries is an added advantage;
- Proven experience in leading and conducting research will be an added advantage;
- Proven programme management skills;
- Good IT command, solid understanding of web, and database design;
- Strong analytical and writing skills in English is essential; proven track record of publications on migration;
- Good command of one of the following languages is a strong added advantage: French, Arabic, Somali and/or Amharic;
- Good networking skills.
Conditions
Contract: One year contract (renewable)
Other employment conditions in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Global Expatriates recruited by the Horn of Africa Regional Office.
Duty Station: Nairobi with travel to other regions; this is a family duty station with benefits as per DRC Global and regional policy for international staff.
How to apply:
Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience are invited to submit an updated CV and cover letter explaining their motivation and why they are suited for the post.
Please forward the application and CV, in English through the online application no later than
31 March 2017
More Information
- Job City Nairobi
