Economic Recovery Assistant 34 views0 applications

Danish Refugee Council, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, is currently looking for a highly qualified Economic Recovery Assistant for our operation Assosa Field Office.

Instruction for applicants:
All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV in English. Please ensure that your CV does not exceed three pages. Applications with CVs longer than the specified limit may not be considered.

Overall purpose of the role:

The Economic Recovery Assistant in Assosa provides operational, field-level, and administrative support to the Economic Recovery Officer to ensure effective delivery of economic recovery and financial inclusion programs. The role will provide support in the formation, training, and mentoring of VSLAs, implementation of income generating activities (IGAs), and decent livelihoods diversification initiatives

The position holder will facilitate community mobilization, outreach, & coordination with beneficiaries, partners, and local actors in a way that enhance participation and program uptake, In addition to managing data collection, monitoring, and reporting to track program progress and outcomes while also ensuring quality and accountability.

In collaboration with the Economic Recovery Officer, the Economic Recovery Assistant supports training sessions, WGSS/VSLA activities, and linkages with financial service providers and private sector actors. He/She applies gender-sensitive and protection principles to promote safe, inclusive, and decent economic opportunities that will be contributing to the sustainability and impact of economic recovery programs in refugee and host communities.

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

1. Field-Level Implementation & Direct Beneficiary Support

• Support day-to-day implementation of economic recovery and financial inclusion activities across target refugee camps and host community kebeles.
• Assist in establishing and registering new Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) and support ongoing groups through regular field visits, mentoring, and recordkeeping oversight.
• Support the rollout of income-generating activities (IGAs), vocational skills training, and business development sessions.
• Assist with organizing input distributions and technical training in agriculture, small livestock, and microenterprise support.
• Mobilize beneficiaries and provide logistical support for training sessions, ensuring inclusivity of women, youth, and vulnerable groups.
• Support beneficiary verification and assist in the distribution of startup kits, business grants, and livelihood inputs under supervision.

2. Community Mobilization, Sensitization & Communication

• Mobilize community members to participate actively in program activities, emphasizing inclusion.
• Conduct awareness sessions to explain program objectives, benefits, and eligibility criteria.
• Serve as a key liaison between communities and program staff, gathering and communicating beneficiary feedback.
• Coordinate closely with refugee committees, local kebele leaders, and community-based structures for effective program delivery.

3. Data Collection, Monitoring & Reporting

• Collect and manage field-level data including VSLA membership, savings, attendance registers, and training assessments using approved tools.
• Conduct monitoring visits to pilot/garden demonstration sites, women led businesses, and other program activities to track progress and identify challenges.
• Document beneficiary success stories and obtain photographs with consent for reporting and program learning.
• Maintain accurate beneficiary lists and distribution records.
• Prepare and submit regular field activity reports to the Economic Recovery Officer.

4. Logistics & Administrative Support

• Provide logistical support for training and field activities including venue arrangements, material preparation, and transportation organization.
• Maintain inventories of training materials, startup kits, and other program assets at the field level.
• Support procurement processes and payment requests related to field activities in coordination with the EcRec Officer

5. Gender & Protection Mainstreaming

• Promote meaningful participation of women, youth, and vulnerable groups in all program interventions.
• Support awareness-raising sessions on gender equality, women’s economic empowerment, and prevention of gender-based violence (GBV).

Experience and technical competencies:

• Minimum of 2-3 years’ experience in Agriculture, Livelihood Development, alternative financing mechanisms such as Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) financial inclusion, micro and small enterprise development, or business development.
• Proven experience working with and a deep understanding of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) income-generating activities (IGAs), or other community-based savings and credit groups, Practical understanding of livelihood programming, community mobilization, and engagement with local authorities or private sector actors
• Good understanding implementing livelihoods, self-reliance, gender mainstreaming, peacebuilding/social cohesion, protection, or advocacy interventions
• Field experience in refugees, internally displaced people (IDP), or host community settings is highly advantageous.
• Demonstrated skills in community mobilization, outreach, and effective engagement with beneficiaries, with an emphasis on women, youth, and vulnerable populations.
• Exposure to multisector program collaboration involving government agencies, UN bodies, NGOs, and local community structures.
• Experience in supporting logistics training, facilitation, and mentoring at the community level.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, internet, email, and Windows.
• Personal integrity, ethics, and confidentiality in professional conduct.

EDUCATION: (include certificates, licenses, etc.)

• BA in Development Economics; Development management, Accounting and finance Agriculture, Rural Development, Entrepreneurship, Business Administration, Cooperative and SMEs development or other relevant fields, or bachelor’s with relevant work experience.

LANGUAGE: (indicate Fluency level)

• Proficient of English language
• Knowledge of local language is an advantage

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ 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 uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

Contract length: 1 year

Contract Type: National Contract

Band: I2 – Non-Management

Designation of Duty Station: Assosa

Number of Positions: 02

Start date: As soon as possible

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for National employees