Area Protection Manager in Krakow: DRC is looking for an Area Protection Project Manager for the UNHCR-funded community center project in Wroclaw, Krakow, Rzeszow, and Przemyśl in collaboration with several Polish NGOs.
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading protection agency with a mandate to promote and protect durable solutions to conflict and displacement-affected populations based on humanitarian principles and human rights. DRC is implementing a multi-sector response to support Ukraine refugees, IDPs, and host populations both within Ukraine and in the neighboring countries of Poland, Romania and Moldova, and wider Europe. Since late February 2022, nearly 4 million Ukrainians and third-country nationals have crossed the border to Poland. As part of its neighboring country response, DRC is establishing an operational presence in Poland to support displaced populations through direct implementation, partnership with civil society organizations and national NGOs, duty bearers, and other actors.
The community centres evolved from UNHCR-UNICEF Blue Dots and are supposed to serve as protection hubs supporting linking conflict-affected people, especially those at heightened risk, with services they require. In addition, the community centers aim to strengthen resilience and social inclusion and operate in support of social cohesion. Activities are delivered in the centers as well as through mobile outreach within respective voividships In each location, the Community Centres will be run in collaboration and/or under the leadership of local/national NGOs. In each location, a designated area project coordinator or team leader is responsible for the coordination of the Community Centre. With the support of the Protection Manager and Child Protection Specialist, and overseeing field protection staff in the three locations the Protection Project Manager will be responsible for the overall coordination and implementation of the project in all four locations.
About the Job
The Area Protection Manager will have an area focus and ensure compliance with DRC procedures and guidelines within the area. He/She will contribute to the development of country strategies, which will be translated into action plans and day-to-day tasks, and provide support and/or technical guidance to base operations while overseeing area activities specific to the Community Center project. The position will be based in Kraków with the requirement of regular travel to other project locations.
Project Coordination and Implementation
- Support partners in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of project activities in Wroclaw (through the Area Protection Specialist) and in Krakow.
- Oversee the planning, implementation, and monitoring of project activities (direct project implementation) through Team Leaders in Rzeszow and Przemyśl.
- Develop and roll out relevant project management tools such as work plans, procurement plans, monitoring plans, and IM tools.
- With the support of the Protection Manager, take leadership of the Community Centre project within the allocated geographical area in terms of high quality and timely deliveries, narrative reporting and financial overviews, close cooperation with donors, and government counterparts, and coordination mechanism on site and in synergy with other DRC interventions in the area.
- With the support of technical specialists formalize and roll out operational tools and training modules such as intake and screening forms, referral pathways, standard operating procedures (SOP) for referrals, Child-Friendly Space SOPs, etc.
- Contribute to the development of methodologies used for community engagement, community-driven initiatives, and dialogues jointly with the protection team and partners’ staff and provide required guidance to implementation teams.
- Closely collaborate with area support services officers to support the timely procurement and delivery of necessary project equipment and supplies to partners, HR, and administration procedures.
- Consolidate inputs from area coordinators for monthly, quarterly, and annual donor reports and provide needs-based support in reporting at the area – level.
- Coordinate area-specific budget monitoring, financial management, and expense control is done at the area level for the project activities, including compliance with minimum DRC and donor requirements.
- Contribute to the risk registry and escalate high-risk areas to senior management.
Accountability and Reporting
- Guided by the DRC Programme Handbook, continuously monitor and develop relevant accountability initiatives within relevant project program as well as strengthen the effort to document the impact of activities;
- Ensure compliance with internal and external reporting requirements including procurement;
- Conduct regular project monitoring visits.
Program Development and Strategy
- Identify recommendations on technical assistance and capacity exchange and lead their implementation with the support of relevant staff.
- Oversee knowledge sharing across area teams, document programmatic learning, and ensure that monitoring and evaluation results are understood and used to improve programs.
- Contribute to the development and growth of the DRC Protection program and feed into country-wide strategy development.
Representation and Coordination
- Representation of DRC and active participation in sectoral and relevant working groups.
- Maintain and manage relations with the UNHCR Field Offices in Krakow and Rzeszow and contribute to any relevant discussions with donors at a country level as requested.
- Build and maintain relations with municipalities and other local authorities in the indicated geographical areas.
People Management
- Lead and manage project staff members including coaching, ensuring coordination, recruitment, and capacity development.
- Provide on the job training as much as required and adapt trainings/coaching to specific staff needs.
About You
To be successful in this role we expect you to have a minimum of 5 years of relevant, proven work experience in NGO projects. Moreover, we also expect the following:
- A Master’s degree in political science, international development, economics, or other relevant fields.
- Experience in the relevant project area.
- At least 3 years experience with people management.
- Full professional proficiency in English. Good knowledge of Polish/Ukrainian/Russian will be considered an asset.
- Excellent writing and editing skills for external audiences (including governments and donors)
- Experience in producing high-quality technical material (training material, program tools, proposals, strategic documents, etc.)
- Experience working with Monitoring and Evaluation
- Willingness to frequently travel within Poland (Krakow, Wroclaw, Przemysl, Rzeszow, Warsaw)
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 DRC’s vision and values.
We Offer
Contract length: 31st December 2023, with the possibility of extension depending on funding.
Band: Management, F
Base salary range: from PLN 19,800 to PLN 22,954 gross per month, based on experience
Duty base: Krakow
Start date: May 2023
We offer a competitive salary and benefits in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for National Staff.
Application Process
All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.
Closing date for applications: April 5th, 2023
Candidates need to have the legal right to live and work in Poland or be EU/EFTA/Ukrainian citizens without visa sponsorship.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and we, therefore, encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.
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