The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) invites applic...

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) invites applications for the position as Country Director for DRCs livelihood and protection programme in Yemen. BackgroundThe Gulf of Aden between Puntland / Somalia and Yemen has always been one of the major barriers along a well-established migration route linking the Horn of Africa and the Gulf. However, poverty and instability in Ethiopia and Somalia has led to an increase in the numbers who seek to make the perilous trip across the sea. In 2008  a mix of approximately 50.000 prime-facie refugees, asylum seekers, economic migrants and trafficked individuals have crossed the Gulf of Aden from Horn of Africa to Yemen.Whilst both Yemen and Somalia are signatories to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the status of refugees, neither the Puntland authorities nor the Yemeni or Somali communities are effectively aware of the rights of asylum seekers or legal and illegal migrants, leading to significant problems for this population.This programme has activities on both sides of the Gulf of Aden and aims to improve the protection of the mixed migration caseload that considers crossing the Gulf or those who have already succeeded to cross over.Taking as a starting point the need to advocate for the full respect of and adherence to international standards and conventions on the rights of refugees specifically, and human rights in general, the programme addresses acute and long-term protection needs in Puntland and, through an outreach program in Yemen, assisting authorities and refugees/migrants on both sides of the Somalia-Yemen migration route. In Yemen the programme has three main components:Provision of support to displaced people and potential returnees in building up their livelihoods with a view to strengthening their ability to become self reliant in Yemen and upon possible return to Somalia. Ensure proper reception of migrants along the Yemeni coastline, inform them about their rights, and for the refugees / asylum seekers support them to reach the refugee camps and start the process of RSD. Registration of new arrivals with a view to map routes and protection problems along the way, that can be addressed by DRC offices and partners on the Horn of Africa.The programme is funded by EC and UNHCR. General responsibilitiesThe DRC Country Director in Yemen represents the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) in Yemen and is responsible for the implementation of the activities under the programme, as well as for the further development of the programme.Close contact and planning is required with DRC office in Puntland, and the regional office in Nairobi, Therefore, you will be visiting Puntland and Nairobi on a regular basis for co-ordination, and visits from DRC’s office in Nairobi will be equally regular.Your qualificationsProven programme management skills, including financial management Experience from politically sensitive positions Experience from collaboration with authorities and coordination with UN and INGOs Experience from fundraising Preferably experience from working in Middle East or northern Africa Preferably experience from working with a Somali caseload Preferably experience with EC as a donor Preferably experience with databases Fluency in written and spoken English. Knowledge of Arabic would be an assetConditionsDuty station: Aden, Yemen. Non family duty station.Contract: 1 year, salary and conditions in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council “Terms of Employment for Expatriates” (available at www.drc.dk). The position is placed at level B2Job start: 1. May or 1. June 2009.Further informationYou are welcome to contact Programme Coordinator Anders Knudsen for further information on the programme and the position. Please note that applications are not to be sent to Mr. Knudsen; we only receive applications via our online-application form.Application and CVOnly motivated applications in English that address the stipulated duties and meet the required qualifications sent together with a CV will be considered.  CV-only applications will not be considered. Please forward letter of motivation and CV, in English and marked “Country Director - Yemen”, no later than Monday 13. April 2009.We only receive applications via our online-application form. Please apply online at www.drc.dk under Vacancies.Interviews will be held during April 2009.The Danish Refugee Council is a non-governmental, humanitarian organisation with 50 years of experience. It aims to protect refugees and IDPs from persecution and promote durable solutions.