to theMinistry of Refugees and Accommodation of...

to theMinistry of Refugees and Accommodation of Georgia (MRA)The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) invites applications for the position as Senior Organisational Advisor for a Technical Assistance project aimed at fostering the capacity of the Ministry of Refugees and Accommodation of Georgia (MRA) to implement the State Strategy for IDPs and its subsequent Action Plan. BackgroundIn 2007, the Georgian Government adopted its State Strategy on IDPs, which focuses on two durable solutions: return to place of origin; and local integration, by securing dignified housing and socio-economic conditions for IDPs in their place of displacement. The Strategy recognizes that these are not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary, goals, i.e. supporting IDPs socio-economic integration in their places of displacement does not exclude their right to return. The State Strategy was complemented by the IDP Action Plan, which was officially adopted by the Government on 30th July 2008. The outbreak of war with Russia eight days later, and the consequent displacement of over 120,000 people, immediately rendered the Action Plan out-of-date, and greatly dimmed prospects for return in the foreseeable future. A revised IDP Action Plan was subsequently adopted by the Government in May 2009 focused on the goal of securing dignified living conditions for IDPs in their place of displacement. Currently an estimated 270,000 people from Abkhazia and South Ossetia live as IDPs in Georgia.The Ministry of Refugees and Accommodation (MRA) is the organization charged with coordinating the implementation of the IDP Action Plan. By its own admission, though, if it is to do so successfully, the MRA requires significantly strengthened capacity particularly in public relations. DRC’s capacity building project, therefore, has been designed in close collaboration with the MRA and other key stakeholders in Georgia.The Senior Organisational Advisor will be seconded to the MRA to support to MRA to efficiently, effectively and transparently discharge its responsibilities to coordinate implementation of the IDP Action Plan, including through the development of clear and efficient human resource and management processes. The successful candidate will be based within the MRA, but will also spend some time at the DRC office in Tbilisi. This position is within the EU-funded project “Capacity Development Programme for the Ministry of Refugees and Accommodations”.DutiesThe SO Advisor will be based in the MRA, working closely with senior management, in particular with the IDP Coordination Unit (headed by a Ministerial Adviser) which is responsible for coordinating implementation of the IDP State Strategy and Action Plan, as well as in collaboration with the IDP Department and all other relevant MRA departments, including Human Resources. The Senior Organisational Advisor is the direct supervisor of the local project officer (who will also be based within the MRA).Though the SO Advisor will work on a daily basis within the MRA office, the SO Advisor formally reports to the DRC Project Manager for the Capacity Development Programme.The SO Advisor will also liaise with other organizations supporting the capacity of the MRA on IDP issues, including but not limited to UNHCR, USAID/FORECAST, UNDP, and the World Bank in order to support a coordinated capacity-building approach.The SO Advisor will meet EC Delegation representatives to provide updates on the progress of the project.Specific duties and responsibilities• Support, through the provision of  guidance and technical assistance, the development of the capacities of key MRA staff to effectively  coordinate  implantation of the IDP Action Plan• Provide daily guidance and support to the MRA to effectively fulfil its role as Secretariat of the IDP Steering Committee responsible for coordination and overseeing implementation of the IDP Action Plan   • Facilitate an open process amongst senior MRA staff to develop and implement an organizational development plan, building upon prior work by USAID/FORECAST and UNHCR • Elaborate consequential organizational development needs of the MRA at both the central and regional levels• Analyse MRA capacity gaps, suggest and implement relevant improvements to MRA systems and processes including: human resource systems, communications, and public information/relations management • Develop and organize relevant training courses for MRA staff• Support the MRA in the development of a Public Information Centre and case management system for IDPs to receive information• Act as an advisor to the Minister’s senior management team on IDP issues within the MRA • Supervise one national Project Officer who will also be based within the MRA offices • Ensuring proper data collection to assess the project impact• Compiling periodic reports for the EC as required• Any other duties as agreed with the DRC Regional Representative / Deputy Regional RepresentativeQualifications• Substantial knowledge and documented international experiences at management level, preferably from international development assistance• Solid professional experience with an emphasis on organisational development and capacity building activities. Any experience with humanitarian work in similar contexts will be welcomed• Experience with Public service, Public Awareness and Public Relations• Experience with supervision and management of staff and proven training experience • Preferably experience from working in conflict and post-conflict areas with refugees/IDPs • Knowledge and work experience from CIS societies is an advantage, this in particular with regards to the Georgian context• Advanced level of written and spoken English• Fluency in written and spoken RussianConditions Duty station: Tbilisi, GeorgiaConditions: You will be hired on a consultant contract on the following terms: • Location in a family duty station• This is a 18 months position • The consultant must follow DRC security regulations when in the field • Health insurance will be covered • Housing is provided • Salary and conditions in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s “Terms of Employment for Expatriates” (available at www.drc.dk under Vacancies). The position will be placed at salary level D2.Commencement: As soon as possible Further information You are welcome to contact Programme Coordinator Rikke Johannessen on telephone +******or on email: ****** for further information on the programme and the position. Please note that applications are not to be sent to Mrs. Johannessen. We only accept applications sent via our on-line system at www.drc.dk/about-drc/vacancies/current-vacancies/ For general information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult www.drc.dk  Application and CV Only motivated applications that address the stipulated duties and meet the required qualifications sent together with a CV, in English and marked ”Senior Organisational Advisor”, will be considered. CV-only applications will not be considered.We only accept applications sent via our online-application form on www.drc.dk under www.drc.dk/about-drc/vacancies/current-vacancies/. Please remember to include a letter of application and your CV. Applications are to be sent to no later than 04. September 2009. Interviews are expected to take place during weeks 39-41 of 2009.Problems with on-line application? Please contact Anne Oxholm, ******, if you experience problems with your on-line application. 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.                                                                                    APPLY HERE