Site Management Support Officer

Introduction

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956 and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 8,000 employees and also 8,000 volunteers, while managing a turnover of over 400 million Euro. Based in Copenhagen (Denmark) and present in forty countries, the Danish Refugee Council is a non-profit-making, politically independent, non-governmental and non-denominational relief organization. The Danish Refugee Council is Denmark’s largest humanitarian NGO and has been ranked the 3rd best NGO in the world in 2018 (for six consecutive years, the organization is among the top five of the NGO Advisor Annual List).

Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

1. Background

The Danish Refugee Council initiated its activities in the island of Lesvos in November 2015 due to the unprecedented influx of asylum seekers. Following new political developments and displacement dynamics in early 2016, DRC expanded its activities to the mainland to support the people living in several sites across the country. With offices in Athens, Larissa and Thessaloniki, it currently implements a wide range of activities, including Site Management Support, legal assistance, identification of individual needs and protection of highly vulnerable persons, access to services within and outside the hosting sites through cultural mediation, and non-formal education. DRC works closely with the refugee communities, the Greek authorities and other humanitarian actors to ensure a protective environment for refugees and asylum seekers in Greece.

2. Purpose

Under the managerial supervision of the SMS Team Leader, the SMS Officer has responsibility for supporting the development and implementation of all DRC activities in the emergency reception sites in DRC’s area of responsibility and providing liaison with local authorities and other humanitarian actors to ensure a meaningful and coordinated intervention. The SMS Officer will ensure a high quality, integrated approach to site management support, including oversight of site operations, shelter interventions, NFI and food distributions, community mobilization and general protection activities.

3. Duties & Responsibilities

Under supervision of the SMS Team Leader and in close coordination with other DRC field units, the SMS Officer will support the implementation of all SMS objectives under DRC projects in the emergency reception sites.
The main responsibilities include:

• Support coordination efforts and monitoring of activities and service provision on the reception sites in DRC’s AoR, to avoid duplication and identify gaps

• Proactively refer any identified gaps to relevant forums and support advocacy to relevant authorities or humanitarian actors for additional support
• Develop and maintain extensive contacts with the local authorities as well as good working relations with other humanitarian actors
• Contribute to maintaining and strengthening synergies between DRC teams and activities in different areas of intervention
• Contribute to ensuring adequate staffing is in place for the efficient implementation of DRC’s activities;
• Promote a participatory approach to site management and service provision in the sites
• Support smooth functioning in the production and dissemination of various communications tools for the persons of concern, based on agreed key messages
• Continuously advocate for increased communications with persons of concern throughout DRC units, duty bearers and other humanitarian actors
• Support in organizing and coordinating needs assessments as required concerning the community
• Contribute to program standardization and sharing of experiences, lessons learned, and good practices to inform future interventions
• Coordinate data collection and support drafting relevant SMS information products, e.g. site reports/profiles, 4Ws, briefing notes
• Represent DRC in coordination meetings or SMS working groups as required
• Ensure that activities/projects are implemented in accordance with agreed strategies, principles, implementation plans, and donor requirements
• Provide inputs for internal and donor reporting, as necessary; ensure the use of qualitative and quantitative indicators and prepare accurate and timely reports on project progress
• Ensure the communication with the community regarding DRC’s activities is culturally appropriate and inclusive
• Organize and supervise recreational activities for the community which promote integration and empowerment
• Supervise and monitor the SMS cultural mediator’s quality of work, their workload and their development
• Implement awareness raising and behavioral change activities and support the development of relevant messaging in coordination with other DRC teams
• Undertake outreach activities and info sessions on DRC services to target groups and record feedback
• In addition to the above, the SMS Officer may be asked to carry out other duties requested by the SMS Team Leader.

4. Required Qualifications

· A degree in political science or any other relevant field

· Excellent verbal and written English and Greek skills

· At least three years working experience in a related field; previous working experience with local or international NGOs will be considered as a strong advantage

· Strong computer skills

5. Required Skills & Qualities

· Core Competencies of DRC:

o Striving for excellence

o Collaboration

o Taking the lead

o Communication

o Demonstrating Integrity

· Ability to work in a multinational and multicultural environment

· Proactivity, with a sound commitment to teamwork and with a spirit of genuine collaboration

· Strong initiative and self-motivated, with a strong commitment to humanitarian principle and high sense of ethics

· Excellent communication skills, as well as patience and politeness, are needed

· Ability to cope with high workload and stress and identify priority activities and assignments, and adjust priorities as required

· Multi-tasking and organizational skills is a must, and a good sense of humor

6. Terms & Conditions

· The contract will be under the Greek Labor Law (this is a national position)

· All allowances will be provided to the employees (Christmas, Easter, Vacation bonus)

· DRC provides training opportunities to develop and strengthen the quality of its services as well as its staff members’ professional and personal development.

· The position will be based in Attika (Greece) and national terms and conditions apply