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Community Engagement Officer

Danish Demining Group (DDG) is the branch of the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) that focuses on humanitarian peace building and disarmament programming. DDG has been present in Libya since 2011 and in Benghazi since 2018, striving to increase safety and protection levels among communities who reside in some of the most contaminated areas with explosive hazards, by reducing and removing the contamination threat and by providing explosive ordnance risk education awareness sessions to those most at-risk.

Overall purpose of the role:

The Community Engagement Officer (CEO) will play an integral role in the initial stages of mapping, identifying, selecting and capacity building of a new humanitarian mine action (HMA) local partner in Benghazi. (S)He will work under the direct supervision  of DRC’s Area Manager, with technical supervision from DRC’s Partnerships Coordinator for Libya.

Based in Benghazi, the CDO will be responsible for initial outreach and liaison with local relevant actors, including the Commission of Civil Society (CCS) as well as the Regional Mine Action Center (RMAC) and the Libyan Mine Action Center (LibMAC),  in close collaboration with DDG’s Head of Programme (HoP) and Operation Manager (OM), during the initial stages of mapping and assessing potential partners in Benghazi.

After a suitable partner has been identified, the CDO will continue assisting in coordinating the partnership, while playing an instrumental role in the development of a multi-year capacity building plan for DRC’s newly identified HMA partner in Benghazi.

Outreach, Liaison & Representation

• Represent DRC/DDG during initial outreach and liaison with local relevant actors, including the Commission of Civil Society (CCS) and the Civil Society Sector (CSS) as well as the Regional Mine Action Center (RMAC) and the Libyan Mine Action Center (LibMAC), in coordination with the HoP and OM, to identifying a potential new HMA partner
• Act as DRC/DDG’s focal point in capacity building with the aim of nationalization in the East of Libya, developing a professional collaborative relationship with the partner, national authorities and other stakeholders involved
• Support the HoP and OM in ensuring relevant authorities are regularly updated on the capacity building process

Coordination & Support

• Support in the mapping, identifying, and assessing initial capacity of potential partners in Benghazi.
• Conduct a training needs assessment to feed in the transition planning process and development of a local national HMA organization in terms of skills, capacities, and competencies.
• Support the design of capacity building strategies based on clear needs identified and understanding of the operating context.
• Coordinate with/support DRC’s Implementing Partner Committee to design tailored training (in Human Resources, administration, financial management, logistics, safety) for the local partner during the capacity building process.
• Support in the identification of external training capacities and opportunities relevant to the partner’s needs.
• Work in close collaboration with other technical and management staff, including the OM, HoP and Programme Coordinator (PC), under direct supervision from the Area Manager in Benghazi.

Reporting

• Prepare regular updates, briefs and reports on various aspects of the capacity building process in a timely and efficient manner.
• Feed into monthly, quarterly and annual donor reports, providing vital information regarding the progress of the capacity building component for DRC’s projects
• Any other duties as directed by the manager

Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent oral, written and communication skills (Arabic and English).
• Proven analytical skills
• Sound IT skills, Microsoft Word, Excel etc
• Excellent team building, diplomatic, and interpersonal skills.
• Capacity to build strong and enduring alliances and partnerships at all levels.
• Demonstrate sensitivity, tact, and cultural sensitivity.

Professional Competencies:

• Able to exercise sound judgement.
• Works effectively in a delicate, complex environment.
• Works well in a team and projects a positive image and demeanor.
• Self-motivated and able to recommend options for resolution of complex issues.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive issues in a responsible and mature manner.
• An understanding and commitment to DDG/DRC aims and values.

Qualifications

• Relevant Bachelor’s or higher degree.

Preferred experience

• Prior experience in national NGO capacity building sector in Libya.
• 3 years-experience in programme/project coordination/management in the NGO sector,
• Prior experience in the mine action sector in Libya, a considerable asset.
• Prior experience working with civil society organizations, preferably in a management or development capacity.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively and build consensus across diverse sets of stakeholders.
• Experience in stakeholder relationship coordination/management including national and local authorities and donors.
• Experience – or interest in – humanitarian/development work.
• Background in supporting training, coaching/mentoring and development of tools/guidance.
• Previous experience in writing project documents and reports.
• Previous working experience in Benghazi.
• Strong knowledge of the NGO sector in Benghazi & Libya

Languages:

Excellent written and spoken English and Arabic

Conditions:

• 6 months with a possibility for extension, subject to funding and performance.