Advisor for the Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe (DKH)
Support and accompaniment of local partner organizations in projects funded by the German Government in Asia and Europe
Countries:
Ukraine (starting June 2020)
Bangladesh (potentially starting September 2020)
Potentially up to 2 additional countries in Asia and Europe during the period of assignment
Reporting to: Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe HQ Berlin
Assignment Period:
From 01 June 2020 until 30 June 2022
Ukraine: approx. 8-10 missions to Ukraine plus remote support during the period from June 2020 until June 2022 up to 150 consultancy days
Bangladesh: approx. 4-5 missions to Bangladesh plus remote support during the period from October 2020 until June 2022 up to 75 Consultancy days
Additional country in Asia or Europe with funding from the German Government: up to 50 consultancy days
Additional country in Asia or Europe with an acute emergency: up to 50 consultancy days
It is understood that a physical presence of the consultancy in the countries will result in the highest quality deliverable. However, due to the current COVID-19 circumstances, travel to and inside the countries is constrained until further notice. Therefore, the consultancy needs to be aware that access to the countries will not be possible in the next months, possibly until the end of 2020 and is expected to be ready to adapt methods and tools so as to be able to fulfill the tasks remotely. Similar scenarios might also develop in 2021 and 2022.
About Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe (DKH)
Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe (DKH) renders humanitarian aid worldwide, and currently works in 36 countries. DKH supports people who are affected by natural disasters, war and displacement and who are not able to cope on their own in the emergency situation they find themselves in. The work is guided by the Humanitarian Principles and the Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS). DKH is part of the Evangelisches Werk für Diakonie und Entwicklung e.V. (EWDE), an umbrella-organization with a nationwide established Social Service Agency, one of the biggest welfare institutions in Germany.
It is DKH's approach to work through a global network of partner organizations. The German Government, i.e. the German Federal Foreign Office (AA) and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), are a crucial backdonor.
Purpose and tasks of deployment
The purpose of the deployment is to strengthen the ongoing DKH-response to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and Bangladesh as well as in newly established programs in other countries in Asia and Europe. The focus shall be on projects funded by the German Government (AA and BMZ) but might also involve projects financed with DKH’s own funding.
The advisor shall provide support and guidance from project preparation through implementation until project closure. He/she shall ensure that the project is implemented according to AA/BMZ/DKH guidelines and standards, is of high quality, meets the needs of the beneficiaries and is completed in a timely manner, and within the approved budget.
Project design and preparation
- Support partner organizations in drafting full AA and BMZ proposals;
Plan, organize and conduct kick-off workshops with the partner organizations;
Provide guidance for the partner organizations on the project budget, financial management, compliance with donor specific financial regulations, procurement regulations and documentation, narrative and financial reporting obligations towards AA/BMZ/DKH, risk assessment and mitigation measures, and key accountability aspects (Targeting, Feedback Mechanisms, Post Distribution Monitoring);
Ensure coordination with other stakeholders to be determined on a case-by-case basis (CWBF, UN-Clusters, particularly WASH and FSL-Clusters).
Project implementation and reporting
Support and monitor the activities of the partner organizations to successfully implement the project and if required, advise on the necessary additional support (administrative, technical etc.);
Brief DKH HQ on key vulnerabilities and/or areas to reinforce the partner organizations’ work;
During procurement processes, ensure compliance with AA/BMZ/DKH specific procurement requirements and regulations;
Support the partner organizations to prepare high quality and timely narrative and financial reports;
Ensure accountability to beneficiaries during project implementation by reviewing established project feedback- complaint- and response mechanisms as well as implementation of post-distribution monitoring (PDM) and PDM-reports;
If foreseen, support the partner organizations in planning and conducting interim (external) project evaluations and ensure that lessons learnt will be incorporated in the on-going projects.
Project closure and final documentation
Support the partner organizations to prepare high quality and timely final narrative reports, and final Proof of Employment of Funds;
Brief and support the partner organizations in preparing an external financial audit;
If foreseen, support the partner organizations in planning and conducting a final (external) project evaluation.
Specific purpose and tasks in a response to an acute emergency
In such a case, the purpose of the deployment is to shape and strengthen the emergency response through local partner organizations and to set up an effective program including support structures, if required. The Advisor shall provide support and guidance and ensure bridging between DKH, and partner organizations. He/she shall coordinate with relevant stakeholders and advise DKH programming across the affected country. The following tasks are of specific relevance:
Assisting partner organizations in developing relief and early-recovery projects including support in needs assessments;
Conducting capacity assessments of partner organizations;
Preparing concept notes for AA, BMZ or other backdonors;
Representing DKH professionally with other national and international actors including the German Embassy and other donors;
Providing materials for the public relation and fundraising work in Germany.
Profile of the Consultant
Substantial experience of at least 8 years in supporting and managing humanitarian projects and programs, preferably in complex environments;
Previous work experience in the listed countries as well as in insecure environments and in acute emergency response;
Substantial knowledge of the international humanitarian system, institutions and donors, including compliance requirements and accountability frameworks;
Substantial knowledge with backdonor funding from the German Government (AA and BMZ);
Substantial experience with the approach of working with local partner organizations;
Experience with construction measures (shelter, WASH/latrines, water purification, and others) as well as general comprehensive technical knowledge and/or understanding and expertise is an additional asset;
Ability to travel to the project sites in the listed countries;
Immediate availability and high degree of flexibility for missions abroad during the assignment;
Consultancy status: Kindly provide information on your daily fee. All travel-related costs will be borne by DKH. All social security and insurance-related costs will have to be borne by the consultant. Kindly also provide a certificate of participation in a HEAT course or similar. Please also confirm your immediate availability.
How to apply:
Kindly send your application and CV by email to Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe headquarters in Berlin: jobs@diakonie-katastrophenhilfe.de. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Further questions regarding the assignment kindly address to michael.frischmuth@diakonie-katastrophenhilfe.de
