Livelihoods Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is an international humanitarian organization founded in Denmark in 195

• With a mission to assist refugees and internally displaced persons globally, DRC provides emergency aid, advocates for their rights, and works towards sustainable solutions for a brighter future. The organization has grown to employ over 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers, operating in multiple countries and focusing on conflict-affected areas. DRC's vision is to ensure a dignified life for all displaced individuals, and its operations are guided by core values such as humanity, respect, independence, neutrality, participation, honesty, and transparency. In Syria, DRC has been active since 2008, initially addressing the Iraqi refugee crisis and later expanding its efforts to respond to the ongoing Syria crisis from 2011 onwards. DRC Syria employs an area-based approach to support internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and host communities across various sectors, including Economic Recovery and Resilience, Protection, WASH, Shelter and Infrastructure, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding. The organization is committed to fostering resilience in fragile communities and ensuring dignified, sustainable solutions for individuals facing protracted displacement and post-conflict recovery.

Job Overview:
The Livelihoods Assistant plays a crucial role in implementing and monitoring a range of livelihoods activities aimed at supporting communities affected by displacement. This position involves conducting livelihoods assessments and engaging in daily field visits to ensure effective implementation of programs. The Livelihoods Assistant will report directly to the Livelihoods Team Leader and will be responsible for direct interactions with project beneficiaries, including registration, follow-up, and monitoring. The role emphasizes participatory and transparent implementation, aligning with DRC's commitments to localization and community engagement. The Livelihoods Assistant will work closely with the Project Officer to identify community needs, suggest solutions, and support various tasks in both office and field settings. This position is vital for ensuring that livelihoods services are effectively delivered and that beneficiaries are well-informed about available support.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Livelihoods Assistant will conduct field visits to assess, implement, and monitor all livelihoods activities in coordination with the Line Manager. Key responsibilities include identifying and assessing community needs, suggesting solutions in collaboration with the Project Officer, and supporting the identification of potential areas of work and beneficiary selection. The assistant will also coordinate with beneficiaries before starting activities, participate in delivering beneficiary induction and complaints mechanism sessions, and archive program-related documents. Additionally, the Livelihoods Assistant will conduct satisfaction questionnaires with beneficiaries after each course, develop monthly visit plans for business development assessments, and ensure clear dissemination of information regarding livelihoods services. The role also involves monitoring activities, recording feedback, and reporting results to the Project Officer. The assistant will be responsible for arranging Business Development Skills Training, overseeing daily activities, and ensuring logistics support is in place. Furthermore, the Livelihoods Assistant will select potential micro-grants and coordinate with the supply chain team for timely procurement. The position requires supporting the dissemination of the Community Feedback Mechanism (CFM) and ensuring beneficiaries understand how to safely raise complaints or feedback. The assistant must uphold DRC's Code of Conduct, maintain confidentiality, and contribute to integrating protection and AGD mainstreaming into livelihoods programming. Regular communication with local partners, vocational training centers, financial service providers, and relevant service actors is essential for smooth implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university or technical institute degree, preferably with at least one year of relevant experience in fields related to livelihoods, such as vocational training, micro-grants, internships, and counseling. Strong communication skills, both oral and written, are essential. Experience working with community-based organizations, vocational training institutes, or local private sector actors is considered an asset. Familiarity with humanitarian work and experience supporting partner-based or subcontracted activities are desirable. Proficiency in the MS Office suite is required, and candidates should be well-organized, patient, and capable of working in challenging environments. Preference will be given to applicants with volunteering experience in similar fields, and applications from people with disabilities are encouraged.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university or technical institute degree in relevant fields such as Economics, Business Management, Computer Science, Engineering Sciences, or other related disciplines. Additional training courses in areas pertinent to humanitarian response and aid are also beneficial.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of one year of relevant experience in livelihoods-related fields. This experience should encompass areas such as vocational training, micro-grants, internships, and community engagement. Familiarity with humanitarian contexts and previous involvement with community-based organizations or vocational training institutes will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic, both written and spoken, is essential for this role. Good written English skills are required, while fluent spoken English is preferred but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is expected to last until the end of December 2026, and it is classified as a non-management level (I2). The position is based in Rural Damascus, Syria, with an expected start date as soon as possible. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through the provided application link, ensuring that both a cover letter and an updated CV (not exceeding four pages) are submitted in the same language as the vacancy note. Applications must be submitted before the closing date of 24 June 202

• DRC reserves the right to conduct tests and interviews prior to the closing date and may close the advertisement earlier if a suitable candidate is found. For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, candidates can visit the organization's website.