Economic Recovery Specialist - Climate-Smart Agriculture & Systems Development

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, guided by 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. 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 and sustainable solutions for fragile communities, particularly in the context of protracted displacement and post-conflict recovery.

Job Overview:
The Economic Recovery Specialist focusing on Climate-Smart Agriculture & Systems Development is responsible for providing strategic and technical leadership for DRC Syria's livelihoods and climate-smart agriculture programming. This role is split evenly between leading DRC's agriculture and climate-smart livelihoods portfolio and providing technical support to the Syria Community Consortium (SCC). The Specialist will work independently within their area of expertise to guide design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design, localization of global frameworks, capacity development, and the development of scalable models. The position aims to facilitate DRC's transition from humanitarian assistance to sustainable, market-systems-based, and climate-smart livelihoods, thereby enhancing resilience through agriculture and the private sector. The Specialist will also engage with financial institutions and relevant stakeholders to promote self-reliance and sustainable development in Syria. This role complements the Economic Recovery Coordinator's responsibilities, focusing on specialized areas such as agriculture, climate adaptation, regenerative farming, and market systems development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Economic Recovery Specialist will undertake a variety of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Technical Leadership and Strategy: Lead the design and implementation of DRC's agriculture and climate-smart livelihoods portfolio, including regenerative farming and efficient resource management. Translate Labour Market Assessment findings into actionable strategies and provide technical oversight on agricultural input support and smallholder farmer engagement. Develop training modules on improved agronomic practices and support collaboration with agro-dealers and cooperatives.
• Consortium Engagement and Strategic Support: Provide technical assistance to SCC members in developing market system interventions and lead initiatives on Market Systems Development and microfinance. Advise on credit models supporting entrepreneurship and facilitate collaboration between SCC members and the private sector.
• Capacity Strengthening and Learning: Design and deliver training modules for DRC and SCC staff, mentor national staff, and support monitoring and evaluation of interventions. Document lessons learned and good practices for strategic planning and donor engagement.
• Representation and Coordination: Represent DRC and SCC in thematic coordination fora, develop partnerships with government institutions and donors, and contribute to advocacy efforts highlighting DRC's value in agricultural recovery and resilience.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 3 years of experience in livelihoods, agricultural development, and climate-smart programming, particularly in international humanitarian or development settings. They should have demonstrated experience with microfinance and inclusive financial services, as well as a proven track record in designing and implementing market-based, climate-resilient agricultural programs. Strong understanding of Market Systems Development and value chain approaches is essential, along with experience in building partnerships with private sector and financial institutions. Candidates should also have excellent communication, facilitation, and analytical skills, with a strong mentoring background.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Agricultural Economics, Rural Development, Environmental Management Engineering, Climate Change Adaptation, or a related technical field is required for this position.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of specialist-level experience in livelihoods, agricultural development, climate-smart programming, and market systems development within international humanitarian or development contexts. Candidates should have a strong understanding of microfinance and credit mechanisms, as well as experience in proposal development and fundraising.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while fluency in Arabic is desirable for this position.

Additional Notes:
The contract length for this position is until 31 December 2026, and it is classified as a Non-Management – G2 level role. The expected start date is 01 January 202

• Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and an updated CV, both in the same language as the vacancy note, as CV-only applications will not be considered. The application deadline is 15 December 2025.