Cash and Markets Project Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a humanitarian organization that provides assistance, protection, and durable solutions to refugees and internally displaced persons worldwide. Established in 1946, NRC operates in over 30 countries, focusing on areas such as education, shelter, and livelihoods. The organization is committed to ensuring that displaced individuals can rebuild their lives and regain their dignity. With a workforce of thousands of employees, NRC aims to deliver effective and timely assistance to those in need, guided by its core values of integrity, innovation, and accountability.

Job Overview:
The Cash and Markets Project Officer will play a crucial role in implementing and monitoring cash and market-based interventions within the framework of NRC's humanitarian response. This position requires a proactive approach to ensure that projects are executed according to the established plan of action. The officer will be responsible for preparing and developing progress reports, ensuring proper documentation, and identifying the most vulnerable beneficiaries for assistance. The role also involves collaborating with various teams, including finance and monitoring and evaluation (M&E), to ensure the effective delivery of cash assistance. The officer will be expected to conduct market assessments and provide insights into market dynamics to inform programmatic decisions. Overall, the Cash and Markets Project Officer will contribute to the organization's mission of providing timely and effective support to those affected by crises.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare and monitor a detailed work/action plan for the Cash and Markets projects in collaboration with relevant staff.
• Assist the Cash and Markets Project Manager (PM) with the verification of beneficiaries to ensure accurate targeting.
• Collaborate with the M&E team to develop post-distribution monitoring reports that assess the effectiveness of cash interventions.
• Work closely with the finance team to ensure that all documentation related to the cash program is properly managed and securely stored.
• Draft weekly situation reports detailing the progress and challenges of Cash and Markets activities.
• Assist the Cash and Markets PM in drafting meeting minutes and translating documents as necessary.
• Support the PM in coordinating with other NRC departments, including finance, logistics, M&E, and risk and compliance.
• Conduct reconciliation of deliverables for each project to ensure accountability.
• Carry out market assessments, including price monitoring, supply chain mapping, and vendor capacity evaluations. 1
• Collaborate with program teams to conduct regular cash risk analyses and ensure that market-based approaches are contextually relevant. 1
• Provide any necessary assistance to the Cash and Markets program based on identified needs and delegated assignments.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate a solid understanding of NRC policies, tools, handbooks, and guidelines. They should possess strong organizational skills and the ability to implement and monitor project activities effectively. Proficiency in preparing and developing progress reports is essential, along with the ability to maintain proper documentation. The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to targeting beneficiaries in need and exploring innovative ways to assist through cash and market interventions. Additionally, candidates should exhibit a willingness to work in challenging environments and possess a high level of patience and tolerance when interacting with beneficiaries.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as social sciences, economics, or international development is required. Additional certifications or training in cash transfer programming or market analysis would be advantageous. Candidates should have a strong understanding of humanitarian principles and the context in which NRC operates.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least two years of experience working in humanitarian settings, particularly in cash and market-based programming. Experience in project management, monitoring and evaluation, and collaboration with various stakeholders is highly desirable. Familiarity with crisis contexts and the ability to work under pressure in demanding situations are essential for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Ethiopia would be considered an asset, as it would facilitate communication with beneficiaries and local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and may require working in challenging and insecure environments. The role is based in Ethiopia, and candidates should be prepared for potential travel within the country. The organization values diversity and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Compensation and benefits will be provided in accordance with NRC's policies and guidelines.