Economic Recovery Officer (Urban and Rural Livelihoods Officer)

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a prominent protection agency established to safeguard, advocate for, and promote sustainable solutions for populations affected by displacement. Since its inception, DRC has been dedicated to addressing the needs of vulnerable communities, particularly in conflict zones. The organization has been operational in Ukraine since 2014, employing over 800 staff members who work across various sectors including Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding. DRC's mission is to adapt its durable solutions portfolio to meet the evolving needs of displaced populations, ensuring that they receive the necessary support and resources to rebuild their lives. DRC operates in multiple countries, focusing on providing humanitarian assistance and fostering resilience among affected communities.

Job Overview:
The Economic Recovery Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of economic recovery activities in both urban and rural settings. Reporting to the Economic Recovery Team Leader, the officer will be responsible for delivering sectoral cash assistance to subsistence and small-scale farmers, facilitating vocational training, and providing grant and capacity-building support to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and agri-businesses. This position requires close collaboration with local communities, civil society organizations (CSOs), and local authorities to identify vulnerable individuals and ensure they have access to available services. The officer will also be involved in conducting needs assessments, project design, and proposal development, ensuring that the activities align with the identified needs of the communities. The role demands a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to maintaining high standards of data protection and accountability throughout the project lifecycle.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Economic Recovery Officer's duties include conducting needs assessments to inform project design, participating in project initiation and implementation, and ensuring compliance with data protection standards. The officer will support the Economic Recovery Team Leader in developing monthly work plans and will be responsible for reporting daily achievements and challenges. Key responsibilities also involve mobilizing and building relationships with communities, ensuring the participation of vulnerable groups, and integrating gender and protection concerns into all aspects of work. The officer will participate in internal and external coordination meetings, act as a focal point in sectoral coordination mechanisms, and collaborate with local authorities to enhance the effectiveness of project activities. Additionally, the officer will be tasked with maintaining accurate documentation and reporting on project outcomes, as well as sharing lessons learned and best practices with the team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, agri-business, rural development, economics, business administration, vocational education, or a related field. Relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of a degree. The ideal candidate should have at least two years of experience in livelihoods, economic recovery, business development, vocational training, or similar community economic projects, preferably with an international non-governmental organization (INGO) and ideally in emergency settings. Strong organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills are essential, along with a commitment to confidentiality and ethical standards. Proficiency in MS Office applications is required, and candidates should demonstrate the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as agriculture, agri-business, rural development, economics, business administration, or vocational education is required for this position. Candidates with relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of formal educational qualifications. This educational background is essential to ensure that the officer has the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively support economic recovery initiatives and engage with affected populations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant experience in livelihoods, economic recovery, business development, vocational training, or similar community economic projects. Experience working with conflict-affected populations and in emergency settings is highly desirable. Candidates should have a strong interest in supporting vulnerable communities and be capable of communicating empathetically with individuals in distress. Experience in supervising or supporting field staff is an advantage, as is a strong understanding of humanitarian ethics and confidentiality.

Languages:
Fluency in Ukrainian is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for effective communication with local communities and stakeholders. Intermediate proficiency in English is also required, with professional working proficiency preferred. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in enhancing communication with diverse populations.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position includes a 3-month probation period, with the possibility of extension based on funding availability and performance. The designation of the duty station is Kharkiv, and the expected start date is April 202

• Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for employees on national contracts. All applicants are required to submit a cover letter and an updated CV in English, with applications sent via email not being considered. The closing date for applications is 10 April 2026, and candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as interviews may be conducted on a rolling basis. DRC reserves the right to select a candidate before the vacancy close date once a suitable candidate has been identified.