Associate Cooperative Development Officer

UNOPS

Aug 30, 2019 (4 years ago) 0 Comments



Background Information: 

UNHCR Sub Office Melkadida (SOMEL) is collaborating with the Agency for Refugees and Returnees Affairs (ARRA), the Somali Regional Government, the Dollo Ado and Bokolmanyo Woreda Authorities, and NGO implementing partners to enhance the self-reliance of refugees and host communities by supporting livelihoods and economic inclusion interventions. The selfreliance programme is supported by the IKEA Foundation and focusses on three key sectors: Agriculture, Livestock, and Financial Services (Microfinance).  

Refugee and host communities in the Dollo Ado and Bokolmanyo Woredas of the Somali

Regional State predominantly rely on agriculture and livestock production for their livelihood. These two Woredas are regularly subjected to the risk of droughts and floods, impacting the food security and livelihoods of the refugee and host community populations. Refugees live in five camps namely; Buramino, Hilaweyn, Kobe, Melkadida, and Bokolmanyo.  Since 2012, UNHCR has invested substantial resources to support the development of the agriculture, livestock, and services sectors. In order to promote local ownership and make the implemented projects sustainable, to date, a total of 40 cooperatives in six sectors i.e. Agriculture, Livestock, Gum and Incense, Construction, Energy and Environment (Prosopis firewood and charcoal briquette production; solar energy provision and maintenance) have been established and have received basic business management training. For the period 2019 - 2021, UNHCR’s strategy is to focus on ensuring sustainability of its existing investments by strengthening the legal and operational capacities of the cooperatives and enabling them to function as profitable independent business enterprises. 

 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

The Consultant will work under the supervision of SOMEL’s Livelihoods Officer and will be responsible for the following deliverables:

  • Undertake an institutional/organizational analysis of the existing 40 cooperatives (agriculture, livestock, gum & incense, renewable energy, construction, and prosopis firewood and charcoal briquette production) in terms of their legal, functional and governance structures to identify gaps and opportunities for improvements;
  • Identify the critical capacity gaps and training requirements for the 40 cooperatives and design a capacity building plan for SOMEL;
  • Conduct trainings for the cooperative members based on the capacity needs assessments by focusing on the supply, production, and marketing aspects of each sector;                                                                      
  • Provide direct technical assistance on a case by case basis to cooperative management structures based on the areas needed for improvement and on their individual needs and requirements;
  • Coordinate activities related to mobilization of cooperatives and capacity building in collaboration with Regional Government and Woreda authorities, ARRA, UNHCR’s Implementing Partners, Refugees and host communities;
  • Monitor the day to day performance of cooperatives and report on the findings and areas of required attention;
  • Monitor the monthly financial performance of all cooperatives in collaboration with UNHCR’s implementing partners. 

The selection of the candidate will be determined on the basis of the strength of technical methodologies and proposals of how he/she will undertake the above activities. 

 

Required Qualifications: 

Education:

  • Advanced university degree in Business Administration, Economics, Rural Development or related areas
  • Specialized knowledge of cooperative development
  • Demonstrated knowledge of the SME policies in Ethiopia

 

Minimum Experience and Skills:

  • Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in capacity building projects/programmes for cooperatives in Ethiopia
  • Demonstrated understanding of the cooperative policies and laws of Ethiopia
  • Demonstrated experience in providing training and technical assistance to rural cooperatives as well as SMEs in Ethiopia
  • Experience engaging with local, and national Government institutions, international development and humanitarian agencies etc.
  • Negotiation and presentation skills
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office IT tools

 

Desired Attributes:  

  • Knowledge of value chain development methodologies
  • Experience working in refugee hosting environments
  • Knowledge of the Somali Regional State and agro-pastoralist context

 

Language requirements:

  • Fluency (written / oral) in English.
  • Working knowledge of the Somali language is an advantage.

 

Submission of Applications

This vacancy is open for qualified Ethiopians only.

Female candidates are encouraged to apply. 

UNHCR is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.                                                                           

IMPORTANT

Applicants who wish to be considered for this position should send a motivation letter the P11 Form and or the most recent fact sheet through the online application system. 

Candidates will be required to sit for a test.

Due to the volume of applications only short listed candidates will be invited for interview.  

 

Refugees – who cares?   We Do.