Local Economic Development Officer

Role: Local Economic Development Officer

Country: Palestine

Reports to: Development Program Manager

Supervises: NA

Work in Coordination with: Area Managers, Project Manager, Assigned field team

Base: Hebron or Tubas with visits to the other WB offices

Contract duration: 1 year (3 months probation period + 9 months) with possibility of extension

Introduction:

WeWorld has been working in Palestine since 1992, operating in the field of human rights, humanitarian aid and development to guarantee Palestinian communities access to basic services and available natural resources, in particular with regard to integrated service management, the strengthening of the integrated protection of the population and the enhancement of local socio-economic development in a sustainable and innovative way, with particular attention to the social and economic empowerment of women.

WeWorld in Palestine has 5 offices (Jerusalem, Ramallah, Hebron, Tubas and Gaza Strip). Over the decades, WeWorld has implemented several interventions funded by multiple donors: ECHO and EU, UN agencies such as UNICEF and OCHA, as well as international agencies such as AICS, SIDA, GIZ, JICA, GFFO, FCDO, and others. With a people-centered approach, the priorities are always identified together with the communities we serve, with a specific focus on a triple Nexus approach.

The substantial amount of data collected and analyzed by WeWorld in oPt inform the interventions of multiple agencies. WeWorld is a member of the Global WASH Cluster and is part of all the clusters at national level: WASH (member of the Strategic Advisory Group), Education, Food Security, Shelter, Protection and Health. WeWorld is currently actively engaged in the emergency humanitarian response in the Gaza Strip in support of the local population throughout the ongoing crisis.

Summary of Key Functions and Responsibilities:

Under the direct supervision of the Development Program Manager and Project Manager (PM) and in collaboration with technical/ protection /community engagement teams and Area Managers, the Local Economic Development Officer will technically support all projects’ activities related to livelihoods and local development in the West Bank. The livelihoods and local economic development activities are generally related to agriculture, processed food, art & crafts, art, local tourism among the others.

The position will require active communication and coordination with project teams through participating and establishing any necessary meetings and communication channel to achieve its objectives.

Specific Objectives and Fields of Responsibility

1. Project Implementation:

• To provide technical assistance to PMs in the implementation of livelihood and business development components of NEXUS/Developmental projects.
• Together with field engineers, rural development and community engagement officers support communities, cooperatives and/or individuals in identifying sustainable economic opportunities and/or consolidating initiatives.
• To work closely with other staff members, partners and other relevant stakeholders for project activities including assessments/studies, providing trainings & capacity building, preparing business/sustainability plans, scheduling and leading meetings, workshops, etc.
• Support in mapping cooperatives, start-ups and other business in the West Bank.
• To assist in local value chain and market analysis and assess possible upgrading of sales/production strategies.
• To be responsible for developing sound networking methodologies for local communities.
• To support and facilitate participatory planning for local development.
• To conduct regular field visits to coordinate, implement and monitor local economic development activities and collect data based on project needs.

2. Communication and Coordination:

• Coordinate the activities with internal teams and attend external meetings when needed.
• Participate in coordination meetings mainly at field level and other working groups with partners and stakeholders, if required.
• Develop and maintain appropriate, regular, transparent and supportive communication with colleagues and external stakeholders (partners, local authorities, beneficiaries and community members etc.), with the objective of ensuring good cooperation and partnership.

3. Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date project documentation by daily follow-up with the project teams.
• To document methods, good practices, experiences and results from the targeted communities and partners and provide inputs on project information and documentation (including stories, photos, articles, etc.) to Development Program Managers, Project Managers/coordinators.
• To submit regular activities, work plans and reports in consultation with the Development Program Manager and Project Managers/Coordinators.

4. Procurement:

• Support Project Managers in technical aspects of procurement procedures related to supervised activities (such as providing technical evaluation criteria and specifications, supporting in the technical evaluation of tenders, preparation of completion certificates, etc.).
• Verify all handover documents with the contractors are matching with the implementation on the ground.

5. Quality Assurance:

• In coordination with the Technical Engineering Coordinator and the Community Engagement and Accountability Coordinator ensure project deliverables meet the required WeWorld and donors quality standards.
• Work closely with MEAL department to fill the project surveys and evaluate the outputs / feedback.

6. Other

Perform any other duty required by the Line Manager and other supervisors

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Job Requirements

Qualifications and experience:

• University Bachelor’s Degree in the fields of sustainable development studies, social sciences, environment, agriculture, business development, or other relevant fields.
• A minimum 1 years of experience in local economic development / promotion, community empowerment or social business development in Palestine (community-based approach, cooperative, vocational training, etc.)
• Working experience with local NGOs or INGOs
• Valid and clean driving license.

1. Skills and Abilities

• Strong computer skills.
• Good verbal and written communication, interpersonal and team skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Proven organizational skills and ability to effectively manage multiple tasks while fostering quality, team spirit and positive working relationships with colleagues
• Precision and meticulousness
• Problem-solver approach with demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities
• Strong commitment to the Mission of WeWorld, genuine interest for international cooperation and development/humanitarian work
• Integrity with regard to humanitarian values and ethical standards
• Cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Flexibility with movement between Hebron and Tubas offices and overnight stay when needed.

1. Languages

• Excellent proficiency in both English and Arabic (required)

Interested qualified candidates should Click on (Apply Now) no later than 22 Oct. 2024. 

Noting that the CVs and applications should be submitted only in English