Head of Programme At Danish Refugee Council

Introduction

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956 and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Based in Copenhagen (Denmark) and present in forty countries, the Danish Refugee Council is a non-profit-making, politically independent, non-governmental and non-denominational relief organization.

Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

Background

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) has had an operational presence in Nigeria since 2015. DRC Nigeria is the largest DRC country mission in the West Africa region and one of the largest DRC country missions globally. Currently, DRC delivers life-saving assistance and protection to vulnerable, conflict-affected populations including internally displaced persons, returnees, and host communities in the areas of armed violence reduction, humanitarian mine action, livelihoods, nutrition and food security, protection, shelter, and non-food items (NFI) and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in 30+ Local Government Areas (LGAs) across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states in northeast Nigeria.

About the job

The Head of Programme (HoP) is responsible for strategic leadership, technical guidance, and management of the Programme team for DRC in Nigeria. The Head of Programme is responsible for the overall programmatic strategy across the entire country’s operation and is responsible for providing technical input to the implementing actors within the different sectors. The Head of Programme is responsible for developing policies, processes and standards within respective areas and plays a lead role in fundraising activities and external representation.

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

Responsibilities:

People Management:

• Lead and manage the programme staff (including people planning, performance, well-being and development).

Project management and development:

• Enabling and overseeing effective, efficient and timely implementation of all projects according to agreed contracts, budgets, policies and in accordance with specific donor requirements and in close collaboration with the Area Managers.
• Provide regular internal and external reports, and other relevant information on programme activities, policy matters and external relations
• Deliver inputs to programme strategy and identify opportunities for new projects
• Lead assessments for emergency or longer-term programming in existing or new project locations
• Lead the planning and development of concept papers, budgets and project proposals with support from the country team
• Ensure effective coordination and visibility of the implementation of the projects with all humanitarian and development actors
• Implement and oversee the DRC administrative guidelines and policies, safety and security procedures, logistics support and other tasks associated with efficient day-to-day running
• Serve as focal point for the development on country and sector strategies – in close collaboration with the technical leads and the Country Director.

External Relations:

• Increase the visibility and credibility of DRC’s program in the area and maintain close relations with all relevant stakeholders including donors
• Ensure correct and timely narrative and financial reporting to donor.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Support the Country Director and the Senior Management Team in ensuring strategic programming coherent with DRC’s operational platforms, coordinating DRC’s programme development, strengthening DRC’s programme quality, standards and learning, and enforcing DRC’s accountability and M&E frameworks.
• Represent DRC on behalf of the Country/Regional Director upon agreement with authorities, UN agencies, humanitarian agencies and other partner
• Function as Country Director during his/her absence if necessary
• Other duties as agreed with the Country Director

As Manager the post-holder is responsible for the following:

• Accountable for achieving DRC’s strategic goals and objectives within the area of responsibility
• Accountable for making significant decisions on what the unit does: its purpose, functions and role, and for making commitments and decisions that require the expenditure of significant unit resources.
• Accountable for people management of direct reports, generally at least 3 employees. This includes hiring & firing, objective setting, probation, performance appraisal, development of staff, managing performance, including poor performance, etc.
• Accountable for making sound decisions based on DRC policies, MOPs, standards, and the advice of technical experts in DRC
• In addition to the above, the Head of Programme may be asked to carry out other duties requested by the Country Director – but always in the scope of this job description.

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to hold a master’s degree in political science, International Development, Economics or another relevant field.

• At least 7 years’ experience in relevant field.
• At least 4 years’ experience with people management
• Full professional proficiency in English

Moreover, we also expect the following:

• Experience in managing program operations, including at country senior management level
• Experience in fundraising and good understanding of key donor requirements
• Proven leadership skills and competence in people management
• Experience with proposal development, budget development, program implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
• Experience with effectively coordinating with national partners, local/government authorities, NGO partners, UN agencies and other relevant stakeholders.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.

Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.

Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.

Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.

Demonstrating integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

Contract length: 24 months contract

Band: Band Management E – level 1

Designation of Duty Station: Abuja, Nigeria. Accompanied Family Duty Station

Start date: 1st of May 2025

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for international employees; please refer to our website. For questions regarding the vacancy please contact Victor M. Velasco, victor.velasco@drc.ngo.