Danish Refugee Council, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, is currently looking for a highly qualified Operational Cell Coordinator
About the job
The OC Coordinator main role is to enable area-based delivery of integrated response in priority districts as per HNRP commitment and HCT endorsed guidance.
This will be done by working closely with IOM who is the chair of the OC, and under the supervision of the DRC Head of Programs. The OC Coordinator is expected to travel to field offices to link up with the area based coordination mechanisms at area level and deliver mentoring support to the ABC lead agencies on the HNRP Priority Matrix, jointly work with IOM on the simplification of the priority matrix and roll out, as well as the activation of ABCs in case of emergencies and as per the needs and OC ToR.
Your main duties and responsibilities will be:
Responsibilities:
- To receive and validate area based generated response matrices for HNRP priority districts. Identify potential capacity/decision making gaps at area level and address them on timely manner. Response and Gap reporting conducted on monthly basis, concomitantly to Operational Cell (see below), S-ICCG and ICCG in support of existing cluster reporting efforts (detailed reporting scheduled to be developed with an aim to align with existing reporting processes as much as possible). Process of validation to incorporate inputs received from national clusters and cluster lead agencies/providers of last resort – covering ongoing and planned responses relevant to integrated response in priority districts.
- To validate information products on integrated response monitoring in priority districts to be presented at HCT (monthly basis). Information generated is to identify most notable gaps in the provision of required integrated response and defined response measures to be deployed/by whom/by when.
- 3. To appraise and identify operational, strategic and advocacy support required to tackle bottlenecks for effective and accountable delivery of integrated response in priority districts. Grounded on HCT endorsed guidance for integrated response in priority districts, OPR and PDAD recommendations, informed by in-country technical working groups, and prioritized for follow-up by HCT members on monthly basis. Discussions at the OC will aim at ensuring broad buy-in and strategic input on identified priorities.
- To steer joint operational, strategic and advocacy actions aimed at providing required integrated response in priority districts. Defined OC response priorities are to be rooted in solidarity and complementarity among OC members and cluster system, maximizing capacities, strategically escalating issues, and ensuring mutual accountability through joint action planning, follow up and monthly HCT reporting feedback.
Modalities:
- OC co-chairs, supported by UNOCHA, will collect and provide OC members with agreed,common information products (Annex 1 – response matrix) on monthly basis.
- Technical queries on such products will be addressed to OC co-chairs, UNOCHA and relevant leads before OC meeting; if not answered, they will be brought to OC meeting.
- OC members will convene at Emergency Coordinator/CD (relevant alternate) level on monthly basis. Members will define main priorities, per priority district, under above-described OC objectives/mission.
- Working-level meeting will be held in Mogadishu (call-in or VTC as possible). OC members will define common courses of action after each meeting with specific tasks distributed by constituency. Action points will be circulated at the end of each meeting and reported against at the beginning of next monthly meeting.
- Periodic field visits to identified areas for support and troubleshooting.
About you
To be successful in this role we expect you to have:
Required
- 5 years of experience in emergency setting, leading coordination mechanisms and participating/rolling out area based mechanisms/approaches, and integrated programming
- Minimum 4 years of working experience in a humanitarian context and experience in complex emergencies and high-security environments.
- Experience in coordination/emergency response planning and coordination in similar contexts.
- Experience in monitoring and evaluation is an advantage
- Demonstrated skills in effectively managing and building programs and/or operations in high-pressure, fluid environments. Leadership and team management skills are essential.
- Proven ability to build external relationships with diplomacy, tact and professionalism in a complex and demanding environment.
- Demonstrated ability to manage and support multi-sector programmes including operational planning and problem solving.
- Good communicator and proven diplomacy with all types of stakeholders.
- Fluent and articulate in spoken and written English.
- Ability to work independently, but also coordinate effectively as part of a team.
- Ability to lead a multi-cultural team with a high level of respect for local culture.
- Strong computer skills (MS Word, Excel, BI, Outlook and Power Point).
- Ability and willingness to work and live in diverse, challenging and potentially unstable environments.
Desirable:
- Previous experience in area based coordination.
- Previous experience in one of DRC’s global emergency sectors (CCCM, Protection, SNFI, WASH).
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Commitment to teamwork and capacity building.
- High level of integrity and professionalism.
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: 6 months
Band: Employment Band Non-Management G1
Work location: Mogadishu
Start date: As soon as possible
Reporting to: Head of Programs
Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for
employees on national/International contract.
This position is open to both National and International candidates.
Application process
All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.
Early applications are strongly encouraged, as submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis and interviews scheduled as applications are received.
Closing date for applications: 24th January 2026
For more information about the Danish Refugee Council, please visit our website drc.ngo.
Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment regardless of personal characteristics or attributes.