Danish Refugee Council, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, is currently looking for a highly qualified Partnership Operations Advisor to help drive DRC’s global localization and partnership ambitions.

About the job

You will be part of the Localization Management Unit (LMU) at HQ, which leads the operationalization of DRC’s localization ambitions. The LMU drives cross-departmental coordination and supports the development and implementation of operational tools, policies, and processes, ensuring alignment and coherence of localization efforts across functional areas. Additionally, the unit also works to embed and mainstream DRC’s expertise in diaspora programming while strengthening the organization’s thought leadership in this field.

This role sits within a dynamic, evolving team at the forefront of driving localization implementation across the organization. You will contribute to transforming ways of working to ensure the organization is fit for purpose in an increasingly locally led humanitarian system. The LMU sits at the center of DRC’s efforts to strengthen equitable, principled and impactful partnerships. As Partnership Operations Advisor, you will play a key role in ensuring that DRC’s localization ambition and partnership principles are embedded across operational structures, policy frameworks and practice.
 

You will lead the development of new operational guidance and strengthen the alignment of existing policy frameworks. You will also serve as an advisor across HQ units and to country operations within your areas of responsibility. The organization has made strong progress in partnering with local NGOs and community-based organizations but seeks to address gaps and expand its approach to better engage informal actors and duty bearers, in line with its 2030 vision and strengthened localization commitments across contexts.

Your main duties and responsibilities will be

  • Lead development and adaptation of partnership modalities, including procedures, workflows and partnership management guidance for partnerships with local and diaspora private sector actors, local authorities and informal/unregistered partners (e.g. mutual aid groups).
  • Oversee integration of partnership management procedures and guidance into complementary policy frameworks.
  • Support and advice on identification, screening and management of partnerships in support of emergency response and durable solutions outcomes.
  • Coordinate closely with internal stakeholders across departments.
  • Provide training, roll-out and technical support to country offices on the use of procedures and guidance.
  • Facilitate learning from implemented partnerships and ensure continuous review and adaptation of procedures.
  • Contribute to internal working groups, development processes and external engagement within areas of responsibility.
  • Support the operationalization of DRC’s risk‑sharing approach to partnerships.
  • Act as a cross-departmental focal point to align partnership modalities with organizational priorities, including DRC’s 2030 vision and broader change agenda.
  • Promote mutual accountability and equitable partnerships by clarifying roles, expectations, and engagement models.


About you

To be successful in this role, you bring strong experience in operational and partnership-focused advisory work within the humanitarian or development sector, along with a deep understanding of equitable local partnerships and donor compliance landscapes. You thrive in collaborative, cross-functional environments and are skilled at translating complex processes into clear, user-friendly guidance.

Moreover, we also expect the following:

Required:

  • Experience in engaging a diverse range of local and national actors; including but not limited to civil society, local authorities, informal community groups, diaspora networks, and private sector actors.
  • Strong understanding of the localization agenda within the aid sector.
  • Strong ability to form collaborative working relationships across diverse global teams.
  • Strong communication skills, including the ability to translate complex concepts into accessible language for diverse audiences.
  • Experience developing policy, procedures or operational guidance.
  • Experience managing local partnerships under institutional donor grants (e.g. ECHO/EU, UN, state donors).
  • Problem‑solving abilities and a flexible, adaptive work style.
  • Fluency in English with excellent writing skills.
  • University degree in a relevant field.

Desirable:

  • Experience in facilitation and training.
  • Experience in supporting organizational and workflow change processes.
  • Demonstrable experience with vetting and due diligence procedures for partnerships with local private sector and other actors.
  • Languages of French and/or Arabic.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s 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: 1 year and 4 months. Initially until December 2027, but with intent to extend pending funding availability.

Work location: DRC’s Head Quarters, Lyngbyvej 100, 2100 København Ø, just by Ryparken station

Start date: 1 September 2026

End date: 31 December 2027

The position is temporary as it is currently funded until end 2027.

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the agreement between DRC and AC. The position is at “fuldmægtig” level. This is a national position for which local terms and conditions apply.

We welcome all nationalities to apply for the role. If you do not have the existing right to work in Denmark, DRC will support with applying and paying for a work permit.

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.

Closing date for applications: 30 June 2026.  We expect to conduct interviews between 3-10 July.

Further information

For questions regarding the vacancy please contact Head of Localization Management, Jane Uldall Baj: jane.baj@drc.ngo. We will do our best to respond to as many inquiries as possible.

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.

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.