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 fulfilment 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. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced.
All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation.
DRC is looking for a Project Manager who will provide overall leadership, technical direction, and management of DRC’s project “Protecting Dams and Surrounding Areas in Jordan Valley through Nature-Based Solutions and Labour-Intensive Measures.” The position focuses on soil and water conservation structures—particularly the construction of gabion check dams, gabion retaining walls, riprap, culvert rehabilitation, and afforestation measures.
The Project Manager will serve as the primary point of contact for the donor, government counterparts (JVA, MoA), the engineering firm, and contractors. He/She will ensure timely implementation, compliance with CfW SOPs, technical standards, safety protocols, and donor requirements, while contributing to reporting and learning. Regular field visits to implementation sites are required.
Due to the nature of the project and the need for close technical supervision of construction and Cash-for-Work activities, the Project Manager is expected to spend the majority of their working time in the field. DRC accommodation (guest house) is available for project staff in Ghour Safi and should be utilized to maximize field presence and implementation oversight.
About job:
The individual will report directly to the Area Programme Manager. Your main duties and responsibilities will be:
Project Management & Leadership:
- Provide strategic and operational leadership for the project in line with DRC and donor guidelines.
- Oversee planning, forecasting, budget management, and implementation of all project activities.
- Act as the main liaison with donor (GIZ CfW project), Jordan Valley Authority (JVA), Ministry of Agriculture, and other stakeholders.
- Ensure integration of decent work principles, Do No Harm, and accountability throughout implementation.
- Ensure a minimum field presence of three working days per week at project sites in Ghor Safi and other implementation locations.
- Maintain direct oversight of daily implementation progress, workforce productivity, quality assurance, contractor performance, and site management arrangements.
Technical Oversight
- Lead technical planning and oversee design and implementation of water and soil conservation structures (gabion check dams, retaining walls, riprap, culverts, etc.).
- Lead and coordinate the review of all engineering designs, technical drawings, BOQs, and design revisions, ensuring that comments from GIZ, JVA, consultants, and DRC are consolidated and addressed prior to submission.
- Prepare engineering designs and documentation required for approvals, ensuring compliance with national and international technical standards.
- Supervise engineering firm and specialized contractor interventions.
- Provide guidance and oversight to DRC field engineers and site supervisors, ensuring adherence to approved designs, BoQs, and HSE standards.
- Ensure compliance with CfW construction guidelines, national standards, and environmental safeguards.
Field Supervision & Monitoring
- Conduct regular site inspections to ensure works comply with specifications, quality standards, and HSE requirements.
- Oversee CfW implementation, ensuring that workers receive technical training, OSH induction, and employability/decent work sessions.
- Ensure timely implementation of Cash-for-Work activities, including workforce planning, productivity monitoring, attendance verification, worker payments, skills development, occupational safety, and grievance management.
- Monitor productivity indicators and implement corrective measures when progress falls below planned targets.
- Monitor progress against logframe targets and support MEAL team in conducting on-site monitoring, surveys, and feedback collection.
Skills Development
- Ensure the delivery of structured on-the-job skills development and coaching sessions for Cash-for-Work participants.
- Monitor skills development outcomes and integrate productivity improvement measures into site management plans.
Coordination & Representation
- Represent DRC in coordination platforms (CfW/EIIP Working Group, local authorities’ coordination).
- Maintain strong partnerships with JVA, MoA, local municipalities, and community stakeholders.
- Ensure transparent communication and reporting to donor and government counterparts.
Reporting & Compliance
- Serve as budget holder, ensuring accurate financial tracking and compliance with DRC/donor regulations.
- Consolidate and verify reports submitted by field teams, including attendance sheets, progress photos, quality inspection reports, and material consumption logs.
- Contribute to monthly, semi-annual, and final donor narrative and financial reports.
- Ensure documentation of all technical works, including as-built drawings, BoQs, and technical handover packages.
About you
To be successful in this role we expect that you possess the following:
- Minimum 10 years of professional experience as a Civil Engineer, with expertise in water and soil conservation infrastructure.
- Demonstrated experience in design and supervision of gabion check dams, retaining walls, riprap, culverts, and flood/erosion control structures.
- At least 5 years of INGO experience managing donor-funded construction and Cash-for-Work (CfW)/livelihoods projects in Jordan.
- Proven ability to work effectively with government stakeholders including JVA, MoA, and municipalities.
- Strong skills in project cycle management, budget oversight, and donor reporting.
- Solid knowledge of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards and national CfW SOPs.
- Experience leading multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural teams in challenging field environments.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with local stakeholders and communities.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills, with a track record of managing complex field operations.
- Commitment to serving vulnerable communities with respect, patience, and understanding, and familiarity with the socio-economic conditions of Syrian refugees in Jordan.
- Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Water and Environment engineering, a Master's degree in the same field preferred.
- Registration with the Jordan Engineers Association or equivalent is an asset.
- Fluency in Arabic.
- Fluency in English.
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 act in line with DRC’s vision and values.
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.
Location: Karak – Ghor Safi
Contract Start Date: ASAP
Contract End Date: 31-October-2026
Closing date for applications: 08-07-2026.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. DRC reserves the right of conducting tests and interviews before the closing date, and can close the advertisement earlier in case of finding a suitable candidate.
If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit drc.ngo/jobsupport.
For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.