Regional Disaster Preparedness Coordinator

Danish Refugee Council (DRC), one of the world's leading humanitarian NGOs, is looking for a highly qualified Regional Disaster Preparedness Coordinator. The position will provide technical leadership for the development and initial implementation of the Sahel Regional Fund's (SRF) Regional Disaster Preparedness Framework, strengthening coordination and preparedness across Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Chad.

About the job

The Sahel Regional Fund (SRF) is a strategic regional financing mechanism established and hosted by DRC to strengthen humanitarian impact across the Sahel. The Fund supports innovative, adaptive, and forward‑looking programming that enhances resilience, anticipatory action, climate adaptation, localisation, and humanitarian reform. By providing targeted, flexible resources and fostering collaboration between local and international partners, the SRF aims to improve the effectiveness and coherence of humanitarian responses in one of the world’s most complex and rapidly evolving regions.

The Regional Disaster Preparedness Coordinator will provide technical leadership for the development and implementation of the SRF Regional Disaster Preparedness Framework and support the integration of disaster preparedness, contingency planning and anticipatory action into the Fund's strategic programming. Working closely with the SRF Fund Management Unit, national authorities and humanitarian partners, the role will strengthen regional preparedness capacities and promote a coherent approach to disaster risk management across Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Chad.

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

• Lead the development, validation and operationalisation of the SRF Regional Disaster Preparedness Framework.
• Assess disaster preparedness systems, contingency planning mechanisms and early warning capacities across the target countries to inform regional preparedness priorities.
• Facilitate collaboration and technical dialogue with national authorities, UN agencies, NGOs and regional stakeholders.
• Provide technical advice to the SRF Fund Management Unit and partners on disaster preparedness, disaster risk reduction and anticipatory action.
• Develop practical guidance and tools to strengthen preparedness planning and coordination.
• Represent the SRF in relevant technical coordination mechanisms and regional forums.
• Promote the integration of disaster preparedness and resilience across SRF strategies, funding mechanisms and programmes.
• Monitor regional developments, identify emerging risks and opportunities, and provide technical recommendations.
• Contribute to knowledge management, learning and reporting related to disaster preparedness and anticipatory action.

About you

To be successful in this role, you have substantial experience in disaster preparedness and humanitarian coordination, with the ability to provide strategic technical advice in complex humanitarian contexts. You are comfortable working with governments, humanitarian organisations and regional institutions, and have strong analytical, coordination and stakeholder engagement skills. You are able to work independently while fostering collaboration across diverse partners and teams.

Moreover, we also expect the following:

Required

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in disaster risk management, disaster preparedness, humanitarian response, resilience programming or a related field.
• Master's degree in Disaster Risk Management, Humanitarian Affairs, International Development or another relevant discipline (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Demonstrated experience developing disaster preparedness strategies, frameworks, contingency plans or related technical guidance.
• Experience working with government authorities, UN agencies, NGOs and humanitarian coordination mechanisms.
• Fluency in French (written and spoken) and professional working proficiency in English.

Desirable

• Experience working in the Sahel or other complex humanitarian settings.
• Strong knowledge of disaster risk reduction, anticipatory action, early warning systems and humanitarian coordination mechanisms.
• Experience facilitating multi-stakeholder consultations, technical working groups and regional coordination processes.
• Knowledge of localisation, resilience programming and humanitarian reform initiatives.
• Excellent analytical, drafting and facilitation skills.

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

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for employees on national or expatriate contracts; please refer to our website for more details. For questions regarding the vacancy please contact awa.kone@drc.ngo.

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: 25 October 2026, candidates will be reach on rolling basis.
• The position will commence on 1 December 2026

For more information about the Danish Refugee Council, please visit our website https://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.