Would you like to shape how one of the world’s leading humanitarian organisations builds partnerships, and mobilises resources needed to support people affected by displacement?
This is an opportunity to bring your leadership, external engagement and resource mobilisation experience to a mission with human impact. As Executive Director for Partnerships, Advocacy, Engagement & Resource Mobilisation (PAER) at the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), you will strengthen DRC’s voice, relationships and funding base - positioning DRC as a trusted partner and advocate for displaced people.
You will join DRC at an important time for the humanitarian sector, as needs continue to rise while funding and humanitarian space are under increasing pressure. As a member of the Executive Management Team, you will help set DRC’s strategic direction and lead a broad global portfolio spanning strategic partnerships, institutional and private fundraising, advocacy, external communications, press, international representations, and asylum and refugee rights.
About the job
Reporting to the Secretary General, you will set direction for DRC’s global partnerships, advocacy, engagement and resource mobilisation agenda. Working closely with the Executive Management Team, country leadership, and senior functional leaders, you will expand high-level relationships with institutional donors, global foundations, private contributors, private-sector partners to secure more sustainable and flexible funding.
You will harness DRC’s global advocacy, communications and press efforts across countries, regions, representations and headquarters, strengthening DRC’s position as a relevant influencing and dialogue partner for donors, political stakeholders, peers and the wider humanitarian system. You will also oversee DRC’s representations in Geneva, Brussels and Berlin, as well as our representative presence in London, and provide leadership for the Asylum & Refugee Rights department and its specialised expertise in asylum procedures, refugee rights and legal aid.
You will lead and develop leaders across the PAER portfolio, foster collaboration across the organisation, and ensure sound people planning, employee well-being and financial management. Based at DRC’s headquarters in Copenhagen, you will represent DRC internally and externally, communicate its priorities with clarity and build trusted relationships across cultures, sectors and geographies.
The impact you will make:
- Shape DRC’s global strategy and PAER agenda as a member of the Executive Management Team, helping translate organisational priorities into coordinated action.
- Expand institutional and private partnerships to secure more sustainable and flexible funding for DRC’s humanitarian mission.
- Strengthen DRC’s global advocacy, communications and influence on displacement-related agendas with donors, policymakers and humanitarian partners.
- Lead DRC’s international representations with a focus on external relations, and its asylum and refugee rights portfolio, connecting specialist expertise with global engagement.
- Develop senior leaders and promote effective collaboration, people management and financial stewardship across the PAER portfolio.
About you
You are a purpose-driven executive who combines political judgement, entrepreneurial energy and strong relationship-building skills. You understand the global humanitarian and development landscape and can translate opportunities into lasting partnerships, influence and income. You are an inclusive, inspiring and empowering leader with the ability to create momentum across a complex international organisation.
What you will bring:
- Senior-level experience building institutional and private partnerships in the international humanitarian or development sector.
- Deep knowledge of humanitarian funding to forced displacement and related global policy priorities.
- A proven record in resource mobilisation, high-level advocacy, external engagement and policy dialogue.
- Political acumen and credibility with senior government, donor, foundation and private-sector stakeholders.
- Executive leadership experience and an inclusive, entrepreneurial and high-integrity leadership style.
All employees in DRC should master DRC's core competencies: Communicating, Taking the lead, Collaborating, Striving for excellence and Demonstrating integrity.
We offer
Contract length: Permanent
Work location: Lyngbyvej 100, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, just by Ryparken station
Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the agreement between DRC and Lederaftalen between Dansk Arbejdsgiverforening and Lederne (agreement for managers), which can be found here: www.lederne.dk. 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
If you are motivated by the opportunity to strengthen a global humanitarian organisation through partnerships, advocacy, engagement and resource mobilisation, we would welcome your application. Korn Ferry is assisting the Danish Refugee Council with the recruitment of the Executive Director, Partnerships, Advocacy, Engagement & Resource Mobilisation. Please submit your motivated application and CV through the designated recruitment channel.
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: 5th November 2026
Further information
For questions regarding the vacancy please contact: Georgie Horn, Senior Associate Korn Ferry: DRC_PAER@KornFerry.com
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.