Country Director

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC), one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, is looking for a highly qualified Country Director to ensure the continuation of our operations in Sudan and to lead strategy development and implementation in the coming years. For an experienced and dedicated professional, committed to the protection of displaced people, DRC is offering a challenging, rewarding and highly interesting position in a dynamic and complex work environment. 

Background:

DRC has been operational in Sudan since 2004. From the outset the intervention has focused primarily on Darfur with the aim of promoting durable solutions for the conflict affected population through community driven processes, livelihood programming and infrastructure support. DRC also undertakes emergency assistance when necessary.

The programme focuses on the conflict-affected population living outside of camps in rural areas, and to a lesser extent the displaced living in camps. The programme seeks to improve livelihood possibilities while increasing community cohesion. The main activities include agricultural/horticultural and livelihoods support; community cohesion and peaceful coexistence support; rehabilitation and reconstruction of schools; community development projects and various social projects including literacy & skills training, support to extremely vulnerable individuals (EVIs) and distribution of food, vouchers and NFIs. The activities are implemented with a community based approach with community driven recovery and development being a key programme area.

DRC operates primarily in Central Darfur from 5 field offices: Nertiti, Golo and Zalingei, Um Dukhun, and Garsila.

DRC has its main office in the capital Khartoum, which is predominantly for representation, operational support, coordination and fundraising purposes. The Sudan operation consists of approximately 100 national and 7 expatriate staff members. The primary donors are Danida, ECHO, EC, UNDP, UNICEF, SHF, WFP and DRC itself through private fundraising.

About the job

DRC’s Sudan operation will form part of a North Africa Region, which will be formally established during 2018.

Initially the Country Director will report to the Head of Division for Africa and Americas based in Copenhagen and later to a Regional Director. The Country Director has direct line management responsibility for six staff, including a Head of Programme, Head of Finance and Administration, Grants/M&E Officer and three Area Managers. The position is based in Khartoum with frequent travel to field locations, primarily in Central Darfur.

The Country Director will lead, manage and further develop DRC’s operations of presently USD 6 million. The Country Director will have the overall responsibility for the day to day management, programming, implementation, compliance, fundraising and continued development of DRC’s programme in Sudan.

Specific responsibilities:

• Represent DRC within Sudan to partners, donors and duty bearers and promote an optimal operational space for pursuing DRCs strategic priorities in coordination with all relevant entities
• Set and ensure the implantation of the strategic direction of DRC’s operation in Sudan in line with the corporate strategic direction and interests.
• Ensure that the programme is organized and effectively managed in order to both pursue new opportunities and ensure successful implementation of current operations
• Lead the process of securing funding and maintaining a broad donor base
• Responsible for the timely and efficient implementation, management and reporting on the resources entrusted DRC in Sudan by donors and partners
• Overall responsible for compliance with procedures in both programmes and support functions, including DRC and donor policies, local regulations and local labour law
• Ensure professional management of staff in line with DRC Human Resource policies. This includes direct management of line employees (including development, performance and recruitment) and overall people planning, staff performance and well-being in the country operation
• Responsible for risk management, safety and duty of care for national and international staff
• Ensure full implementation of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system in the country (in connection with DRC’s global roll-out during 2018/19)

About you

In order to be successful in this role, you should have the following:

• Minimum 7 years of senior management experience in emergency and/or post-conflict settings preferable with IDPs and/or refugees in a humanitarian agency
• Relevant educational background e.g. political science, international development, economics
• Proven experience working with protection issues within the context of refugees and IDPs
• Proven experience of strategic programming and planning, organisational development, field implementation, monitoring and evaluation
• A strong ability to collaborate, network and negotiate with local partners; government officials, UN, donors and other NGOs including proven experience in developing fundraising strategies
• Strong analytical, negotiation, advocacy and communication skills
• Proven leadership skills and competences in people management, including ability to motivate and guide staff working in a complex environment; ability to work closely with a diverse team of individuals and to display and promote cultural sensitivity and respect of local contexts

• Fluency in written and spoken English.

Desirable

• Experience working with DRC and familiarity with DRC processes and procedures
• Experience working in conflict-affected and insecure environments
• Security management experience and familiarity with remote management is an advantage
• Knowledge of Arabic is an advantage 

We encourage all qualified candidates to apply, irrespective of nationality, race, gender or age.

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. 

We offer

Contract length: 24 months, with possibility of extension (subject to funding)

Start date: June 2018

Duty Station: Khartoum, Sudan with frequent travel. Khartoum is a Family Duty Station and the CD role is an Accompanied position. 

Level: A 7

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates; please refer to drc.ngo under Vacancies.

Application process

All applicants must submit a short cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications must be sent via our online recruitment system by clicking on the below ‘Apply’ button. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Please submit your application no later than Monday 26^th February 2018

For specific information, please contact Mr. Christian Jacob Hansen, Head of Division (+45 2889 3373) or Mette Marie Noehr, Programme and Operations Coordinator (mette.marie.noehr@drc.dk)

If you have general questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please contact our job support at drc.ngo/jobsupport. For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please visit our website drc.ngo.