Job Description
| Organization | Danish Refugee Council (DRC) |
| Workplace: | Khartoum with frequent travel |
| Department/Country: | Sudan |
| Contract type: | Expatriate contract |
| Application due: | 3/6/2022 |
OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:
DRC is seeking a highly experienced Country Director eager to lead the organization’s Sudan country program. DRC has been present in Sudan since 2004 working across the humanitarian development and peacebuilding nexus in four areas of operations: Khartoum, Darfur, South Kordofan and Gedaref.
More than two years after Sudan embarked on the path of a fragile political transition, humanitarian needs continue to grow across the country driven by an economic crisis, exacerbated by Covid-19, protracted internal displacement that is yet to find durable solutions, increased insecurity and localized violence in parts of the country, couple with floods, diseases outbreaks and more than 1.16 million refugees and asylum seekers hosted by Sudan. According to the 2022 Humanitarian Needs Overview, more than 14 million people will need humanitarian assistance which is the highest number of people in need in Sudan in the past decade.
Strong candidates must have the ability to lead the development and implementation of a programmatic and operational strategy that is responsive, impactful and forward-thinking. Competitive candidates will have a combined skillset with which to solve complex operational and programmatic challenges, to deliver effective strategic approaches, to lead, represent and ensure comprehensive safety management across the operation. The Country Director is ultimately accountable for all aspects of DRC’s work in Sudan and as such must demonstrate integrity and principle in their daily work.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership and Management:
- Manage the country operation’s Head of Program, Head of Support Services, Area Managers, Safety & Liaison Manager, Durable Solutions Coordinator, and ensure each position has clearly defined and achievable objectives. This responsibility entails coaching and staff development and promoting frequent and constructive coordination between departments and teams.
- Provide overall leadership to the country operation by demonstrating integrity and by promoting a culture of accountability and respect. This entails frequent travel to field locations and regular interactions with staff, beneficiaries and other key stakeholders.
- Ensure the country program’s resources are allocated and utilized effectively and transparently and in full accordance with local laws and donor requirements. To achieve this, collaborate with the Head of Support Services and Head of Program to critically review and analyze systems in place to ensure ongoing budget monitoring, financial management and expense control and compliance.
- Lead and continue a nationalization strategy through organization wide capacity building plans ensuring that DRC Sudan has a strong national staff workforce that can drive the work of the organization over the next years.
Safety:
- Collaborate with the in-country Safety & Liaison Manager and Regional Safety Coordinator to monitor and analyze the context and adjust operations as needed.
- Ensure safety measures are in place and compliance with DRC safety policies and standards.
Strategy:
- In collaboration with the country program’s senior management team, develop programmatic and operational strategies to ensure DRC Sudan is responsive, impactful and forward-thinking. This requires developing an in-depth knowledge of the Sudanese context, a thorough understanding of DRC’s approaches and priorities, an adeptness in systems-thinking and a willingness to think beyond traditional humanitarian response and the project cycle.
- In collaboration with the Head of Program, ensure new programming and business development are proactively undertaken and are within organization’s and country programs agreed strategic frameworks and standards.
Accountability and Quality:
- Ensure robust monitoring and relevant and accessible accountability initiatives are in place and regularly strengthened, and that quality standards in programming and operations are upheld.
Representation and Advocacy:
- Represent DRC and the Sudan country program to donors, governmental authorities, partners and other stakeholders. This includes representing the organization in in-country coordination fora and proactively seek opportunities to promote humanitarian principles and best practices.
- Identify opportunities in and out of the country to engage in targeted advocacy to bring greater attention to humanitarian needs and issues in Sudan.
Experience and Technical Competencies:
- At least 10 years’ relevant work experience in a senior management capacity and working in complex contexts.
- Demonstrated leadership skills and adeptness in people management.
- Experience effectively managing complex humanitarian operations, including safety management.
- Strong understanding of financial management, risk and compliance.
- Broad sectoral knowledge with a foundational understanding of basic protection principles.
- Confidence in representing organizations and programming to donors, governmental authorities and other key stakeholders.
Education:
Master’s degree in political science, international development, economics or other relevant fields.
We offer
Contract length: 24 months
Band: Senior Management, D
Designation of Duty Station: Khartoum, Sudan
Start date: 1 June 2022
Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriate Staff.
DRC as an employer
By working in DRC, you will be joining a global workforce of around 8000 employees in 40 countries. We pride ourselves on our:
- Professionalism, impact & expertise
- Humanitarian approach & the work we do
- Purpose, meaningfulness & own contribution
- Culture, values & strong leadership
- Fair compensation & continuous development
DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process.
If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit drc.ngo/about-us/job-and-career/support-for-job-seekers.
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 without attention to race, age, ability, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other factor. At DRC we celebrate diversity and appreciate our employees for the people they are and their unique skills, backgrounds, and perspectives. We encourage all interested candidates to apply!
