Programme (Partnership) Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a prominent protection agency established to advocate for and promote durable solutions for populations affected by displacement. Since its inception, DRC has been dedicated to providing assistance and support to those in need, particularly in crisis situations. The organization has been operational in Ukraine since 2014, responding to the ongoing humanitarian needs resulting from conflict and displacement. Currently, DRC employs over 800 staff members in Ukraine and is actively involved in various sectors including Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding, which encompasses humanitarian mine action. DRC's approach includes direct interventions, support to duty bearers, and partnerships with civil society organizations (CSOs). As the context in Ukraine evolves, DRC is committed to adapting its durable solutions portfolio to meet the changing needs of the affected populations.

Job Overview:
The Programme (Partnership) Specialist will play a crucial role within the Area-Based Allocation (ABA) team, focusing on managing subgrants and ensuring effective project implementation in the Khersonska oblast. The ABA Consortium is dedicated to supporting local organizations in Ukraine by providing quality funding, conducting due diligence, and offering tailored capacity support. The Partnership Specialist will oversee the entire subgrant management process, which includes leading due diligence assessments, managing compliance, and ensuring that all partners meet financial and operational requirements. This role is essential for fostering strong, accountable, and locally-led partnerships within the ABA framework, which is vital for the success of the projects aimed at addressing the needs of displaced populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the Programme (Partnership) Specialist include:

• Subgrantees’ Project Cycle Management: Review and validate due diligence assessments for subgrantees, ensuring they align with consortium methodology. Advise on risk mitigation and develop partner-specific support plans. Finalize due diligence files for validation and endorsement. Prepare compliant Sub-Grant Agreements (SGAs) and chair Subgrant Review Meetings to ensure coordination among various teams. Monitor project implementation and assist in identifying risks or compliance issues. Facilitate onboarding and ensure alignment on partner commitments.
• Operational Tools, Systems & Guidance: Identify gaps in partnership tools and lead improvements. Draft and refine necessary templates and ensure documentation is organized and accessible. Maintain accurate subgrantee-related trackers.
• Capacity-Building: Lead the coordination of capacity-building frameworks for subgrantees, ensuring plans are feasible and aligned with operational frameworks. Track delivery of capacity-building activities and monitor improvements.
• Internal & External Coordination: Provide mentorship to consortium management unit members and promote a harmonized understanding of subgrantee processes. Facilitate effective coordination among consortium members and support external liaison with authorities. Capture and disseminate best practices in partnership management.
• Other: Support additional consortium or DRC activities as required by the line manager.

Required Qualifications:
To be considered for this position, candidates must possess the following qualifications:

• Experience: At least 3 years of experience in partnership management, grants management, program coordination, or a related field within humanitarian or development organizations.
• Professional Background: Proven experience working with international NGOs, UN agencies, donors, or government institutions in partnership management.
• Knowledge: Strong understanding of project cycle management (PCM), partnership procedures, and donor compliance requirements. Familiarity with due diligence, risk assessment, and internal compliance procedures is essential.
• Skills: Proficiency in contract and sub-grant management, including the ability to analyze financial and programmatic risks. Strong understanding of data management systems and digital collaboration tools is required.
• Understanding of CSO work and trends in Ukraine is also necessary.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Master's degree in a relevant field such as political science, international development, Human Rights, or Humanitarian Studies, or possess an equivalent professional qualification. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of humanitarian work and the specific challenges faced by displaced populations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in partnership management, grants management, program coordination, or a related field. This experience should ideally be within humanitarian or development organizations, providing candidates with a solid foundation in the principles and practices of effective partnership management.

Languages:
Full professional proficiency in English is mandatory, along with fluency in Ukrainian. These language skills are essential for effective communication with partners, stakeholders, and team members in the context of the role. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
The contract length for this position is 12 months, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability after a successful completion of a 3-month probation period. The position is classified as non-managerial and is based in Mykolaiv. The start date is as soon as possible. Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for National Staff. Applicants are required to submit a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages in English). Applications sent via email will not be considered, and the closing date for applications is set for 22 December 2025.