Shelter & Settlement Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is an international humanitarian organization founded in Denmark in 195

• With a mission to assist refugees and internally displaced persons globally, DRC provides emergency aid, advocates for rights, and works towards sustainable solutions for displaced individuals. The organization operates in conflict-affected areas, along displacement routes, and in host countries, striving for responsible integration and the possibility of return for refugees. DRC has grown to employ over 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers, with a presence in forty countries. The organization is based in Copenhagen and is politically independent, non-governmental, and non-denominational. DRC's vision is to ensure a dignified life for all displaced individuals, guided by values of humanity, respect, independence, neutrality, participation, honesty, and transparency.

Job Overview:
The Shelter & Settlement Coordinator plays a crucial role in the strategic development and quality assurance of DRC’s Shelter and Settlements (S&S) program, emphasizing Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). This position involves initiating and managing S&S responses in designated informal settlements in Colombia, conducting technical assessments, supervising and training team members, and leading the implementation of S&S activities. The coordinator is also responsible for contributing to the development of sector strategies aligned with DRC’s overall program strategy and representing DRC in key coordination meetings. The role requires a proactive approach to integrating shelter strategies with other sectors to maximize impact and ensure compliance with protection standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Shelter & Settlement Coordinator will oversee project management by ensuring the launch of quality control and compliance with standards for S&S-focused DRR projects. Responsibilities include the timely implementation of S&S activities such as assessments, planning, and training, while monitoring project forecasts and spending plans. The coordinator will support the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) unit in developing S&S-specific tools and contribute to donor engagement and reporting. Additionally, the coordinator will provide technical support to program staff, develop standard operating procedures (SOPs), and facilitate capacity building for team members. The role also involves analyzing data to inform design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design, developing project proposals, and identifying strategic partnerships to enhance program quality and scale.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess at least 5 years of experience working with international humanitarian organizations in complex conflict settings, including a minimum of 3 years in managerial or coordination roles. Previous experience in urban displacement/migration contexts and familiarity with Shelter and Settlements and Disaster Risk Reduction approaches are essential. Applicants should demonstrate solid project development and management skills, including assessment, design, implementation, and monitoring, along with strong proposal writing and reporting abilities. A commitment to integrating protection and accountability into programming, excellent coordination and representational skills, and the ability to think creatively to improve program quality are also required.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Civil Engineering is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary technical knowledge and skills to effectively manage shelter and settlement projects and ensure compliance with relevant standards.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in international humanitarian settings, with at least 3 years in a managerial or coordination capacity. Experience in urban displacement and migration, as well as familiarity with Shelter and Settlements and Disaster Risk Reduction concepts, is crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in both written and spoken English and Spanish is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with diverse stakeholders and for the successful implementation of programs in Colombia.

Additional Notes:
The position is offered as either a national or expatriate contract, with a contract type classified as 'Obra o labor'. The duty station for this role is in Riohacha, Colombia, with a start date anticipated in February 2026, contingent on the availability of funds. Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Colombian laws. The application deadline is January 31, 2026, at 11:59 am (GMT-time), and late applications will not be considered. Applicants must authorize DRC to validate the personal information provided in their CV, and adherence to DRC’s anti-fraud policies is mandatory.