Programme Specialist (Partnership)

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, employing over 800 staff members who work across various sectors including Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding. DRC's approach includes direct interventions, support to duty bearers, and partnerships with civil society organizations (CSOs). The organization is committed to adapting its strategies to meet the evolving needs of the communities it serves, ensuring that its programs remain relevant and effective in addressing the challenges faced by displaced populations.

Job Overview:
The Programme Specialist (Partnership) position is a critical role within the Danish Refugee Council, focusing on the development and coordination of project proposals and budgets in collaboration with partner organizations. This position is designed to ensure that all proposal packages are of high quality, timely, and coherent, aligning with donor requirements and the strategic objectives of DRC. The Programme Specialist will act as the main point of contact for coordinating reviews with technical coordinators and will oversee the finalization of sub-agreement packages for submission and approval. The role also emphasizes the importance of strengthening collaboration with local civil society organizations (CSOs) to enhance program implementation and build local capacities. The position requires close collaboration with area teams, program staff, support departments, and external stakeholders, making it essential for the candidate to possess strong interpersonal and communication skills.

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

• Partnership Development: Supporting area and program teams in identifying and selecting potential local CSO partners that align with strategic priorities. Leading the due diligence process for prospective partners, which involves reviewing their legal registration, governance structures, financial systems, and programmatic capacities. Coordinating organizational capacity assessments for CSOs and ensuring that findings inform partnership strategies and capacity development plans.
• Project Design and Negotiation: Collaborating with local CSO partners to develop project proposals and budgets that align with organizational priorities and donor requirements. Reviewing project documents submitted by partners to ensure quality and coherence. Finalizing sub-agreement packages in coordination with finance, MEAL, program, and grants teams.
• Reporting and Coordination: Developing and delivering training sessions for staff and partners on proposal development, reporting, and grant management. Documenting best practices and lessons learned related to partnership management and CSO capacity strengthening.
• Capacity Development of CSO Partners: Implementing tailored capacity development plans for partners based on assessments, maintaining a Capacity Development tracker, and organizing workshops and training sessions to support partner development.

Required Qualifications:
To be considered for the Programme Specialist (Partnership) position, candidates must possess the following qualifications:

• Proficiency in contract and sub-grant management, including the ability to review budgets, agreements, and reports, and conduct due diligence processes.
• Experience working with international NGOs, UN agencies, donors, or government institutions in partnership management.
• Strong understanding of project cycle management (PCM), partnership procedures, and donor compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of partnership processes, localization approaches, and funding mechanisms in the humanitarian and development sectors.
• Familiarity with data management systems, SharePoint, and other digital collaboration tools.
• Full professional proficiency in English and fluency in Ukrainian.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and SharePoint.

Educational Background:
Candidates should hold a Master's degree in relevant fields such as political science, international development, Human Rights, or Humanitarian Studies, or possess an equivalent professional qualification that demonstrates their capability to perform the duties required for this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of experience in grants management, proposal writing, or a related field within humanitarian or development organizations. This experience should include a strong background in partnership management and an understanding of the complexities involved in working with local civil society organizations.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position include full professional proficiency in English and fluency in Ukrainian. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is initially for 6 months, with the first contract signed for 3 months and the possibility of renewal. The position is classified as Band G non-managerial, and the designated duty station is Kyiv, with an expectation of 30% travel across the country. The start date for this role is set for July 1, 202

• Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for employees on national contracts. Applicants are required to submit a cover letter and an updated CV in English, with applications sent via email not being considered. The closing date for applications is May 28, 2026, and candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as interviews may be conducted on a rolling basis. DRC reserves the right to select a candidate before the vacancy close date once a suitable candidate has been identified.