Chief of Party

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 their rights, and works towards sustainable solutions for their future. The organization operates in conflict-affected areas, along displacement routes, and in host countries, collaborating with local communities to facilitate responsible integration and, when possible, support the wish to return home. DRC has grown to employ over 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers, operating in 40 countries worldwide. The organization is politically independent, non-profit, and non-denominational, guided by values of humanity, respect, independence, neutrality, participation, honesty, and transparency. DRC's vision is to ensure a dignified life for all displaced individuals, and it has been active in Nigeria since 2016, with its country office located in Abuja and additional area offices in Maiduguri and Sokoto.

Job Overview:
The Chief of Party will provide vision, leadership, and direction to the Consortium and its activities, ensuring that project implementation aligns with stated goals and the needs of the populations served. This role involves overseeing the consortium's strategic coherence, leading coordination and advocacy efforts among donors, stakeholders, and implementing partners. The Chief of Party will be responsible for high-quality technical program monitoring, ensuring compliance with donor requirements, and managing project staff in accordance with DRC HR policies. The position requires a strong focus on program implementation, strategy development, and effective governance structures to facilitate decision-making and accountability within the consortium. The Chief of Party will also represent the consortium to donors and stakeholders, ensuring positive relationships and effective communication regarding project matters.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief of Party will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Management & Leadership: Ensure high-quality technical program monitoring, supervise project staff, chair the project steering committee, document key decisions, and monitor work plans.
• Compliance & Support: Manage the Finance and Admin Coordinator, oversee contract management, verify financial reports, and maintain a risk register.
• Program Implementation & Strategy: Develop the consortium intervention strategy, facilitate governance structures, oversee planning and program delivery, and ensure timely output delivery.
• Representation & Advocacy: Organize advocacy working groups, maintain relationships with stakeholders, and represent the consortium in coordination meetings.
• Reporting & Communication: Monitor program implementation, ensure timely reporting, review financial performance, and support communication strategies.
• Business Development: Identify new funding opportunities and lead proposal development.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in humanitarian work, particularly in displacement settings. Proven success in managing consortia, especially ECHO-funded programs, is essential. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in representation, networking, and stakeholder engagement, along with a detail-oriented approach and the ability to work in challenging environments. Strong analytical thinking, strategic planning, communication, writing, negotiation, and data analysis skills are required, as well as fluency in written and spoken English.

Educational Background:
While the specific educational background is not explicitly stated, candidates are typically expected to have a relevant degree in fields such as international relations, humanitarian studies, or a related discipline that supports the responsibilities of the Chief of Party role.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of 7 years in humanitarian work, with a strong preference for experience in managing consortia and ECHO-funded programs. Candidates should have a proven track record of success in similar roles, demonstrating their ability to lead complex projects and engage effectively with various stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Additional language skills may be advantageous, particularly in local languages relevant to the regions of operation in Nigeria, but English proficiency is the primary requirement.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Abuja, Nigeria, with operations in the North East and North West regions. The employment period is set to start at the end of September 2026, with a contract duration of 6 months, renewable based on grant renewal. The role is open to both international and national candidates, and the salary is classified under Management Band E. DRC emphasizes equal opportunity in employment and prohibits discrimination based on various factors. However, it is important to note that DRC cannot offer an international work contract to citizens of Nigeria. The application process requires candidates to submit a cover letter and CV in English, and applications will close on June 16, 2026, at 11:59 PM GMT.