Head of Middle East Durable Solutions Platform

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 has grown significantly over the years, employing over 7,000 staff and engaging around 8,000 volunteers. DRC operates in various conflict-affected areas, along displacement routes, and in host countries, striving for responsible integration and the possibility of return for displaced individuals. DRC's core values include humanity, respect, independence, neutrality, and participation, which guide its operations and interactions with affected communities. DRC hosts the Middle East Durable Solutions Platform (ME DSP), a collaborative NGO platform aimed at enhancing evidence, programming, and advocacy for solutions to displacement, particularly in and from Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. The platform has recently secured funding to re-establish its operations and diversify partnerships, reflecting DRC's commitment to addressing the challenges faced by displaced populations in the region.

Job Overview:
The Head of the Middle East Durable Solutions Platform (ME DSP) is responsible for providing strategic leadership and management of the platform, which serves as a consensus-driven forum for NGOs focused on solutions to displacement in the Middle East. This role involves engaging with members, governance structures, and stakeholders to build consensus on shared priorities and ensure the delivery of commitments. The Head will lead the platform's evidence, learning, and policy agenda, ensuring that research informs programming and policy guidance. Additionally, the position requires representing the platform at various levels, including with governments, donors, and UN agencies, while managing grants, staff, and consultants. The role is pivotal in facilitating collaboration among DRC's sister platforms and ensuring that the ME DSP maintains a strategic and member-driven approach.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Head of ME DSP include:

• Strategic Leadership: Implementing the ME DSP Strategy 2026-2028, leading regular reviews of work plans, and ensuring the platform's strategic role complements existing coordination mechanisms.
• Membership Management: Leading the re-establishment of the platform's membership, facilitating member meetings, and ensuring effective coordination and information sharing among members.
• Research and Learning: Overseeing the platform's research agenda, commissioning studies, and ensuring the translation of evidence into programming and policy guidance.
• Policy Engagement: Representing the platform with key stakeholders, developing advocacy strategies, and engaging in regional and global policy processes.
• Project Management: Managing grants, budgets, and donor reporting, while developing fundraising strategies for financial sustainability.
• People Management: Overseeing recruitment, performance management, and staff development for direct reports and consultants.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree or equivalent in fields such as political science, international relations, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">humanitarian law, migration, or Middle East studies. A deep understanding of regional displacement dynamics is essential, along with at least 8 years of relevant experience, including 5 years in people management. Candidates should have substantial experience leading or coordinating membership-based platforms or networks, expert knowledge of durable solutions to displacement, and familiarity with the political complexities of the Middle East. Proven experience in grant management, research, and policy engagement is also required, along with excellent interpersonal, analytical, and writing skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in political science, international relations, humanitarian law, migration studies, or a related field. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of displacement and the relevant international frameworks that govern humanitarian responses.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership or management role. Candidates should have substantial experience in facilitating or coordinating a membership-based, consensus-driven consortium or NGO forum, as well as expertise in durable solutions to displacement and the associated international frameworks. Experience in managing grants, conducting research, and translating evidence into actionable policy guidance is also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as all applications and communications will be conducted in English. Knowledge of Arabic is highly desirable, given the regional focus of the position, and proficiency in other languages relevant to the Middle East context would be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Amman, Jordan, with potential travel within the region. The contract length is for one year, with a start date of January 1, 202

• The application process requires candidates to submit a cover letter and an updated CV in English, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis. The closing date for applications is November 16, 202
• The Danish Refugee Council reserves the right to close the vacancy early if a suitable candidate is identified. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.