DRC Project Manager - Disaster Risk Reduction

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 to strengthen their opportunities for a brighter future. The organization operates in conflict-affected areas, along displacement routes, and in countries where refugees settle. DRC has grown to employ over 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers, and it operates in multiple countries, including Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Türkiye, and Iraq. DRC's vision is to ensure a dignified life for all displaced individuals, guided by values such as humanity, respect, independence, neutrality, participation, honesty, and transparency. In Syria, DRC has been active since 2008, initially responding to the Iraqi refugee crisis and later expanding its efforts to address the ongoing Syria crisis, focusing on the full cycle of displacement and community recovery until durable solutions are achieved.

Job Overview:
The DRC is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Disaster Risk Management (DRR) Project Manager to lead and coordinate DRR programming at both the national and field levels. This position involves providing strategic, technical, and operational leadership for a 2-year DRR project funded by ECHO, which is focused on enhancing multi-hazard early warning systems, population mobility forecasting, DRR and preparedness planning, community-based monitoring, and anticipatory action mechanisms. The Project Manager will ensure high-quality implementation of the project, effective coordination with national and local authorities, consortium partners, donors, and technical stakeholders, and the achievement of program objectives in alignment with donor requirements and humanitarian principles. This role is crucial for expanding DRC's DRR initiatives in Syria, particularly in anticipatory action, ensuring timely and efficient responses to both conflict and climate hazards. The Project Manager will collaborate closely with country teams and local government bodies to implement DRR as both a standalone and cross-cutting component, enhancing community preparedness and resilience.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Manager will be responsible for the overall planning, management, budget oversight, and implementation of the DRR project, ensuring that objectives, outputs, and outcomes are achieved within approved timelines and budgets. Key responsibilities include developing and maintaining detailed implementation work plans, conducting regular field visits to monitor quality and community engagement, coordinating project implementation across various stakeholders, and serving as the primary focal point for project governance. The Project Manager will also provide technical oversight across all project components, ensuring quality implementation of early warning systems, community-based monitoring, and capacity strengthening. Additionally, the role involves leading recruitment and performance management of project staff, preparing high-quality donor reports, and representing the project in various forums and coordination platforms. The Project Manager will ensure compliance with organizational policies and promote gender equality and protection mainstreaming throughout project activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have a minimum of 3 years of work experience in disaster risk management, preferably in conflict-affected regions. A proven track record in designing and implementing DRR projects, including the development of DRR plans and establishment of multi-hazard early warning systems, is essential. Strong stakeholder coordination skills and familiarity with conflict-sensitive programming are also required. Experience working with international NGOs, UN agencies, and local authorities in complex emergencies is preferred. Candidates should possess excellent analytical and report writing skills in English, knowledge of gender and protection mainstreaming, and a commitment to applying an age, gender, and diversity approach to monitoring and evaluation.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required, while a master's degree in a related area will be considered an asset. Relevant certifications or licenses in disaster risk management or related fields may also be beneficial.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience in disaster risk management, particularly in conflict-affected areas. Candidates should have a strong background in designing and implementing DRR projects, with experience in capacity building and participatory assessment approaches. Familiarity with data-driven decision-making and early warning systems is a strong asset, as is experience in working with diverse stakeholder groups in complex emergencies.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is mandatory for this position. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both languages, as the role involves coordination with various stakeholders and reporting to donors.

Additional Notes:
The contract length for this position is 12 months, with the possibility of renewal subject to funding availability and satisfactory performance. The position is classified at the management level (F) and is based in Syria, specifically in the South Area Office in Damascus, with an expected 60% travel to field locations. The expected start date is as soon as possible. Interested candidates must apply through the provided link, submitting a cover letter and an updated CV, both in the same language as the vacancy note. Applications will close on 12 Nov 2026.