Country Director

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a prominent protection agency dedicated to safeguarding and promoting durable solutions for populations affected by displacement, adhering to humanitarian principles. Established in 1956, DRC has grown to become a leading organization in the field of humanitarian aid, operating in over 30 countries worldwide. The organization has a workforce of approximately 8,000 employees, including both national and international staff. In Syria, DRC has been active since 2008, initially responding to the influx of Iraqi refugees and later expanding its operations in response to the ongoing Syrian crisis. The organization focuses on providing essential support to vulnerable and at-risk populations affected by conflict, with a commitment to enhancing their resilience and access to basic needs and protection services.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director is a pivotal leadership role within the Danish Refugee Council, responsible for overseeing all aspects of DRC's operations in Syria. This position requires a high level of strategic leadership, innovation, and effective advocacy to ensure that the organization's mission is fulfilled. The Country Director is accountable for the development and consolidation of programs, ensuring that impact measurement mechanisms are in place, and that financial management aligns with the operational context. The role involves setting the strategic direction for the organization in Syria, maintaining team morale, safety, and welfare, and managing resources effectively. The Country Director will also delegate specific duties while retaining oversight and accountability for the overall success of DRC's initiatives in the country.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Country Director's responsibilities include representing DRC to authorities, donors, and partners, ensuring productive relationships with key stakeholders, and managing the country operation effectively. This includes providing direct line management to senior staff, ensuring performance management systems are in place, and conducting regular field visits for operational support. The Country Director is also responsible for fundraising and advocacy efforts, ensuring compliance with security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security procedures, and overseeing the financial health of the organization. Additionally, the role involves developing and implementing robust program strategies, ensuring adherence to DRC's operational procedures, and utilizing program management tools to ensure quality and accountability in programming.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Country Director position should possess a minimum of eight years of management experience in emergency or development contexts, with at least three years in a senior management role within a humanitarian or development organization. Experience in representing large organizations to donors and authorities, networking, advocacy, and coordination is essential. Candidates should also have experience managing staff in insecure environments, dealing with conflict-related displacement issues, and managing budgets and donor contracts. Proven leadership skills, effective communication abilities, and a commitment to accountable practices are critical for success in this role.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in political science, international development, economics, or a related field is required for the Country Director position. This educational background will provide the necessary theoretical foundation and analytical skills needed to navigate the complexities of humanitarian work in a challenging environment like Syria.

Experience:
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in management roles within humanitarian or development organizations, specifically with a focus on emergency response and development contexts. A minimum of eight years of relevant experience is expected, including at least three years as a Country Director or in a similar senior management position. Familiarity with the Middle East region, particularly Syria, is preferred, as is experience in managing complex budgets and multiple donor contracts.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in Arabic or other relevant languages would be considered an asset, enhancing communication with local stakeholders and beneficiaries.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Damascus, which is designated as an unaccompanied and non-family duty station. The contract length is set for 24 months, and the position falls within the Management band (D) of DRC's employment structure. The suggested start date for this role is May 20, 202

• Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for expatriates or nationals. Interested candidates are required to submit a cover letter and an updated CV in English, with applications being reviewed on a rolling basis. DRC reserves the right to close the advertisement earlier if a suitable candidate is found.