Danish Refugee Council, one of the worldโs leading humanitarian NGOs, is currently looking for a highly qualified Economic Recovery for Conflict Affected Populations (ERCAP) Project Manager for our operations in Mekelle and Abaโala, with a frequent travel to Weldiya and Addis Ababa.
Overall purpose of the role
Economic Recovery for Conflict-Affected Populations (ERCAP) is a multi-year consortium project implemented in conflict affected areas in Northern Ethiopia by Mercy Corps, Danish Refugee Council and First Consult. DRC is seeking an experienced systems programming expert to lead the implementation of the project components under DRCโs mandate, primarily focusing on protection, financial inclusion and economic opportunities.
The post-holder will provide leadership and day-to-day management, technical support and oversight for DRCโs work under the project. In coordination with the broader consortium team, the ERCAP Project Manager leads the development of project detailed implementation plan (DIP) and oversees its implementation. The post-holder is expected to ensure adequate integration of different project interventions across sectors and partner activities, while maintaining a focus on conflict sensitivity, gender mainstreaming and inclusive systems orientation. In addition, the ERCAP Project Manager will follow up on the day-to-day implementation of the project, monitoring of progress and quality and tracking of intervention outcomes. Systematic management of the budget versus actual together with achievement of the physical activities, conducting of periodic monitoring, providing feedback and direction in every step of the project and producing of project progress reports.
The role holder will work closely with the broader DRC, Mercy Corps and First Consult team to ensure sectoral and consortium integration, effective coordination, and synergies among the consortium and with other stakeholders, and engagement in relevant dialogue forums and advocacy session jointly with the respective consortium members.
Your main duties and responsibilities will be:
Project Management, Development, Monitoring and Evaluation
Ensure the project is implemented in ways responsive to the beneficiary communities, donor compliance procedures and the TOC and vision of the project. This includes working closely with consortium members, national/local government, relevant stakeholders and community structures to successfully implement and strengthen local capacity. Provide leadership in all aspects of Project Cycle Management, including active participation in the completion of all programming components of the Programme Management Tools (PMT) for the ER-CAP project. Ensure that the project has appropriate monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning systems established (including impact evaluation), and that the project reporting is delivered. Ensure project activities are delivered according to the agreed project proposal and implementation plan, and that all activities and deliverables are completed within the agreed timeframe and budget reports are submitted as per the agreed schedule and formats are fulfilled as specified in signed agreements. Ensure work plans are regularly updated in collaboration with the project team, ensure project plans and project tracking tools are used by the team, and monitor project activity implementation. Ensure community participatory planning and targeting in line with project design and needs and following donor compliance procedures. Provide on-site support through frequent visits to all project sites. Engage with the various technical staff from DRC and partners to facilitate support to the team. Serves as the primary contact with respect to project implementation with the consortium. Uphold the professional standards related to humanitarian assistance. Lead the development of relevant intervention CNs, as well as additional project proposals and CNs as relevant. Lead the technical aspects of budget revisions, realignments and other relevant processes and coordinate the inputs of other teams as needed. Uphold the highest standard of confidentiality when managing records to ensure beneficiary dignity and privacy.Technical leaderships and staff capacity development:
Mentor and coach the project teams, and support access to opportunities for professional development. Build internal team capacity especially in the field of inclusive systems programming. Participate in relevant trainings, communities of practice and professional networks within DRC and externally to ensure the project is implemented with high technical standards and based on available evidence. Ensure that technical standards for programme quality and accountability are met.Coordination & Partnership
Coordinate the day-to-day implementation of the project and ensure effective integration among the consortium members, with special attention for the specific needs and expectations of the project objectives/ aims. Ensure proper communication mechanisms are in place to guarantee effective and timely communication with project staff and the consortium members and management. Participate in regular external stakeholder meetings, and maintain external relations with the relevant government agencies and other stakeholders across the project areas. Ensure there is a system for networking and communication with relevant local government line departments, relevant UN and NGO partners, and community representation in the project areas. Promote collaboration and synergy between the consortium member project activities and similar projects, businesses and activities in the project areas. Promote a positive profile of the project and good understanding among other actors and communities about the project. Develop and maintain strong working relationships with all stakeholders Represent the project at interagency coordination meetings as we as other key stakeholder forums related to the sector. Ensure that adequate donor visibility is in place in all project locations and activities.Operations:
Contribute to the effective implementation of operations support activities related to the ERCAP Programme, including related to administration, finances, and logistics, so as to ensure smooth project implementation. In all matters, comply with internal directives and policies as communicated by the Area Manager, Head of Programme, Head of Support Services, Safety and/or the relevant other departments.Budget Management:
Oversee DRCโs ERCAP project budget planning, monitoring, cash forecasting and BFU reviews while working closely with DRC AO and CO staff. Additionally, oversee the project budget in order to maintain project expenditure within budget parameters, ensuring adherence to DRC financial procedures and SIDA requirements. Track budget spending and ensure timely reviews of financial transactions and budget utilization every month Support team members to utilize financial planning tools, such as spending plans, procurement plans, and work-plans based on activities and budgets. Work closely with the respective Area Programme and CO team in budget drafting and revision processes as per identified/prioritized needs of the project. Anticipate potential over/under spending on activity budgets and proactively communicate these to the Area Manager and other relevant colleagues. Provide expenditure forecast to Area Manager/Finance on a monthly basis.Staff Management
Ensure timely performance and development management measures for the programme staff under his/her management, including appraisals and remedial actions in case of under-performance. Ensure that all ERCAP staff have clear objectives and receive regular supervision and reviews. Ensure appropriate participation of staff in project management, day to day implementation and decision making, and escalating issues as per the consortium governance structure. Ensure project staff members attend and participate in weekly and monthly office management meetings as per schedule. Ensure timely recruitment and replacement if the need arises of highly competent project staff Monitor and provide objective feedback related to staff performance, including objective setting, probation and performance evaluations to promote growth and development.Experience and technical competencies:
Professional technical experience evidencing and demonstrating ability to deliver against the above-mentioned responsibilities: Experience in leading and managing projects in conflict-affected/fragile contexts. Technical expertise in inclusive systems approaches, MSD and relevant approaches in thin market environments. Experience working with different market actors to implement livelihood/self-reliance, gender mainstreaming, peacebuilding/social cohesion, protection or advocacy interventions within financial inclusion programming context. Experienced and excellent demonstratable understanding of project cycle management Able to navigate between consortium members and their work styles Experience in capacity development of staff and in convening and facilitating trainings and workshops Excellent analytical and report writing skills Excellent communication (spoken and written) and presentation skills Possess sense of cultural awareness, sensitivity and respect for diversity Strong organizational, team spirit and teamwork skills Experience in managing projects with digital elements including working with technology companiesEDUCATION: (include certificates, licenses, etc.)
Masters/Bachelorโs Development Economics, Social Sciences, International Development, Entrepreneurship, Business Administration, or other relevant fieldsLANGUAGE: (indicate additional languages required for the role e.g. French, Arabic, etc)
Full professional proficiency in EnglishIn this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRCโ five core competencies:
Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
Demonstrating integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.
We offer
Contract length: 12 Months
Contract Type: National Contract
Band: MF2 โManagement
Designation of Duty Station: Mekelle, with a frequent travel to Weldiya, Addis Ababa.
Start date: 15 November, 2025
Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Councilโs Terms of Employment for National employees
Application process
All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.
Closing date for applications: October 30, 2025
For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.
Gender Equality: DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels. In light of this, women candidates are particularly encouraged to apply to bridge the gendergap.
Equal Opportunities: DRC is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability status, religion, ethnic origin, colour, race, marital status, or other protected characteristics
We strongly encourage female candidates to apply for the position!
We encourage only qualified Ethiopian Nations to apply. DRC considers all applicants based on merit.